CPU fan failing after WD-40 spray

[Gamingdude15]

I know, I know. I shouldn't have used WD-40 on my fans and I should've done my research before hand.

Anyways, 2 days after I put WD-40 on my CPU fan (because it was noisy), my computer was shutting down at random. In little time did I find out that my CPU was overheating because my CPU fan is underperforming. After starring at the BIOS for a bit, my fan was indeed underperforming, and at a increasing rate. It normally runs at 3000-4000RPM, but it was at 1500 and decreasing. This started happening the day after I applied WD-40 to my fan.
I tried cleaning the fan out completely by rinsing it with water, but it only fixes it temporarily.

 

[CountMike]

Now go and change stupid thing. WD40 is detrimental to coil insulation inside the fan's motor. It may make a short and blow MB !!!

 

[Susquehannock]

Agree. Toss that fan.

For future reference... "WD" stands for water displacement. It is mostly solvents and not made for lubrication.

 

[junkeymonkey]

I use wd40 in a lot of fans and never had a issue . that fan must of been beyond repair / defective

maybe you need to go to wd site and read up some ? its 100% safe to use on electronics and electrical parts . the WD40 did not harm your fan

''The long-term active ingredient is a non-volatile viscous oil which remains on the surface to which it is applied, giving lubrication and protection from moisture''

whats that ?? ''giving lubrication '' will agree if your fan don't have a service hole/ port to lube under the label you kinda stuck with a light spray as wd to shoot up and under the fan blade skirt

http://www.overclockers.com/em-spinning-lubricate-pc-fans/

a oli like 3 in 1 or sewing machine oil heck last time I used dextron ATF and worked great

WD-40® Multi-Use Product fulfills five basic functions:
1.LUBRICATES: The product's lubricating ingredients are widely dispersed and tenaciously held to all moving parts.
2.PENETRATES: WD-40® Multi-Use Product loosens rust-to-metal bonds and frees stuck, frozen or rusted metal parts.
3.PROTECTS: The product protects metal surfaces with corrosion-resistant ingredients to shield against moisture and other corrosive elements.
4.REMOVES: WD-40® Multi-Use Product gets under dirt, grime and grease. Use it to remove gunk from tools, equipment and vehicles. WD-40® Multi-Use Product in liquid form (e.g., gallon) also dissolves adhesives, allowing easy removal of excess bonding material.
5.DISPLACES MOISTURE: Because it displaces moisture, WD-40® Multi-Use Product quickly dries out electrical systems to eliminate moisture-induced short circuits.

 

[Susquehannock]

WD-40 will most definitely damage some plastics. Polycarbonate for instance. Says this in their FAQ page. So, what are your PC fans made from?

 

[USAFRet]

The fan was already bad.
WD-40 may or may not have made it worse.

In future, don't use WD-40.

 

[USAFRet]

Also...most fans of this type are oil impregnated bronze bushings.
The semi porous bushing is soaked in boiling oil during manufacture.

Application of WD-40 may compromise the original lube.

In any case...it was dead before. WD-40 did not make it better.
And the WD-40 may impact other parts of the fan....plastics, for instance.

 

[Susquehannock]

True about the sleeve bearings. Also, most ball bearings are sealed and will not benefit from added lubrication. I am a fan of Panaflo hydro bearing types. Their larger center hub means they are better suited for case fan than CPU cooler use.

 

[Gamingdude15]

So my fan is screwed, and it's not because of the WD-40? If so, that's convenient timing. Could I just put regular oil on it and it would be fine?

 

[Susquehannock]

Just buy a new fan and be done with it.

 

[DSzymborski]

So my fan is screwed, and it's not because of the WD-40? If so, that's convenient timing. Could I just put regular oil on it and it would be fine?

If the fan is dying, it's dying. You're asking for magic, not oil. Luckily, this is literally the least expensive thing that can break down on your PC.

 

[USAFRet]

So my fan is screwed, and it's not because of the WD-40? If so, that's convenient timing. Could I just put regular oil on it and it would be fine?

If it was noisier than before, it was already failing.
No amount of oil will fix that.

 

[The Original Ralph]

what USAFRet said earlier

and for the record, WD-40 is 99% kerosene with a small amount of ammonia nitrate - nothing i'd want on my electrical circuits as it will short electronics out. If you're inclined to using any lube near something electrical, use pure silicone oil - does not conduct electrical current, and will seal out moisture better than anything else. It's also the best lubricant to use in a polymer to metal interface (got that from a retired DOW Chem research lab chief)

fwiw

 

[Gamingdude15]

Okay... After I posted that I was tinkering with the fan and it was indeed failing. I was putting it in different positions (up, down, vertical, etc.) and it gave me different speeds. Shortly after, a blade broke off. lol