Is your fan making rubbing or grinding noises? One idea may be to oil your ceiling fan. Usually, this is not required, but there is an easy way to check to see if your fan has an oil reservoir. If it does, your fan may need oiling as regular maintenance. We’ll walk you through checking for the oil reservoir here in this article. This article will show you how to oil a harbor breeze ceiling fan.
The oil reservoir hole is generally located on top of the motor, near the downrod. If your fan does have an oil reservoir, you will see a small hole labelled oil hole. If you’re not able to find it, it likely does not exist – in this case, your fan does not need oiling. Many of the newer fans on the market today actually don’t need oiling – so checking for the oil hole is a good idea for squeaky fans that made rubbing or grinding sounds.
If your Ceiling Fan has a Oil Reservoir Hole
If you are able to find a oil hole, then use a pipe cleaner and insert it into the hole. This will help test the fan’s oil level. If the pipe cleaner comes out with oil on it, then it does not need oil. If the pipe cleaner comes out and has no oil on it, or it’s a super small amount of oil, then it needs to have oil added. The type of oil to be added is non detergent electric motor oil. This works well for fans. You can also take a look at Hunter Oil for Fans. This oil is specially formulated to be used specifically with ceiling fans.
If you’re going to find your own ceiling fan oil, take a look first to see what the manual says that came with your fan. It may point out what kind of oil should be used with the fan. If not, then what you want is non detergent motor oil. Don’t use just any oil, as certain oils can light on fire. Electric motors could cause the oil to light. Look for a 10, 15 or 20 weight oil. Avoid using 3 in 1 oil, as this also has detergents in it.
Do not use WD 40 to oil the fan, as this is not a motor oil!
Antique Ceiling Fans & Oil Reservoir Holes
Antique fans are more likely to have oil reservoir holes. This is due to the age and the function of the fan. Newer fans generally don’t require oiling as much as an older vintage or antique fan. Again, the best way to verify is to look for an oil reservoir hole. If there is a reservoir hole, use the pipe cleaner method we mentioned to verify if the fan has sufficient oil. If the oil level is completely empty, you will want to fill it as soon as possible!
where do you find the model number on the ceiling fan?
I have had to replace the off/ON switch due to the placement of the fan switch is located on the above area of the plate where the screws to hold the lamp is located. The pull chain for fan comes out of the side of the housing, however the pull chain for light comes out directly above the plate that holds the lamp.iThe hole points upwards instead of sideways like the fan chain pull is located. Pulling the chain for light does not allow the balls on the chain to fully retract. I made a hole directly below the hole for the off/on fan light switch without realizing that I can’t put the light globe up far enough to tighten the screws because the replacement light switch is too low now. Therefore in the future please make the hole for Chain pull to pull out in a different direction than having to pull chain downward which is awkward direction chain needs to go. Rubs against side of hole when pulled downward. Hole should not be facing upwards. Bought my fan at Lowe’s 6 or 7 years ago and use on back porch. Also get off/on light switch at lowes for about 5.00. Fan works great and don’t know when i will have to replace light switch again.
I just installed a new fan, and it’s making a loud noise. Something is seriously rubbing. What should I do?