Laptop Fan Troubles: Repair or Replace?

If you’re experiencing strange noises from your laptop, it can be quite concerning. Recently, I encountered a frustrating issue with my laptop’s CPU fan, which started producing a persistent clicking sound. In hopes of solving the problem, I documented my findings and sought some advice.

Initially, I suspected that dust accumulation might be the culprit. After giving my laptop a thorough cleaning, I discovered that the clicking noise persisted. To investigate further, I compared the operation of my GPU fan—quiet and smooth—with the defective CPU fan. The GPU fan remained motionless, while the CPU fan exhibited noticeable movement.

After a bit more research and disassembling my laptop, it became clear that the CPU fan itself was wobbling. While I took the time to tighten any visible screws, it was evident that the real issue lay with the fan blades. I couldn’t determine whether the problem was related to a faulty bearing and whether I could address this issue myself.

At this point, I’m weighing my options. Repairing the fan would be much more affordable than replacing it completely; however, I’m unsure if a DIY fix is feasible. With budget constraints in mind—especially since I know that a new fan can cost around $20—I’m eager to find out if anyone has tackled a similar problem successfully.

If you have experience with laptop fan repairs, I would greatly appreciate your insights. Is it possible to fix a wobbling fan, or should I consider a replacement? Your expertise could save me both time and money as I navigate this technical dilemma.