Blower or Fan?

[jerseygeorge]

Guys-

2002 4 Runner. Annoying amount of chirping and squealing while the fan is on (heat, air, vent) does not matter. I have read that you can pull it, and clean it, but it does not look like a very easy pull. I have had the glove compartment out.

So I am thinking of going to the stealership and have them replace the motor.

However, when checking the price at Partznet there are two prices. One for a blower assembly, the other for a fan and motor. The blower assy is $466, the fan $120.00.

Just wondering how to avoid having the stealership say "have to change the whole assembly) and getting hit with a bigger bill. Anyone ever pull this motor?

LINK TO DRAWING

 

[cfranck1]

Guys-

2002 4 Runner. Annoying amount of chirping and squealing while the fan is on (heat, air, vent) does not matter. I have read that you can pull it, and clean it, but it does not look like a very easy pull. I have had the glove compartment out.

So I am thinking of going to the stealership and have them replace the motor.

However, when checking the price at Partznet there are two prices. One for a blower assembly, the other for a fan and motor. The blower assy is $466, the fan $120.00.

Just wondering how to avoid having the stealership say "have to change the whole assembly) and getting hit with a bigger bill. Anyone ever pull this motor?

LINK TO DRAWING

It looks like the (466.00) is for the whole blower box.
The (120.00) is just for the blower motor assmy.
You don't have to take the glove box out, Look under it and there are 3 bolts you could take out and unplug the fan and it will pull down and you can take it out and look at it.

 

[jerseygeorge]

Thanks, I will take a look again. The glove box comes out easily and gives plenty of vision in there. The white fan and (squirrel cage?) housing did not seem easy to get to. I will take a look again.

 

[jerseygeorge]

OK, you were 100% correct. The glove box does not have to come out. The lower kick plate on the right has to come out though.

I removed the sill plate in the door (4 screws) and the kick panel comes out by pulling straight out. The fan is easily removed, the rear screw is just a little tricky.

I found one small twig, can't believe that was making the chirping noise. Running the fan by itself outside the blower box I hear no noise. I am trying to figure out how to pull the fan, but even with the clip removed, it won't budge. Would like to get to the motor and see if I can lube the bearings.

Any other suggestions appreciated.

 

[cfranck1]

I am trying to figure out how to pull the fan, but even with the clip removed, it won't budge. Would like to get to the motor and see if I can lube the bearings.

Any other suggestions appreciated.

The mouse wheel is pressed on to the shaft of the motor. Short of breaking the mouse wheel, I don't think you can separate them??
Maybe someone on here has but I tried and stopped, I didn't want to break the wheel and have to buy another one.

 

[brian2sun]

You found the twig that was making the noise, I say leave it alone before you break it.

 

[SkidPalace]

I agree, leave it alone if it looks clean. I've never worked on one, but can you apply any lube to the shaft while it's out?

 

[jerseygeorge]

Here is the final info on my noisy squeaky blower motor. As mentioned, it comes out easily. Two vanity pieces, three screws, and one electrical connection. One screw is tucked in the back, but not overly difficult.

I could not figure out how to take the fan off the motor shaft. I did find a reference on someone else taking it off. I lubed, pried (against plastic) then had the bright idea to hit the center of the shaft with a pin punch. Second shot and the fan plastic snapped. Oh well. Gave it some more punches and saw that the motor arbor was now produding from the other side of the plastic housing.

Sorry, no lessons from me on how to remove the fan. If you do get the fan off the bearings are bushings and a coat of oil will probably give you a lot of additional life. Also, the motor brushes are visible when the fan is off. But breaking the motor in the process makes the rest not that important.

Partznet had the part for $124. Local Stealer wanted $195! Partznet did not have it in stock, so I got one for about $93.38 plus shipping from Autopartswarehouse. It is a dead ringer for the original. Went in easily, works good, runs quiet, hope it lasts a long time.

JG

 

[brian2sun]

Told you so.

 

[jerseygeorge]

A few months ago I started to do some prying with mine to pull the motor from the wheel and it wouldn't budge. I decided to see how much the part cost if I broke and that's when I decided to stop. Still got the fan chirp/squeal unfortunately after cleaning what I could get to.

Any chance you can post up some pictures of your busted fan and motor so I can see what it looks like on the inside?

AWRIGHT BOOTOWN! Off to the dumpster:bluejump:

The first picture is the back end of the plastic housing. Note there is a small plastic cover removed (not shown). That does open up the metal motor housing, and is probably the correct way to lube, push the motor out.

If you look at the bushing you can see there is felt around it for lubrication purposes.

Then I have two pics of the shaft end. You can see that there is a flat on the shaft, and also a groove.

You also have access to the motor brushes and the commutator from this side with the fan off.

Lastly, here is a link of a guy who did successfully disassemble them, but with no instructions.

Blower Repairs

JG

ps. garbage man is coming in the AM if anyone needs any more pics.: