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I've noticed the past couple of times that when I pull into the driveway after driving around that when my fans are slowing down from being on, one of them is making a slight squeal noise for about 60* of it's rotation. Is that a sign that my fan is going out? If it is, that's actually a good thing probably because I've noticed that my temps are kinda warm for this time of year with the semi-cool weather lately. It's time to clean out my radiator anyway.
The primary fan in my '92 started making the same squeaking noise when it was slowing down. I think it was a bearing that went bad. I guess it started pulling more and more current, because shortly after it started making noise, it blew the fusible link. I'd replace the motor before it blows the link because it's a real pain to fix. I replaced the motor myself but had to have a shop replace the fusible link, and that was more than the cost of the motor.
Another good reason to replace it is that when it blows the link and stops working completely, you likely won't notice until you get into traffic and it gets too hot, which is what happened to me.
Noisy Fan....My 86 did the same thing and then, without further warning, on a very hot day, died. I didn't see the temp head for the sky until it was to late (260 degrees) and the drain plug blew out. This could have cost a lot in towing and repairs but I was in front of my ladys house when it finally blew.
GOOD NEWS Autozone has Siemen's (German) fan motors that appear to be the same source as GM at a fraction of the price ($28.00 for a 86). It's a lot easier to fix before it breaks than after. Also replace the relay at the same time, they are cheap. Almost forgot, check the condition of the relay connector, they are prone to heat damage.
Yeah, I figured it was the bearings. If I replace the fan (or both of them) at the same time that I take the radiator out and clean it, how much of a job do ya think that is? Probably not too bad.
Also, where is this "link" you're talking about. Unless it's the transmission or paint, I do the work on my car :cheers:
The main fan motor is the one you're concerned with. 4 bolts and its out. No need to remove the radiator. You do have to get at 2 of them from under the car.
The link is one of the orange wires down by the battery. Its like partnered with another link with wierd connectors. When mine went I had to splice in a new one rather then just buying a new one and bolting it in.
If your fan fries, then it will be the one thats burnt :lol:
I dont know about replacing it if it isn't popped. Its not like a light bulb that wears out. When it goes, it goes...
I got the autozone model as well. I think it was 99 dollars for the Delco unit. I can get three autozone units for one delco. I just figgure that this is a part that needs replacing periodically. The autozone has worked fine so far. If it starts acting up, i'll just get another one.
The dual fan set up on the later 90's is different from the later 80's. I would replace both fans since you are at it. Just replaced both fans on my 90 about 3 weeks ago. Almost as much fun as dash work. Little hands and lots of little tools. Let me know if you need some tips. Getting the primary (left upper) fan out is a little tricky. The secondary fan is a snap.