How to Fix a Fireplace Fan Blower Squeal

My fireplace fan developed a nasty squeal. I figured out the squirrel cage had traveled and the fins were rubbing. Fixed for under $5.

[@adamvanessen5467]

Thanks Chris, people like you are unsung heroes!

[@jerrys.1910]

Been puzzled as to why I cant stop mine from squealing...now I believe I know what it is. Thank you! "Liked" your video.

[@stevetiernan7394]

Thanks for this video to get me started. My experience was a little different in that I couldn't put in a clip like you had. On my unit there was a spring that was no longer pushing the squirrel cage over enough. I spread out that spring, greased things up, and problem solved. Thanks again for your help.

[@24secondsperframe68]

Thanks for this video Chris. My mum's fire was squealing too. When I got to the point in your video where you're showing us the way the fan sounds as it rests via gravity, I took a look at the kind of grommet holding the fan spindle at the non motor end and just gave it a nudge and problem solved. I might have presumed it was a motor problem otherwise. Thanks for the heads up over these types of fan housings!

[@brentk9520]

thanks for sharing. i installed brand new blower fan this season and it is making similar noise after just a week of burning wood. i will try to repair this weekend. excellent video!

[@grounded9623]

Exactly what happened to my blower; first i tried lube and vibration pads but then discovered it was the fins rubbing. Thanks.

[@jeanetterocha668]

Thank you for the information. I have the same problem.

[@stevemacdonald3522]

Thanks for the info. Love the heat but HATE the squealing sound.

[@rickmontanaro458]

Thank you, it has helped big time.

[@CommentFactsAndNotNegativity]

When you remove the end cap from the motor you'll notice it has a bearing inside. Repacking that with grease may be all it needs to quiet down.

[@thedaveko]

is this a long term solution? describing this to a local repair man, he seems convinced it's the motor that needs to be replaced, but they don't make this motor any more, so he was suggesting i get the whole fireplace replaced.

[@RichardsMortgageGroup]

5 years later, mine is still squeal-free. Check out other comments as other people have solved with a nudge here and there or equally innovative solutions!

[@mikevoshel5674]

Where can you get the rubber piece and bearing for the non motor end? Mine is doing something similar noise wise but I have narrowed it down to the rubber end cap being missing. I was able to find the race that goes on the end of the shaft but the rubber piece has seemingly vanished. I packed it with grease temporarily which solved the problem and silenced the unit for a few weeks until the grease wore out. Ashley hearth doesn't seem to offer that specific part without selling the entire blower assembly.

[@simpleforging3339]

these fans are expensive to replace. I'm looking for an overview on how they work and how to test the components of a thermostatic switch

[@aaronhand2530]

Not sure about your model but my thermostatic switch is a disc. Hold a flame under or near it and you should hear a "click" even if it isn't connected to power. The click is a good sign that the switch is working.

[@simpleforging3339]

@@aaronhand2530 thank you for this

[@MadeMoves007]

Awesome!!!

[@kizmo69]

Mine was realy noisy even it was new, I have use graphite lube and not screw too much the screws because that squeeze the motors.

[@Truevibe]

mine makes a loud humming kinda noise and i can't seem to fix it..

[@MrsBuddevil]

Do you happen to have a link to the part that you replaced?

[@scootta1957]

Move you guitar away from your stove, guitars nees some moisture you guitar is drying out and will Crack warp bend. They sell moisture bags for guitars