Noisy Fan

kaddo · Post by **kaddo** » 11 Feb 2009, 15:45

The fan (interior ventilation) of my 850 has become noisy.
It produces a sound that made me suspect at first worned, or at least dry bearings. But thinking more about it,
I found strange that when I change the fan's speed, the sound keeps its same pitch (I'd say 200 Hz).

The noise often starts and stops depending on the car's motion.
Accelerating will start, braking will stop it. Not sure how useful is that, it only indicates that the fan's axle is horisontal.

I guess the only way to exactly know what causes it (and possibly find a fix) will be to look inside the unit.
I checked the Heines Manual on how to, no help in there.
Any good ideas?

Post by **holler1** » 11 Feb 2009, 20:44

If you hear sloshing behind the dash (and you are in a location where AC is being used), check to see if AC drain is clogged. Long shot this time of year, but this can affect the fan. The AC drain is located behind the console/radio area and can be accessed from the passenger side by pulling back the top of the carpet.

Post by **tailor** » 11 Feb 2009, 22:25

When I did the repair to remove the water in the fan housing, I gave the fan motor a good spritz with "Deep Creep".....from the makers of Sea foam. It is hailed as multi task "fix all", lubricator and rust in-hibernator. I think it was about $12.00 a can
I have had good results with no more fan squeaking. The cabin did smell a little weird for a while but it is all good now. I do realize I am applying a band aid of sorts and a new motor will most likely be in order in the future.

Craigd2599 · Post by **Craigd2599** » 12 Feb 2009, 05:54

High pitched squeal? It's the fan bearings and they are sealed. I had this happen in my 96 850. Repair shop wanted $250. The unit is about $175 at the dealer. I bought one at a junkyard and it took me all of 30 minutes to install it, having never done it before. The unit is behind the glove box. Be careful removing the glove box liner because the screw hole tabs can break easily. Very easy fix.

kaddo · Post by **kaddo** » 12 Feb 2009, 06:45

Craigd2599 wrote:High pitched squeal? It's the fan bearings and they are sealed. I had this happen in my 96 850. Repair shop wanted $250. The unit is about $175 at the dealer. I bought one at a junkyard and it took me all of 30 minutes to install it, having never done it before. The unit is behind the glove box. Be careful removing the glove box liner because the screw hole tabs can break easily. Very easy fix.

Great! This is exactly what I needed to hear!
My biggest problem was knowing how to remove that fan.
Once with it on the bench, I will see what can be done about those bearings.
If dry, I can always drill a hole in their seal (probably plastic) and force some grease in.
Or put in new bearings altogether, if I can find exact replacement.
Again, many thanks for your info, Craigd2599!

Craigd2599 · Post by **Craigd2599** » 17 Feb 2009, 15:02

Did you get it resolved?

kaddo · Post by **kaddo** » 17 Feb 2009, 15:27

Craigd2599 wrote:Did you get it resolved?

Not yet, waiting for friendlier temperatures so I can work on it.
Here, North Country.

turbotim2 · Post by **turbotim2** » 18 Feb 2009, 09:10

Both of ours have squealed since we bought them (used). I haven't got around to fixing them yet though. I have a hard time with a $175 dc electric motor just because it says Bosch on it.

kaddo · Post by **kaddo** » 18 Feb 2009, 11:05

turbotim2 wrote:Both of ours have squealed since we bought them (used). I haven't got around to fixing them yet though. I have a hard time with a $175 dc electric motor just because it says Bosch on it.

Bosch... I certainly know what you mean.
Their failing fuel pump got once my car in flames (with 200 indoor parked cars around it).
Can't quite understand how these brands become major.

blacjack · Post by **blacjack** » 23 Jan 2011, 15:08

be glad it is not lucas electric, prince of darkness...