Vaio SZ fan making unusual sound spinning down

Whenever my SZ fan spins down it makes a strange sound, as if it's rubbing against something. I've disassembled the laptop and cleaned the fan. Nothing was obstructing the fan yet it makes the same noise. It doesn't do it while spinning up, while running or even if I manually slow the fan down by holding a Q-Tip against it while it's spinning. I'm at a loss as to what's causing this. It's an SZ2M/B that I bought 3 years ago and, until recently, the fan was working fine. Has anyone else experienced a problem like this with their laptop?

 

No issue on my SZ's fan. Can you upload an audio file of the noise in question?

cheers ...

 

I've got an sz18gp (bought in HK). Have had it for over 3 years now. About half year ago, fan was noisy (scraping noise) and i applied machine oil and voila, it went away. Biggest problem is applying the oil without it splashing all over the internals when the fan turns on again. So apply a little at a time. Hope this helps.

 

Hey. I had that similar problem before. I took it out and removed all dust and put it back in once. But it occured again within 6 months. In the end I ended up bringing it back to replace the fan. Since then, no more sound. I average about 6+ hours a day on my SZ for the past 4 years. Hope that helps..

 

Sounded like a fan bearing issue then(?).

cheers ...

 

I tried making a recording of the sound but it didn't turn out too well. There's a constant buzzing which makes it hard to hear the sound. The sound begins at about 0.3s and rapidly goes down in pitch as the fan spins down.

I think the act of removing all dust made it worse. I'm inclined to believe that the fan maybe needs oiled.

 

The fan bearing is probably going bad. And personally I would not oil any internal parts of a notebook

cheers ...

 

I don't suppose there are any fan control programs that work with the SZ? If I could force the fan to always be on then it would solve the problem. The main nuisance is when the CPU is hovering around 34C and the fan alternates between spinning up and down. I had a look at a fan replacement guide and it looks like a massive hassle.

 

It is a massive hassle, but the possibility of a fried CPU is worse.
Unfortunately it's not going to get better.
Sucking the dust out made mine worse too.

 

Your fan more than likely needs to be replaced - which shouldn't be much of a surprise as your notebook is several years old and all mechanical parts do have a shelf life.

You have a couple of options. You can have Sony repair it for you or you can do the repairs yourself saving you some money in the process. Your warranty will be voided but you're probably already out of the original warranty period anyway.

If you want to do it yourself:

Go to the official parts and services site.

You'll need the part number of the fan assembly (it's not just the motor) for your model. You can email them requesting this information (provide your model number) OR you can order the service manual (ask for the manual's part number to do this) and look it up yourself.

Once you obtain the part number you enter it into the site to order it (use the search box to do this). They'll ship it to you and you'll need to disassemble the notebook to install it. If you've never disassembled your notebook before I would strongly advise getting the service manual (it contains exploded views of all the parts and how they fit together) (they usually cost $10-$15).

If you take your time, work slowly, and don't tug on anything that gives (too much) resistance it should be a straightforward process.

It's been a while since I ordered the last part; I think it was around $85 and included the whole fan assembly (heat pipes, etc..) I did have to apply thermal grease to swap it in so you'll need to order some of this as well. (or borrow some from a friend)

There's usually only one fan in your notebook (for both the CPU and GPU). It's a good idea to get this fixed earlier rather than later. This is especially the case if you're a gamer and/or use applications that rely heavily on your GPU. If you can't do it right away I'd suggest closely monitoring your GPU's temperature over time.

Good luck!

 

just found this thread as I was checking up on a few things before I start the procedure on my SZ. Although it's been a while since the last post I thought if I found it then someone else might too.

My SZ's fan is making a noise too when it spins, not always loud but definitely noticeable so I want to replace it asap. I'd agree with those who have suggested a bearing issue, although the sound clip uploaded by the OP is hard to make out at all. I made a recording as well (see attached).

I ordered the part through Sony Link UK via telephone after a series of several long calls at premium rate - I later found out that it could be done via e-mail. It cost £33 brand new and delivered - better than ebay for refurbished or used units.

I'll upload some pictures of what I received so those interested can see what exactly you get for the money. I've seen some on ebay that have more of the heat pipes attached (may account for the added cost!)




FYI - the service manual that iisdev refers to is freely available on the net - search "vgnsz.pdf" in google and you'll find it.

I'll be using arctic silver 5 thermal paste and their 2-part cleaner to replace any grease on the heatsinks.

Also thinking about changing the hard drive at the same time seeing as you can get 320gb for less than £40!

 

Mine started having similar symptoms too after I opened it up to remove the dust that had built up. Anyone recommend a good VAIO repair shop who will replace the fan but not charge as much as Sony?

 

That depends where you are based?!

 

South of England

 

Then you're in luck...I'm in the midlands. If you're interested in getting it done then you can PM me.

 

I need to get my posts above 5 before being able to PM you....

 

This one should make 6!

 

Still can't PM you. Apparently it takes a little while for the server to update my privileges.

 

Whats the email address/ website for ordering VAIO parts? Looks like the old vaio-link site no longer exists.

 

Hi,

My SZ is now four years old. Is there a tool I can use to verify that the fan is working correctly, and if not inform me that it probably ought to be replaced?

z.

 

I've got the form somewhere, when I find it I'll let you know of the address - otherwise if you fancy calling that premium rate number (35p/min if i recall) then it's the one on the Sony UK support page.

You'd probably know if it's not functioning as it should be...the problems mentioned in this thread all begin with an unusual rattle of some sort. If yours turns on and off through usage of the laptop then it's probably working just fine. There are things you can do of course such as clean out the dust, or even replace the thermal paste on the heatsink, in order to keep it at it's optimum.

 

Did you find that email address? Dont particularly want to call the premium rate number & be kept on hold for ages...