rattling fan - has anyone successfully fixed?

[meeotch]

So the fan on my t42p (out of warranty) has begun rattling. I thought it was mostly at higher speeds, but I found another thread on here wherein several t42 owners mentioned getting a low-speed rattle after a couple years. After some testing, I now think this might be the case.

Has anyone successfully cleaned / replaced their t42 (or other TP) fan? If the latter, do you have source for the part?

[rbena]

Yes, I've replaced the fans on both my T42's with the 13R2657 long fan. Is a very quiet model, compared to some of the more noisy models (13N5442, 91P9252).

Search both eBay and general internet for vendors. Also would try for a new fan vs refurbished if possible.

[dash7540]

Yes absolutely try for a new fan (search for part number 41W5204, it's same as the 13R2657 only new) instead of "refurbished"; you don't know how long a "refurbished" one has been used and chances are it won't last too long.

I learned that the hard way...

[rbena]

you don't know how long a "refurbished" one has been used and chances are it won't last too long.

I learned that the hard way...

Well, that "quantifies" my suspicion

BTW, have you used the 41W5204? If so, how is it re noise?

The 13R2657 contains a Toshiba fan stamped "Made in Japan", and is rated at 5V-0.4A. And the main assembly / copper heat sink is stamped "Made in China - Furukawa Electric Co Ltd".

[joester]

The quick-fix band-aid is to carefully pry up the sticker mounted on the back of the fan, remove the rubber plug, and apply a very small quantity of high speed grease to the shaft. replace the plug, re-stick the sticker.

The grease will work it's way into the bearings and quiet the fan.

VIOLA! - You just reconditioned the fan!

Joe

[dash7540]

BTW, have you used the 41W5204? If so, how is it re noise?

The 13R2657 contains a Toshiba fan stamped "Made in Japan", and is rated at 5V-0.4A. And the main assembly / copper heat sink is stamped "Made in China - Furukawa Electric Co Ltd".

I got the 41W5204 off eBay for $25 ($10 of that just for shipping, ugh!) Of course, quite the bargain compared to a dead fan...

It's essentially the packaging number, but the actual item inside is a factory sealed 13R2657 (fan made in Japan, heatsink made in China, same as you describe.) Noise is as quiet when the T42 was new.

[rbena]

Great info - many thanks!

[Patrik28]

If a T42 fan construction is near T23 one this may help.

When I had the rattling noise with T23 fan, I took the fan off, removed the blade-part and strike couple times, with hammer, to the bearing fastenings.

The sleeve bearing was loosen and it created the noise when turning with blade-part. The noise stopped immediately. But you have to be careful, too much power will broke the chassis.