At the point between the fan motor and the impeller a squeak has developed, and at times the lack of lubrication there has caused the motor to slow way down. Upon sliding the unit out, and manually moving the fan blade, I feel quite a resistance. I have managed to apply some WD-40 to the shaft at that location, but it doesn't last too long, and I have to re-apply the oil again. Is there a better way to apply lubrication to that particular point?
Absolutely! WD-40 is NOT a lubricant. I've been using Hoppes gun oil, but 3-in-1 oil will work, and you might find oil labeled for use on electric motors at an appliance parts seller.
I am having trouble visualizing what is between the motor and the impeller in an air conditioner, but I'm going to talk like it is a bearing.
I have "saved" many a bearing over the years, and they all go bad again. One lasted most of a year, but all the others failed in less than 3 days. I have used an ice pick to make an oil hole. I have taken motors completely apart to lube them. I have injected several types of grease with a hypodermic needle. It always comes down to replacing the bearing.
Love your style, but, been there, done that.
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Thanks for the suggestion. The 3-in-1 helped, and lasts longer than WD-40, but I still need to apply it about once a day. If there were a port on the motor or blower fan shaft point, it would be easier, but it appears that these are sealed. And accessing the points on the motor shaft when only sliding the unit out to service it is a little difficult because of little room.
I appreciate the time you're giving me. Here is a crude drawing showing the limited lubrication points at which I have applied the 3-in1 oil - hoping that some seeps into the "bearings" by capillary action. I don't want to give up on this unit, and I may eventually tear it down to get to the bearings better.
I have the exact same air conditioner and it has run fine for 5 years now. However, it recently started making a rattling type noise and at first I thought something inside was rubbing or something. I opened up the unit and everything seems fine - the fan motor spins freely, there is no slop in both bearings. When I run the fan at low speed it doesn't make this noise. When I increase the fan speed to medium the noise comes and goes intermittently. When I increase the speed to high, the noise starts and continues. If I let it keep going making this noise, I noticed the fan slows down a little when its making the noise. Anybody have any ideas what might be causing this?
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