i35 AC blower fan

[chasreina]

My ac blower on my 2003 i35 has been making a terrible grinding sound for a while now and it finally stopped blowing (also the noise stopped). To me it sounded like something was wrong with just the fan, maybe a bearing or blade was broken. I'm not too skilled at working on my car but I'm broke and wanted to give this a shot.

I was hoping to just get in there and replace the fan. But I've been reading on other forums and it sounds like it could possibly be something else like the motor or wiring. But since I could hear the fan grinding I figured it wasn't wiring. Or maybe it was the motor making the grinding sound??

This is probably pretty simple to someone with more knowledge than me so could ya give some input or a link. I'd just like to have some more info before I start taking my car apart to get to the fan. Thanks

[NutriaforBreakfast]

http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/i35/2003/ha.pdf

try starting around page 66

[loystock]

The grinding noise may be due to a failing blower motor or debris. Were you able to control the blower speed before? If blower only run at full speed, problem may be with Fan Control Amplifier. Check the fuse for the blower.

The blower can be accessed by removing the glove compartment (@ 6 screws). You can get more info from the link provided by 'nutria.'

[chasreina]

Yes I could still change the speed. I removed the blower motor. I couldn't get the motor open but I managed to remove the bearing. The hole through the center of the bearing had a groove worn into the inside wall to the point where the shaft wouldn't stay aligned when spinning. Would an auto parts store have replacement bearings? A lot of other forums say it's easier just to replace the whole motor but if I'd prefer to just buy a bearing vs a motor.

[NutriaforBreakfast]

Might try WW Grainer or Purvis Bearing
Never have used them before