Noisy Laptop Fan

The fan on my laptop (at least I think it's the fan) is making a loud whirring/grinding noise. I tried blowing out the dust with a can of compressed air but it didn't help. I noticed that the noise stopped for a few seconds when I tipped the computer up to blow out the dust. Is it possible that the fan could be loose? Might be a long shot, but it doesn't hurt to ask, right?

If the fan needs to be cleaned, which is most likely the problem, is that something I can do myself, or should I have a tech do it? I'm not familiar with the internals of my computer and don't want go poking around in there unless I know exactly what I'm doing!

The laptop is a HP Pavilion running Windows 10 Home.

 

Since you have not provided the model number to the laptop it is not possible to ascertain how many fans exist within the chassis.

It must at least have one fan for the cpu and depending on how old the laptop is, the bearings are probably shot as these are extremely cheap fans.

The only effective way to stop this noise is to replace the fan which invariably involves dismantling the laptop unfortunately.

I don't think the fan is loose but in the extremely unlikely event that it is your only option here is to dismantle the laptop.

It is a pain but regrettably all laptops can be a pain......

 

Model # Pavilion 15n028us. Serial #5CD34405GC. Product # F0Q58UA#ABA.

 

It is possible it is loose, but I agree with risk_reversal and don't think so.

When you tip the computer up, you change the orientation of the fan motor bearings. Where the weight of the motor used to press here (where it is now worn), now it presses there where it is not worn).

Some may suggest a drop of oil on the motor hub. I don't recommend that. Fan makers use permanent lubricant. Unless you know the exact lubricant formula, any oil you apply will likely break down what is already there, making the problem even worse. The noise may go away, but it will be temporary, at best.

Once bearings (or the channels they run in) wear, the damage is done and they cannot be repaired. So again I agree with risk_reversal and the fan needs to be replaced. And you really should do this sooner rather than later because it is only going to get worse and at some point, the bearings are likely seize. Then you risk an over-heating situation.

If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, there is no shame in taking it to a reliable shop. This would be an easy fix for an experienced tech. No doubt they have disassembled 100s of notebooks, have the right tools, and know where to strategically hold their tongue. Plus, they would be liable for any collateral damage. Just make sure they understand the notebook works great otherwise when you take it in.

IMO, this should take no more than 1 hour of labor, plus parts. If this is the CPU fan, it may actually be a quick, while-you-wait fix (once they have a replacement part).

 

Thanks to all who replied! I made a few calls and got a couple quotes. Turns out it will be less than $100 to fix, parts and labor. My wise guy friend suggested putting a reusable ice pack under the laptop to cool it down. Ha ha. Very funny. I think the ice pack would be best stuffed down the back of his shirt! Thank you again for the help!