Need advice: 1990 80Q air circulation fan replacement

[Huw Powell]

> The fan [sic]in my 1990 80Q started making intermittent "squirrel' noises
> (and even momentarily stopping on occasion) for some time now. Cleaning the
> intake area did not help. I am thinking that the bushings/brushes may be
> worn badly (190k miles) and a motor replacement may be in order.

Mine was doing that for a few years, so I put a new one in while 
swapping the interior and installing a stereo system.  Although I took 
pictures, thre isn't a very good one of how the fan mounts.  You can 
"sort of" see where it goes at the top of the first picture here, about 
2/3 of the way to the right:

http://www.humanspeakers.com/audi/stereo-90.htm

> Is there a recommended procedure on how to remove/replace the motor and how
> big of a job this may be? Also, any ideas/suggestions on where to buy a new
> replacement motor (perhaps a generic, or VW part no)?

The fan was under $100, I forget whether I got it through Atlantic 
Imported or the dealer.

To swap it, you need to pull the dash back a bit (I think), which means 
popping the screw covers off on the end of the dash.  Not sure if you 
can get access just by removing the glovebox (four screws, but a bit 
tricky).

The fan is held in with three screws and there is a wiring plug to 
remove, so at least once you have access it's an easy job.

-- 
Huw Powell

http://www.humanspeakers.com/audi

http://www.humanthoughts.org/