Re: Fan replacement on Gateway MT3422 laptop

Hi!

> Anybody got a link to instructions on fan replacement? I just need to
> figure out how to get the thing apart and remove the old fan.

With some care and precision tools, I think you could do it by carefully and
methodically disassembling the machine. Take notes to see what gets you
closer and what doesn't. Even if you can get service literature, you may
find that it is inaccurate. I have a Dell Latitude notebook that had a
rumbling fan. Neither Dell technicians nor the service manual showed
it--except for one unrelated illustration:

http://greyghost.mooo.com/d800fanrepair/

> Also, where's the best place to buy the fan?

That's another problem entirely. The fans used in laptops are typically
special shapes, sizes and maybe even voltages. The maker of the fan probably
won't sell you one, and most electronic parts vendors won't have what you
need--unless it is by some amazing chance a standard fan. If you could get
to the right people at Gateway, they *might* help you, but I have no idea
how you'd accomplish that.

What you can do is oil the fan. Frequently, this will help. And while you're
in there, blow the dust out of the little radiators--they do plug up!

William

Hello,
Well replacing the fan is an adventure. you have to basically almost gut the laptop. Undo all screws on bottom of case. Remove Keyboard, remove four screws under keyboard, remove Display on back corner is two more screws, unplug trackpad, remove hard drive, remove optical drive, undo screws in motherboard, remove motherboard, remove fan plugin and screws attaching to mother board. There welcome to my nightmare 6 hours so far figuring it out. hope it goes back together.