X220: noisy fan

[cbrace]

Hi all,

The fan of my X220 is kinda noisy. It's not overheating, the CPU temps seem OK (high 50s/60s browsing the web etc)

I've been looking at the sensors (Linux utility) output. At the lowest setting, around 1600 rpm, the fan is silent. But once it gets above 3000 rpm it gets really obtrusive.

Just now I saw the post below on Reddit. Has anyone tried lubricating a fan axle? What should I use? The reddit post is a bit vague on that.

Noisy Thinkpad solution: just lubricate the fan
Really, I had problem with my fan for months, it was EXTREMELY loud. Today I lubricated it with machine fat or something similar to that (I just reassembled an old CD-ROM to get some LOL) and now it's working perfectly, it went from extremely loud to extremely silent in a matter of one disassembly. Amazing.

[axur-delmeria]

I use light machine oil (like Singer oil) when I lubricate fans. After cleaning the fan (remove all traces of dirt and dust), I gently pull on the fan hub until it separates from the base. The fan hub has a metal axle in the middle, while the base has the motor itself. Put a drop of oil on the motor's center hole, then dab a paper napkin to remove the excess oil (1 drop is generally too much for a fan this small). You can lubricate the axle as too, but I just put the fan hub back in and push it back and forth to work the oil in.

I don't know what the "machine fat" in that CD-ROM drive, but it might be a graphite lube or silicone. I'm not sure if either one is suitable for a laptop fan. I have neither so I've never tried.

WD-40 is a no-no, since it dries up quickly. Heavy greases are not recommended, as its high viscosity will burn out the motor.

[cbrace]

Very helpful, many thanks! Will track down this kind of oil and give it a try.