DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

I've got a fan that's been working but needed cleaning. Found lots of dust and cleaned it all up. Now the only way the fan works is to push the motor shaft a little. It seems to push in and out.
Anyone know what this is? Not come across it before. As timer is electronic it can't be that.
Thanks

Without seeing it all anyone can do is guess.
It sounds like in your attempt at cleaning you have managed to put lint inside the motor. (or any cleaning substance you have used)

It will be less hassle to buy a complete new fan as they are only £20

Over time dirt or rust can build up on the shaft, as long as not touched, the shaft will run in the same place where there is no dirt or rust in the sintered bearings, but once disturbed it can end up in a new bit of the shaft, with fans for things like Myson fan assisted radiators I have spent the time manually cleaning the shaft and re-oiling it all, at £500 plus well worth the effort.

Not sure worth it for a cheap fan, but if you can't get a replacement then sewing machine oil on the bearings is the way to go. Use very light oil, old 3 in 1 etc. Not heavy engine oil.

Don't get oil everywhere, you don't want a fire risk, likely you will need to remove fan to get to both bearings, and on some you can't get to bearings anyway.

bobwiff, unless you can get to and clean all the bearings I would NOT use any lubricant. The reason being if you add lubricant to bearings that are contaminated with foreign bodies all you will do is make a paste which will put more strain on the motor causing it to overheat and possibly catch fire.
If you can clean them, all well and good, if not, for £20 get a new fan.

Thanks all. The main question was regarding the moving shaft. It slides in and out and the motor runs when in but moves out when running then cuts out.

Small extractor fans have a very limited life span (sadly) you would be better off buying a complete new fan.

Already done that. Still intrigued to understand the shaft issue though

Well as you have the fan, and we can not even see it, and as the fan has been replaced, why not take the old fan apart and see what the cause of the problem is.