Dying case fan -- makes noise?

[WhipperSnapper]

I think one of my case fans may be dying. It's about 2 years old. It seems to be making a loud buzzing sound and from what I can tell there aren't any wires or anything that are bumping up against it.

At first I thought it might be my 8800 GT video card, but then I lowered the speed on my fans using a 5 1/4 fan controller panel and lowering the speed to zero on one of the fans killed the noise and raising it back up brought it back.

Do they sometimes make a buzzing noise when they're ready to die?

 

[sutahz]

The answer is obvious, but apparently not hence the thread.
Yes, your $10 fan is dying. It may seize up today or in 6mo's, or who knows how long.

 

[konceptz]

It's probably just brushing up on the frame, which could or could not indicate a dying fan. Dust buildup is also a posibility.

Not all fans are created equally... (slight pun).

What's stopping you from buying a new one for $5? Cmon, fans are less than double quarterpounder meals....


Nowadays with easy access to online and enthusiast support stores, there is no reason not to have plenty of good airflow in your case, which is one of the biggest newb mistakes imho. (sorry to digress)

Cheers!

 

[WhipperSnapper]

The noise comes and goes. This is a nice Panaflow fan with about 38 CFM. I have a spare so obviously I could just replace it. I'm not sure if the noise is from the fan dying or something periodically brushing up against it, which is why I thought I'd seek out people's input. When I get the chance I'll probably just replace it.

 

[konceptz]

I have a spare so obviously I could just replace it.

You sir, kick ass.

Reason? Because I stockpile spare parts and people call me crazy, so now I don't feel so alone.

Also, you should take me seriously because I look like my avatar.

 

[BonzaiDuck]

As tight as my budget may be or as limiting as I find my fixed income, this isn't a major, painful problem to solve, but there are several options.

a) Just replace the fan with your spare

b) get some Teflon gun-lube, pull the label off the noisy fan, and add some lubricant to the hub to grease the bearings

I cannot tell from your "noise description" if it might be the bearings, or something else. But brand-new fans arrive often here that are noisier than they should be, and I keep the gun-lube in my PC-toolbox.

So, for that, you might be able to hold on to the spare Panaflo as a extra for a while. Maybe -- maybe not.

 

[BonzaiDuck]

PS Make sure you reseal the hub with the label. Adhesives in the tube like "Automotive GOOP" or even "Shoe-Goo" -- if spread thinly with an old credit-card, will reseal the label and keep the lubricant in the hub where it belongs.

 

[WhipperSnapper]

What would you suggest for a lubricant? Lithium grease?

 

[lenjack]

An itsy bitsy drop of household (3 in 1) oil.