Interior fan noise/steering interaction

[Tom _M]

Have got an annoying heater blower noise on my '07 Focus. When get a chance am going to check/change the cabin filter to check if anything stuck there (seems straightforward enough), otherwise am down the route of the motor bearings perhaps (something of a pain to get out seemingly). Anyway, one thing I have noticed is that if is making its noise, it often stops for a bit when I turn the steering wheel. Any thoughts on why turning the wheel would shut up the noise..?

[eybic]

Sounds strange, turning the steering will lower the revs slightly so that could be related?????

[M_A_S]

eybic said:

Sounds strange, turning the steering will lower the revs slightly so that could be related?????

It would more likely raise the revs, therefore the voltage, therefore a slightly faster fan.

[eybic]

M_A_S said:

It would more likely raise the revs, therefore the voltage, therefore a slightly faster fan.

It would initially drop the revs though.

[Tom _M]

The voltage change does seem to be a logical enough explanation, thanks.

[tapkaJohnD]

No idea how near the fan is to the steering column and bracketry, but more likely if the noise is something is hitting the fan, that turing the wheel distorts the fan housing, and moves the something out of the way.

Which is a disturbing thought, if the brackets are loose or the structure that flexible.
John

[Tom _M]

Something loose/rubbing does sound more worrying, yes... Managed to get a chance to check and change the cabin filter, and though dirty, nothing there that would account for the noise. Next step is to change the motor, which is by all accounts a pain to get at as need to remove a load of interior dash seemingly. Think I'll be paying to get that done

[Penelope Stopit]

Job looks easy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcVDE4ecHDY

[Tom _M]

I wish it was that easy, but unfortunately on mine is more like this:

PITA