Crunching noise after replacing Hard Drive

We have a HP a6142n which for 3 years. Started getting a bit noisy, assumed the HD needed a clean sweep. Replaced with new 1T. Seagate (installed XP SP3 only) - just as much noise as before. Cloned that drive over to another NEW 1T WD I just ordered - same noise level. Not sure what to check next...yes of course I could have 3 poor HD's but not likely. Two brand new (from Newegg and realize their packing w/ HD's has much to be desired although I ordered strictly from them). The noise starts when application is in progress (Firefox, Avira, Spybot, etc.). Helpful suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you...

 

Hi KathyH.
Agreed - not the HDD. First thing I would do is check the fans - see if one of them is hitting a cable or something. Could be the CPU fan, often set to only run when temp rises, which could explain why it doesn't crunch until you get things going a bit. Run the PC with the side cover off if you like, or turn the PC off and spin the fans by hand. Careful to remove static electricity before touching anything sensitive in there.

I assume the PC is running OK, other than the noise?

 

Good advice and I agree. It obviously isn't the HDD themselves but something associated. Is the HDD bay securely fastened, give it a wiggle.

Change the HDD cables.

Are you sure it is directly associated with the HDD area? A kitchen funnel gently against the ear can help in isolating the "specific" location.

 

GCWesq - No I'm not sure it's the HD, but initially assumed it was but after 3 HD's thinking something else is the culprit. Yes the PC is running pretty smooth since replacing with a basic vanilla XP install...adding a few programs as needed. How would I be able to tell it's the fan?

Bold Eagle - as noted above, not sure it's HD that was my first thought. I've changed it out a number of times and pretty sure it's secure in the bay. I can easily change out the HD cables. Listening with kitchen funnel...give that a try as well.

Thank you...

 

One procedure:
With the PC off and cool, look inside and find the fans (could be 2 or 3). They will be stopped (duh!)
Watch them when you boot. See if any start at the same time as the noise starts. Some fans are set to come on when the temperature rises, so there could be a delay.

Second option:
With the PC off, find the fans and give each a turn with your finger, or a pen or something if you can't reach with your finger. See if you can hear them hitting against anything.

Third option:
Look around each fan and see if you can see a cable close enough to the fan blades to be hit when the fan turns.

Another thought: It is possible that the problem is occurring when a cable heats up. It will then soften and expand, both of which could cause it to sag more than usual. It might then interfere with a nearby fan. Hence, make sure all cables and wires and everything else are well clear of fans.
It is also possible that a fan's fittings have worn, and the fan now actually hits against the casing or something. When you hear the noise, touch the casing around the fan. You might feel it vibrating, and you would also hear a change in the sound.

Note: the fan will move backwards or forwards when it spins - it moves in teh opposite direction to that of the air it's blowing. Hence, if the air is blowing inwards, the fan will move (and push) outwards. It may then contact something.

 

GCWesq - Will take apart that PC tomorrow and check the fans - I want to say there's 2 inside. I did clean the PC a few months ago with a blower type vacuum cleaner that is recommended for computers. After thought was did I get a little aggressive in there and possibly injured the fan bearings? If I find something to move, cable wise will do that. If I end up having to replace the fan which would be my first endeavor, basics for ordering - keep with same type, imagine they are somewhat specific, etc. ?? Thank you..Kathy

 

Don't forget the power supply fan - although they usually run full time.

No static from it, hopefully.

These fans don't usually have bearings - and you wouldn't damage them anyway. Did the noise start about then? You might have moved some wires/cables.

I've never had to buy a fan, but yes, there will be certain fans that fit and others that don't. Maybe cross that bridge when we come to it.

Don't forget the HDD cables.

 

So I need to look for CPU fan and Power Supply fan (have replaced once upon a time in another computer)?
I did not use anything to prevent static so I don't know. The noise may have started around then, really hard to tell as it's not my computer. Will do a thorough check tomorrow...thank you for all your advise.

 

Yes. There could be other fans as well though.
Meant to ask, is it the sort of noise you might expect from the blades of a fan hitting something? I guess by the time you see this, you will already be into it, but thought I'd ask anyway.

 

If a fan has no bearings how does the shaft spin?

Fans can be damaged by spinning them at above thier rated maximum speed, even if the spinning is not done by the fan motor.

 

Hi All,

Small point: Two types of bearings are used in cooling fans. Expensive ones use ball bearings and last a long time. Cheaper ones use Oilite Sleeve bearings. Just a porous oil filled tube. They may now last quite as long.

Jim

 

My mistake. :-o
I guess I have only pulled apart cheaper fans (for obvious reasons) which have sleeve bearings - and I call those bushes, rather than bearings (comes from reading car manuals, I guess).

Not very likely though, wouldn't you say? KathyH could have spun them up with the vacuum, but you'd have to leave it on for a while to do any damage, I would have thought.

 

It is very easy to move a wire to close to a fan blade and have it hitting, making a whacking noise (have done it before....;-)). Have a look at any and all wiring near the blades and ensure they are away even near the CPU HS.

Cases fans are pretty generic and come in standardised sizes of 80mm or 120mm for the vast majority and for the average user a $5-10 replacement will do.

If it seems your CPU Fan is dying just replace the whole HS for $10-15 for a stock Intel type which is cheaper than trying to replace those fans mostly.

 

Hot Shower...
Half Salami...
Horse Shoe...
Ham Sandwich...
Handsome Superhero (ahem... surely you don't mean me!! :cool)...
Hog Swill...

I give up.. maybe just replace the heat sink. :-D

 

Hi GCW,

You are 100% correct. They are actually called bushings. Over speed will not hurt a Bushing fan. I have been using Ball Bearings for over 65 yrs and have never seen one damaged by overspeed. There is always a warning about doing it from manufacturers and repair manuals.

Luck, Jim

 

It's been a busy weekend/week and will get inside computer case to see about cables this weekend. Appreciate all the input...KathyH

 

The manufacturer's warning was where I was coming from but if experience teaches there are no problems then I stand corrected.:-o