Thinkpads Forum

My R61e was starting to rattle near the fan area.

I blew it out with compressed air after turning it off.

now it is coming up with a 'fan error'.

I'm guessing this means the fan is burned out. Question is where can I get this replaced?

I have had this computer since March of last year.

Advice?

If you're not be able to find a new fan through Lenovo, you can find both new and used fans on eBay. I just replaced my T42's fan using a unit purchased there. It is not that big of a deal to replace a ThinkPad's fan, but you'll need to know the precise model number rather than simply the fact that you've got a R61e to purchase the proper one. I followed on-line instructions to install my model by simply doing a web search for 'replacing T42 fan' with my model number.

Most computer shops can handle this repair, so long as you have the proper fan, if you are not keen on doing it yourself.

You can probably still run your ThinkPad by pressing the escape key when it boots to inform you of a fan error.

I will admit that trying to replace the fan makes me more than a little nervous.

I'm also not entirely sure how much it will cost.

Following the hardware maintenance manual for your machine should make this task far from complicated.

If you buy the fan new, it comes with thermal paste / pads preapplied so you don't need to worry about obtaining your own paste or spreading it correctly on the surface.

You can always buy from Lenovo/IBM, but sometimes they charge ridiculous prices. So far I haven't found any logic in that. The same part can be found for $30 and for $70 from the same official sources.

cshuy,

Without a doubt, there are certain problems that can arise with a small project like this. The thermal paste on my T42 got stuck to the motherboard, for example, so it was much tougher than I expected to pry the old fan off. Also, the diagrams captured from on-line did not quite match up with what I had to remove (e.g. an express-card). It took me about 2 hours to figure it all out, which I don't regret because the machine is not such a blackbox to me now.

The only really tedious aspect of the installation is keeping track of which screws go where as you open and close the case from the bottom.

I'll bet your local computer repair shop will install it for about $50 or $75, though.

Careful even with Lenovo when ordering repair parts as they could be used / refurbished as well. This was told to me by the agent when I called the following:

IBM Toronto Parts Order Center
1-800-263-2769
plsrep6@ca.ibm.com

I buy my repair parts on eBay from dealers in Hong Kong or Shanghai, much cheaper than with IBM / Lenovo and the parts always arrive new as claimed on the auctions.

"Laptopaid" which is pretty highly regarded eBay seller, offers a used fan for $28.80 shipped...not a bad deal IMHO...item # 290343809210

Good luck.