How to disassemble this fan? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / repair

author: giosif
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2025, 07:47:59 am
content: Hi,Is it possible to non-destructively disassemble the fan in the photos below?I see signs of corrosion on the PCB and I'm trying to open it and address that.The back seems to be a single piece of plastic, so I'm guessing the only way to take it apart is from the front.But that recess area in the front doesn't seem to have a removable retaining clip of any sorts.

author: Simmed
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2025, 08:12:07 am
content: if they are made the same way i knew ityou can see a very faint boundary (red line)use a sharp edge to pry out that "cover"then you can see the split washer inside

author: RoGeorge
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2025, 12:28:25 pm
content: The small circle visible like a dent in the middle (under the paper label) is usually a plastic cap that can be popped out with a sharp blade.When removed, underneath the plastic cap you should see the axis with a safety ring (the ones that has to be pulled out sideways, this shapehttps://www.webstaurantstore.com/meiko-9500552-safety-ring/HP9500552.html). Remove the safety ring, then pull out the propeller from the other side.Beware at that safety ring, it likes to snap out into another timespace dimension, where you'll never reach it again.

author: giosif
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2025, 09:40:56 pm
content: You were right, guys: that cap did pop out.But not before drilling a small groove, as I couldn't fit anything in the small gap between the cap and the body of the fan.And good thing that I did that, because the cap also has a gasket which is quite sticky, so it was hard to pop out.In any case, now I have another puzzle (please see attached photos): how do I undo that?

author: Simmed
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2025, 09:52:01 pm
content: looks like the brass ring is compressed onto the spindleno joy

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 29, 2025, 09:53:41 pm
content: ^It either can be disassembled by pulling propeller outwards (try to not put force on the fan blades and 4 ribs holding the central part) until locking ring releases the shaft, or cannot be non-destructively disassembled at all.

author: BradC
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2025, 01:11:28 am
content: The brass ring will be a press fit on the shaft. Depending on how much you love that fan, my approach would be a small punch on the shaft and tap it through. That may or may not damage the bearing but it's likely to do less damage than trying to press it out or pull the fan blades.You shouldn't need much force.

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2025, 01:41:24 am
content: Clamp-type puller with very small and sharp jaws.

author: BradC
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2025, 02:05:33 am
content: Quote from: amyk on January 30, 2025, 01:41:24 amThey make tiny pullers for RC motor pinions. Perhaps something like that would fit in the hole and under the bush.

author: giosif
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2025, 09:02:07 pm
content: Thanks, all!I'll see what I come up with to try pull that brass ring without significant damage.