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FAQ / REFERENCE => How-To's => Topic started by: ScreamerBeemer on January 20, 2007, 11:17:49 AM
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:confused: I have a suspicion that I've broken a blower motor wheel. It just doesn't blow air like it used to. I think I know how to get to it. Correct me if I wrong. I think you have to go through the vents between the hood and windshield. Undo a few clips and what-not. I hope I don't have to go through the dash.
Thanks in advance
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In the downloadable manual posted by Febi (another thread has it), it shows you remove the plastic firewall cover, then the clops, then it comes out.
That is a bit oversimplified, but close, I hope. I get to do this next week as well. Find a used one, new are outrageous.
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I've replaced the resistor, Same deal for access. It's in there with the motor. Pretty easy.
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Pulled mine today, finally warmed up enough to do it. The garage heater could finally overcome the chill. My bearings and brushes were toast.
Anyhow, easy step by step...
Sorry, no pics, but it is rather easy and self explanatory.
What you need:
Dikes (wire cutters)
Needlenose pliers
Local village idiot, though anyone will do.
Phillips head screwdriver
Long flathead screwdriver
Hammer, board, club, or head
7mm socket and matching 1/4in ratchet (3/8 may work, but it is tight)
Zip ties
New blower assembly
Pull the cover off the firewall,
Pull the small cover off the relay/wire connection point on the pass. side.
Pull up the hood seal in that area.
Snip all of the wire ties on the wire harness.
Unclip all of the relays attached to the plastic, pry from behind to release.
Remove the 4 screws retaining the next layer of plastic and such. 2 top, 2 bottom. It is a 7mm socket.
Move wires around so you can pull the plastic off the firewall. The passenger side should come clear with some work, the tube coming up from below is soft rubber. With some work, you should be able to free everything enough to pivot the plastic out of your way and lay it down alongside the intake/AFM/air cleaner.
Remove the metal behind that.
You should now see the plastic cover for the blower wheels held in place by 2 plastic straps.
Be careful with these straps, they are old, crusty and brittle.
Unbuckle the straps using a pair of pliers, squeeze both side together, you will figure it out, then use your other hand to unclip it.
Take the bottom halves and twist them at the lower rivet out of your way, again, be careful or you will rip them clean off.
The tops can be easily pushed out of the way.
Pull the bottom of the plastic up and out from the firewall, and then down to pull it out.
You should see the wheels.
Cut any zip tie holding the wiring.
The next step is a two person job.
Take a long flathead screwdriver, and hammer/mallet/wood/your head, etc... Place the screwdriver in the slot on the band clamp, and tap down. The other person can use needlenose pliers to pop it off.
Now, wiggle the blower a bit, pulling forward. You should be able to remove the clip.
Pull it out more, and you should be able to twist the center section and hopefully unplug the wires. If not, keep coming forward. Eventually you will get them.
To get it out completely, push the wire harness down, bring the blower forward, and as it gets to the very front, slide it towards the driver side and out.
Reverse going back in.
Do not forget to zip tie the harnesses.
Also, the strap for the blower is royal bitch...
The blower needs to sit inside a certain way. Not just left right, but also on rotation. May want to make a note of it when you get into it. The problem stems from needing to hook up the wires in one position, turn it, put it in place and then strap it down. Not to mention be centered side to side. Trust me, it is not as easy as it sounds.
Before you button things up, give it a spin by hand, then make sure nothing can be sucked up, and have a buddy turn on the ignition and turn it on just to be sure. This also helps blow out more crap stuck inside there.
You may also want to have a vacuum setup handy, as my heater core had a ton of crap on it, from dust to metal particles, etc..
With this info, you may be able to do this in around an hour. Maybe a bit more, maybe less.
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Did you go with a new blower motor or did you get a used one.
I hate hearing my squeal but I'd also hate to buy one off eBay only to find out that one squeals too!
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Did you go with a new blower motor or did you get a used one.
I hate hearing my squeal but I'd also hate to buy one off eBay only to find out that one squeals too!
I got a used off the board here.
It is pretty easy, go for a used if you can find it. New is not cheap.
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where is the panel that is hiding the blower?? ive looked in the engine compartment but see no panel. does anyone have a picture or something?
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where is the panel that is hiding the blower?? ive looked in the engine compartment but see no panel. does anyone have a picture or something?
On the firewall, is a plastic cover over the wiring harness. Remove that and pull the wires away from the wall, gently. As well as any parts attached.
Under the wires and plastic is a foam covered (insulation) steel plate. Remove that.
Under that you will see the actual blower motor housing, held on by a clip.
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I know this is an old thread. I just ordered replacement from bavauto ($300). I saw a non-OEM BEHR online for $230 but figured not worth the risk. My blower motor was ONLY functional on lowest setting; at higher settings it was buzzing. Something was rubbing. Shoudl I also replace resistor?
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I certainly would - as long as you are in there, you may as well do it all.