Engine Compartment Blower Motor

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I just pulled the engine blower motor out as it was making significant noise when I engaged the automatic heater. I removed the fan blade assembly and removed the rear cover screws. Seems like the bearings are shot where the motor passes through the upper round plate beside fan assembly. I noted that replacing the motor assembly is in the $550 range, which seems somewhat excessive for simple bearings. The motor works well, so am just wondering if anyone has changed the bearings on the motor before and whether it is in fact possible. We have a local bearing place that I was planning on going to when it opens on Monday. Any thoughts?

Thanks.

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Forgot to add (blower part number is 965-624-151-00.

[wvicary]

I asked a local shop here that repairs electrical motors and such and they said it couldn't be done. Maybe you'll have better luck.

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Thanks for the efforts. I managed to get the blower motor apart after fighting a little with the blade fan. Will take it to a local bearing repair shop to see if their response is the same, hope not though - expensive little thing, although I did find a used on at dC Automotive for USD 225. As soon as I get confirmation from the shop, I'll post the result for others as well.

Thanks again.

Cheers.

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Well after a fair bit of running around, I managed to find an Aurora Rod End / Hime Joint? which I was able to cut apart and separate the hardened steel bushing (got that from General Bearing Service Inc in Ottawa, Ontario). I wasn't able to expand the 5/16 inch shaft diameter as no drill bit I could find, would hone the bushing (just chewed them apart). I found a local machine shop that was able to hone the inner diameter to 8mm (as per the main shaft) in less than an hour for $90 CAD. They also repressed the bushing into the plate so I simply had to reverse my disassembly to put it back together. Only challenge was not losing the small pressure 'c' clamps in the basement. The heater seems to work again, with no noise eminating from the motor. Have attached a couple of pictures for general situational awareness. I may make a recommendation to Pelican to perhaps see if they could stock such an item. Thanks again.

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[wvicary]

Result! Thanks for getting back to us.

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As a follow on to this thread, I just found a replacement blower motor at Pelican (just the motor) for $124.95 USD (P/N: 911-624-151-02-PH). Pelican states that you just need to modify the plug as this is designed for a '73-'83 apparently, so that might be a heck of a lot simpler for those not so inclined to go through my steps. Enjoy.