T43P Fan Assembly (Long) - the fan, not the post

[wkohler]

Hi! This is my first post, and I must say, I found this site under rather annoying circumstances.

I started up my computer this evening and got the fan error. So, figuring I was still under warranty and was planning to send it in anyway (though I was bummed I didn't get the files off), I went through the steps to file a warranty request (had never done it). Find out the machine is out of warranty, which is disappointing. So, I did some searching on the interwebs and found out (oddly enough not from here) that this is a relatively common issue that results in a fan replacement.

I downloaded the Maintenance Manual, opened the machine and got the specific part number (26R7957). I cleaned out all the dust and such that was in there around the fan. I didn't disturb the assembly itself since I was scared by the heatsink to CPU connection. I know that it is absolutely necessary to handle that properly and I didn't want to screw anything up, so I did some searching here and found out that I need to purchase some of this goo.

My biggest concern, though is where to buy the new fan FRU. I found several online retailers that had them, but from what I could tell, they're all recycled. I'd rather pay the extra money for a new unit, since I don't want to run into a situation where you have 10 days to send it back, then all of a sudden on day 11, I have a problem and have to disturb everything again.

This is a great site and I'm happy I stumbled upon it.

[FTC]

Hi, I've been using as you call recycled fans bought in eBay for my thinkpads (a T40 and a T42) since few years ago already. No problems. Of course you run the risk that one breaks early,... but note that you can get them a lot cheaper and usually they work fine for a very long time.. I have already used 3 different units since my TPs are running 24x7 (grid computing).

Note that the approx life for one of these fans is 2-3 years when working 24x7 and properly cleaning dust in a yearly basis... and most of the so called 'recycled' ones have much less usge (normally just 2-3 years in a 5x8 basis which is only 1/4 of their expected life).

Besides, once you have replaced the fan once, you will get used to it and will not be so much scared of this 'surgery'.

Failing that, you can buy directly from lenovo.

[Johan]

Welcome to the forum, Christopher!

... and you've probably found it in the same situation as so many other users... while having an immediate problem, searching for immediate help - and here you are, home safe!

If you see System service parts - ThinkPad T43, T43p, and see item # 18, you will find that the fan (26R7957) presently in your T43p has been replaced by a newer, RoHS-part, FRU = 26R9074 ["Fan assembly, Long M24 (lead-free)" while "FRU" means "Field Replicable Unit"]. You can either use Google to search for 26R9074, or check eBay, or simply go to IBM maintenance Parts site and enter 26R9074 - and you will find that IBM charge $57 (probably + S/H, which I don't know what amounts to) for a brand-new T43p ("model 2668") fan. Pick your choice!

Johan

[wkohler]

Thank you very much for all of your help. I have ordered a new replacement fan from a member here, and it is scheduled to arrive by Thursday. I am very happy I found this place.

A couple of questions regarding the replacement procedure:

1.) What tool do you find safest and most useful for separating the heatsink from the CPU?
2.) What do you suggest for cleaning the mating surfaces?
3.) What do you suggest for the thermal grease?
4.) Will the fan come with whatever makes it stick to the CPU, or will I need to source this elsewhere?

Thank you again for all of your help!

[Johan]

You're certainly most welcome, Christopher!

As to your most recent questions, I suggest you seek inspiration in the threads T42p fan long m10 installation : pink sheet or not...? and T43 fan noise... really that bad? and Thermal grease: How much to apply, and how? - there ought to be a hint or two.

If you don't have patience to wait for more precise answers, I suggest you try "dig up" alternatively/additional information on your own via the Search-function available on this forum. Works very well...

Johan

[wkohler]

I did come across those threads in my initial search. I guess I completely forgot about that - two of them are even bookmarked. Sorry about that. On other boards of which I'm a member, I'm such a stickler for using the search, which is why I wanted to make sure I covered all my bases before posting to begin with!