squealing noise when fan is on

[mail2_jb]

Camry 2000 LE, 78K miles , 4 cyl.

Last couple of moths, i have been hearing a squealing noise when the fan is on. Sound is still there with or without the a/c is running. It is coming from the right passenger side near the glove box. A/c compressor belt looks and feels tight. I compared the tension between another same year/make/model camry and "feels" very similiar. I haven't changed any of the belts yet (11 years but only 78k miles).

So is this the a/c compressor belt or PS belt going bad ? Is there a Fan belt somewhere that is squealing? Is the Fan going bad?

The noise starts after 5-10 min in the morning and then stays on until next morning. As the day warms up, the noise will come on immediately whether the engine is cold or hot (if the car is sitting at the parking lot till evening and start the fan buttton, it will make the squealing noise immediately, so this noise is not related to cold or hot engine).

Anyone have any suggestions to check / replace. I will be doing a timing belt change but it may not happen within a month or so. If I have to order parts, I like to order with my TB kit.

Thanks for your help
John

[fenixus]

so the noise is there almost all the time when cabin fan is turned on? perhaps cabin fan bearing is bad?

[mail2_jb]

Yes fenixus, the noise is there all the time and is getting progressively louder.
How can I get to the cabin fan? Searched the forum, couldn't find a DIY here.

[fenixus]

yeah, that fan is well hidden... it rarely goes bad though.

before you get there, I'd suggest replacing both alternator and power steering belts regardless, yours are very old.
it's rubber, so they should be replaced every 5-6 years even if it was OEM quality, mileage doesn't matter much at such age. they might be stretched or glazed causing the squealing.

Mitsuboshi, Dayco, Bando, Gates, Good Year <- all of those are good brands (first three are current OEM suppliers) you can trust when buying new drive belts.

[gyjoe]

Are you able to hear the noise while you are outside the vehicle, or just while you are inside? If it is only audible while you are inside, I'm thinking it is the ac/defrost blower fan, which is located under the passenger side dash behind the glove box.

I had mine off once to remove a dead mouse. If I remember correctly, you need to take the glove box out, remove a plastic panel that is up behind the glove box, and then remove the fan assembly, which is a cylindrical part about 5" in diameter that is held in place with three screws.

[mail2_jb]

I have been ignoring this noise and thread for couple of weeks now.
Yes, this noise can only be heard inside the car and is coming somewhere near the glove box.

I will try to follow your lead and see if i get that darn fan out.
Anyone else got a more detailed or pics diy for removing the fan?

Appreciate your help...

Originally Posted by gyjoe

Are you able to hear the noise while you are outside the vehicle, or just while you are inside? If it is only audible while you are inside, I'm thinking it is the ac/defrost blower fan, which is located under the passenger side dash behind the glove box.

I had mine off once to remove a dead mouse. If I remember correctly, you need to take the glove box out, remove a plastic panel that is up behind the glove box, and then remove the fan assembly, which is a cylindrical part about 5" in diameter that is held in place with three screws.

[JohnGD]

^^+1

Listen through the open glove box door. And listen at the passenger side footwell. You can take off the panel covering the motor below the glove box.

This may be what you need to replace:
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=814454
~$50 for this aftermarket. Of course, price out the dealer part too.

Looks like EBay has a TYC (#700053) with blower wheel/motor for $35.50 and $8 shipping. Lifetime warranty.

Originally Posted by mail2_jb

I have been ignoring this noise and thread for couple of weeks now.
Yes, this noise can only be heard inside the car and is coming somewhere near the glove box.

I will try to follow your lead and see if i get that darn fan out.
Anyone else got a more detailed or pics diy for removing the fan?

Appreciate your help...