My 2008 4.2l is making noises in the front of engine. It stops when the belt is off, but the water pump pulley has a lot of play in it. When I replace the water pump, is it recommended to go ahead and replace the fan clutch too?
I have read that recommendation before since the two parts age at the same rate. I didn't replace the fan clutch when I did my water pump. My 5.3L uses the electrically controlled fan clutch so it's $110 and up depending on which part you buy. Your truck probably uses the same one. The fan was working and due to the expense I opted to leave the old one.
Your '08 has the thermal fan clutch, not the failure prone electro-viscous type of prior years. Unless there are signs of failure or leakage, I wouldn't replace it.
Your '08 has the thermal fan clutch, not the failure prone electro-viscous type of prior years. Unless there are signs of failure or leakage, I wouldn't replace it.