DIY Inline fan fix for bad/noisy bearings.

BigTexan

Well-Known Member
Whats up guys, I have a slight noise problem with a 6" hydrofarm inline fan. Its a little past warranty and all it seems to need is some oil, its squeaking really bad. I have torn apart the entire fan and im down to the actual motor, the only problem I see now Is it's a sealed unit there are no oiling holes or anything I can see to dismantle the coil and get to the bearings and shaft. Has anyone dealt with these on this level? I dont feel like spending 100$ on a another fan I can hopefully fix. It seems like they dont want you to be able to fix it.

Edit: I have figured it out so I will show you how to take it apart.

So you have a bad fan thats old and dry?
Step 1: Disassemble the electrical box, Make note which wire goes where for the capacitor. I marked on it with a red marker and on the terminal.
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Step 2: From left to right the wires for the blower were: Yellow - Brown - Black - Blue, Capacitor was hooked on Brown and black.
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Step 3: Take apart the outer case it only has a few screws on the outside. The case will then slide apart.
Step 4: Take out the blower and support there are 2 screws on each side holding the support bar in place.
Step 5: Take the blower off the support by removing the 4 screws on back.

Step 6: You now need to get the center back cap off somehow, I ended up pressing the center shaft down slightly till it popped out on its own.
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Step 7: Once you have pressed the shaft in from the front the back will be exposed. You will now see the hardware holding it all on. Notice the c-clip.
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You have 2 clips, the C-clip and then the retaining clip under it. 12458739_1127187040633802_141354204_o.jpg 12432754_1127187030633803_907271470_o.jpg

Step 8: Remove the 3 washers in order and try to keep them in the same orientation they came out.
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Here they are: 12449547_1127187010633805_1046928856_o.jpg 12449778_1127186997300473_880295006_o.jpg 12443675_1127186987300474_213888077_o.jpg

Step 9: Now that everything thats keeping the coil from sliding off is gone. Proceed to gently pulling the coil out. There are 2 bearings pressed into the coil both are singapore NMB 608z, both of which are easy to press out. Not sure why I can only have 10 photos but the rest seems simple, pull the bearings off and clean them or replace them clean up the inside and shaft and grease everything. slap it all back together. Brand new fan.
 
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Dogenzengi

Well-Known Member
Did you check the brushes, or is it brushless?
Personally I would try letting oil run down the shaft and see if oil gets in.

My advice could b wrong, I have never attempted tearing down a fan b4.

Bless,
DZ
 

BigTexan

Well-Known Member
It is a brushless sealed motor, there is no visible shaft or anything, I cant get to the shaft is the problem. I think it might be pressed in but I dont want to press things apart without knowing.
 

BigTexan

Well-Known Member
Its like they want you to just buy one instead of spending what should be about 5 minutes pulling apart and it having an oil hole, but thats too easy. It looks like it might of had an oil hole but its plugged. Dont want to count defeat on this, It just needs some oil/grease or a new bearing whatever is it would be a lot cheaper than buying a new one.
 

BigTexan

Well-Known Member
Step by step coming up soon and pictures, I got it apart. Not as bad as I thought just a hidden cap on the back side messing with me.
 

whitebb2727

Well-Known Member
I haven't torn one down. I used to work industrial maintain. I would say it has a sealed needle bearing in it. Maybe ball bearing, I doubt it.

If you can get down to the bearing you should be able to cross reference a replacement from Grainger's or Fastneal.

Mine is making a slight noise and I'm going to tear it down after this run.

I would say most likely presses together. A pic would really help.
 

az2000

Well-Known Member
Step by step coming up soon and pictures, I got it apart.
That would be great if you could document it as a how-to. I'm sure others would benefit.

I'm curious if there's anything maintainable. For example, is it possible/useful to oil the fan before failure? I do that with my circulation fans. Twice a year I put a drop of Zoom-Spout oil on the shaft. I haven't had a fan fail yet. Makes those cheap clip-ons last much longer. (I read about them being good for only one grow. I think it's lack of lubrication.).
 

BigTexan

Well-Known Member
Post updated hope everyone has the same luck I have, The rear bearing was almost seized some grease and cleanup will do the trick. bearings are cheap if they do get seized.
 

redi jedi

Well-Known Member
If you can get it apart, the bearings are most likely sealed. In order to grease them you would have to remove the shields/seals. Probably more effort than its worth. You could replace the bearings, but they will be pressed on the motor shaft.
 

BigTexan

Well-Known Member
If you can get it apart, the bearings are most likely sealed. In order to grease them you would have to remove the shields/seals. Probably more effort than its worth. You could replace the bearings, but they will be pressed on the motor shaft.
Diabetes needle and some oil did it. its a trick I learned a while ago with sealed bearings.
 

Connoisseurus Rex

Well-Known Member
Right but a decent temp fix, but the bearing is 3$ just about anywhere.
Gun lube, M Pro 7 to be specific, should last a little longer. It's a slightly higher viscosity than 3in1 and repels dust. Just a thought. Or the white lithium grease from the can. Should be thin enough for a needle.
 

redi jedi

Well-Known Member
Ive already ordered 2 lol I just know if they are in good shape some oil will be fine, these are done. they are about 6 years old and have ran 24/7
Rusty bearings are not in good shape...dont put it back together until you have new bearings.
 

redi jedi

Well-Known Member
Did you not see what I wrote? I have already ordered new ones. But for people that dont have rusty bearings some oil should be fine.
Ya I did...bearings need grease, not oil. Centrifugal force prevents oil from staying were its needed.
 
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