Fan grinding noise - HP Spectre x360 - Need help sourcing a replacement fan!

[Jmeister87]

Hello, 

I am assuming if you landed on this post, you are experiencing a similar issue: In recent days my 'right side' laptop cooling fan has started making a grinding noise. Its not all the time but usually when its in higher RPM while trying to cool.

I've taken the fan out to analyze it. Its completely clean with no obvious signs of damage. the only difference between Fan 1 and Fan 2 (the problem one) is if I spin fan 1 it will continue to spin at least 5 rotations, however Fan 2 will stop spinning quickly after removing my finger while giving it a spin.  

From an engineering perspective, these fans have very tight tolerances, when looking at the size of the fan and the tight metal housing around it. It really does not allow any room for error. My guess is the fan is not properly balanced, once it hits high RPM it touches the close fan housing. Likely off balance due to failing bearing.

Here's what I am requesting from the community and HP Support: If any of you know where I can source a safe, trusted replacement that doesn't break the bank, I would be very grateful!

As a community I believe we can unite our knowledge and find a solution that can put this issue to rest, for good.

Check out this video example:

[erico]

That was not a good assumption. The cooling fans do not usually fail.

There are plenty of sources for the replacement fan.

https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=M00227-001

[Jmeister87]

Thank you for the reply! During my research I realized many people experiencing a similar issue. I do agree cooling fans don't usually fail. I've owned many pieces of hardware that contain cooling fans, of various makes and models, over the past several years. This one is the first that has ever caused an issue. Unfortunately it belongs to my most expensive piece of equipment. 

My apologies for my assumption, it was just my stab at being cordial with the opening line of my post, with efforts to ensure anyone specifically searching the community for such an issue that they were not alone.

Note: Just to let everyone know it is quite easy to replace the fan in this specific laptop, as usual just be careful, don't force anything and use the correct tools for the job. 

I appreciate the google search link! 

The issue I have is the wide spectrum of listed prices, and limited quantities, seems very limited to random janky looking sites and a majority of them being shipped from China (referring to the shipping time, not the quality). You have some people charging $80 others $30 some $15. Amazon for instance has them for $40.. personally I ordered some from Amazon and eBay, due to the buyer protection associated with both sites. which ever one arrives first wins.

Again thanks! 

but personally I think this issue should remain open until we have a solid/reliable place to get replacement HP parts.

I have two if these exact same laptops, I would hate to have to source from a limited selection of parts with such varying prices and quantities, twice.

[erico]

"but personally I think this issue should remain open until we have a solid/reliable place to get replacement HP parts."

That really isn't how the forum works.

Not everyone is a great Google searcher or  shopper or  has  the ability to wisely chose vendors.

We try to help by providing vendor sources in an unbiased fashion and we do that one thread at a time.