How to Remove a Laptop Fan

Laptop fans are designed to keep the system cool by removing heat from the hard drive, processor and other internal hardware components. The fan draws cool air in, then blows hot air out through vents in the laptop case. A faulty laptop fan can cause permanent damage to occur very quickly. If a laptop fan starts making loud noises or stops blowing hot air through the vents, replace it as soon as possible.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Small screwdriver

1. Turn the laptop off and unplug it. Unplug or disconnect any external drives or other devices.

2. Move the main battery latch to the "Unlock" position and remove the battery pack. Push in on the optical drive release mechanism, then pull the CD/DVD drive out of the case.

3. Remove the screw(s) that hold the hard drive sled in place, then pull the entire hard-drive assembly out of the case slot. Turn the laptop over.

4. Remove the screws on the bottom that hold the keyboard assembly in place. Flip the laptop over then open it. Lift the front of the keyboard up about 1 to 2 inches.

5. Unplug the flexible ribbon cable that connects the keyboard to the motherboard, then pull the keyboard assembly away from the bezel. Lay the keyboard aside.

6. Unplug the laptop fan. Remove the screws that hold the heat sink/fan assembly in place, then remove the fan from the laptop.

Tips & Warnings

• Draw a diagram representing the part or screw you remove for each section you disassemble. Lay the screw or part on the diagram in its proper location to stay organized and be sure you won't end up with extra or missing parts. Work on a large table with a bright light source. As you work, periodically touch something metal to remove static charge. Study the manufacturer's laptop assembly guide and owner's manual before you start.
• Some laptop components are very sensitive to shaking and jarring. Be careful not to hit, bump or drop any of the components while removing the fan.

References

• Repair4Laptop: Cooling System Guides

Resources

• Intel Quick Fan Tips