How to relubricate/service a troublesome or noisy fan.

[Solaris17]

Nice thread, stuck. Just be careful not to bicker! As for the heavier oils it should be known as @Bill_Bright alluded too, while fans with high static pressure generally have more current draw (amps/oomf) heavy oil can take more to get going on initial draw. This can affect smaller fans and is generally a well known topic among watch enthusiasts (mechanical (love them!)). I personally dont mind 3:1 oil, but you should be cautious using heavier oil especially if you life somewhere cold and use a MB header.

 

[lexluthermiester]

Nice thread, stuck. Just be careful not to bicker!

Cool, and agreed.

As for the heavier oils it should be known as @Bill_Bright alluded too, while fans with high static pressure generally have more current draw (amps/oomf) heavy oil can take more to get going on initial draw. This can affect smaller fans and is generally a well known topic among watch enthusiasts (mechanical (love them!)). I personally dont mind 3:1 oil, but you should be cautious using heavier oil especially if you life somewhere cold and use a MB header.

Never really had a problem with heavier oils and grease/oil mixes. Sure they can be thick, but not thick enough to prevent fan bearing shaft rotation.

 

[Bill_Bright]

I've been wondering if there is any virtue in using fully synthetic power steering or automatic transmission fluid over engine oil.

I don't see that as a good idea.

While transmission fluid is primarily an oil that lubricates, it is classified as a hydraulic fluid and coolant, and not a lubricating oil. Power steering fluid is also a hydraulic fluid. Both also have included additives for various purposes, including corrosion prevention and in some cases, even seal small leaks. Does that matter? I have no clue. But that's another reason why I would oppose the use of something not intended for that purpose.

I would stick with the lubricants designed for small motors such as the aforementioned 3-IN-ONE SAE 20 Motor Oil, or Liberty Oil.

 

[Shrek]

It was noted a long time back that the longest lasting lubricated bearings ran a soft material against hard, such as bronze against steel or an aluminum piston against a steel liner; but it was also noted that the greater wear was suffered by the harder of the two materials. What was happening was that hard particles in the oil were getting imbedded in the softer material, so a detergent oil (to keep the particles in suspension) is ideal if one is filtering the oil but not ideal if one is not filtering the oil.

I am trying to avoid detergent oil as one doesn't want to keep particles in suspension; but basically just playing with ideas. Liberty oil should work, so I might get some of that; but 3-IN-ONE electric motor oil is not synthetic, however it is non-detergent (not too worried that it is for 1/4 HP or larger).
3-In-One Multi Purpose Motor Oil, 3 Oz. 10045 | Zoro

 

[izy]

My PSU fan was doing some noise and ive used some engine oil from my diesel car but didnt last too long , just 2 months or something was smooth then started to make some noise again but only when fire up / shutting down the computer (maybe under big load too but i am not sure about that because of the other fans) anyway its still better than before the fix , it had a constant noise before, searched for a replacement fan but could not find any with the same dimensions / specs, if i remember right it has only a 2 pin connector and it is slimer than others and something close to the specs but with 3 pin costs like half of the price of a new PSU this model so i better buy a new PSU
Old but still OK Thermaltake Smart SE 530W or 630W (cant remember), if anyone knows where i can find this fan at a normal price would be great

 

[Bill_Bright]

not sure 3-IN-ONE is fully synthetic

According to its data sheet it consists of >96% highly refined mineral oil.

I really don't know what difference it makes if synthetic or not. That specific 3-IN-ONE product mentioned above (there are many 3-IN-ONE lubricants so must make sure right one) says it is designed for small motors like sewing machine motors, etc.

In fact, I don't even really understand what "synthetic" means in this case. Synthetic motor oils are still refined from crude oil.

 

[Shrek]

I understand (and might be wrong) that fully synthetic oils are made from natural gas; not refined, but synthesized.

My PSU fan was doing some noise and ive used some engine oil from my diesel car but didnt last too long

Diesel oils are high detergent.

 

[Bill_Bright]

I understood (and might be wrong) that fully synthetic oils were made from natural gas; not refined, but synthesized.

Nope.

What is synthetic oil made from?

It may have additives and other components not made from crude. But a big part still is.

