Question : Need to fix a new noise problem with a Fanimation Old Havana Ceiling Fan?
I installed a Fanimation Old Havana fan on my ceiling 5 years ago. It is not a typical ceiling fan – it looks like one you would put on your desk but it is mounted to the ceiling. It was working fine for several years, but now if I turn it off, when I try to turn it back on it makes a very loud sound. It seems that it is probably mechanical, but after removing the housing, cleaning it, tightening all the screws, etc. it still makes the noise.

Sometimes if I run it on high for an hour and then turn the fan to medium the sound becomes slightly less obnoxious. But generally it is pretty bad and pretty loud.

I’ve tried contacting the manufacturer for better instructions on how to service the motor, but I haven’t heard anything yet. Anyone know how I might take the machine apart and perhaps lubricate it effectively without destroying my fan? It was a $ 600 fan so I would hate to break it with my supposed fixes. Thanks in advance.

http://www.fanimation.com/products/old_havana/

Fanimation just contacted me today. They were great! I just need to send the fan back to them and for a small fee they will either fix it or replace it as the motor has a lifetime warranty. Fabulous – good customer service.

So the answer from them is that other than checking to make sure the screws around the motor are tight, other noises – especially the very loud obnoxious noise I’ve had – isn’t serviceable by the average user.

Oh well – was worth a try.
fanimation fan

Best answer:

Answer by physics guy
First of all, If it cost $ 600 bux, I would definitely exchange it or GET my money back! If it is out of warranty, I would STILL fight that company in some way to get my money back. A simple letter writing campaign should do the trick. Do not tell them you have attempted to fix it in any way or they will say it is your fault and if there is any warranty left on it, they won’t honor it. It sounds like the motor is already going bad. If you cant get any help AT ALL from the company in the way of an exchange or refund, then take it apart and try to fix it, but I’m telling you that most motors of that type are hermetically sealed to prevent dust and dirt from entering the housing, so once you get it apart, there won’t be anything you can do to fix it anyways. Call the owner and/or president of the company if you have to. They usually take notice and do something if an irate consumer is breathing down their neck… Especially if you mention the words court or lawyer in any way during your conversation with them. Try it. P.s. If the sound you are hearing is any type of clicking noise that happens every time the fan turns around, one of the wire nuts inside the fan housing is tapping against the fan rotor. That happened to me once. That was annoying.