How to Remove the Squirrel Cage From a Blower Motor
If your blower motor is causing your air conditioner to run slowly or isn’t working properly, you can easily fix it yourself. The HVAC squirrel cage blower motor is a very clever system. However, there are some things you should know about this system. You need to know how to remove the squirrel cage, as well as the motor, as well as the fan bushings. Then, you need to lubricate the fan bushings with transmission fluid before you put it back into your vehicle.
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How To Remove The Squirrel Cage From A Blower Motor
In some cases, removing the squirrel cage from a blower motor is not difficult. All you need to do is pry the cage free using a wooden dowel or paper towel tube. First, turn off the blower by switching it off near the furnace. If the cage does not rotate, check the motor and capacitor to see if they are defective. If not, replace the motor and cage.
If the cage has become detached from the motor, disconnect the blower motor. Next, slide the back cover upward to release the screws that hold the cage in place. You may need to unscrew the center of the grille to get the cage off. Once the cage is removed, you may need to grease the bearings or replace the front grille if it is damaged. If the cage has been damaged, you should contact a professional who can repair it.
Removal of the motor
The first step in removing the squirrel cage is to unplug the blower motor. To do this, unscrew the fan shaft from the motor. To reach the fan shaft, use a hacksaw to cut it off. Then, turn the squirrel cage upside down. Next, remove the fan blades from the shaft. Replace the grille if it has been damaged. Once the fan is detached from the motor, replace the squirrel cage.
Once you have dismantled the blower motor’s assembly, remove the cage from the motor. Next, unscrew the screws from the fan’s base. If the cage is large, you may need to twist it while removing the motor. Be sure to loosen the bottom collar of the motor shaft. Now, you can remove the squirrel cage. If the cage is stuck inside, contact a professional repair technician to replace it.
Removal of the fan bushings
You can remove the squirrel cage from a blower motor by unscrewing the screws holding the back cover and sliding it upwards. If the cage is stuck, you may need to release the center of the grille and turn the entire assembly upside down to free it. This step is not difficult and does not require any tools. To make the job easier, you can use a hub puller. If you do not have this tool, you can purchase one online.
If the cage has become loose, you can lift it off with a screwdriver or a paper towel tube. This will not damage the motor shaft or the blower. Be sure to remove any WD-40 or moly grease from the shaft before attempting this step. Once you have done so, push the back cover upward and secure the clips. If you do not have a screwdriver, you can use a paper towel tube to help lift the cage out of the blower motor.
Lubricating the fan bushings with transmission fluid before putting it back in the vehicle
When putting a new transmission in a car, you should make sure to lubricate the fan bushings with transmission fluid before you put the car back together. Transmission fluid is often inexpensive and is readily available in most automotive parts stores. The next time you service your transmission, you should also lubricate the bearings. These should be lubricated with RP grease or thick oil.
The best way to lubricate the fan bushings is to check the owner’s manual and use the correct transmission fluid. The oil that comes with your car is usually non-detergent, but if you don’t have a dipstick, you can use light oil instead of transmission fluid. Grease works with most fan motors, but be sure to read the manual thoroughly to determine the correct type for your vehicle.
Also Read: How to Clean a Squirrel Cage Blower Fan
How do you remove the squirrel cage from a blower motor?
Carefully unscrew the cage from the motor using a screwdriver.
How do you know if the squirrel cage needs to be removed?
If the cage is damaged or dirty it needs to be removed.
What is a squirrel cage?
The squirrel cage is the part of the blower motor that contains the blades that create airflow.
Why do you need to remove the squirrel cage?
You need to remove the squirrel cage so that you can clean or replace it.
What is the first step in removing the squirrel cage?
The first step is to unplug the motor from the power source.
What is the second step in removing the squirrel cage?
The second step is to remove the screws that hold the cage in place.
What is the third step in removing the squirrel cage?
The third step is to carefully pull the cage away from the motor.
What is the fourth step in removing the squirrel cage?
The fourth step is to clean or replace the cage as needed.
What is the fifth step in removing the squirrel cage?
The fifth step is to screw the cage back into place.
What is the sixth step in removing the squirrel cage?
The sixth step is to plug the motor back in and turn it on.
What should you do if the cage is damaged?
If the cage is damaged you should replace it.
What should you do if the cage is dirty?
If the cage is dirty you should clean it.
How often should you remove the squirrel cage?
You should remove the squirrel cage as needed depending on how often the motor is used.
What are the consequences of not removing the squirrel cage?
If the cage is not removed the motor will not work properly and may overheat.
Is it difficult to remove the squirrel cage?
No it is not difficult to remove the squirrel cage.
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.
