Reddish fine dust buildup (looks like rust) inside CPU fan -Picture attached

Davescpl

Reputable
Apr 22, 2014
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4,510
After replacing a CPU fan that was making some weird noises I decided to pull it apart and see if I can identify exactly what was causing the grinding sound. The same noise has been occurring on several different PC's all with the same CPU fan, so I would like to be able to correctly identify what is happening here. So, my question to anyone who can answer is: What is this reddish dust buildup and is it normal to see when you pull apart a computer fan?

Thank you.

zLan42N.jpg
 
Solution
Yeah, the lubricant just sometimes wears off and causes it to grind. Just peel off the sticker, pop out the rubber cap, and lubricate it and it will be good as new. Depending on what you use, you may need to reapply it. I have WD-40 silicone, which lasts about a week on fans, long enough to replace them. Sewing oil and white lithium grease work best for the lowest price.
I believe that is a combination of the oil they use and the buildup of dust. Put it back together, and from the other side, peel off the sticker. Under that will be a rubber cap. Use a flat head screwdriver to pop that out, and spray a lubricant (not a cleaner like WD-40) in. A drop of oil will work too, sewing machine oil works best. Taking fans apart like that can be bad, I would not suggest doing that again.
This works great for fans, among other things. It is actually a lubricant, unlike standard WD-40 which will just get rid of grease, but then dry up and leave a film that absorbs dust.
 

Davescpl

Reputable
Apr 22, 2014
2
0
4,510
Thank you for the quick replies. Dust + oil make sense to me. Normally I wouldn't pull the fan all the way apart, but I already received a replacement fan under warranty so I decided to investigate more into why these particular CPU fans might be failing.

Thanks again,

Dave
 
Yeah, the lubricant just sometimes wears off and causes it to grind. Just peel off the sticker, pop out the rubber cap, and lubricate it and it will be good as new. Depending on what you use, you may need to reapply it. I have WD-40 silicone, which lasts about a week on fans, long enough to replace them. Sewing oil and white lithium grease work best for the lowest price.
 
Solution