Intel CPU fan consistent squeaking help

[OT9]

Hey everyone,

To preface this, I’m a bit of a hardware noob.

My stock Intel CPU cooler fan (i5) has (completely out of the blue) started making this unbearable high-pitched squeaking/squealing sound within the past week. I’ve ensured that it is the fan by visual inspection and unplugging the fan, testing boot and so on. I have already ordered a replacement fan, however, there are massive delays on shipping/delivery and no other alternative for the time being.

Audio Example:

https://voca.ro/moKG0me7mEw

My question is, what precisely could be causing this and would anyone have any temporary solutions? I use this PC for working from home so it’s becoming ridiculous o_O

I assumed just really bad bearings, it’s a very old fan. However, I’ve had periods over the past few days where it goes completely silent as it should be for 1 hour, 3, even 10 hours, then returns again - so this confused me.

If it would be a bearing issue, is it even worth trying to oil the bearing / clean the fan at this rate given how bad it would seem?

Thanks!

[veeg]

Hello

Several things you can do, First open up the side panel or take it off and place a small desk fan to blow into it.. If you can find a used cpu fan or any fan the same size that would work as well.

[Bruce]

depending on how it fits to the hestsink, you may be able to swap it with another fan inside the case.
but for me, your best chance of peace would be to remove the fan and liberally spray the bearing part with WD40 or CRC20 or the equivalent for your location.

shake off any excess drips and give it a whirl. (huh - IT humour!)
no need to worry about conductivity issues as oil is non-conductive.

[OT9]

Thanks for the help guys. I’ll give the bearing oiling and clean the fan while I’m at it. Just needed a second opinion to be sure it was worth it based on the sound being produced.

I’ll hopefully be able to install a new fan sometime late next week so give or take I’ll get by where I can either way.

Cheers!

[Bruce]

let us know how you get on.

[veeg]

Any updates?

[phillpower2]

Thread closed due to lack of feedback from the OP.