What Causes Loud Noise When the Car Fan Runs at High Speed?
4 Answers
Car cooling fan noise is loud because the fan blades are deformed. Solution: Replacing a single blade or the entire fan can resolve the issue. If after parking, components inside the engine such as the cylinder and piston rings, crankshaft and connecting rods, etc., may 'stick' together due to high temperatures. Upon the next startup, there might be a phenomenon of tightness, commonly referred to as 'cylinder seizure or bearing failure'. High-quality fans are designed with oil holes above the front and rear bearings of the motor, allowing direct dripping of car or motorcycle lubricating oil. Generally, oil should be added once a year, with about ten drops each time. Reasons for loud noise: Frequent stop-and-go driving can cause the engine to overheat, triggering the fan as a safety protection measure. However, if this occurs at high speeds, it is abnormal. If there is vibration noise, the fan should be replaced. Many Volkswagen models now use a single fan, so the noise during high-speed operation is naturally louder than usual.
Last time I went to the repair shop, I encountered a high-speed fan noise issue. The mechanic told me that when the fan blades are deformed or the bearings are severely worn, they can produce a loud buzzing sound, especially in older cars after long-distance driving. He said it's necessary to check if the fan blades have impact deformation or if there are debris like leaves or stones stuck in them. He mentioned that over time, insufficient lubrication in the bearings can cause squeaking noises, and in severe cases, the entire fan shroud may vibrate. This usually requires replacing the bearings or even the entire fan assembly. DIY repairs are basically impossible, and professional help is a must. He also suggested regularly rinsing the radiator area during car washes to prevent dust buildup from affecting cooling.
I suspect the issue with the loud fan noise is likely due to a problem with the cooling system. When my car's air conditioning is on, the fan sounds like an airplane taking off. The cause is a faulty coolant temperature sensor that keeps the fan running at maximum speed continuously. It's necessary to check whether the thermostat is stuck, preventing the engine temperature from dropping, or if the A/C pressure switch is malfunctioning and misleading the fan speed. These issues require using a diagnostic tool to read the system data for accurate judgment. It's best not to tamper with the fan wiring connectors yourself, as poor contact can cause the fan to spin wildly. Address the problem promptly to avoid burning out the motor, which would end up costing more in the long run.
I think the loud fan noise may be due to internal component failure. For example, aging motor windings causing short circuits can increase current noise, or fan blades hitting the casing and loose mounting screws creating clicking friction sounds are also common issues. Check if accessories like mudguards are interfering with the fan position. Long-term accumulation of willow catkins and dust on the cooling mesh makes the fan work harder, all of which contribute to increased noise sources.
