A Lot of Plastic

Our car developed a rattle on Sunday. Inspection revealed a cooling fan with a wobbling blade. A little research of costs, lack of availability of the part from the parts house, and how a dealer waits for such opportunities, led me to taking on the task of replacement.

I found the fan on the internet, but was suspicious of buying from the sources. Two things crossed my mind:

    One was knowing the third party manufacturer could unload what they know as substandard parts onto the market at a reduced price.

    The other was the time for delivery and how the wrong part could lead to a long time of an inoperable vehicle.

I disassembled with a little help from a online video. I wasn't complete, but insured my effort to do the job myself prevented a huge cost from a mechanic. The factory recommended replacement called for evacuating the AC system, and the additional costs to replace a dryer, with the refrigerant. One bolt that required a little ingenuity to reach was the reason for the extra step.

After finally removing the fan, I inspected the blade. The bearing in the motor was completely worn, or the housing for the bearing failed enough to prevent keeping the bearing in place. Regardless, removing the blade, and replacing the motor, was out of the question. It's all plastic, the blade is pressed on, and any attempt to remove either would probably destroy the housing, if parts were available. 

A call to the dealer for the part led to a few moments of trepidation. The first words from the counter man was: "It's been on backorder. Let me see if it's available." After a few moments, he continued: "I have four, and can have it here tomorrow." He told me he would send me a text with a link for payment, and he would order the part as soon as I completed the transaction." 

I paid for the part ($448) and called to confirm the order. After confirmation, I went on to other tasks and hoped the man at the counter wasn't telling me a fib to sell a part. 

Tuesday morning, I called the dealer to ask about the status of the part. He told me he was about to text to tell me the part was in. A 20 mile trip to the dealer, a little over an hour of my time, and I was ready to put the car back together. 

I was slow with my replacement to guarantee not forgetting the order of reassembly. After completion of the task, starting the vehicle, a short test drive, and some relief, the car was back in service. All in all, it took about five hours of my time, but with skill and knowledge, a good mechanic could do it in less than two hours. 

I was a little amazed at how much of the vehicle was plastic and held together by push clips. It seems flimsy, and I wonder if the plastic will age as badly as plastic parts in the past. It is what it is, and the demand for lighter vehicles had led to where we are. 

So, another major/minor problem is handled. Onward I go through retirement, and thank God for the ability to do some of the things that can bankrupt those on a fixed income. It's my blessing and gives me peace.