Can Panaflos be lubed?

[tallest1]

Thanks to some quick reflexes I managed to buy a couple Panaflos back when cost only $2.25. Now, I've already changed all my fans to L1A's but I swear, some seem louder than others. They're still quiet overall but my system has gotten to the point where I can hear the panaflos spinning. Is there a way to make them spin more quietly/smoother?

 

[TheGizmo]

i know i lub my panaflows... err oh lubed.. hrm.. dunno

 

[mechBgon]

They already have an actively-circulated oil bath inside, so lube isn't the answer. Are some of yours labelled Made In Japan and others labelled Made In China?

You can probably run them at 7 volts if you like, which cuts back their airflow proportionately but makes them even quieter.

 

[tallest1]

Not sure where the fan are from. I'll check tomorrow

I found this bit of data on zdnet:
Should I trust it?

You can unplug one fan at a time, then carefully power up your system each time and compare the results. If it is noticeably louder with one of the fans on, you've found the problem. In some cases, when lubrication won't do the trick, this troubleshooting will pay off later as you'll know which fan to replace.

Lubricating the fans
After you've decided which fan(s) to lube, the rest is pretty easy. Get your hands on some light lubricating oil, which you can find at any good electronics supply store. Make sure your computer has the power cord disconnected, so there's no chance of shock. Usually the fans will be easily accessible, though it is possible that you will have to remove some components to get access to a particular fan.

Computer fans have a lubrication point in the center of the blade assembly, which is usually covered up by a sticker. As demonstrated in

Now manually rotate the fan blades with your fingers, or a pencil may come in handy for this if the fan is very small. Turn the blades several rotations to get the oil to disperse evenly around the fan axel.

Wipe the outside of the fan where you peeled the sticker with a soft rag until it is dry and clean. Either replace the original sticker, if it will still stick, or find something else to cover the lubrication spot. Packing tape should work fine.

Repeat the procedure for all the fans you wish to lubricate. Now replace the case, plug your system back in and fire it up. If all went well, your PC should be noticeably less noisy.

 

[mechBgon]

I recommend reading this two-page .pdf which illustrates the actively-pumped oil bath inside a Panaflo. I don't think you're going to want to mess with it

http://www.panasonic.com/industrial/appliance/pdf/fanfeatures.pdf

 

[Phunktion]

I remember when one of my L1A's was becoming loud.. turns out some hair had caught in the rotor and was causing some bad noises.. I suggest you check that first..

 

[FlowerMan]

http://www.dansdata.com/fanmaint.htm

I would not lubricate high-end fans such as the Panaflo. Most likely it is dirty. If you know it has been in service for quite some time, just replace it.

 

[zephyrprime]

At hobby stores that sell r/c airplane stuff, they sell lube oil in a syringe for lubing small things. You might want to give that a shot. Or you could just chuck the entire fan in a bowl of mineral oil.

 

[RadioactiveMagpies]

What is the MTBF of panaflow fans? I have a dozen and they've been fine for 6 months. Should I start worrying 3 years form now?