Re: a/c fan-don't wait!!!

["Sherry & Chuck Clark" <clark@rmi.net>]

> Subject:       Re: a/c fan-don't wait!!!

> In a message dated 97-05-23 18:51:10 EDT, you write:
> 
> << as anyone BTDT with a squeeking a/c fan?  the fan on my 5ktq starts
>  squeeking after a about a 1/2 hours use.  Can I remove it and lube it and
>  expect it to work? >>
> 
> Learn from my mistake. I waited a day too long. Whatever you decide to do to
> repair it, do it NOW. I waited a few weeks then ordered one from Shokan (this
> was years ago, "BQL"-before Q-list). It arrived the day the one in my car
> decided to sieze. When it did, the current that it drew melted the wiring
> harness, causing all the warning lights to come on and puffs of melting wire
> smoke from under the hood.

     Ditto that!   On my mom's 5000 turbo, the radiator fan also 
seized one day and melted all kinds of wires in that 
harness-$1200 mistake!  Any 5000 or 200 turbo owner with squeaking or 
squealing fan bearings RUN, don't walk to get a replaced fan motor.
 I bought a rebuilt unit from Santa Fe Audi in Castle Rock 
Colorado for my '87 5k Tq when the bearings got loud. This rebuilt 
unit runs ~$150 and this time is made with a sealed bearing rather 
than one that's exposed to dirt, moisture and dust.  Also, while 
everything's going to be apart, you might consider getting a 6 blade 
fan from an S4 to be bolted onto the rebuilt fan motor. Much better 
cooling and much quieter ~$35. Sure beats the stock three blade unit!
 One more thing, buy the Audi part 
number for the inline fuse for these motors just in case it ever 
decides to seize up again, at least you're not going to fry $1200 
worth of a wiring harness.  BTDT-Not cool! HTH,

 Chad Clark '875k Tq