Predator Triton 500 (515-52) GPU fan 1 making weird noise and slowly dying down

I really hope someone has some advice on this because I can't afford to send my laptop away for repairs. Any help is greatly appreciated!

So the GPU fan 1 of my laptop is making a very loud noise the second I start my laptop and will usually slowly stop working in the span of minutes. I know it's the GPU 1 because I can see it slow down to zero in PredatorSense. Occasionally it will keep working (with noise) if I keep the fans on auto/low speed, but if I put the speed on max it dies almost straight away. Tapping on the bottom of my laptop will fix it for only a few minutes. There are two noises of that makes sense: a loud buzz that is always there, and occasionally the softer sound I'd describe as spinning.

I've dissembled and cleaned the laptop twice (with a soft pencil and antistatic cloth), so unless the dirt is somewhere I can't see, that isn't it. The fan blades don't look damaged/bend either.

I fear the axis of the fan has tilted, in which case, could I prolong the life of my laptop for a while by using lubricant/oil? If so, what kind? Or could it be/could I do something else?

If there is something to be cleaned/fixed I can see if I can do it myself or find a shop that does on-site repairs, but I can't send my laptop away for days/weeks because I need it for my Masters and work. If I want on-site parts replacement, I would probably need to get the parts myself, which as it turns out is not easy with the fans/cooling parts for this laptop.

Again, any help is greatly appreciated!

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Puraw

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/695219/predator-triton-500-515-52-gpu-fan-1-making-weird-noise-and-slowly-dying-down

Never apply any lubricant to laptop fans or other laptop part (HDD, hinges, etc.) as this will ruin the device for sure! The fan bearing is broken and you should replace the fan. Laptop media warns that the cooling system is complex (3 fans see picture)

I strongly recommend that you don't DIY but let Acer Service in your country do the fan replacement.
https://laptopmedia.com/highlights/inside-acer-predator-triton-500-pt515-52-disassembly-and-upgrade-options/

I googled but was unable to find an identical looking fan set,

KateHGW

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/1242441#Comment_1242441

Thanks for your response.

Unfortunately, I am currently unable to send it out for repairs (as in both my work and my education will literally not accept me taking a two week break and I have no back-up computer/laptop), and as far as I know Acer doesn't do on-site work. Not sure what laptop media has to do with it, but I know the cooling system and used that exact video to dissemble the laptop before. Sadly I haven't been able to find an identical one online either.

If it's the bearing than I guess my only option is to keep looking and hope I come across a new cooling system in the next few weeks. Until then I will have to deal with the noise 😅

AnhEZ28

@KateHGW

You can use the bearing grease to eliminate the noise that the fan axle is making. Make sure to clean it thoroughly before putting grease by using the cotton swap. I prefer putting a bit amount of grease on the motor hole because it will lubricate evenly after you put the blade back in. Motor oils work fine, but it could be messy after the fan spins.

I have done this and it surely works pretty well.

KateHGW

@AnhEZ28 Thank you for your reply! It shouldn't be too hard to come by bearing grease, so I am going to give this a try. Much appreciated.

Sidkillz

I have used a Lithium based grease, works like a charm. If you want something even better there is Permatex White Lithium Grease. It is specifically made for electronics and doesnt gather goo like a normal grease. Use it and it will be just fine.

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