VPC-Z11 Fan Problems

Hey

Nearing the 2 year mark on my Z11, this laptop has been my daily use machine since I got it. This means frequently taking it with me in my bag, I've tried to baby it in this custom sleeve for travelling, it has padding and everything.

Anyway, I recently have been having this weird problem with the fan. Occasionally the fan will make quite loud grinding type noises, it sounds almost like the ball bearings in the fan are messed up. I'm not sure if this comes from being moved around (in sleep mode) in my backpack, or if its just normal wear.
Oddly, once thing get warmed up it appeared to smooth out and the grinding begins the disappear, or at least blend with the normal fan noise that I'm used to with this laptop. The grinding noise almost always happens in the first 10minutes after a cold start.

- Has anyone experienced these grinding noises with their Z11?
- How hard is it to replace the fan unit.

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/sony/639216-vpcz-1390x-fan-problem.html

 

What I said in the above thread:

Just wanna give feedback on my experience:

Low constant noise on the fan, started 5 months ago. Usually was only when computer is cold (as soon as it heats up a little the noise stopped).

Then one morning last week I wake up, turn on my Z13, and it is making an awful noise, like a drill going through a wall. I immediately turn it off.

Turned it back on 10 min later to do a data backup, and waited 1hr for the backup to complete. The noise kept going until the PC was hot, afterwards it stopped.

Sent the Vaio in to Sony for repairs on monday. Came back today. Fan replaced. All good. All free.

FYI I'm in France, which is why the Sony support is so good (sent 2 Zs back for repars, 5 buisness days every time, UPS comes to pick it up and bring it back at home). I've heard the sony services are not as good in NA.

Hope I helped.

I would try sending it back. If not get part number and replace yourself. 4/5 Difficulty I'd say.