Fix Your Stuff Community Store

The iMac is Apple's line of all-in-one desktop computers.

8379 Questions View all

Options

best lubricant oil for noisy internal fans in iMac's & MacBook's

Hi,

I have few old 2010/2011 iMac's (21.5" & 27") with noisy internal fans. I was just wondering what is the best recommended oil to use to lubricate the fans after they have been cleaned from dust.

I have seen some people using Lithium Grease or sewing machine oil to lubricate the internals of the fan to reduce the noise.

Would you say that this help's lubricate noisy fans and if so which one would you recommend?

Also, how much would you recommend to apply?

Thanks.

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

Is this a good question?

Yes No
Score 0
Add a comment

3 Answers

Filter by:
Most Helpful Newest Oldest
Chosen Solution

Options

I would recommend replacing the fans. If the fans are noisy then that most likely means there's already damage to the bearings and/or the fan cage. Oiling it may stop the noise for a short period but doesn't solve the problem. Furthermore, the oil will act like a sponge for passing dust particles and just make things worse, not to mention the possibility of flinging particles of oil into your computer.

Was this answer helpful?

Yes No
Score 2
Add a comment

Options

Surprisingly you don’t want to lube the fan bearings as they are designed not to need it and many are sealed so you can’t get to where you would need to go to lube the bearing.

Most likely the bearings are worn due to fan control software running the fans to hard or dust build up unbalancing the fan.

Was this answer helpful?

Yes No
Score 1
Add a comment

Options

From what I read that is cheap and long lasting is to use Motor Engine oil, what you would do is fill the pit and wait a few minutes for it fill on it's own then fill it to the top again and do this like 1-2 times until it stays completely filled.

Was this answer helpful?

Yes No
Score 0

4 Comments:

@almighty1 definitely not a good idea. You'd be "flinging particles of oil into your computer"

by

@oldturkey03

There is only going to be oil the size of a sesame seed or less. Finding a replacement fan is not easy as most of the ones even showing the original part number are fake and the screw holes are in the wrong place.

by

Hi @almighty1

I've done it and used sewing machine oil. Motor engine has several levels of viscosity but all are quite heavy. It is only a temporary fix, as mention above.

by

@mike - How long did it actually last for you just out of curiosity? Wonder if the lubricants that is a dried Teflon film actually work well or not since the shafts are not sealed, it's probably going to dry out if it was a liquid.

by

Add a comment

Add your answer

Adrian will be eternally grateful.
View Statistics:

Past 24 Hours: 0

Past 7 Days: 6

Past 30 Days: 19

All Time: 1,723