FYI: HVAC blower and cabin filter maintenance
04-29-2009, 10:03 AM
#1
FYI: HVAC blower and cabin filter maintenance
My HVAC fan had started making some whirling/mouse squeek noises that occur randomly. I took apart the blower assembly and man, it's caked in with black soot and other crap. The 2 paper filters behind the glovebox... I extended their life by rinsing it in water and then disinfecting it with some lysol spray cleaner and then rinsing it again. I think the disinfecting part is important because it's the bacteria on the filter that's causing the air to reek coming out of the vents.
The blower fan cannot be removed because it's got some "arrow-head" like design on the motor shaft such that once the fan blade assembly itself is installed, it can't be removed (like the way an arrow only goes in one way, but can't pull out without ripping flesh).
Anyways, cleaned each individual blade with cotton swaps and disinfectant. Then relubed the shaft just with a few squirts of WD40 (though I don't know how much of will seap into the cracks).
Re-installed everything and voila.. no more squeeky sounds. The fan runs quieter too and the air coming out of the vents is fresh and clean!!
Seriously people, your health is just as important as keeping the car's engine healthy (i.e. checking oil, doing maintenance on engine etc...)... don't neglect your own health as the driver! Especially if you spend copious amounts of time just driving in it because you love driving it so much!
Take care!
The blower fan cannot be removed because it's got some "arrow-head" like design on the motor shaft such that once the fan blade assembly itself is installed, it can't be removed (like the way an arrow only goes in one way, but can't pull out without ripping flesh).
Anyways, cleaned each individual blade with cotton swaps and disinfectant. Then relubed the shaft just with a few squirts of WD40 (though I don't know how much of will seap into the cracks).
Re-installed everything and voila.. no more squeeky sounds. The fan runs quieter too and the air coming out of the vents is fresh and clean!!
Seriously people, your health is just as important as keeping the car's engine healthy (i.e. checking oil, doing maintenance on engine etc...)... don't neglect your own health as the driver! Especially if you spend copious amounts of time just driving in it because you love driving it so much!
Take care!
04-29-2009, 10:35 AM
#3
It is okay to rinse it (rinse both sides), and then allow to dry. Though I highly recommend some sort of anti-bacterial spray to be applied. You want to kill any bacteria or fungus that maybe growing on the filter element.
Eventually you should replace the filter element entirely. Most people just install/forget and replace after 4 years. I just do this to maintain the cleanliness/healthiness of the cabin air.
Eventually you should replace the filter element entirely. Most people just install/forget and replace after 4 years. I just do this to maintain the cleanliness/healthiness of the cabin air.
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