'Throbbing' Rear Exhaust Fan

[doug_mcgruff]

Hello everyone,

I have had an Antec Sonata III 500 case for a few years now, that came with a pre-installed TriCool Rear Exhaust Fan. Lately, the rear exhaust fan is no longer running continuously, creating this whirring vibration noise or 'throbbing' that is really distracting and annoying.

The fan is connected directly to the power source that was also included with the case (500 Watt EarthWatts PSU). The fan is not visibly obstructed by anything.

Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated! Apologies if this isn't in the correct section.

 

[Harvey]

Look for dust in the bearings. Quite often, I've been able to clean fans that are slowing or stopped with WD-40.

Remove the fan from the case, block the surrounding area and blades with a paper towel, and spray directly into the bearings. Then, manually turn the fan a few times to spread it within the fan.

When you're done, clean any residual spray on the blades and surround with the paper towel.

WD-40 won't hurt the fan motor, but there's always the chance that it's on its last legs, anyhow. OTOH, if it doesn't work, you'll be none the worse for trying.

Good luck.

 

[slpnshot]

Hmm, I'm not sure if I'm reading your advice right Harvey.

Are you telling him to WD-40 the inside of the fan, where you pop out the little hole found behind the fan sticker and have access to the ball/sleeve bearing? Or in the little groove between the fan and the fan case where dust tends to builds up?

I've been told to use something like All-in-one Motor oil(blue case) to smooth out a dying fan instead of a WD-40. Or something along the lines of a sewing machine oil. WD-40 isn't meant for oiling bearings, it's a solvent to get rid of dust and whatnot.

 

[Rvenger]

Yes he means behind the sticker. I recommend using 3in1 oil. Wd40 will work but it will certainly stink up your case.

 

[Smasherbasher]

Just change it. Those fans suck.

 

[Harvey]

Hmm, I'm not sure if I'm reading your advice right Harvey.

Are you telling him to WD-40 the inside of the fan, where you pop out the little hole found behind the fan sticker and have access to the ball/sleeve bearing? Or in the little groove between the fan and the fan case where dust tends to builds up?

No, I was talking about turning it over, and shooting it right into the fan motor from the other side.

I've been told to use something like All-in-one Motor oil(blue case) to smooth out a dying fan instead of a WD-40. Or something along the lines of a sewing machine oil. WD-40 isn't meant for oiling bearings, it's a solvent to get rid of dust and whatnot.

That's the idea. I believe most of these bearings are self-lubricating, and the WD-40 helps to displace the dust that may be imparing the bearing movement and refresh the lubricant that's already there.

 

[Eureka]

No, I was talking about turning it over, and shooting it right into the fan motor from the other side.



That's the idea. I believe most of these bearings are self-lubricating, and the WD-40 helps to displace the dust that may be imparing the bearing movement and refresh the lubricant that's already there.

It'll probably displace the lubricant there too. And since WD-40 is liquid, it may displace the dust but it'll create a dusty residue instead.

 

[TylerS]

WD-40 is actually a pretty bad lubricant. It is made to "unstick" stuff, but does so by cleaning out the gunk. It will lubricate initially but will quickly dry up.

WD-40 helps to displace the dust that may be imparing the bearing movement

It will do that, but could remove some lubricant too.

I would try air first in the manner WD-40 is suggested here. Then maybe WD-40 and then I would peel back the stickker and add a drop of 3in1 oil or sewing machine oil (rated for higher rpms) is better if you can find it.

The thing is, buying the WD-40 and the oil will cost more than a new fan.

FYI - WD-40 is one of the best glue removers out there -- if you have a pesky sticker that wouldn't complete come off a mirror or glass, use WD-40!

 

[doug_mcgruff]

You guys are awesome!

I'm going to take it apart and try fixing it with a little oil. If not I'll go and pick up a new one.

Thanks again everyone!

 

[Harvey]

The thing is, buying the WD-40 and the oil will cost more than a new fan.

WHAT??? You don't have a can of WD-40 on the shelf in some closet or cabinet? Hell! My mom passed away, last year, at 95, and she still had the one I'd bought for her years ago to quiet a couple of cabinet hinges.

 

[TylerS]

WHAT??? You don't have a can of WD-40 on the shelf in some closet or cabinet?

Agreed, but I can think of half a dozen people that I know that wouldn't have WD-40 in their house. But to be honest they are also not the type that would even think of opening their computer, let alone try to fix a fan.

The 3in1 oil is about $5 a pop and is less likely to be lying around. Also, sewing machine oil is much harder to find and really what you want to use. The 3in1 will not last as long.

Just my opinion that it make more sense in the long run to spend $10 on a new fan than mess around with the oil given you are only buying time anyway.

That said, I think I'll give this a shot on one of my noisier case fans and an old one that I have since pulled just to see how it works.

 

[ClockHound]

The Antec Tri-Noise fans cannot be fixed, only replaced. On my Solo the rear Try-Patience fan lasted a week before the inevitable clicking overtook the horrible throbbing. Got it replaced under warranty only to discover the correct replacement was spelled: S-FLEX.