T42 fan issues

[RolfThinkPad]

Hi,

T42 Type 2373-M36: 1.7GHz, 64MB ATI MOBILITY RADEON 9600

The fan is getting noisy. There are posts discussing oiling the fan, but it doesn't seem straightforward. I think the noise indicates it's nearing the end of it's life, and would prefer replacing it, especially if oiling is not simple.

Does anyone know if the entire fan assembly needs changed or can the fan alone be replaced?

[T30alive]

The fan can be rebuilt by just oiling the fan. Thinkpad fans are great. I have had problems if I ran the computer on its side and then the fan loses its oil. They are not designed to run on their sides, i.d. don't tilt these computers when using them, just leave them flat.

It is easy to open the fan assembly clean it out and put in a drop of 3-1 oil. Some recommend an oil graphite mix. I have not noticed any issue with the life span of oil not being sufficient. I think it has more to do with the orientation discussed above.

[RolfThinkPad]

Hi,
I would try a drop of oil if if I could, but I can't see how to get that drop of oil into the bearing. The spindle/bearing seems inaccessible, even with the fan assembly removed from the laptop.

[T30alive]

Gently bend clips open until it opens.

[RolfThinkPad]

The T42 fan is cast alloy as far as I can see (not bendy!) and are machine pressed onto the heatsink - no clips I'm afraid. I think the T60 has clips that can be bent open/closed.

[ajkula66]

Just replace the entire heatsink. It's not like these are rare, or that expensive...

My $0.02 only...

[dr_st]

Gotta agree with George here...

[GACrabill]

I would try a drop of oil if if I could, but I can't see how to get that drop of oil into the bearing. The spindle/bearing seems inaccessible, even with the fan assembly removed from the laptop.

Does this thread help ?
http://www.thinkpads.com/forum/viewtopi ... 2&t=106494

[Johan]

I would try a drop of oil if if I could, but I can't see how to get that drop of oil into the bearing. The spindle/bearing seems inaccessible, even with the fan assembly removed from the laptop.

Hint; see Total solution for absolutely ZERO oscillatory noise in T4x.

Johan

[RolfThinkPad]

I agree that replacing the entire fan/heatsink assembly is easiest, but I'm finding it difficult to get a new genuine IBM part.

Everyone on ebay pretends by selective wording that the parts are genuine IBM, but when you ask for confirmation they are not! What exactly are they selling?

My experience with non-genuine parts (in any product) is that they are inferior and are more trouble than they are worth. Does anyone know if these fan assemblies on the market are simply IBM products without the IBM branding?

[Easy Wind]

I've got a legit IBM used heatsink assembly to sell if you are interested

[ajkula66]

I agree that replacing the entire fan/heatsink assembly is easiest, but I'm finding it difficult to get a new genuine IBM part.

IBM made those in China and they're really not something that's at "state of the art" level...

Everyone on ebay pretends by selective wording that the parts are genuine IBM, but when you ask for confirmation they are not! What exactly are they selling?

You can order one from IBM directly, I believe. It might run you something like $70, but I'm pretty sure they still carry it. It won't be new, though, but "certified used".

My experience with non-genuine parts (in any product) is that they are inferior and are more trouble than they are worth. Does anyone know if these fan assemblies on the market are simply IBM products without the IBM branding?

So order a three or five for a price that IBM would charge you for one and be done with it...whatever doesn't work send back for a refund and call it a day.

[RolfThinkPad]

Hi,
Managed to source a used but silent genuine IBM fan assembly.
Next issue is this:
I notice that the fan assemblies have strips of foam on them.
This foam has deteriorated badly and so had to take it all off.
Q: Does anyone know what the foam strips are for and if there are any consequences of not having them?