How 'freely' should the blower fan spin?

[twindad65]

I've lubricated my blower fan (and also cleaned and re-greased the wiper motor, pleasingly solving the usual problem on the intermittent setting!). I can get about two turns out of it now when I give it a spin by hand: is this about right? I'd rather be sure before putting it back again, as the clip was a sod to get off and I'd rather not have to get it out again!

Cheers,

Tim

[daimlerman]

Know what you mean about that bloody clip....

If you have the dash in and a battery on,why not spin it up with power and add a little oil as it's spinning?

Be a bit messy,but at least you will be happy!

[clipper]

Tip for getting that clip/strap off:

There is a hole at the end of the clip into which you can screw a self tapper, then grip the head of self tapper with a pliers to pull the strap off. No blood, and minimal swearing (I think I shouted "fucking yes!")

The last time I took my fan out to oil it the main resistance wasn't the bearings, it was the buid up of deposits in the motor body around the armature which was stopping it spinning freely.

[twindad65]

I tried using the hole with varying thicknesses of paperclip but none were rigid enough. Eventually used an old bracket that I could slot under the clip and pull upwards with pliers. Love the self-tapping screw idea: very ingenious!

Still wondering how 'free' is 'freely'! Should the fan spin round and round and eventually stop of its own accord, or is a small element of friction unavoidable?

Cheers,

Tim

[e30-EVN]

I don't think its supposed to spin that freely tbh tim, its a motor after all. I would say as long as it turns fine with no sticky spots it will be good to go

[twindad65]

Kind of what I was thinking: just don't want to keep lubricating and lubricating for no additional benefit. Just a bit paranoid I guess as I recently replaced a failed fan resistor, which is what prompted me to get the fan out in the first place...

Cheers,

Tim

[Brianmoooore]

The only significant friction on the motor shaft should be that caused by the carbon brushes. If these are pulled back, then there should be very little resistance to the shaft turning.

[schnaarf]

i pulled mine out, wd40'd then used thin oil in the bearings. If anything it made it worse and now it spins a couple times then stops and literally smells like its on fire! Got a replacement which is the wrong bloody size (thought there was only one!)

[twindad65]

I've taken the plunge and put it all together again: nice to get out yesterday with the roof down for the first time this year!

Thanks as ever for all your comments and advice. Hope your fan nightmare gets sorted soon Schnaarf...!

Tim