The problem is, there is no way to quantify this.
Sure there is, experience. And while that is technically a subjective thing, it is without merit.
Exactly! Because it is subjective, it is indeed, without merit - that is, there is no basis for fact there.
Before you say "yes there is", note what I said! I said you cannot "
quantify" the increase in life expectancy.
You can have two identical (model number) fans operating in the exact same environment powered by the exact same power source yet still have significantly different life spans. And that's without the user making any modifications, or performing any maintenance.
But, no two identical fans are truly identical. There are multiple parts (multiple balls/sleeves, for example) inside each bearing assembly and there typically are two bearing assemblies on each motor. Therefore no two identical model number fans will wear in the same identical manner.
Consequently, there is no way, regardless your vast experience, to "
quantify" your claim that oiling "Fan A" will result in extending the life of that fan by "A LOT" compared to "Fan B" which you did not oil.
Even the term "A LOT" is subjective and cannot be quantified in this scenario.
So come-on Lex! Why are you being argumentative here?
I said you cannot "quantify" (to calculate or measure actual numbers) how long the life will be extended.
You replied, you can, then immediately contradicted that by saying it is "subjective" (or based on opinion).
I say no 2 fans are identical, then you reply "that's true". But then attempt to rationalize by saying it is "usually minimal".
"Usually" means nothing here. Fans with sealed bearing chambers don't "usually" ever need to be unsealed and reoiled. Fans don't "usually" fail when brand new, but some do. Most users will replace their computers before their fans fail. It doesn't change the facts.
I said,
Very nice tutorial, Lex. No doubt, performing these tasks will definitely prolong the life of many fans.
It should be noted, re-lubing a fan will not repair or restore worn bearings. Once damaged, that damage is done. It may quiet some noisy bearings for a while, but it is a temporary fix. So this re-lubing procedure would be a great "preventative maintenance" step to perform before damaging wear occurs in the first place.
"temporary" could still mean years!
The problem is, there is no way to quantify this.
There is just no way to predict how long they will last. No doubt, if lacking lubricant and you re-lube a motor, that will help extend its life. It may last weeks or years. But it may have lasted weeks or years anyway.
And once again, no amount of the best, perfect match lubricant will repair damage (excessive wear) already done.
All of that is 100% true.
...with the correct lubricant.
if a person performs a service/repair and it works, they come out ahead
Never disputed.
