Is there a specific kind of oil used to lube up fans?

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
W

willogio

Honorable
Dec 4, 2013
59
0
10,630
Recently a couple of my fans have started to rattle and I'd really like to fix them rather than replace them, I heard online that if you just put some oil in the center of it it'll run good as new, but I don't want to damage it. So my question is do I need to use a special kind of oil or could I use some generic coking oil in my cabinet?
 
Sort by date Sort by votes
bgunner

bgunner

Judicious
Feb 13, 2009
5,144
14
32,515
I agree that the sewing machine oil is the best to use and easy to get but as an extra alternative, most do not have it on hand though, Chain Lube for Dirt bikes and 4 wheels works very well as it sticks to the bearing and is less likely to be thrown out by the fan spinning. This oil lasts a lot longer than the sewing machine oil. Factory's actually use the viscosity as sewing machine oil so this is most recommended replacement.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
A

aldan

Splendid
Apr 15, 2013
3,999
29
24,640
chain lube i sticky tho and would tend to gum up the bearing.as a side note the oils i recommend are to lube a sealed bearing fan where you peel up the lable in the center of the fan and add a couple of drops.if you are lubing any other fan a drop or two of wd40 works,but due to the design of those fans it wont last very long.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
bgunner

bgunner

Judicious
Feb 13, 2009
5,144
14
32,515


I have used this lube for years and never had a gumming up issue, this is why I recommend it. I would never recommend something I have never used and tested myself. The point is to keep the oil on the bearings. The stickiness of it is why I use it. I have not seen any slow down in blade RPM's nor any Ill side effects that you mention. The point of oil is to provide a slick barrier between the parts to prevent ware. The stickiness of Chain Lube has allowed me to lube the fans less. Any oil will eventually gum up due to impurity's getting in it. In this case is dust. Case fans every once in a while need the blades removes and the impeller shaft and bearings cleaned. This is an unavoidable fact, unless you want to keep buying new fans.

WD-40 evaporates. This type of oil is meant as a penetrating oil and not meant as a permanent lubricant. Never recommended for anything that needs constant movement. It is meant to help loosen stuck or stick items for removal and then proper lubrication applied.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
A

aldan

Splendid
Apr 15, 2013
3,999
29
24,640
point taken on the chain lube.probably not the chain lube i remember.wd 40 is not really a penetrating oil and it states on the can that it is a lube.granted its not great but in an open bearing situation it would be ok.im thinking tho that the op isnt talking about an exposed bearing but rather a sealed on.i could be wrong on the lubes but im drawing from over 30 years as a mechanic.by the way,yes wd 40 does evaporate,or at least the carrier solution does and leaves a dry lubricant.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
bgunner

bgunner

Judicious
Feb 13, 2009
5,144
14
32,515
Ether way, sealed bearing or open, WD-40 will evaporate and is no good for case fans because of this reason. If WD-40 leaves a residue after evaporating the lubrication provided is not enough to keep items lubricated. Spray a spot of WD-40 and 10 -15 mins latter it is gone leaving the residue. I am drawing on 19 years of being an auto mechanic and fabricator along with being a PC tech. The job change was due to being crushed. Spray WD-40 on a door hinge, car or house, that squeaks and with in a couple of days it will squeak again.

The can actually says it lubricates, cleans, protects - I have yet to see this, Penetrates, and displaces moisture. But for anyone that has used this stuff a lot will know it is a poor long term lubrication. PB Blaster lasts longer but will eventually evaporate also. Air tool oil could also be an acceptable substitute as it is also a machine oil that does not evaporate although expensive and comes in way to big of a container for this application.

Strait from WD-40's web page: How long does WD-40 Multi-Use Product last after application? While this may vary depending on the application, WD-40® Multi-Use Product remains effective even after it appears to dry. The corrosion and rust protection ingredients remain adhered to the surface. External conditions may, of course, require additional applications of the product for maximum protection.

This tells me that the lubrication property's are gone after drying. So because of evaporation the effectiveness for fans, in this case, is very poor. Light machine oil and sewing machine oil works well because its main base is petroleum and the additives are not meant to evaporate.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
A

aldan

Splendid
Apr 15, 2013
3,999
29
24,640
yep,ive used airtool oil as well.i think we can agree that wd40 is not the best spray lube out there all right.thats why its sold in every big box store and is so cheap.ive used pb blaster and its pretty good although in an automotive situation if its something i could use a torch on i did.lol
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom