Best lubrication for fan

[rockit00]

Krytox is what we used in the military. Used in Oxygen regulators and Cryogenics. It is a synthetic thin film lubricant and is non flammable. It is also used in car racing ( Pinewood Derby Krytox Lubricant). That would be my choice. Comes in a bottle with a needle like applicator and .25 oz bottle would probably last a long time for PC use. Also appears to be the cheapest Krytox around for hobby use.

 

[micropage7]

i use this one

not the brand, but this is what i have

 

[lexluthermiester]

I still recommend a light grease as it will not evaporate, easily degrade or attract dust.

 

[delshay]

I have a question for this thread.

Would it not be to late to oil the fan as you would have been running for such a long time without lubricant? ie internal part(s) would have already worn down.

The only time you will notice there's a problem with the fan is when it start's to run slower or make funny noises, but by that time the damage is already done. If you want a fan to last longer, would it not be best to service it after a period of time before problems starts. ie Example: give it a service every 2-3 years.

Please correct me if I am wrong.

 

[lexluthermiester]

Would it not be to late to oil the fan as you would have been running for such a long time without lubricant? ie internal part(s) would have already worn down.

This would be another good use case for grease as the grease would fill in small gaps in worn down sleeve bearings.

The only time you will notice there's a problem with the fan is when it start's to run slower or make funny noises, but by that time the damage is already done.

Not always. Sometimes a servicing will extend the life of a fan that is making noise or has a minor rattle.

If you want a fan to last longer, would it not be best to service it after a period of time before problems starts. ie Example: give it a service every 2-3 years.

This would be ideal. I service the fans in my systems once a year, though they generally don't need it.

 

[John Naylor]

You are both wrong. WD40 is designed to displace water. It has ingredients in it that are lubricants, and things in it that are solvents, and hence it sort of works for both of those things. In fact, it works for a lot of things because of what it has in it. The problem is it doesn't work the best at pretty much anything it does except it works really really well as a water displacement.

What I posted was a direct quote from the manufacturer .... I don't think they are 'wrong" about the product they make.

If you have a cheap sleeve bearing fan, you can get oil in ... but if ya get it in, it's also goona come out, Ball Bearing fans are usually sleeved. Best way to lubricate .... buy one with sealed bearings and you won't have to ... and if ya try, it's not getting in anyway

 

[delshay]

Not always. Sometimes a servicing will extend the life of a fa that is making noise or has a minor rattle.

A minor rattle is a sign something has worn down. Fan is under a very tight tolerance so at high speed you want very little vibrations as possible.
In my first posting i was thinking more about the wear & tear on the shaft.

 

[lexluthermiester]

A minor rattle is a sign something has worn down. Fan is under a very tight tolerance so at high speed you want very little vibrations as possible.
In my first posting i was thinking more about the wear & tear on the shaft.

While that's true, a light grease such as a synthetic dielectric grease, or white lithium grease will do wonders to greatly dampen the noise and extend the life of a worn fan bearing.

 

[Vlada011]

It would be best to pay lubricant more than CORSAIR ML120 or Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM to fix 5$ worth fan.
That's best choice. Buy him and your kids will use him next time when become adult.