View Full Version : I need some lubricant for a case fan, what can I use?
soundfx4
10-08-01, 09:02 PM
Hi, My fan is making a weird noise, and it sounds like it needs some lubricant, but what can I use on it? Will WD-40 work? Or do I need a special lubricant for PC case fans? If anyone has any suggestions on what might work, or if someone makes a special lubricant for case fans, please let me know, Thanks!
cool_hand_joe13
10-08-01, 09:20 PM
:cool: Yeah a small amount of wd40 should work don't over due it. If that dosen't work the bearing is shot,time to shop for a replacemnet fan.
joe13 where did you get that avatar? Would 71 used to have it. Is there some site I can go to??:)
I fix copiers and they have some pretty good size fans in um. I have had some make noise. I just use some light multi purpose oil on it and it stays quite for a day or two. My rule of thumb is if it's noisey " REPLACE IT!!"
How long have you had it? I bet it's lived it's life and done it's job, time for a newcommer.
Rob
soundfx4
10-09-01, 10:24 PM
Well I don't really feel like replacing it unless I have too. So I'm gonna try the wd40 first. Thanks!
Warlord2
10-09-01, 10:27 PM
Ive heard people say graphite works good
Ridenow
10-10-01, 09:27 AM
WD-40 evaporates away, it works, but only for a while. One of the best lubes is Vaseline, if used sparingly. A tiny dab of bearing greese also works well. Other things will also work, like 3-1 oil, motor oil or even cooking oil, but I have found that the gel-type lubes stay put better and last longer.
Random Nonsense
10-10-01, 10:37 AM
WD40 is a degreaser not a lubricant, use it to clean all the crap out of the bearings, then put some 3 in 1 oil in it.... using wd40 will shorten the lif of the fan if you dont replace the lubricant
I have used sewing machine oil for years. It is a very light oil and it has a nice long applicator tip so you can get the oil right in where you need it. Most fans have a small sticker covering the bearing. Pull back the sticker and add only 1 drop of oil. Replace stick and power up. Fan will be quiet for the next year.
WD-40 and Duct Dape are two of God's gifts to man.....
My 486's PS died, and I decided to salvage the fan. Wouldn't turn an inch without quite a bit of force. Well, after checking out WD-40.com, I found that it's an insulator, and after using it on my bike chains to lubricate them, I squirted the rest of my dad's small can of WD-40 on the bearings.
Unfortunatly, the motor itself was totally destroyed along with the rest of the PS. But the axle and blades survived!
QUIZ: What does WD-40 stand for?
JigPu
Originally posted by soundfx5
Well I don't really feel like replacing it unless I have too. So I'm gonna try the wd40 first. Thanks!
The WD40 will not hold up. You need an oil. Hell get a drop or two from your cars dipstick. That should work.
Rob
Originally posted by Random Nonsense
WD40 is a degreaser not a lubricant, use it to clean all the crap out of the bearings, then put some 3 in 1 oil in it.... using wd40 will shorten the lif of the fan if you dont replace the lubricant
beat me to it! :)
Thelemac
10-10-01, 08:33 PM
Originally posted by JigPu
QUIZ: What does WD-40 stand for?
JigPu
Water Displacement (fortieth try)
It was designed for use in Siberia (I think) to keep water off of the aircraft that they were using. Or something like that.
Gravity Man
10-10-01, 08:46 PM
so if it displaces water, and is an insulator, then you should spray it all over your computer when using peltiers, right?;)
Kingslayer
10-10-01, 10:02 PM
Go to your local Wal-Mart. Go to the fishing section. Look for the little tubes of fishing reel oil. (Oil not grease) This works perfect, it is the perfect thickness and viscosity. It won't evaporate like WD-40, it wont dust everything in your computer with graphite dust, and the applicator is small which is perfect for getting it in little places.
Fishing real oil or sewing machine oil are good choices. When I was doing long distance skating, Dritz sewing machine oil was the choice because it is so light. The drawback is the bearings had to be cleaned with benzene and oiled again every two or three days because the oil was so light. If it was my fan I would use a synthetic like Mobile 1. With a good synthetic, I doubt you will have to give the fan any more attention.
Please don't use WD40. The only real use for it is water displacement. The vehicle will evaporate, the residue will turn to gum and stop your fan.
OR for the price and head ache your going to pay for all that crap!!! GET A NEW FAN!!! Trust me, I've tried to lube them. They don't last.
Rob
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