Squeaky HVAC blower motor.

[Johnmed]

Deffo. Hold me to at least 5 internet beers. I know what I'll be downloading later on.

[Johnmed]

Ok, Merry Chrimbo all.

Managed to get this done earlier today.

Fiddly job that requires large ish Allen hexbits, 5.5mm socket/spanner and/or I think it was a T15 torn bit. Oh and double jointed child's hands. Not having those I managed with a bendy torx driver, saved the day essentially.

The ELSA guide says to remove both wipers, I managed just removing the nearside.

This is in no way a guide, but hopefully the pictures will help anyone who needs to do this themselves.

I reckon my blower had got noisy from water ingress, as the drainage ducts I think have been squished when the pollen filter has been replaced incorrectly; it's quite fiddly to do right I guess.

Took a good while to find screws that were hidden in different locations to the earlier D3s. Hope this helps, I think the pics explain the process pretty much.

I started by marking with tape the position of the wipers:


Remove plastics:


and nearside wiper arm with this:


Remove bracing that has 13 bolts:


This is the bugger, and it has two MORE tiny screws behind it. Don't forget those


These are the ducts that I think have been neglected:


All the best. John

[mattylondon]

Nice work John

In the Elsa guide there's a section about adding a seal to a joint to prevent water ingress.

[Johnmed]

Yeah. I read that Matt. I may add some where it said, I'm not entirely convinced by the recommendation, but I ran out of time, and it can be done quite easily I believe in situ.

[Architex_mA8tey]

Thanks John, useful write up
You didn't say what the result was - did you replace the blower motor or do something to lubricate it or what? If you replaced it what was the cost?

[Johnmed]

Originally Posted by Architex_mA8tey

Thanks John, useful write up
You didn't say what the result was - did you replace the blower motor or do something to lubricate it or what? If you replaced it what was the cost?

Sorry. Yeah, I replaced it with a used blower. £70 from eBay. The old one functioned well bar the noise, it may have needed oil or new bushes, I don't know. Just wanted the awful sound gone to be honest. I may try and sort the old blower motor out, and keep it as a spare. Don't really have the time to muck about these days!

[Architex_mA8tey]

Originally Posted by Johnmed

Sorry. Yeah, I replaced it with a used blower. £70 from eBay. The old one functioned well bar the noise, it may have needed oil or new bushes, I don't know. Just wanted the awful sound gone to be honest. I may try and sort the old blower motor out, and keep it as a spare. Don't really have the time to muck about these days!

I have the same issue on a D3 so was interested in wether it was cured or fixed by replacing - thanks that's helpful

[Johnmed]

Originally Posted by Architex_mA8tey

I have the same issue on a D3 so was interested in wether it was cured or fixed by replacing - thanks that's helpful

Glad it helped. I was surprised at how many small screws needed removing. And you really do need some bendy tools and dollops of patience. Even by Audi's standards. Something to bear in mind if you do attempt yours. What concerned me was the noise of the old one, it didn't sound that bad. I guess the '8 is so quiet that any noise is a big deal. The replacement in the engine bay didn't sound that different, but inside the car was almost silent.

[Architex_mA8tey]

Originally Posted by Johnmed

Glad it helped. I was surprised at how many small screws needed removing. And you really do need some bendy tools and dollops of patience. Even by Audi's standards. Something to bear in mind if you do attempt yours. What concerned me was the noise of the old one, it didn't sound that bad. I guess the '8 is so quiet that any noise is a big deal. The replacement in the engine bay didn't sound that different, but inside the car was almost silent.

Thanks yes it seems variable in noise but is never more than a small squeaking noise, sometimes it is almost seeming to be assisted by the wind when the blower is on slow but there is more wind outside. If I turn up the fan speed it always goes, but it doesn't stop it getting on my nerves lol

[Johnmed]

Mine was like a metallic cricket, then frog and only when cold. Then it began to scrape and groan. Really started to do my nut in by the time I changed it it sounded like aluminium ladders coming loose on a roof rack. Was worse when I slowed on slip roads. Was comically bad!