TR2/3/3A TR3A noisy heater

[mmgwhite]

Rheostat seems to work fine and the motor runs well, apparently. but after 15 or 20 sec something in the heater begins making a loud, obnoxious, un-ignorable squeal. Or, screech if you will.. Fingernails-on-the-blackboard screech. LOUD. Turning the rheostat down doesn't solve it. Only turning clear to off makes it go away. Turn back on, even at a lower rheostat setting and the same thing occurs.
Any ideas?
Thanks
Matison

 

[Geo Hahn]

Sounds like you may need some lube on the motor shaft. Something sticky / clingy is what I would use -- Fluid Film or Wurth come to mind.

 

[TR3driver]

Worth a try, but my guess is that the bearings and/or shaft are worn out.

 

[mmgwhite]

OK.
How do you get to the shaft and bearings?
Must one pull the heater out of the car?
Is there an easy way to get some lube into the bearings or shaft without pulling the unit?
Never had one of these in my hands so apologize for the ignorance.
Thanks
Matison

 

[TR3driver]

I don't see any way to lube it in place. If you just drop it down, I think you could put a drop of oil on the top bearing, but the bottom bearing is more likely to be the one that is squalling. To get to it, you'll need to disassemble the unit. Having gone that far, might as well disassemble the motor as well so you can inspect the shaft.

 

[CJD]

You could conceivably hit the bottom bearing using an aerosol lube with an extension tube...like LPS2. You would be shooting blind throught the lower grill and fan, so a towel or two under it would be a good idea if you try it...

 

[mmgwhite]

Thanks to all
Got it out and apart. The motor was in great shape but the bearing on the fan end of the armature shaft was dry.
Lubed all up and put it back together and it is blissfully quiet.
puts out a pretty good stream of air.
Now need to find out if the heat is more than "hamster breath" when I drive.