High Pitch AC/Heater Noise

[Lexington]

Hi All

Recently when I use the AC/Heater fan there is a high pitch noise. The higher the fan speed the louder it gets. I checked the forum and most said the noise is caused by debris in the blower. I found a good video that shows how to remove it. 2016 Toyota 4 Runner Blower Motor Problems / Fixes - YouTube
When I took it out I found some debris and thoroughly cleaned the blower and inside the housing. Before I put it back in I tested the fan outside the housing and there was no high pitch noise. However, when I put it back in the high pitch noise was still there. So at this point Im not sure where the problem. Is there some debris inside the duct somewhere or is it a bearing issue in the blower and its only noticeable when inside the housing? I was wonder if there is some other way to trouble shoot the problem before I go out and buy a new blower.

Thanks

 

[DEUS-MACH1NA]

I too cleared the debris and re-installed but ended up just replacing it. Everything I've read consistently say the bearings just go tits up.

1yr in on the new motor and it's been fine with no more of that dreaded high-pitched whine to add to the cacophony of cabin sounds (roof rack + gear wind noise, back seat driving wife, etc)

 

[jp.vegas]

I too cleared the debris and re-installed but ended up just replacing it. Everything I've read consistently say the bearings just go tits up.

1yr in on the new motor and it's been fine with no more of that dreaded high-pitched whine to add to the cacophony of cabin sounds (roof rack + gear wind noise, back seat driving wife, etc)

Let me know if you find a fix for that last one.

 

[sympley76]

I too cleared the debris and re-installed but ended up just replacing it. Everything I've read consistently say the bearings just go tits up.

1yr in on the new motor and it's been fine with no more of that dreaded high-pitched whine to add to the cacophony of cabin sounds (roof rack + gear wind noise, back seat driving wife, etc)

lol, or a 3 year old trying to sing along paw patrol with the wife... even the cough, cough premium JBL can not drown out that sounds...

 

[Argyle Edison]

My blower is so dang loud it's ridiculous. I really need to replace it :doh:

 

[Blundberg5]

My 2019 had this issue too, dealer replaced the blower under warranty around the 3 year mark. The sound drive me crazy.

 

[Humble Leader]

I too cleared the debris and re-installed but ended up just replacing it. Everything I've read consistently say the bearings just go tits up.

1yr in on the new motor and it's been fine with no more of that dreaded high-pitched whine to add to the cacophony of cabin sounds (roof rack + gear wind noise, back seat driving wife, etc)

Let me know if you find a fix for that last one.

preferably one that doesn't require a divorce lawyer :lookout:

 

[Lexington]

Update.

I ended up buying a new blower and now the high pitch noise is gone. Very quiet now.

It very easy to replace it yourself.

1. Remove cabin air filter in the back of the glove box. Remove any debris and replace filter if needed.

2. Underneath the glove box pull off bottom cover. Very easy.

3. Unplug power cord. The release button is a bit stiff and you mag need a flat head screwdriver to push it in while you pull.

4. Unscrew the 3 screws. You can use a ratchet with a 8mm Socket or a T-25 torque screw head. The back screw is a little difficult to reach. You will either need a very short screwdriver or a small ratchet to get it out.

It took me about 20 min.

Here’s a video link.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5qBWsZEYnw

 

[Humble Leader]

Update.

I ended up buying a new blower and now the high pitch noise is gone. Very quiet now.

It very easy to replace it yourself.

1. Remove cabin air filter in the back of the glove box. Remove any debris and replace filter if needed.

2. Underneath the glove box pull off bottom cover. Very easy.

3. Unplug power cord. The release button is a bit stiff and you mag need a flat head screwdriver to push it in while you pull.

4. Unscrew the 3 screws. You can use a ratchet with a 8mm Socket or a T-25 torque screw head. The back screw is a little difficult to reach. You will either need a very short screwdriver or a small ratchet to get it out.

It took me about 20 min.

Here’s a video link.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5qBWsZEYnw

I used that same link haha. although if you have a limited which I do you may have an orange LED attached to the trim piece you pop down. be careful you don't break the wire if you do when pulling that panel down. you can remove the LED from the housing but I kept it in there and just rotated and moved the panel to the side