 

[Shrek]

From your link

what is synthetic oil made from - Bing

Intelligent search from Bing makes it easier to quickly find what you’re looking for and rewards you.

www.bing.com

"Synthetic oil is a man-made lubricant that consists of artificially made chemical compounds."

I am interested in "fully synthetic" not "synthetic"

 

[Bill_Bright]

Again, not sure what difference it makes in terms of lubricating computer fan bearings. Synthetic oils are great when used in extreme conditions, lubricating massive hunks of metals as found in car engines that typically run from 195 to 220°F down into opposite extremes of subzero temperatures. The vast majority of computer fans are operated in environments where we humans are comfortable.

 

[nomdeplume]

For run of the mill fans very light machine oil is as good a mix of qualities you are likely to find at a price acceptable for the task being completed.

I can just see someone actually taking the time to code a Fantasy Fan Lubricator sim given what I've discovered is out there recently.

 

[xrobwx71]

From your link

what is synthetic oil made from - Bing

Intelligent search from Bing makes it easier to quickly find what you’re looking for and rewards you.

www.bing.com

"Synthetic oil is a man-made lubricant that consists of artificially made chemical compounds."

I am interested in "fully synthetic" not "synthetic"

Are all Synthetic Oil Groups the Same? Group III vs IV vs V - AMSOIL Blog

No. In fact, there are wide performance differences between base oil group categories. Generally speaking, Group IV base oils offer the best performance, Group III second best, and so on in reverse order. But be forewarned – there are exceptions. And, you can't judge motor oil performance solely...

blog.amsoil.com

 

[Ferather]

I use GT-85, but I guess anything that can be used on electrical boards. Simply spray into the gap (use the thin nozzle), leave the gap facing down for a few hours.



You can also put some on a cloth and wipe the blades-casing.

 

[lexluthermiester]

I am interested in "fully synthetic" not "synthetic"

No one manufactures a completely synthesized oil for the consumer market. For specialized and industrial use, they do exist but at $340(that's three hundred forty) per ounce, it's out of reach for most people and certainly should not be use for something like a fan.

Are all Synthetic Oil Groups the Same? Group III vs IV vs V - AMSOIL Blog

No. In fact, there are wide performance differences between base oil group categories. Generally speaking, Group IV base oils offer the best performance, Group III second best, and so on in reverse order. But be forewarned – there are exceptions. And, you can't judge motor oil performance solely...

blog.amsoil.com

Amsoil is excellent stuff. If you're willing to spend the extra money, worth it.

 

[Shrek]

So Liberty oil's "100% synthetic" is not really fully synthetic?

Just asking, not arguing.

 

[lexluthermiester]

So Liberty oil's "100% synthetic" is not really fully synthetic?

Ok, maybe. It is possible to fully synthesize oils for lubrication purposes, it's just crazy expensive usually. So again, maybe.

 

[Bill_Bright]

I think we are getting hung up on marketing hype - exactly what the marketing weenies want. I think "synthetic" is like saying "all natural" or "low calorie" or "light". It is about as real as bullfeathers.

I note the dictionary says "synthetic" and "artificial" may be synonymous. Scientists use artificial means to synthesize products made to imitate naturally occurring products.

As I noted above, most synthetic oils still use refined crude (petroleum) oil as their base or at least as a major component. I guess that is better than olive oil or whale blubber - where the lube makers' marketing weenies would label it "100% all natural"!

"Synthetic" implies a bunch of chemicals have been combined in specific ways to synthesize or imitate something else. And in the case of these oils and lubricants, it seems clear, many, if not most of those "chemicals" come from distilled crude oil/petroleum by-products - and, to the point here, not pure crude oil.

It the "lubricant" does not specify which component in its formula is being synthesized, the marketing "hype" should be taken with a grain, or entire shaker of salt.

The solution to this definition issue is for the entire global industry to get together and agree on industry standard definitions. My great-great grandkids will have already turned to dust before that happens. So the solution is for the government to step in and put a specific definition to the word "synthetic" as it is used in lubricates. And we all know that everyone (on both sides) just love more government involvement and regulations. So again, that will never happen.

It would seem in this scenario, it means these "synthetic" oils are not found "in nature" sitting in pools on the ground or in underground pockets in the Earth's crust, just waiting to be bottled. Instead, they are made in a lab.

