R60 Fan Noise

[njh621]

Hello all,

I have a Thinkpad R60, 15" LCD, type 9461. Recently, I've noticed my fan is running louder than normal. Now, I say without a doubt that this issue has nothing to do with the power settings, as it ran fine before on maximum performance and the custom power scheme I created; I could only hear the hard drive.

So, I followed the hardware manual, opened up the system, and cleaned the fan (with compressed air and the vacuum). However, this hasn't remedied the problem either. I'm thinking the bearings may have come out of alignment, or something else in the fan itself that is too small or too difficult to get to, and that I may have to replace the fan unit. Any thoughts on this?

I'll work on getting a recording of the noise up.

Thanks,

-Nick 

[lead_org Microsoft MVP Contributor]

Your fan unit's bearing must have run out of lubrication, which means you need to get it replaced before it fails completely, and there is no easy way of reoiling the bearing, since it is sealed.

You probably can find the fan/heat sinker unit on the web, or call Lenovo and ask for IBM parts phone number, and order through them. Do the replacement yourself if you don't have warranty, otherwise you would probably pay ~ 400 USD for the replacement, as there are quote/handling cost involved. 

[njh621]

It is possible for the lubrication to boil off, even if the fan is sealed? I'm thinking it could have something to do with the fact that I was running the system at max performance for an extended period of time.

Looking on ebay, I came across this replacement. It looks exactly like my fan unit, but I wanted a second opinion before I went out and bought a part.

Link

[lead_org Microsoft MVP Contributor]

i think that is the fan, i am not sure you should ask the seller regarding this. Also remember this fan is a second hand unit, so you wouldn't know when it would also fail on you. 

[Agotthelf Community Moderator]

Hello,

I only would assist lead_org, and suggest to buy a new one.

Here on this video side you´ll find information to open your system.

Just go to Lenovo support pages, left hand you´ll find the link "parts look up".

Insert your model number there and you´ll get a list of parts detached to your system.

Pick you vent part number and search for a trusty seller.

[r61Dan]

My r61 fan was making slight cIicking noise, I  just cleaned my r61 fan assembly and oil the  shaft and bushing, good as new.  The fan blade black thing just pulls out, but you have to remove three very little screws (philips head eyeglass size) after removing the fan assembly.  The fan blade is held just by magnets.  Mine was clogged with dust cleaned the shaft put a drip oil.  Now quiet like before.

It's not too difficult to do but you need to be patient, organized, and not force anything and follow instruction on how to remove the fan from hardward guide support.

I would say it takes 1 1/2 hr the most.

[er]

I eliminated the fan noise by adding tension to the three wires going from the tiny circuit board under the fan coils.

The small circuit board was loose, after tension was added, it stays in place and no more vibration (clicking) noise.