How hard is it to replace the heater fan? Mine has started squealing again - it magically fixed itself for over a year. It looks trapped behind some air conditioner plumbing. Removing the plastic "shelf" around the front hood latch (same plastic extends forward to hold the clip-on air deflector) does not look like it would enable fan removal past the air conditioner stuff. I could not see a way to lube the fan/motor - is there a way with it in place? Thanks!
I looked at the link. I'm not concerned about the four screws, I'm concerned about the air conditioner components/tubing which seem to me to block the squirrel cage & motor unit.
I havent done one in ages, but usually just taking out the mounting screws and unpluging the wire harness is about it. The cage comes right out of the hole with the motor. I dont recall anything being inside the ducts anywhere near it.
The squirrel cage is smaller than the mounting plate. So when you detach the mounting plate, you'll have some leeway to move it around to get it past the A/C lines and stuff.
I just replaced mine today on my '88 and it's about a ten minute job including swapping the blower wheel. Be advised that the parts houses have two numbers linked for the motor and one of them has the vent hole on the wrong side. Check against the old one before you leave the store. It takes a little bit of maneuvering but it comes out with just the disconnection of the two electrical connectors. Also, there is a small spacer on the shaft that needs to be moved over along with the blower wheel. It also a good time to clean out any collected leaves, twigs and rats nests.
