Replacing Furnace Blower Bearings

Furnace blower just like any electrical or mechanical devices wears out eventually. A furnace blower motor or bearings is not exempted from wearing. You can simply replace the bearings of your furnace blower through following the manual provided by the manufacturer. If there is no manual to follow, you can just follow these simple steps.

Step 1 – Prepare

Using the screwdriver gently remove the furnace blower’s metal panel which hides the blower motor and bearings. Most furnaces include an identification label indicating that the motor is at the back the panel along with its other parts. There are approximately four to six screws gripping the panel in position. Now, slowly drag the panel from the housing of your furnace blower then set it aside.

Make sure to remove the entire electrical power coming from your furnace blower. A number of units may contain a built-in power control for its blower motor, which is position at the back of the panel that you just removed. Some older versions of furnace blowers may not. It only means that you will need to turn off your electricity circuit breaker or simply take away the electrical fuse that supplies power to the furnace blower.

Step 2 – Remove the Old Bearings

Now, you need to loosen about four mounting bolts which keep the blower motor along with its bearings. By loosening it, you need to use the end wrenches, such as ½-inch or 7/16-inch. Just choose the suitable size of end wrench to be use to loosen it.

Fasten a wrench with the lock ring tool. Then turn the whip’s handle along with the wrench to secure the lock ring tool away from each other. You need to fit the cone wrench to the cone situated at the left and non-drive part of the hub. Again, tighten the adjustable wrench to the accompanying locknut.

Now, the cone should resemble a bolt along with two level surfaces. Rotate the cone clockwise while turning the locknut counterclockwise, keeping away from each other. Take away the locknut and spacers. You can now remove the furnace blower bearings too.

Step 3 – Replace the Furnace Blower Bearings

In replacing the furnace blower bearings, you need to be sure that what you are attaching is the same type of bearing that you removed.

Thoroughly clean first the furnace blower bearings cup, in which these bearings sat. If needed, you can apply ample amount of lubricant to grease the bearings and its cups. After, slowly push the new bearings to the grease. Make sure that the furnace blower bearings are properly seated.

Next, you need to reassemble the furnace metal panel. Tighten properly the bearings using the wrench and wipe out any excessive lubricants. Once the bearings are installed, put back the furnace blower motor as well. Clean the furnace blower carefully before plugging it and using again.

Lastly, you need to test the furnace blower by setting its thermostat and allowing it to run for at least 5 minutes.