Computer Fan Problem [SOLVED]

Misanthropic

So I picked up an Antec 900 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021) online, gutted my old case and got everything set up. Everything went perfect, except the 200mm fan on the top clicks when the computer is on. I don't want to gut the computer, ship it back, etc.

Anyone know what it could be and/or a way to fix it? It's something inside the fan, not a cable hitting the blades or anything. Would WD-40 fuck anything up in there?

I suppose I could just run it until it wears down whatever's doing it, hopefully that will quiet it?

Teelie

WD-40 might fix the fan bit then probably go on and fuck up something else even worse. Could be a bad bearing in the fan. I've had those go out and it makes a noise similar to what you're describing.

Misanthropic

Yeah, I'll just run it for a while, see if I can get it to fix itself. If not I guess I could always try to get a replacement in there.

Caelum Militis

WD-40 bad.

If you're very certain it's bearings and want to try and fix it yourself (which may or may not void any warranty you have), then try this:

Take fan out of case
Remove the inevitable sticker from the middle of the fan.
There should be a small rubber stopper under said sticker. Remove this with the tip of a sharp knife. Be very careful not to damage the stopper.
Put 1-2 drops of sewing machine oil into the exposed hole
Reseal.

This will help if it's simply bad lubrication of the bearings. This won't help if the bearing is bad.

To re-iterate, do not use WD-40. It is good at many things, lubricating fan bearings is not one of them. Sewing machine oil is good, and costs less then $2 for a huge bottle that would oil a million fans.

Misanthropic

I cracked the case open and pulled down on the fan gently. Gave it a few spins and it seemed to fix the problem. Fired it up and the noise was gone.

Good thing I tried the low tech solution first.