Sleeve VS Ball Bearing

[m4gery]

I went to the store today to get a new case fan, but I saw two fans (both Antec Tri-Cool) with different prices. The cheaper one had a sleeve bearing and the more expensive one had the ball bearing. What's the big difference?

[TwoRails]

Ball bearings are longer lasting and more expensive to make. Here's more reading on it:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_fan

[Cricket]

Ball bearing fans generally last a lot longer. I've had some ball bearing fans last more than 6 years in a computer and they probably still work fine but I retired the computer and just put the fans in storage.

Good quality sleeve bearing fans can last quite a long time too and are generally more quiet running than ball bearing fans.

Cheap quality sleeve bearing fans can actually die within the first year of use.

Cricket

[Mr.Ferrari]

Sleeve bearings also have a greatly degraded lifespan if they are used horizontally and not vertically.

[m4gery]

Thanks for the help! I do have one last question though. I read an article on sleeve bearings and it said that I should lubricate the fan. Just out of curiosity, is this really needed?

[Mr.Ferrari]

Not really.

[TwoRails]

You "can." I've extended the life of many-a-fan that way, but it is for dry bearings only. If it is worn out, no lube in the world will help.

[Panama Red]

Sleeve bearings used in fans are designed to NOT be lubricated. Once they start wearing due to dirt/contamination you can often extend the life as TR has said by using a light oil or something like WD40. I think it's more of cleaning out the debris in the bearing area than adding a needed lubricant.

[TwoRails]

Yes, you're right -- it really is more of a cleansing than anything else, as some of the black gook that comes out (speaking of larger fans here) is nasty.

My lube of choice, and general use around the house, automotive use, etc., is Marvel Mystery Oil:

http://www.acehardwaredeals.com/User...+OIL&ovtac=PPC

[Panama Red]

Interesting, a carb/gas additive/cleaner as a fan lube. I bet that stuff is high in detergents for cleaning.

[TwoRails]

It's good stuff, PR, give a small can a try. I use it anywhere you'd use light machine oil, and on items like door hinges (home and auto), etc. Makes a good air tool lube, too.

[Petef56]

Originally Posted by TwoRails My lube of choice, and general use around the house, automotive use, etc., is Marvel Mystery Oil: http://www.acehardwaredeals.com/User...+OIL&ovtac=PPC

That's interesting. I'll have to try it.

I've had excellent success reiving PC fans using teflon based oil such as this...
http://www.amazon.com/American-Scien.../dp/B0001CUIEU

If the fan is just noisy, I'll simply use an exacto knife to cut out the label & cap
that covers the shaft end and then add a few drops of oil there. If the fan seems
to be ceasing, I'll remove the locking clip and disassemble the fan. Then I'll use a
degreaser or alcohol on a q-tip and clean out the brown residue on the inside of
the sleeve. Lube well and reassemble. Use clear packing tape to secure the cap
over the shaft end. Trim with exacto knife.

---pete---

[m4gery]

Alright all that advice is really helpful. Thanks everyone for the help.