***

I like Liberty Oil but one thing I am finding very frustrating is I cannot find the company website for these products, or even an official data sheet for those oils.

I keep finding Liberty Energy and Liberty Natural - but neither indicate they make these Liberty Oil products. Bing says Liberty Oil is a subsidiary of Viva Energy out of Australia but I cannot find anything about Liberty Oil on their website either.

It appears the company, Liberty Oil is synthetic too.

 

[Shrek]

Interesting how multipurpose grease may not be a good choice
Properly Lubricate Electric Motors - Efficient Plant (efficientplantmag.com)
"multipurpose greases often contain EP additives which, in some circumstances, can volatilize and corrode the copper windings of a motor"

However, I know the OP is careful to use silicone based grease as part of the mix and this is very wise in my opinion.

Seems Liberty oil is not the only one claiming 100% synthetic

Now I wonder about the 'dexos' in the oil I use

 

[Bill_Bright]

Interesting how multipurpose grease may not be a good choice

"multipurpose greases often contain EP additives which, in some circumstances, can volatilize and corrode the copper windings of a motor"

This is why, IMO re-lubricating is best done when we know the exact lubricant used during manufacturing. And since knowing the original lubricant is most likely impossible, totally degreasing and cleaning out the old lubricant, then re-lubing with totally new lubricant is often the best solution. Then there is no risk of the new breaking down or interacting with the old, or causing corrosion problems.

That said, one must be careful with applying new lubricant anyway - to ensure the lubricant is applied to the bearings and bearing chamber ONLY - it should not get on the copper windings or anywhere else.

 

[Shrek]

Now I learn that the red labled 3-in-ONE is vegetable based and best avoided for fans.
Fan maintenance - oiling bearings for fun and profit! (dansdata.com)

 

[OneMoar]

heavy mineral oil

 

[Bill_Bright]

Now I learn that the red labled 3-in-ONE is vegetable based and best avoided for fans.
Fan maintenance - oiling bearings for fun and profit! (dansdata.com)

Well, Malwarebytes blocks that website but nevertheless, as noted above, there are several 3-IN-ONE products and we must be careful which we choose. That said, you must be specific because this 3-IN-ONE with red in the label clearly says "petroleum distillates".

 

[lexluthermiester]

heavy mineral oil

I've never tried it, but imagine it would work fine. No idea about longevity though...

Now I learn that the red labled 3-in-ONE is vegetable based and best avoided for fans.

TRUE! Petroleum based oils having been refined through strictly controlled methods are the best. Anything formulated for high temperature, high friction loads will be excellent for sleeve bearing or ball bearing based fans.

Fan maintenance - oiling bearings for fun and profit! (dansdata.com)

Dan's guide covers A LOT more details than I did in this thread, but the principles are the same. That was a good article!

Well, Malwarebytes blocks that website

MalwareBytes is famous for it's false positives. Dan's site is perfectly safe and harmless.

That said, you must be specific because this 3-IN-ONE with red in the label clearly says "petroleum distillates".

While true, petroleum based compounds can be added to vegetable based oils. This has it's uses and fulfills a purpose, but not for computer fan bearings.

The general rule folks is this, if it's an oil or grease intended for use in a vehicle, it'll work for a fan bearing to reasonable effect. Lithium grease for example can be used to great effect in a fan but tends to degrade faster than other greases.

 

[maxx2575]

It should. If it's still spinning and at a reasonable speed, then a grease+oil relube job should fix it up quite well. The mix is easy to do and not expensive. You don't need the 10W40 grade I use, 5W30 or 10W30 will work just as well. Make sure to use full synthetic though, it's important. I've made a similar mix with Marvel Mystery Oil.

it's funny that I come across this thread now.
just today my fan seized up on me and I don't have any engine oil on hand or anything like that, but I did have some vegetable oil.
long story short there was no fluid in the bearings so I just put a tiny bit of the vegetable oil in it and it's working pretty good now. I don't care that much about these fans as I'm replacing them, but until then I think this will work good enough.

 

[lexluthermiester]

vegetable oil in it and it's working pretty good now. I don't care that much about these fans as I'm replacing them, but until then I think this will work good enough.

It'll work short-term, but it degrades fast. It'll last maybe 2 weeks? Just guessing.