Blower motor squeak

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On my 2015 Camry there is a squeak that matches the frequency of the blower fan speed. It's not always there, comes and goes. Started a couple months ago. I pulled the blower motor and don't see anything amiss. From what I understand, it's a sealed unit so can't oil the bearing. This is what it looks like: https://www.carid.com/tyc/front-hvac-blo...oUaAlC0EALw_wcB

Replacement blower motor ranges from $45 to $130 for what looks like the same thing of perhaps varying quality.

Talked to my local mechanic while I was getting tires and he was surprised the blower fan would malfunction and suspected debris but I don't see any debris. Same squeak with or without the cabin filter in place.

Any tips to troubleshoot this?
 
I have never had a Toyota fan motor go bad. But I have had trash get in them several times. Since it is squeaking, me thinks it needs lubrication which you stated cannot be done since it is a sealed unit. All my fan problems have been whirring, clicking, etc from stuff hitting the blade. Can you leave the fan motor out but still attached to electricity for a few days and wait for the squeak? At least you would be able to identify exactly where it is coming from. That's what I would do if it is possible.
 
You can still lube it a little.... it's not sealed like the International space station.

I think Zoom Spout Turbine Oil would be worth a try.
 
Originally Posted By: LeakySeals
Have you replaced the cabin air filter recently? Any air fresheners clipped to the vents?


I replaced the cabin filter not that long ago. I was thinking there was a correlation; that's why I pulled the filter to see if the squeak was still there. It was. So, it's not the filter itself. Nothing clipped to the vents.
 
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Originally Posted By: Gebo
I have never had a Toyota fan motor go bad. But I have had trash get in them several times. Since it is squeaking, me thinks it needs lubrication which you stated cannot be done since it is a sealed unit. All my fan problems have been whirring, clicking, etc from stuff hitting the blade. Can you leave the fan motor out but still attached to electricity for a few days and wait for the squeak? At least you would be able to identify exactly where it is coming from. That's what I would do if it is possible.


The weather has moderated so I can do without proper airflow for a few days to try and troubleshoot.
 
The Escalade had that noise. Automatic climate control made the fan turn too slow or at a speed which there was noise. There was a problem with the blower motor resistor. I replaced the blower motor resistor, problem was gone. Gone likely because the fans were turning at a different, faster (or slower) speed.
 
Also, my Dad's 2012 Camry had a recall for a mildew issue in the vents. They had to cut a hole or change a drain, forget which. That would surely impact the aluminum resistor fins protruding in the lower area of the duct system. They would get surface corrosion, as they are bare metal. I would take that off and inspect, maybe just replace it. Should not be an expensive part, easy replacement. Should be near fan.
 
Originally Posted By: Leo99
Any tips to troubleshoot this?

Take this FWIW, but I have this issue on the Jeep- it started when it first got below freezing here. I would cycle the climate control on/off to no avail. Couldn't figure out what the heck it was- cabin filter had just been replaced too.

I then got my VW on 12/29, driving home in the cold & snow from the dealership and the same [censored] noise as the Jeep started. It bothered the [censored] out of me that two cars did the exact same thing, so I started playing around with the climate control. I thought to myself that it had to do with the frigid temps, so I took the outside (cold) air out of the equation. I hit the button to circulate the inside air and after about a minute of the warm air returning through the blower, the noise went away. Got home, took the Jeep for a spin, did the same thing, and it worked. It is definitely not ideal as the windows get fogged up pretty darn quick, but helps a bit to run it every few minutes to keep the blower somewhat warm.

Give it a try and see if it helps for you as well. I am just not sure of the permanent solution at this point.
 
typical for this to happen more when a blower fan is cold and the bearings have some wear. Pull it apart & oil it the best you can, or live with it. It could last a while longer, like several years. Aftermarket replacements are hit and miss. I put a cheapo in a van not long ago and it had a nasty motor whine that was too pronounced at lower speeds to enjoy.
 
Originally Posted By: meep
typical for this to happen more when a blower fan is cold and the bearings have some wear. Pull it apart & oil it the best you can, or live with it. It could last a while longer, like several years. Aftermarket replacements are hit and miss. I put a cheapo in a van not long ago and it had a nasty motor whine that was too pronounced at lower speeds to enjoy.

I bet a silicon spray would work good. A lube without attracting too much dust. Good idea may try that
 
Bearing has gone dry. You can try lubricating it, probably wouldn't last or simply replace it.Not many options here.
 
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