Laptop Repair - Disassembly, Assembly & fixing fan noise
Sat, 09/05/2009 - 04:23
My laptop fan is a bit noisy now. It probably needs a clean and a little oil on the bearing.
I've done that quite a few times on the desktop, and it cures it for months. Those relatively fast small fans just don't seem to last that long.
But, how to do it with a laptop?
ALWAYS REMOVE THE BATTERY BEFORE DOING REPAIRS ON A LAPTOP
I'll list the websites I've found:
This one looks good:
Laptop Repair - Troubleshooting Toshiba, Dell, HP, IBM Acer and Sony laptops
http://www.daileyint.com/hmdpc/repair.htm
Quote:
The guts of a laptop are crammed into such a small, cramped space, that the cooling fan is absolutely critical. A replacement laptop fan and heat pipe should cost well under $50, you may even get by with a generic fan replacement for a few bucks, but the job is fairly involved and differs from manufacturer to manufacturer. I don't get excited about noisy laptop fans, I had one in my Toshiba Satellite that got noisy within a year of my buying it and continued noisy for the next four years without failing. On the other hand, you don't want to wait until you get heat damage to replace the fan. If the fan gets increasingly noisy over time or starts noisy (and slow) then quiets down as it picks up speed, I'd replace it at the first opportunity. Assuming you've owned the notebook for a while, you should be familiar with how long the fan usually takes to come on and how long it runs. If the fan never comes on, unless you're working in a freezer, it's probably dead. I just did a page on troubleshooting laptop CPU overheating problems and inspecting the laptop fan for linting or failure.
There's this:
Fix noisy computer fans with a drop of oil
http://news.zdnet.co.uk/hardware/0,1000000091,2135514,00.htm
Quote:
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.
I quite agree. I use sewing machine oil, which is nice and fine.
There is this:
How to Reduce Laptop Fan Noise
http://www.ehow.com/how_4587862_reduce-laptop-fan-noise.html
Quote:
Purchase an ultra-quiet CPU fan that is compatible with your laptop.
.
Open your laptop case. This is usually done by removing the battery and unscrewing the mounting screws underneath your computer. Keep in mind that all laptop computers open differently, so it's wise to consult your computer's manual before completing this step.
.
Once the case is open, unscrew the mounting bolts on your current CPU fan. Do this carefully, as you do not want to strip the post holes.
.
Remove the fan and unclip the power cord from it.
.
Place the new CPU fan on the mounting brackets and secure it with the screws you previously removed.
.
Reattach the power cord to the fan. Make sure it clips in all the way.
So for my Acer Aspire 3020:
These guys list this one: http://www.notebooksolutions.ca/zc/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPat...
This looks handy:
User Guides Owners Instructions Manuals PDF Drivers CDs Disks Diagnostics Downloads
Download Service Manual Users Guide Owner Instruction Driver Recovery CD Restore Boot Diagnostic Disk
http://www.user-guides.co.uk/
eg
Acer Aspire 3020 - User Guide Owners Instruction Manual PDF English
http://www.user-guides.co.uk/cddownload/Acer/AcerAspire/Acer-Aspire-3020...
for £2.46
Guide to Cooling Down Your Notebook Computer
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=60914
Right, off to find the manual 
By the way, unless your eyesight is perfect, make sure you have good glasses before even considering this. Good light and good glasses. Here's my detailed review of a great online source of glasses:
Sat, 09/05/2009 - 05:09
#2
Putting a laptop together in 2 mins (Acer)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyuWnCWIZZE
Wow !
Now, how to take is apart
A bit slower, and in the right direction
Disassembly Acer laptop
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPdw-pkS88k
I'm not doing it now. It's too late, and you know what happens when you start something at the end of the day 
Sat, 09/05/2009 - 06:37
#3
This could be useful!
If I
This could be useful!
If I remember rightly we've both got the same laptop, an Acer Travelmate 4000?
btw Matt also has the same one and with only the replacement of the hard drive about 2 years ago (by me :P ) it's still going strong too.
Says something for Acer
R
Sat, 09/05/2009 - 07:57
#4
3023WLMi
It's close, I have an Acer Aspire 3020, which is actually a 3023WLMi !
I did think I could just unscrew the bottom to get at the fan, but it looks like I need to take the top off as well !
Seeing that last video it looks a bit daunting.
Definitely backup first time
If/when I do it I'll take loads of pictures and post them. At least then I'll know what goes where
I'm very happy with it. The only issue I have is the top of the case near the screen hinges are slightly cracked. The construction is stressed by the relatively stiff hinges being opened and closed. Over a few more years it might become an issue.
I think I bought it in 2005 before we emigrated, so it's doing well (except for the fan noise )
Mon, 11/05/2009 - 07:22
#5
To shut thefan up once and
To shut thefan up once and for all, use a teflon loaded lubricant. These are commonly available for bikes
Sewing machine oil is ok - but does dry out (especially with the appplication of heat)
Once that is done, scrub the fan to ensure that all dust/dirt is removed (and to maintain balance), and you'll be good to go
Owen
Mon, 11/05/2009 - 08:21
#6
Oooh, now that's interesting.
Oooh, now that's interesting. I must admit the fans do need a re-application of sewing machine oil after a few months.
I'll have a look. Cheers Owen 
Wed, 20/01/2010 - 04:31
#7
Dust in your laptop
It's funny how one problem can lead to a clue to solving another.
I wanted to do something in the BIOS of the laptop, but before I could finish, it just shut down, instantly, with no warming.
Very odd I thought. A little research, and most people say the reason is overheating...due to dust.
So I blew into both grills really hard, and got a CLOUD of dust out.
It no longer shuts down, and the fan is running slower now, and so is quieter.
So, if you have a noisy fan, blowing out the dust may be the easiest cure.
Tue, 26/01/2010 - 02:12
#8
Dell Inspiron 9200 Fan Noise / Fan Running Fast
I have to mention this one!!!
If you have a Dell Inspiron 9200 and the fan is noisy and running fast:
Press FN and 'z'
This post gets so much huge praise it's amazing:
http://www.asklaptopfreak.com/laptop-notebook-help/2007/11/26/fan-making...
Obviously a LOT of people have been foxed by this, even Dell 
Ah here we go:
How to Upgrade, Repair, Disassemble an ACER Laptop or Notebook
http://repair4laptop.org/disassembly_acer.html
Oky doky, it's in Italian for my model :?
http://notebookitalia.it/guida-come-disassemblare-il-proprio-acer-aspire...
It's got pictures
In 'English':
http://uk.babelfish.yahoo.com/translate_url?doit=done&tt=url&intl=1&fr=b...
The top right of this picture shows where the fan is:
http://notebookitalia.it/images/stories/disassemb_acer/disassembly_acer_...
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