How can I take the fan out of a laptop computer?

[Debby]

Hi! I have a laptop computer (HP 635, and has Windows 7 system) that has been sitting here for several years, unused - because it has an overheating problem - and the fan needs to be either cleaned or replaced. I have taken all the screws that I can see in the back out. I was able to remove the rectangular lid in the middle, and the L-shaped one, but I couldn't see any fan in them. It's hard to pry the back off and I'm afraid of cracking it if I use more force than what I've used in trying to get it off. Should I give up on it? It would need a new keyboard too if I am to ever use it again, as I took off keys to dust underneath and wasn't able to get the spring kind - at least - put back on. I have lost keys by now too. So what's your opinion? Thanks! By the way - here's a picture I took of the backside - I'll send it as an attachment with this message.

 

[RolandJS]

Have you already tried canned air to clean the vents?

 

[wither 2]

I'm curious as to why he thinks it's an overheating problem.

 

[billmcct]

You need to remove the other two covers and remove the rest of the internal screws.

 

[Bree]

Hi! I have a laptop computer (HP 635, and has Windows 7 system) that has been sitting here for several years, unused - because it has an overheating problem - and the fan needs to be either cleaned or replaced....

Here is the service manual for your HP 635. The fan/heatsink removal procedure starts on page 78.

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c02834036

It would need a new keyboard too...

Page 53.




For a slightly less intrusive (but perhaps riskier) 'fix', I have a Toshiba laptop that started to throttle back the cpu speed on heavy use. As a last resort, being unable to find a way in, I used a vacuum cleaner with the crevice tool attachment and applied it to the outlet vent while the fans were running.

This improved the cooling dramatically while the suction was aiding the fans, but it also seemed to have sucked out enough fluff/dirt for the fans to cope unaided afterwards.

As I said, a 'last resort' option that risks doing more harm than good - use entirely at your own risk!!!

 

[Debby]

Hi! Thanks for the manual for the laptop! I'll download that and take a look. I'm sure it has an overheating problem as the computer repairman I took it to years ago - said it did and that I should either use an exterior fan or buy a new fan. I should have bought a new fan, but didn't as I wanted to save on cost by trying to fix the problem myself. And I didn't want the noise of an exterior fan running.

So for now, I'll take a look at that manual. Thanks to you all for your efforts to help!

I forgot to say that I've had good luck with having my husband blow out my laptop computers with his air compressor. But it didn't help that one, as it was in too bad of condition.

 

[Debby]

Hi! I tried just now - to take the lid apart and it still wouldn't budge. I think I'll just give the laptop computer away to a relative who says he's replaced computer fans before.

By the way, I think I should explain to you why I think having my husband blow out my laptop computers now and then is basically harmless - is probably because we don't take it apart. He just puts the nozzle against the air vents to blow out whatever will might come out. It always helps, in my case at least. You can bring this to a close now. Sorry for the bother!

 

[Bree]

...I think I should explain to you why I think having my husband blow out my laptop computers now and then is basically harmless..

Sucking with a vacuum cleaner is probably 'safer'. With the fans running as you suck at the exhaust vent you should be helping the dirt find its way out rather than risk blowing it further into the machine.

 

[Debby]

Hi! Oh ok maybe you're right! I'll plan to try that another time. Thanks!

 

[RolandJS]

With any laptop, I always have an external usb-connected cooling assembly -- it prevents laptop getting hot and suddenly shutting down, with the assembly, it will eventually get real warm, however, it still runs.

 

[Debby]

Hi! Yes, I see. No doubt that could be helpful. But I don't like the noise. One way I use to ensure that keeps cooler than otherwise - is to set my laptop computer on a slant, on my lap. I figure it gets more airflow that way. It's also a much more comfortable position to type on the computer, too, I've found.

 

[RolandJS]

Using a flat lap tray,?

 

[Debby]

Hi! No. I prop it up on my stomach. With the hinged side on my knees. That slanted position is much more relaxing for my hands then if I placed them on a flat position.

 

[Digital Life]

If you go to YouTube and search for the laptops make and model you will more than likely will find it.


Using words like tear down, clean or replace fan, may help.


I had 2 laptops that I had to take apart and had to remove all the screws on the back and then remove the back cover then remove the keyboard on one of them to get to the fan, I found both laptops how to disassemble videos with a YouTube search

 

[Bree]

If you go to YouTube and search for the laptops make and model you will more than likely will find it.

Using words like tear down, clean or replace fan, may help.

The manual I gave a link for in post #5 has full instructions, but it's intended for support engineers.

It is always good to watch someone else do it before you have a go yourself.

 

[strollin]

One caution regarding blowing or sucking air thru the air vents on a laptop. You need to be careful that you don't cause the fan to spin too fast which could burn out it's bearings and cause the fan to fail prematurely.

 

[Bree]

So far, I've done it twice with no ill effects. But you warning is appropriate. It should only be considered as a last resort - entirely at your own risk!

 

[Debby]

Hi! I followed your advice, of going to Youtube, to watch and listen to advice on how to take my HP 635 laptop computer apart and then how to put it back together. This time, I had better success! And had my husband help a little, now and then. I got the fan out and got the thick dust off it and dusted out the computer as best as I could before starting to put it together again. I need a rest now though - so will work on it another day soon - not tomorrow though as we'll be gone too long. I am sending (as an attachment) a picture of my progress and what parts are left to put back - so you can see where I am in the process. And so you can maybe tell me if I've missed putting in a part before I got this far. Like that little square (just about 1" square) that has to be plugged in somewhere. If I've missed anything - of course, I'll have to take it apart again to get the missed part put in. Thanks for your efforts to help, so far!

 

[Bree]

...you can maybe tell me if I've missed putting in a part before I got this far. Like that little square (just about 1" square) that has to be plugged in somewhere....

That looks like the Wireless LAN card (WLAN). If so, see page 48 in the manual (link in my post#5).

 

[Debby]

Hi! Ok - I'll plan to look at it soon maybe this evening. Thanks!