Macbook Air 11" 2011 Buzzing Noise - Solved

[DarkSel]

I recently bought a Macbook Air from Craigslist, and it has been working perfectly other than a quiet buzzing sound.

This only occurs if the device is parallel to the ground. The moment it's tilted, the buzzing stops. This leads me to believe it's something to do with the fan; however, it's cooling normally.

Should I replace the fan? It's annoying as hell.

 

[DmbShn41]

Check out iFixIt for a comprehensive and safe tear down guide. Give this thing a thorough cleaning inside and out. Most likely dust build up in/around the fan. Use precautions, electronics-safe compressed air, the stuff that has an extremely low moisture content. See how that does afterwards. Then, if it's still present, I would replace fan, check eBay, replacements should not be expensive. Report back and let us know.

 

[Newtons Apple]

Fan could have a clump of dust on one of the blades throwing it out of balance.

 

[cruisin]

I think you meant parallel. I just had my fans replaced (luckily under warranty) and they listed the new fan as $39 and I don't know what it costs to install. You could get a free quote if you have a local Apple Store nearby and are not comfortable with opening up the Mac yourself.

 

[DarkSel]

Fan could have a clump of dust on one of the blades throwing it out of balance.

This is exactly what it was. I took apart the actual fan, cleaned the dust off, applied some axle grease, and now it's working perfectly!

----------

I think you meant parallel. I just had my fans replaced (luckily under warranty) and they listed the new fan as $39 and I don't know what it costs to install. You could get a free quote if you have a local Apple Store nearby and are not comfortable with opening up the Mac yourself.

Yup, I meant parallel.

 

[Cheffy Dave]

This is exactly what it was. I took apart the actual fan, cleaned the dust off, applied some axle grease, and now it's working perfectly!

----------



Yup, I meant parallel.

Axle grease? Tad thick no?? S/B White Lithium Yes???

 

[JHUFrank]

Axle grease? Tad thick no?? S/B White Lithium Yes???

Well, at least if it's axle grease it will have a long viscosity life...