sheikhg

Hi everyone,

Wondering if anyone had the same problem I do....when i turn on the HVAC, sometimes I will hear a faint squeaking noise, kind of on and off-ish. It happens whether the HVAC is on air, heat, vent, front, lower, defrost, and at any speed! Anyone have this problem?

Since I can hear the noise inside the car, it must be a belt somewhere on the inside? Any ideas how to fix?

Thanks!
Gene

konigstiger

Bring it in to the dealer it may be that the belt pulley needs to be replaced.

Barry45RPM

If it IS originating from the inside of the car, its not a belt. Is the squeak a faint sound and does it go away when you increase the blower speed?

konigstiger

Gene, when you say you can hear the noise inside the car, is it inside only? I took for granted that it was originating in the engine compartment and faintly being heard inside the cabin which is normally the case. Either way, as long as it can be reproduced, your best bet would be to bring it in.

sheikhg

hi! Actually when i shut the HVAC off, the squeaky noise goes away. Also, the noise does not occur right away -- usually after the fan's been running for 20-30 minutes....when i turn the blower to a higher speed, the noise does increase but only slightly....

In terms of hearing the noise inside the car, it sounds like it's coming from somewhere near the glove compartment...

Barry45RPM

Its a very soft blower or blower motor squeal. Thats why I asked if adjusting the fan speed has an effect on the noise. I used to have it too on my '04... It wouldnt happen as soon as I started the car, but a few minutes later when there was heat available, I'd hear it. As I recall, I believe I heard it with 2, maybe 3 bars showing on the fan speed level. Increasing the fan speed always eliminated the faint squeek noise.

I always thought lubricating the blower motor or cleaning out the box that the fan is contained in would fix it, but I was too busy with other crap to chase this one down.

saffrontiger

How funny! I have been hearing the exact same thing for several months but really didn't have the time to look into it further. In my car, it seems to be coming from the front passenger area possibly near the glovebox. It defintely seems to be a fan/blower issue. I'll take it into my SA when I have a chance and keep you posted. I love this forum!
Jay

Scambo

I believe it could possibly be the baffles misdirected or loose inside inside the duct system...not necessarily the blower itself.

konigstiger

It may any number of connection points. Next question, how annoying is the noise? Are you comfortable in having them attempt repair that may or may not cause additional annoying noise(s) - just an observation. Having said this, I am a perfectionist and my cabin must be dead silent.

Barry45RPM

I still say its the blower motor that needs lubrication/replacement.

mere320

I could not find any posts on how to access the blower motor in order to lubricate. Also, any specific recommendations on what type of lube to use?

mere320

So I was able to get to the blower motor by removing the cabin filter. From there you can see the top portion of the blower motor. I used PB blaster lube; similar to WD-40 but better according to the guy at Schucks. It stopped the squeeling for a few days but then came back.

What do you guys think? Should I plan to replace the blower motor or try a different lube?

Also, how tough is it to replace the blower motor?

Thanks,

Clinton Horn

I believe as others have pointed out that you have a dry bearing in the blower motor. The bearing on the opposite end of the motor (as opposed to the squirrel cage end) does most of the work and is usually the culprit. I doubt that lubrication will help for very long. Obviously, heat tends to dry WD- 40 etc pretty quickly. These bearings are sealed, the motor frame is pressed together with a hydraulic machine. In short, it is a throw away item which is a real shame to lose a $300 -$400 part for a $0.25 bearing. If it is bearing failure, the squeal will get progressively worse until it locks up. Here in the south, pine straw has a unique way of finding its way into the blower intake and it acts like a reed against the squirrel cage. That might be the case but that usually corrects itself as soon as the blower stops and the trash clears. I am betting on the bearing. I am sure that M-B uses a proprietary unit due to the 10-12 step speeds on the blower but honestly, the ones made for Kias and the one made for luxury cars are all pretty similar.

mere320

Any info or links on how to replace the blower motor?

mere320

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So I was able to get to the blower motor by removing the cabin filter. From there you can see the top portion of the blower motor. I used PB blaster lube; similar to WD-40 but better according to the guy at Schucks. It stopped the squeeling for a few days but then came back.

What do you guys think? Should I plan to replace the blower motor or try a different lube?

Also, how tough is it to replace the blower motor?

Thanks,

Barry45RPM

Thats the fact.

konigstiger

Part #2118300908 (for comparison shopping, parts.com $170.20) or http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MERCE...Q5fAccessories ($90 - free shipping)

(No affiliation)

vettdvr

Correct. You can't lube it and solve the problem. I have already replaced mine. Warranty.