Woo..Woo..Woo : Is the fan failing, or the HDD?

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John H · #1 Post by **John H** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 1:30 pm

After warming up for a minute, the T40 starts making an alarming mechanical Woo..Woo..Woo sound continuously. Sounds like it's trying to startup unsuccessfully, but the computer works, so maybe it's tha fan. Can't tell if it's the fan or the HDD. Actually, I'd rather it is the HDD since that's easier to fix.Maybe it's time to upgrade to a 160gb and archive the old HDD.

fasterbybike · #2 Post by **fasterbybike** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 5:40 pm

Install TP FanControl (search on this forum) and manually turn the fan on/off. You'll soon find out if it is the fan or not.

#3 Post by **rkawakami** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 6:19 pm

Boot a copy of PC Doctor for DOS and run the Fan test (under "Other Devices").

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-56222 (PC Doctor for T40 - bootable CD)

John H · #4 Post by **John H** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 5:55 am

The sound and vibration have gone away. I'm going to assume that there's an intermittent connector someplace inside the T40. A month ago I had a problem with the screen that went away after a few days. Maybe I better open the case and start jiggling connectors and spraying contact cleaner.

sojourner · #5 Post by **sojourner** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 7:31 am

John H wrote:The sound and vibration have gone away. I'm going to assume that there's an intermittent connector someplace inside the T40. A month ago I had a problem with the screen that went away after a few days. Maybe I better open the case and start jiggling connectors and spraying contact cleaner.

I doubt the SOUND you heard is because of an intermittent connection, and in this situation spraying contact cleaner in the wrong place can create more harm than do good.

Over the years I've heard the sound you describe from fans which have a 'dry' bearing. The only devices in your system which would make that sound are those with bearings, ie HDD and CPU cooling fan. My best guess is your CPU cooling fan needs lubrication, or better yet, replacing! And if by chance it is your HDD bearings (rare), hope you have a backup, else you might

John H · #6 Post by **John H** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 5:39 pm

Good points!

I'll pickup a fan on eBay.

So now I have 3 things when I open the T40 next:

1-replace power plug (got it)
2-firmup the LCD connectors, maybe clean connections.
3-replace fan.

Woo..Woo..Woo : Is the fan failing, or the HDD?

Woo..Woo..Woo : Is the fan failing, or the HDD?

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