Servicing an Old Fan.

This 12 year old fan never spins when powered. It is so clogged with lint it can't spin! Here is how I fixed this in 5 minutes.

Step 1: Taking It Apart.

Taking off the front grill with a flat blade screwdriver and the back cover by removing the lone Phillips head screw, the fan is ready to be serviced.

Step 2: Cleaning.

Using a brush I cleaned off the lint and washed the fan blade.

Step 3: Lubing.

Using powerlube I sprayed lubrication onto the bearings and rotor.

Step 4: Reassembly.

Half a minute to reassemble. Now to power up.

Step 5: Completion.

Now the fan spins quite powerfully and provides refreshing breeze!

Comments

[MikB]

I do this too -- usually the old oil has either disappeared, or is full of lint/dust and is a non-lubricating paste :)

I usually use a syringe loaded with isopropanol (IPA) to jet-wash (carefully) through the bearings to flush out the old oil/garbage, while letting the fan spin at low speed. IPA is flammable, so no sparks and flames, and this is a bit messy, so do it outdoors/garage :)

When it's dripped/dried out, relube with oil.

[Venom8]

I clean and oil mine on a regular basis.

[Piper813]

Should have seen this two days ago....

Well, I'll have an extra fan now thanks to you....

[Mjtrinihobby]

Dont worry. Next time!

[tjdux]

I do this quite often with discarded fans. Many people just throw them away when they get clogged up. I have 4 fans in my workshop that I saved from the trash that all just needed a quick zap with wd40 or any spray lube of your choice.

[Mjtrinihobby]

Oh yeah.