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    M17x R2 fan grinding noise + warranty

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by Ian_92, Jan 9, 2012.

  1. Ian_92

    Ian_92 Notebook Guru

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    The middle fan on my m17x r2 is making quite a loud grinding noise now and then, if I bump my laptop slightly it stops and runs smooth, and when I tilt it or turn it upside down it makes a loud continuous grinding noise, I was wondering if opening it and cleaning the fan could solve the problem or if its a common defect in the the fan itself. I need my laptop for classes so i'm somewhat reticent to send it to dell as i'd be left with no computer.

    My first thought would be to open it and check the fan but I wasn't sure if that would void my warranty.. any clue?

    Thanks in advance,

    Ian_92
     
    Ian_92, Jan 9, 2012
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  2. Mobius 1

    Mobius 1 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    It won't void warranty.

    Try to completely disassemble and use a brush to clean the fan+motor (i would use water on the fan)

    If it keeps making noise, it could be a damaged bearing/motor. Call Dell


    Good luck
     
    Mobius 1, Jan 9, 2012
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  3. Ian_92

    Ian_92 Notebook Guru

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    Thanks for the quick answer, is a there a good guide you know of to show how to properly open it?
     
    Ian_92, Jan 9, 2012
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  4. DR650SE

    DR650SE The Whiskey Barracuda

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    To get to the CPU fan just remove battery and remove the bottom lid. You should then have acess to the fan.
     
    DR650SE, Jan 9, 2012
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  5. Ian_92

    Ian_92 Notebook Guru

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    Alright, thanks to both of you, i'll try that out! hopefully it can save me from dealing with dell and stuff, i'd rather just have it working now and ready for my classes
     
    Ian_92, Jan 9, 2012
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  6. Ian_92

    Ian_92 Notebook Guru

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    Seems like it worked, doesn't make a sound anymore, I'll see how it behaves in the next few days maybe it was just some dust or something I'm not sure. I just took it out, put some air in and put in back in.

    If it starts over again I guess i'll contact dell and swap fans myself, seeing how surprisingly easy it was.

    Thanks again for the speedy response, + rep to both
     
    Ian_92, Jan 9, 2012
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  7. DR650SE

    DR650SE The Whiskey Barracuda

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    Thanks, glad you got it working. At least for the time being. Easy fix :D
     
    DR650SE, Jan 9, 2012
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