2012 Fusion blower motor repair

[kvothe]

I recently bought a used 2012 Fusion SEL. I've had the apparently common issue where the blower motor makes an irritating buzzing noise kind of like a CD player or a rewinding VHS. I've been trying to repair the part as described by Wes Robinson in http://www.fordfusionforum.com/topic/7318-squeaky-blower/ before I break down and buy a new part. I've managed to get the part out, but cannot seem to pull the fan off as described. The fan seems to be attached firmly and I felt that pulling it harder would break it. Can anyone offer further advice or refer me to a picture or video guide?

 

For reference, according to the dealership, my part number is AE5Z19805D. A picture can be found at https://app.box.com/s/pndvjtpmhchdj071wjxp

 

As a disclaimer, I have nearly no experience with mechanical repairs, car related or not. It's possible that there is something trivial that I've overlooked.

 

 

[thefoeyouknow]

The fan doesn't come off on these like on others. Last I knew, the part was national backorder. Check with your dealer.

[kvothe]

Is there any way currently known to repair the part (that could easily be done at home)?

[thefoeyouknow]

I recommend salvage. Plenty of insurance wrecks to get a good blower out of. Since the backorder, that's what we've had to do at the shop, and I work at the DEALER.

[akirby]

I fixed mine by dumping out a bunch of black particles. Cleaned it well and resinstalled it and the noise went away.

[kvothe]

I fixed mine by dumping out a bunch of black particles.

Dumped out black particles from where?

 

 

I recommend salvage.

Any particular reason ebay is a bad idea? For instance, http://www.ebay.com/itm/FORD-AE5Z19805D-GENUINE-OEM-FACTORY-ORIGINAL-BLOWER-MOTOR-/290996686904?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item43c0c11038&vxp=mtr would give me a new part.

[thefoeyouknow]

Except that he wants just about double what they cost before they went on backorder. Get a used one. You'll be just as happy but not as broke. And you can be that happy today instead of waiting for shipping.

[akirby]

When I removed the motor and squirrel cage from the housing there was a ton of black stuff that fell out - almost looked like a black gasket had disintegrated. I just shook out all of the particles and reassembled it. If you don't see those particles then it must be a different problem.

[cbdallas]

Mine makes a noise that I've heard before in other cars. A kind of 'ticking' when it's on a low speed. From what I can tell it's a dry bearing. Took mine out last night & spun it by hand and it squeaked and didn't spin very far before stopping. Found a brand new one on Ebay for $53. Definitely worth not hassling with the dealership.

[Cobraman302]

I don't recommend a salvage. Mainly because these have been known to start to "fail" around 40-50k miles, and most salvage vehicles have that many miles or more...and in most cases you can't test it to see if it's making the same sound as yours. My car had the same problem start around 50k miles, I let it go until 60k...found the part at a great price on Rock Auto .com and took about 20 minutes to replace....good as new. I think it was around $50 shipped.