Thinkpads Forum

Hi folks --

I have a Thinkpad T60 Widescreen, and wanted to get some opinions on cleaning out my fan. In the past I've simply turned off my computers and sprayed compressed air directly into the vents, but someone suggested that doing so might actually be harmful to the fan -- i.e. by warping or bending the metal. So I was wondering if I could get some advice: Is it a bad idea to spray compressed air into the vents of my Thinkpad? Should I just leave the fan alone? I am not too tech savvy so the idea of actually removing the fan to clean it concerns me a bit.

Thanks a lot!!

The recommended way to clean the fan is to remove the keyboard, hold the fan blade still with something, then spray the fan cavity area with compressed air. You don't want to the fan to spin faster than manufacturers specs, and compressed air will do that. If you hold the blades still, there is no potential for causing failure. Download the Maintenance Manual for your machine if you need assistance with the keyboard removal.