Laptop Cooling System: worn fan bearing. Mechanical wear lets the rotor wobble or drag.

The distinguishing clue

Rattling, scraping or delayed fan startup changes with orientation.

Checks before an assessment

Use the laptop on a firm surface with its vents unobstructed. Record whether exhaust airflow and fan noise change during normal work; stop after a thermal shutdown.

Stop point: Do not run heavy workloads when the fan is stopped or exhaust air is absent.

Workshop confirmation and repair

Device-level check: Record fan speed, temperature and workload, then inspect the complete air path and mounting.

Targeted check: Listen at controlled speeds and inspect fan play with power removed. If confirmed: Replace the matched fan rather than lubricating a sealed worn unit.

Repair boundary: Repair the confirmed fan, heatsink, pad, compound or control fault as one cooling path.

Related cause to rule out

When fan speed rises but exhaust airflow remains weak, also consider Laptop Cooling System: dust blockage before choosing a repair.

Checks after the work

After repair or replacement, check idle, processor load, fan response, sleep and cooldown.

For an AEPC repair assessment in East Auckland, provide the exact model and observed clue. Call 027 908 8880 before visiting the Burswood workshop.