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Processors Toolkit

Fix noisy computer fans with a drop of oil

Greg Shultz

Published: 03 Jun 2003 11:01 BST

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When a user complains to you that his or her computer is making a loud whirring noise, there are really only two types of components that can make that type of noise: disk drives and cooling fans. A problem with either type of component could spell disaster.

But in most cases, you'll discover that the noise is being generated by one of the cooling fans inside the computer. Most computers have three cooling fans, one inside the power supply, one on the case itself, and one on the CPU. Of course, each of these cooling fans is designed to keep the whole system as cool as possible by generating a constant airflow inside the case that will bring cool air in while moving the hot air out. If any of these cooling fans fails, the system could overheat and cause data loss. So your first inclination might be to just replace the noisy fan. While doing so is a fairly easy operation, it's not always necessary. In many cases, the fan, like the Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz, needs only a drop of oil.

Choosing your oil
As you read the introduction to this article, the first question on your mind was probably, "What kind of oil should you use?" And, that's actually a very good question, because using the wrong kind of oil can have adverse effects.

To begin with, let me say: You shouldn't use WD-40 on a computer fan! Many folks use WD-40 to lubricate all kinds of squeaky or noisy mechanical components around the home and office. In fact, WD-40 is such a great multi-purpose problem solver that you might assume that you can quiet a noisy computer fan with a quick spray of WD-40. However, that's not the case.

The reason that you shouldn't use WD-40 on a computer fan is that while it is indeed a lubricant it's mainly designed as a cleaner/degreaser, that loosens stuck parts, prevents corrosion, and displaces water-obviously not the types of problems found in computer cooling fans. Furthermore, it's a light lubricant that is better for lubricating something like a hinge that only moves occasionally rather than a component that moves continuously and at high speeds such as a computer fan.

That said; what type of oil should you use? Well almost any lightweight mechanical oil, such as 3-in-1 household oil, will do just fine.

I prefer to use sewing machine oil, because, in addition to being a lightweight oil, it has excellent viscosity, holds up well at high temperatures, and is specifically designed to lubricate moving parts that operate at high speeds. You can pick up a tube of sewing machine oil at almost any sewing machine dealer or even at a fabric store for about £2 to £3.

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Did you find this article useful?
566 out of 778 people found this useful


Full Talkback thread

28 comments

  1. Better senaka76
  2. Lubricants Ceejay
  3. Read this with interest as I cured a noisy fan a f... Stuart Isenberg
  4. Read this with interest as I cured a noisy fa... Trust me i can help
  5. dear sir. my graphics card is a "msi geforce ti 42... neil a davy
  6. Great article. This was exactly what I needed. My... Daniel
  7. An excellent article, but for one small omission.... Chris Merrick
  8. You can easilly fix a noisy fan temporaly by pulli... Adam
  9. This was great!!! I was pulling my hair out for da... Anonymous
  10. I am so glad I found this article while I was shop... Tom
  11. Thanks for the tip. Had a fan slowing down and sto... Anonymous
  12. I was looking through cooling fan adverts to repla... David Stansfield
  13. Thank you! You don't know how many people I have... Anonymous
  14. I did as the article stated,but my computer is sti... Anonymous
  15. BRILLIANT! My computer was as loud as a lawn mowe... Dan Lakatos
  16. Thanks a lot! I did according to the suggestion, i... Michael Gong
  17. Really great description and pictures Anonymous
  18. this is tells how to fix the problem it is a fan b... Anonymous
  19. Great article! Sure saved me a few dollars and has... Daniel L. Peart
  20. That worked awesome!!! Thanks so much for the advi... Krista Cook
  21. Article was right on !!! Dell Dimension 2400, just... Anonymous
  22. The article was very helpful indeed. I've been hav... Temo
  23. FANTASTIC TIP!!!! my computer sounds like its a ne... Garry Phillips
  24. PS I used sewing machine oil! Garry Phillips
  25. This was awesome!!! Even a "non-tech" person, suc... Sheila L.
  26. Very Professional eddcase
  27. oiled fan jason_m
  28. GREAT ARTICLE!!! It worked for me :) kais

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