HP Repair Manual for 'replacing' fan

[Camel]

Hi:
My computer, 'hp pavillion 533w' which is 'tower,' about 16 inches High x
7.5 inches Width x
15 inches depth. The color is 'black and siler' and 'hp' in the middle of
front panel.

I need to replace one of 'fans' inside of the computer and tried to
'unscrew' all of the screws
attached to the back of the computer. However, there is NO way for me to
take off its cover.

Then, I went to the 'hp' site, ... but there is NO instruction/manual on
this computer, although there
are VERY similar manual/pictures on others, but NOT on my computer.

Only solution is I need someone who has/knows about 'how to take off a
cover of
hp pavillion 533w. Because, there is NO Repair Manual on HP site. I spent
about three hours
looking/searching around on HP site.

In detail on its cover;
There are 'two' big screws on the right side and 'two' smaller/short screws
on the left side of
the cover. Also, two small screws on the top and bottom along with several
more small screws
in the middle of back panel/cover.

If I take off this cover, I must be able to pinpoint a problematic fan.

I am well aware this job is NOT easy, ... but I want to do this job myself,
because there are two more
HPs in my household.

If any of you could offer a help on this, I would be really appreciated.
Thanks,

 

[Guest]

Have you tried "sliding" the panels from side-to-side or up and down? Some
cases use the "Chinese Puzzle Box" method of case design. I had one case
that you had to slide the front panel UP, then slide the side panels BACK
after the catches released from the front panel. Sometimes, you also have to
push the panel slightly IN and then slide it.

Hope this works.

 

[Camel]

Hi:
I did 'slide-down' the side panel after removing 'two' big screws.

There are 'two' fans inside, ... one is about 4 inches diameter located
close to the back panel
this is just sitting and NOT running, but now it starts running, after about
10 minutes.

One more, that is 'smaller' about 2.5 inches diameter and keeps running, one
to two minutes
after 'plug-in.'

I see only 'Two,' but some saying there are about 4-5 fans inside, but not
this computer.
Just 'two' fans is OK for me to examine?

It's easy to access a 'smaller one' that is located in the top part and '4'
small screws to hold it,
..... like a tiny cage with 4 screw for protecting a tiny fan.
I suspect this 'small one' is making 'hamming noise.'

However, before taking off a smaller fan, your knowledge/opinion would be
truly appreciated.

 

[Guest]

Great, Camel! You have made progress. I like to use either a toilet paper
roller tube or one from a roll of kitchen paper towels to listen through.
Put one end near your ear and the other near the fans, one at a time. find
the one with the most noise. That would be your culprit. Some fans, CANNOT
be replaced without replacing the thing that it is mounted on. For instance,
the power supply fan: you haved to replace the power supply. Most high-end
video cards also have a fan that can be replaced but only with the EXACT
replacement fan. I doubt that your HP has a video card fan from the
specifications I have been able to locate. Case fans can usually be replaced.
But first make sure which fan you want to replace.

If it is the case fan (not connected to anything else but the case) then you
will have to try and locate the part number and get a replacement for it.
With the part number, you can probably go to a local computer store and they
can match it for you.

You might also let the computer run for a while with the cover off to locate
the bad fan. With the computer powered OFF, you might also simply clean the
blades and fan mount of dust and dirt. Sometimes a can of compressed air
(from your computer store) will also help blow dust out. Make sure the blown
dust doesn't get back on the motherboard or other parts.