How to Remove a Squirrel Cage From a Furnace Blower Motor 
If you are experiencing a problem with your blower motor, you may be wondering how to remove the squirrel cage. This article will give you tips on how to access the blower motor and troubleshoot it. It will also give you an idea of the cost to replace the motor if you have to replace it. Read on to learn how to do it! And remember, it doesn’t have to cost a fortune!
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Getting access to a squirrel cage blower motor
If you are experiencing unusual noises in your HVAC system, it may be time to check the blower motor. It may be due to a loose belt or bearing, or it may simply need a replacement motor. While the blower motor is an important part of your HVAC system, dust and dirt can make it prone to malfunctioning, resulting in increased power consumption. To get access to the motor, follow these steps:
To get to the motor, first disconnect the fan from the blower cage. This may require using a hacksaw to cut the shaft of the fan. Once you have accessed the shaft, clean it thoroughly. If necessary, you can replace the grille if it is cracked or broken. Once the fan is free, you can inspect the bearings and grease them with a brush. If you suspect the fan is damaged, you can replace it with a new one.
If you are unsure of the location of the motor, you may need to disassemble the entire air handler to get at the motor. If this is not possible, you can use a nut-driver to remove the panel. Next, remove the screws holding the blower motor assembly. Make sure that you have disconnected the power from the blower motor before attempting to remove it. Then, remove the blower motor housing and the two wires that go to the capacitor.
Troubleshooting a squirrel cage blower motor
If the squirrel cage blower is making a screeching noise, you’ll want to check the voltage of the motor. If you suspect that the cage is rubbing against the motor housing, you can tighten the rotor shaft nut. If this doesn’t work, it’s time to replace the motor and squirrel cage. To troubleshoot a squirrel cage blower motor, follow these steps.
The first step is to check the amp draw of the motor. To do this, locate the sticker on your furnace and check the amp draw of the motor. The amp draw of a blower motor is listed on the furnace’s service facts manual. It should be four to 12 amps depending on the size of the motor. A high amp draw indicates a faulty motor or a malfunctioning blower squirrel cage.
Another problem that can cause this problem is a blocked air vent. You may have accidentally blocked a vent or moved furniture. In this case, the air pressure inside the ventilation system is too high, which can overload the electrical circuit. Motors can also fail due to clogged air vents or defective wiring. Also, if the wiring is worn out, it can cause electrical shorts and arcs, triggering the circuit breaker.
Cost of replacing a squirrel cage blower motor
A squirrel cage blower motor is one of the most common types of HVAC systems. Its clever design and energy efficiency make it very popular. But, at some point, you may want to replace the motor. This article will provide you with tips for doing so, and help you decide if it’s worth the money. Before you begin, take note of the parts of the motor. These include the motor, cage, and retainer.
A squirrel cage blower motor is a common component of a furnace. You can often see it hidden behind the control board. In many cases, it’s referred to as a squirrel cage because of its appearance, which resembles wheels that squirrels run on. To replace a squirrel cage blower motor, you will need to replace the fan, also called a blower wheel. This part of the system can cost anywhere from $250 to 600 dollars.
The blower motor’s capacitor may be the culprit for the malfunction. In older models, the problem could be with the belt or a faulty motor. Replacing the capacitor may cost $50 to $100, but this is not always the case. You should also consider whether or not a blower wheel is malfunctioning before deciding to replace the motor. If the blower is causing your blower to run slowly, the problem is most likely the motor.
How do you remove a squirrel cage from a furnace blower motor?
Answer 1: You remove a squirrel cage from a furnace blower motor by disconnecting the power removing the bolts that hold the squirrel cage in place and then pulling the squirrel cage off of the motor.
What do you need to do before removing the squirrel cage from the furnace blower motor?
Answer 2: You need to disconnect the power before removing the squirrel cage from the furnace blower motor.
How do you disconnect the power to the furnace blower motor?
Answer 3: You disconnect the power to the furnace blower motor by turning off the power to the furnace at the breaker box.
Where are the bolts that hold the squirrel cage in place?
Answer 4: The bolts that hold the squirrel cage in place are located around the perimeter of the squirrel cage.
How do you remove the bolts that hold the squirrel cage in place?
Answer 5: You remove the bolts that hold the squirrel cage in place by using a wrench to loosen and remove them.
Once the bolts are removed how do you remove the squirrel cage from the furnace blower motor?
Answer 6: Once the bolts are removed you remove the squirrel cage from the furnace blower motor by pulling it off of the motor.
What do you do with the squirrel cage once it is removed from the furnace blower motor?
Answer 7: Once the squirrel cage is removed from the furnace blower motor you can dispose of it or reuse it as needed.
Do you need to replace the squirrel cage if it is damaged?
Answer 8: If the squirrel cage is damaged you will need to replace it.
How often should you inspect the squirrel cage on the furnace blower motor?
Answer 9: You should inspect the squirrel cage on the furnace blower motor at least once a year.
What are some signs that the squirrel cage needs to be replaced?
Answer 10: Some signs that the squirrel cage needs to be replaced are if it is damaged or worn it is not spinning properly or it is making noise.
Can you clean the squirrel cage if it is dirty?
Answer 11: You can clean the squirrel cage if it is dirty but it is not necessary.
How do you clean the squirrel cage if it is dirty?
Answer 12: You clean the squirrel cage by using a brush or vacuum cleaner to remove any dirt or debris.
What do you do if the squirrel cage is damaged and needs to be replaced?
Answer 13: If the squirrel cage is damaged and needs to be replaced you can purchase a new one from a hardware store or online.
What are some of the benefits of replacing the squirrel cage on the furnace blower motor?
Answer 14: Some of the benefits of replacing the squirrel cage on the furnace blower motor are that it will improve the efficiency of the furnace it will prolong the life of the motor and it will reduce noise.
How do you install a new squirrel cage on the furnace blower motor?
Answer 15: You install a new squirrel cage on the furnace blower motor by aligning it with the motor inserting the bolts and then tightening them.
Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg.
