Forum Discussion

CJ_T's avatar
CJ_T
Explorer
Jul 04, 2014

DuoTherm A/C Condenser Fan Blade Removal

I have an older DuoTherm rooftop A/C unit that somehow the plastic condenser fan blade has gotten cocked a little sideways and is off-balance, causing a severe vibration. I took the shroud off, expecting to find a dirt dauber nest on either the squirrel cage wheel or the condenser fan. Instead both were clean -- just the hub of the plastic fan was cocked. From the looks of the rust on the shaft clamp, it's been that way a while and just now the motor bearings may have worn enough to cause the vibration.

My question is this: how do you remove the plasic fan blade ? I tried loosening the clamp that holds the fan hub to the shaft, but could not budge the fan blade off the shaft. I could loosen the screw that that was it. I did not want to try to push too hard for fear of breaking off a blade and really being stuckwith no A/C. Any tips to try to loosen or get the fan blade off the rusty shaft ? I plan to buy a replacement blade and have on have on hand in case I have to destroy the old one getting it off the shaft.
  • CJ&T wrote:
    Chris,

    Thanks for the advice. Do you just go about breaking off pieces of the fan blade assembly, or maybe take a Dremel and cut/grind a slot in the hub ?

    I've done both- usually, once the metal band is removed, the plastic will break loose.


    Also, do the replacement blades come with a new screw clamp to hold the blade onto the shaft ?

    Yes- the new blades are considerably different than the originals, but come with the clamp.


    Do you need to sand the shaft to remove the rust before putting the new blade on ?

    I usually do- just to clean it up a bit, but I don't get it spotless.
  • j-d's avatar
    j-d
    Explorer II
    Sometimes I can get an open end wrench over the shaft and tap it with a hammer to slide the fan along. This works better when I can emery cloth the rust off ahead of where the fan has to slide.
  • Chris,

    Thanks for the advice. Do you just go about breaking off pieces of the fan blade assembly, or maybe take a Dremel and cut/grind a slot in the hub ?

    Also, do the replacement blades come with a new screw clamp to hold the blade onto the shaft ?

    Do you need to sand the shaft to remove the rust before putting the new blade on ?
  • Buy a new blade and destroy the old one to remove. That blade should be under $10, and the replacement has a much heavier hub.

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