Does not lubricating fans damage them?

[Codelyoko373]

Basically what the titles says. I was wondering what exactly happens if you don't lubricate your fans? Will it damage them?

 

[PC Tailor]

Assuming you lubricate correctly, and with the right type of lubricant. I can't see why it would.
Good lubrication will reduce the friction between moving components, lubricating your fans can help elongate the life of the bearings and all touching parts. (generally from a mechanical engineering perspective).

Edit: But having said that, don't fix what isn't broken. Like USAFRet, I've never had to lubricate fans, or know anyone who would. And cheap lubrication will definitely make it worse.

 

[USAFRet]

Basically what the titles says. I was wondering what exactly happens if you don't lubricate your fans? Will it damage them?

Of all the PC's I've ever had or touched, spanning several decades, I've never once had to "lubricate a fan".

Just of my current systems in the house here...that is a cumulative 2 or 3 million running hours for all the associated fans.

Never once.

In fact...if you apply some 3rd party lube, you're probably making it worse.
Most fans are built with oil impregnated bronze sleeve bushings. Basically, the bronze alloy is boiled in oil, and the lube sinks into all the pores of the bronze. They are "preoiled".
If you apply some gunk you bought from ebay....that may make it worse.

Just leave them alone. If one dies, or becomes noisy....toss and replace.
Relube will not fix it.

 

[JackNaylorPE]

Lubricant also draws dust and debris which could cause more wear and tear. As with all componentry, RTFM ... if it doesn't call for lubrication, you shouldn't use it.

 

[Codelyoko373]

Basically what the titles says. I was wondering what exactly happens if you don't lubricate your fans? Will it damage them?

Of all the PC's I've ever had or touched, spanning several decades, I've never once had to "lubricate a fan".

Just of my current systems in the house here...that is a cumulative 2 or 3 million running hours for all the associated fans.

Never once.

In fact...if you apply some 3rd party lube, you're probably making it worse.
Most fans are built with oil impregnated bronze sleeve bushings. Basically, the bronze alloy is boiled in oil, and the lube sinks into all the pores of the bronze. They are "preoiled".
If you apply some gunk you bought from ebay....that may make it worse.

Just leave them alone. If one dies, or becomes noisy....toss and replace.
Relube will not fix it.

Ah alright. The main reason I ask this is I haven't lubricated this stock CPU fan I have ever since I first brought my computer which was more then 3 years ago. I've noticed that the CPU fan has started to get quite loud, louder then it used to be and seems to have started making a ringing noise as it spins, as well as sort of grinding noise so I'm presuming it's cause it's not lubricated.

 

[USAFRet]

Ah alright. The main reason I ask this is I haven't lubricated this stock CPU fan I have ever since I first brought my computer which was more then 3 years ago. I've noticed that the CPU fan has started to get quite loud, louder then it used to be and seems to have started making a ringing noise as it spins, as well as sort of grinding noise so I'm presuming it's cause it's not lubricated.

Then it is need of either cleaning the dust out, or replacement. I'm guessing the latter.
If it is making noise as it spins...the clearance between bushing and spindle is now bigger than it was. More oil cannot fix that.

Like if you have a nut and a bolt, or compatible sizes.
The bolt screws into the nut easily, but with no side to side play.
Now...change the nut for something slightly larger.
Screw the bolt in, and you can feel the play in it.
That is the vibration you hear. The spindle knocking against the side of the bushing.
With a fan, it might be just a couple of microns. But enough to hear and feel.

A "relube" is attempting to fill that physical gap with oil. Not gonna work.
Time to replace it. Or clean it first, and see what happens.

 

[Codelyoko373]

Ah alright. The main reason I ask this is I haven't lubricated this stock CPU fan I have ever since I first brought my computer which was more then 3 years ago. I've noticed that the CPU fan has started to get quite loud, louder then it used to be and seems to have started making a ringing noise as it spins, as well as sort of grinding noise so I'm presuming it's cause it's not lubricated.

Then it is need of either cleaning the dust out, or replacement. I'm guessing the latter.
If it is making noise as it spins...the clearance between bushing and spindle is now bigger than it was. More oil cannot fix that.

Like if you have a nut and a bolt, or compatible sizes.
The bolt screws into the nut easily, but with no side to side play.
Now...change the nut for something slightly larger.
Screw the bolt in, and you can feel the play in it.
That is the vibration you hear. The spindle knocking against the side of the bushing.
With a fan, it might be just a couple of microns. But enough to hear and feel.

A "relube" is attempting to fill that physical gap with oil. Not gonna work.
Time to replace it. Or clean it first, and see what happens.

I've cleaned it but I think it's best just to replace it. It does it's job as a fan but is jet engine loud. The hard part (possibly) is just going to be finding a new replacement.

 

[JackNaylorPE]

Is it an oddball size ?

I always start with the list here ...

http://www.silentpcreview.com/article1345-page7.html

Top Ten

Phanteks PH-F140HP/TS/SP
Noctua NF-A14 FLX
Noctua NF-A15 PWM
Noiseblocker B12-2
Noctua NF-P14 FLX
Scythe Gentle Typhoon 120-12
Noiseblocker M12-S1
Corsair AF120 Quiet
Corsair AF120 Performance
Thermalright TR-TY150

I buy these by the dozen ... especially when they on sale on newegg for $10

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835709023

 

[glytch5]

I have oiled some fans... as long as you don't mess up the sticker it seems like a great fix for a fan that is starting to bind up. I have brought back some fans that were seriously seized with just a tab of oil... as the first answer said most fans now days have sleeved bearings which are packed with factory lube and never supposed to be touched... if you have some older ball bearing fans though... those VERY high pressure little beast, a drop of oil will do wonders....

Overal I generally do not recommend it, unless you have a very specific fan for something you absolutely need, and that fan is starting to choke up. oooor you don't have money to spend and your in a bind... faced with a fan that isn't turning well/making scary noises.

 

[JackNaylorPE]

I'm not much concerned about the oil that stays in other than being a dust magnet ... the stuff that drips out OTOH ...