6 Reasons Why Your Tower Fan Is Squeaking

The purpose of a tower fan is to keep you cool. Is your tower fan is squeaking and causing more annoyance than the heat? Don’t worry, here’s a guide to help you fix the squeaking issue.

There are common reasons why your tower fan may be squeaking, such as lack of lubrication, debris in the blades, a loose or broken belt, worn-out motor bearings, or jammed oscillating parts. Additionally, if the housing or screws of your tower fan are loose, it may also contribute to strange noises.

Keep reading to find the specific problem and learn how to resolve it effectively

Contents

6 Common Reasons Your Tower Fan Might Be Squeaking

Tower fans are an excellent cooling solution for hot days, but they can become a source of frustration when they start producing unusual noises. If you’re experiencing squeaking sounds from your tower fan, there are several possible reasons to consider.

Here is a list of 6 common causes of squeaky tower fans:

1. The Fan Needs To Be Oiled

A common cause of squeaking in tower fans is insufficient lubrication. The motor and bearings in the fan require regular lubrication to ensure proper functioning.

They contain bearings that must lubricate occasionally. If the bearings become dry, they can generate noise as well. Therefore, lubrication is an essential maintenance task to keep them running smoothly.

To address a squeaky fan resulting from a lack of lubrication, follow these steps:

Add oil to the motor: Locate the oiling holes on the motor and remove the covers if necessary. Use SAE20 oil for optimal results.
Run the fan for a few minutes and observe if the noise is gone.

Note: You can consult the manual that came with your tower fan for specific instructions on how to lubricate it.

2. The Fan Blades Are Dirty

Another frequent cause of a squeaky tower fan is dirty blades. Over time, dust and dirt can accumulate on the blades, causing them to become unbalanced. This imbalance puts strain on the motor, resulting in squeaking noises.

To address this issue, follow these steps:

Use a flashlight to inspect the fan blades for dust buildup. It is generally recommended to clean the fan every two months with regular use. You can check this article that explains the cleaning process in detail.

On the other hand, you can follow a video tutorial on how to clean your fan:

Pro Tip: If the blades are particularly dirty, you can use a degreaser to break down stubborn dirt and grime. Ensure the blades are completely dry before turning on the fan.

3. The Fan Belt Is Loose or Broken

If your tower fan has a belt, it’s essential to check its condition as it could be the cause of the noise. A loose or broken belt can result in a making noise since it is responsible for turning the fan blades smoothly. If there is a problem with it, the blades will not move smoothly and will cause it to make a squeaking sound.

Start by finding the belt and visually inspecting its condition. Look for any signs of damage, such as being broken, fraying, brittle (with lots of small cracks), or slipping when you move the blades while holding the fan.

If you notice any of these issues with the belt, it is clear that a replacement is necessary.

To address the loose or broken belt, follow these steps:

Unplug the fan and remove the blade assembly.
If the belt is broken, fraying, or showing signs of damage, it needs to be replaced. Obtain the correct type of belt for your fan.
Install the new belt or tighten the existing one securely.
Reassemble the fan by attaching the blade assembly.
Plug in the fan and turn it on to find out if the noise has stopped.

Tip: If you are unsure about replacing the belt yourself, consider taking the fan to a local repair shop where they can assist you in replacing it accurately.

4. The Motor Bearings Are Worn Out

If your fan is making a squeaking noise, it’s possible that the motor bearings have become worn out. The bearings play an important role in ensuring the smooth operation of the motor, and when they are damaged, they can result in noise. Moreover, the noise itself can be an indication that the motor is on the verge of failing, making it advisable to replace it before it completely stops working.

To replace the motor bearings, follow these steps:

Begin by unplugging the fan and removing the blade assembly.
Find the bearings within the motor and proceed to remove them.
Install new bearings in their place and reassemble the fan.
Run the fan to determine if the squeaking noise has ceased.

Caution: You need to make sure that the replacement bearings are the exact same size as the ones you removed. Using bearings of different sizes could potentially cause additional damage to the fan. In many cases, the effort involved in obtaining the correct bearings and replacing them is well worth the improved performance and noise reduction of the fan.

5. The Oscillation Mechanism Is Jammed

A jammed oscillation mechanism is another possible reason for a squeaky tower fan. The oscillation feature allows the fan to rotate, and if this mechanism becomes clogged or misaligned, it can place strain on the motor, resulting in squeaking noises. Alternatively, the parts of the mechanism itself may be causing the squeaking under the added stress.

To address a jammed oscillation mechanism, follow these steps:

Start by unplugging the fan and removing the blade assembly.
Find the oscillation mechanism and carefully clear away any debris that may be obstructing its movement.
Reassemble the fan and plug it back in.
Turn on the fan to check if the squeaking sound has stopped

6. The Grill or Blade Housing Is Loose

A loose grill or blade housing can be a potential reason for noise in your fan. The grill and blade housing plays an important role in keeping the blades securely in place. When they are not properly tightened, the blades can become unbalanced and make contact with the housing, resulting in a squeaking noise.

In this case, the tightening of the screws that are loose will get the job done.

Last Words

If you notice a squeaking noise coming from your tower fan, it can happen due to various reasons. The primary culprit is often worn-out motor bearings, but other possible causes include a jammed oscillation mechanism or a loose grill or blade housing. In some cases, a loose screw could be to blame.

If you’ve tried to troubleshoot the issue by identifying and addressing the specific cause but the squeaking persists or you’re unable to determine the source, it may be wise to take your fan to a professional repair shop. With proper maintenance and care, your tower fan should provide years of reliable service without getting such problems.