How to Lubricate a Central Air Fan Motor

By
Timothy Thiele
Timothy Thiele

Timothy Thiele has an associate degree in electronics and is an IBEW Local #176 Union Electrician with over 30 years of experience in residential, commercial, and industrial wiring.

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Updated on 10/14/22
Reviewed by
Larry Campbell
Larry Campbell
Reviewed by Larry Campbell
Larry Campbell is an electrical contractor with 36 years of experience in residential and light commercial electrical wiring. He worked as an electronic technician and later as an engineer for the IBM Corp. He is also a member of The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board.
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Fact checked by
Sarah Scott
SS
Fact checked by Sarah Scott
Sarah Scott is a fact-checker and researcher who has worked in the custom home building industry in sales, marketing, and design.
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Air Conditioner
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Project Overview
  • Working Time: 15 - 30 mins
  • Total Time: 15 - 30 mins
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $5 to $10

Central air conditioners rely on fans to pull air through the condenser coils to dissipate heat. These fans are subject to outdoor conditions and plenty of dirt and grime. While most current models of air conditioners have motors that don't need to be oiled, many older units require periodic oiling to keep the fan in good condition. As regular maintenance of air conditioning systems is recommended at the start of the cooling season, this would be a good time to perform oiling. This is also a good time to inspect the fan blades and motor for signs of wear.

Before You Begin

Air conditioners are high-voltage appliances. You should always turn off the power to the unit before doing anything inside the compressor/condenser cabinet. Many units have an exterior disconnect switch, usually housed in a box mounted on a wall near the unit. Turn off the power here. Alternatively, turn off the breaker to the A/C system in your home's breaker box. If your system has both a breaker and a disconnect, turn off both.

Warning

A/C compressor/condenser units have high-voltage capacitors that store deadly amounts of electricity even after the power is turned off. Do not reach down into the unit unless you know exactly where the capacitors are and how to discharge them safely.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Nut driver or screwdriver
  • Rags

Materials

  • High-quality lubricating oil

Instructions

Every A/C unit is different, so follow the manufacturer's instructions for oiling your model. Use a high-quality oil designed for high-speed motor shafts and bearings. Do not use oil containing a detergent, such as automotive motor oil. Detergent is bad for the bearings of fan motors.

  1. Open Up the Unit

    Remove the top cover of the compressor/condenser unit (the outdoor cabinet). The motor is mounted to the underside of the cover. The cover is usually secured with 8 or 10 screws along its perimeter. Remove these with a nut driver or screwdriver. Some units have fans that are secured to the fan cage; in this case, you simply remove the screws holding the cage to the unit cover.

  2. Access the Oil Ports

    Turn the cover or cage assembly upside down to access the oil ports on the motor. These ports will be located on the top and/or bottom of the motor.

  3. Inspect the Fan Motor

    While your fan is positioned with the blades facing upward, spin the blades with your hand to make sure the motor shaft moves smoothly. Next, grasp the blade assembly near its center and try to jiggle the motor shaft back and forth and up and down. A little up and down movement is normal, but there should be no side-to-side movement. If there is, and you've noticed your fan is louder than usual, it's probably time to replace the motor; the bearings are worn out. Finally, check each blade for cracks or other damage. If you see any problems, replace the blade assembly.

  4. Open Up the Ports

    Remove the plug covering each oil port. You should be able to pull out the plugs with your fingers or use a small flathead screwdriver to pry them out.

  5. Oil the Ports

    Squirt a small amount of oil into each port until the oil starts to spill out of the port. It helps to have an oil container with a small hose or nozzle. Wipe up any spilled oil with a rag.

  6. Reinstall the Plugs

    Reinstall the plugs into the ports. Spin the fan blade slowly by hand to disperse the oil within the motor.

  7. Reassemble the Unit

    Reposition the unit cover or fan cage and secure it with its screws. Restore power to the unit.

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  1. Measure Guideline: Air Conditioner Diagnostics, Maintenance, and Replacement. United States Department of Energy.