Overview
The Flex-A-Lite Non-Thermal Fan Clutch, part number 5257, is a non-thermal fan clutch with a patented silicone fluid reservoir and a factory seal to guard against leakage. The fan rotates clockwise (CW).
Flex-A-Lite offers these clutches in thermal, non-thermal and heavy-duty series, and this model is the non-thermal version.
Key features
- Non-thermal design
- Patented silicone fluid reservoir
- Factory seal to protect against leakage
- Fan rotation CW
- Made in the USA
Fan clutch care and replacement
A fan clutch lets the cooling fan spin at a speed that matches engine heat, so it is not running at full speed all the time. A non-thermal clutch responds to the rotation of the water pump and engine speed rather than to a temperature sensor. Its fluid coupling is what transfers the drive, which is why sealing and fluid condition matter.
Clutches wear over time, and the fluid inside can slowly leak past the seal. A clutch with worn bearings or a damaged seal may wobble, run noisy or fail to engage when the engine heats up. Fan blade condition matters too, since a cracked blade can throw off balance and load the clutch unevenly.
When replacing a clutch, check the shaft and the fan mounting surface for damage, and confirm the new unit sits square. Remove the fan blades safely and keep fasteners clean. Run the engine after installation and watch the fan for smooth operation.
- Check the shaft and mounting surface for damage
- Inspect the fan blades for cracks and balance
- Confirm rotation before installing
Specifications
| Brand | Flex-A-Lite |
|---|---|
| Part number | 5257 |
| UPC | 88657052573 |
| Type | Non-thermal fan clutch |
| Fan rotation | CW |
| Fluid reservoir | Patented silicone fluid reservoir |
| Seal | Factory seal |
| Origin | Made in the USA |
Vehicle fitment
No vehicles are named for this clutch. Fit depends on the engine and its fan setup, so match the clutch to your engine before ordering.
Check your engine and fan setup before ordering, and confirm the rotation matches your engine. Match your year, model and trim to the clutch before ordering.
Installation notes
The fan rotation is CW, so confirm it matches your engine’s fan direction before installing.
What’s included
Check the package contents against your installation before starting.



