Any tips on fix for squeaking 6" Inline Fan?

Hi-

I have a 6" Active Air Hydrofarm fan that is making noticably more noise than when I got it - it's possible this was caused by a bump while it was being moved
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I've been happy with the fan for about 3 months, and I usually keep it turned down to 30-50% - it's venting a 600w cooltube and my temps 75-78.

I've built a muffler and enclosure to deal with the 'rushing air' noise, but I'd like to do any possible maintenance on the fan, especially in case that whatever is cause the noise will also increase wear-and-tear.​

I've made sure that the central shaft was centered and tightened all the screws I can see.

Anyone know what to do?

It sounds like the cage is un-balanced

Most of the cages are replaceable

Hi LibertyChicken-

Is the 'cage' the case of the fan or an internal part? I googled terms like 'fan replacement cage' and 'balance inline fan cage' after your response but didn't see anything helpful.

Well im not familiar with your fan but most fans that move a large volume of air are squerial cage type fans

The cage is not the case , but the actual piece that spins to move air - the fan blades but not like on a household type fan, It looks like a round cage

HERARS a picture of a 'squeral cage' http://www.tomsbroncoparts.com/product/heater-blower-fan-squirrel-cage-metal-new?gclid=CNGZ-7DN6bkCFUmY4AodZnkAyg


What you do is disconect the power from your fan , (after the fan stops spinning) slowly turn the fan by hand and check to see if the cage (fan blades) are balanced - it should spin very smoovely and not have more movement in one dirrection than the other . A very small amout of difference can make the fan squeel and shorten the life of the fan .

When the fan is disconected check for model and serial #'s , I know you said it's a hydrofarm but most places that cater to growers just rebrand a HVAC type fan or something simmilar . With the oringal make and manfacture #'s you will have a eazer time geting parts and will be likely cheaper . The fan blades wether standard or cage are almost always replaceable parts 20-40 $ . You may not even need the make and manfacture #'s , sometimes all that is needed is the cage size and info. on how it ataches to the fan shaft .

GOOD LUCK