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I do a lot of work for non-profit organizations that aren’t able to just go out and buy a new device when one fails, so I learn to fix simple things or at least extend their life. I used one of those life extension tricks on a network switch at my house this weekend. It ties all of the PCs in my house to my internet router, so it’s important to keep it working.
The pair of fans on one end of the switch started to make noise occasionally. It sounded like a buzzing bee and was getting annoying, so I took about fifteen minutes to fix it. Note that this tip will work on power supply fans, video card fans, and other small fans that aren’t easily replaced.

Here’s how you can quiet those fans down in less than 15min.

You’ll need the following to complete this project. Chances are you already have it all

• small razor
• a tissue
• Tri-flow oil with spout (see comment below, 3-in-1 oil may gum over time)

First, carefully remove the fan from whatever device it is in. If it is a graphics card, just carefully remove the card from the computer, gently unplug its power cable from the card, remove the screws from the card. For computer power supply fans be very careful not to touch anything other than the fan and edge of the circuit board, since there is stored electricity in the power supply capacitors. Here’s a picture of one of the fans I repaired to give you an idea of what we’re working with.

Take your razor and carefully pry the edge of the sticker up.

After you pry the sticker up, you will see a small hole in the center of the fan. This is where the fan shaft and bearings are located.

Take your tri-flow oil with the spout and put about 2 drops of oil into the hole.

You need to be sure the tip of the spout is completely in the hole to prevent spillage. If you do spill a drop, just use your tissue and clean it up. Get all of it up so the sticker will adhere back to the fan. Carefully smooth the sticker back out and make sure it sticks well.

Keep the fan horizontal for a few seconds with the sticker facing up and slowly spin the fan to work the oil around. Gently blow on the fan to get it spinning a little faster. As long as your fan bearings are still good, your fan should be running a lot smoother and quieter.

Here’s a video of the process.

Repair Cooling Fans in Power Supplies, Video Cards and More