Need help with DIY fan cleaning/checkup

[Sheridan Thinkpad]

I have a six month old T60 whose fan has become abnormally noisy. It sounds like there is either a lot of dust/gunk in it or possibly a broken ball bearing. I really don't feel like sending the notebook to Lenovo if I can avoid it, as it is my only computer. Are there instructions anywhere on how to maintain/clean your T60's fan, and maybe even info on diagnosing problems with it? I've never opened up my T60, but am fairly handy (researched, bought and assembled a couple DIY gaming desktops myself). Thanks.

[carbon_unit]

Get the Hardware Maintenance Manual here: http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... 39298.html
It will guide you through dis/reassembly. Do do at your own risk.
Be aware that if you remove non-customer replaceable units you will void your warranty.
If your fan is noisy it probably needs replaced not cleaned. This is covered under warranty but since the cooling fan is not a CRU they won't send it to you. You will have to send the laptop in.

[Sheridan Thinkpad]

Thanks for the link. I guess I'll try cleaning it first with compressed air, making sure to keep the blades immobile while blowing it. I hope that this takes care of it. If it doesn't, then I'll deal with getting it replaced through Lenovo. Hopefully I can find a service center in Chicago that can do it while I'm there (doubtful, I know).

[asianboyztn]

dont flow the air from outside, the best way it to open the keyboard and flow from inside out.

[blynch]

Bringing up this old thread, as my ~1year old T60p just started to have a very annoying hum from the fan that was not present before. I assume it is due to dust buildup in the heatsink/fan, but possibly the fan could be faulty. Anyone have any luck fixing the noise simply by cleaning it out?

[blynch]

well after removing the keyboard and cleaning the fan with compressed air, the notebook fan is still making a pretty loud hum, it seems to be running less though. Anything else I can try before contacting lenovo for repair (it is still under warranty but I only want to send it in as a last resort, I can't really function without this computer).