Question:

How to fix a noisy and unstable fan in a Lenovo Legion 5 laptop?

I have a three-year-old Lenovo Legion 5 laptop that works well except for the right side fan. It makes a loud and grinding noise that sounds like a lawn mower. The noise starts when I move the laptop or touch the case near the fan, and it stops only when I close the lid and turn off the fan. The fan also does not spin as freely as the other one. I have cleaned the inside of the laptop regularly, but I have not removed the heatsinks or the fan. I have tried tightening the screws of the fan/thermal unit, but it did not help much. I am not sure if replacing the fan or the whole thermal unit would solve the problem, and I do not have the skills or the resources to do it myself. What could be causing this issue and how can I fix it?

Answer:

A noisy and unstable fan in a laptop can be a sign of a hardware problem that needs to be fixed as soon as possible. A fan that makes a loud and grinding noise like a lawn mower can indicate that the fan is damaged, dirty, or misaligned. A fan that does not spin as freely as the other one can mean that the fan is obstructed, worn out, or loose. These issues can affect the performance and lifespan of the laptop, as well as cause overheating and potential damage to other components.

The first step to fix a noisy and unstable fan is to clean the fan and the vents. Dust, dirt, hair, and other debris can accumulate inside the laptop and clog the fan and the vents, reducing the airflow and causing the fan to work harder and louder. To clean the fan and the vents, follow these steps:

• Turn off the laptop and unplug the power cord and any other cables.
• Remove the battery if possible.
• Use a soft brush or a can of compressed air to gently remove the dust and dirt from the fan and the vents. Do not use a vacuum cleaner or a wet cloth, as they can damage the laptop.
• Reattach the battery and the power cord and turn on the laptop.

The second step to fix a noisy and unstable fan is to check the fan alignment and the screws. A fan that is misaligned or loose can cause vibrations and noise, as well as affect the cooling efficiency. To check the fan alignment and the screws, follow these steps:

• Turn off the laptop and unplug the power cord and any other cables.
• Remove the battery if possible.
• Remove the back cover of the laptop by unscrewing the screws that hold it in place. Be careful not to lose any screws or damage any wires or connectors.
• Locate the fan and the thermal unit that are attached to the motherboard. The fan and the thermal unit are usually connected by a cable and a heat pipe.
• Check if the fan is aligned properly with the vent and the heat sink. If the fan is tilted, twisted, or shifted, gently adjust it until it is in the right position.
• Check if the screws that secure the fan and the thermal unit are tight and not stripped. If the screws are loose or damaged, tighten them or replace them with new ones.
• Reattach the back cover of the laptop and screw it back in place.
• Reattach the battery and the power cord and turn on the laptop.

The third step to fix a noisy and unstable fan is to replace the fan or the thermal unit. If the fan is still noisy and unstable after cleaning and checking, it may be damaged or worn out beyond repair. In this case, the best solution is to replace the fan or the whole thermal unit with a new one. To replace the fan or the thermal unit, follow these steps:

• Turn off the laptop and unplug the power cord and any other cables.
• Remove the battery if possible.
• Remove the back cover of the laptop by unscrewing the screws that hold it in place. Be careful not to lose any screws or damage any wires or connectors.
• Locate the fan and the thermal unit that are attached to the motherboard. The fan and the thermal unit are usually connected by a cable and a heat pipe.
• Disconnect the cable and the heat pipe from the fan and the thermal unit. Be careful not to bend or break the cable or the heat pipe, as they are delicate and important for the cooling system.
• Remove the fan and the thermal unit from the motherboard by unscrewing the screws that hold them in place. Be careful not to damage any other components or the motherboard itself.
• Replace the fan or the thermal unit with a new one that is compatible with your laptop model. You can find the part number and the specifications of the fan or the thermal unit on the label or the sticker on the part itself, or on the manufacturer’s website or manual.
• Attach the new fan or the thermal unit to the motherboard by screwing them in place. Make sure they are aligned properly with the vent and the heat sink.
• Connect the cable and the heat pipe to the new fan or the thermal unit. Make sure they are plugged in securely and correctly.
• Reattach the back cover of the laptop and screw it back in place.
• Reattach the battery and the power cord and turn on the laptop.

Replacing the fan or the thermal unit can be a challenging and risky task, especially for someone who is not familiar with the laptop’s internal structure and components. If you are not confident or comfortable with doing it yourself, you may want to seek professional help from a qualified technician or a repair shop. They can diagnose the problem and fix it for you, as well as provide you with a warranty and a guarantee for their service.

A

noisy and unstable fan in a Lenovo Legion 5 laptop can be a nuisance and a hazard, but it can be fixed with some simple steps or a replacement. By following these steps, you can restore the normal functioning and the quietness of your laptop’s fan, and enjoy using your laptop without any worries.