Heater fan squeeeeeel!

[whiterabbit]

Yep, got cold and need the fan. The PO covered the switch and everything on the center console with a cap half heartedly installed. Go that all fixed. I don't think the fan was ran for years. So now it squeels like a stuck pig! Is there an easy way to get some oil on the bearings or what?
Thanks.

[Tobi]

Years ago I had that on an old Opel and I sprayed WD 40 in the air intake while it was running. That is only a temporary fix. It is the bearing in the motor and it should be replaced.

[vandor]

I doubt you could lube it without removing it. There is a good possibility that you do not have to replace the fan motor, just lube the bearings.

[124JOE]

white lithium spray

[whiterabbit]

Trying not to buy a motor. It runs but will make your ears bleed! I've got some spray, just wonder how many little red straws I'd have to tape together to reach them bearings.
Pull the console? I've got to replace the heater valve also, so it looks like a weekend job. Right after I fix the rear brakes. SIGHHHHH.
It's a PITA trying to make wives all happy and safe. I told her to wear long johns and plan ahead when she wants to stop.

[azruss]

this is not an easy fix. you really need to drop the fan to get to the motor shaft. you can spray some lube on the shaft and hope it works down into the upper bearing. it is only a temporary fix. to get in and replace the bronze bearing requires removing the soft plastic fan blade. most of them are so locked on, you destroy the fan trying to get it off. best solution is to find someone with a good fan and replace. the problem with spraying lube all around and hope you get lucky is that now every time you turn on the fan, you fill the air with the smell of oil.

[djchan]

you really need to take it apart and examine it. If the fan runs well, it might not be the motor. It could be the fan shroud that has deformed alittle from the heat. Take it apart being careful not to lose the clips that hold the heater box up they tend to go flying. If it is the shroud file it down until it doesn't rub anymore.

[majicwrench]

I have used WD40 successfully on many cars. And sometime not so much success.
Oh, and you can buy tiny plastic or rubber hose, cut the little red tube in half,, and make a loooong flexible tube if you wish.

[Fiat88]

Had the exact same issue and noise! I did the wd-40 thing but didn't work well. Took the fan motor out and bench tested it, the bearings were bad. I replaced it with a new one and all is quiet now!

[whiterabbit]

Pulled it and lubed/drowned it with electrical lube spray and a bit of ZEP spray grease in the bearings. Ran it for an hour on the bench,all quiet!
On the plus side it gave me a reason to pull the consoles to replace the inner shifter boot and fix the cigar lighter light.

[fiat218]

why not just replace it and be done with it, why mickey mouse something ? i could never understand why people do a quick fix when eventually u will be replacing it anyways

[124JOE]

why not just replace it and be done with it, why mickey mouse something ? i could never understand why people do a quick fix when eventually u will be replacing it anyways

if i didnt fix anything that was broke or bothering me
i wouldnt have a fiat
it would be tossed long ago

back in the old days we had fix it shops for toasters, sewing mechines and other stuff

our toss it out additude wont get us far

like i post every time "if you do every thing right people arent sure youve done anything at all"

[fiat218]

i agree, fix it, u are better off in the long run

[majicwrench]

Me, I like fixing things. A little lube and it might work well for another 5yrs. Lubricating something is not mickey mouse.
Keith

[fiat218]

when is squeals im sure it time to replace