Xantrex 3012 Fan

[Capn D]

I've got a 1.5 yo Xantrex SW 3012 and the bearings on the fans are going out. Xantrex wants me to remove the unit and shlep it 60 miles away to a service center, with no guarantee they will honor the warranty.
The service center wants $400 to replace the fans, and another $150 for the fans...IF not under warranty.
Anyone know where I can just purchase the fans and replace them myself?

 

[C lectric]

I don't know what you have for a fan in that unit but if it is a muffin type fan or what people often think of as a computer fan then you should be able to find one that fits. The body sizes are common sizes between mfgrs so a 90mm x 90mm x 25mmThick fan from one mfgr is interchangeable with another mfgr fan. Often, once the fan is out, the label mfgr Name and part number will enable you to google your fan to find out the airflow spec. and voltage. Failing that then get one with the highest flow spec you can of the same body size.

I usually get mine from Newark Electronics but Digikey and others can supply a confusing variety. Just take you time perusing the catalogues to match the body size, thickness, voltage and air flow spec.

Get one with ball bearings. I'll bet yours is sleeve.

Now on to sleeve bearings. They can be quite good but often need to be oiled and do best when the fan is mounted upright. I use a heavy bodied oil after disassembly to get at the bearings . The ball bearing are preferable since they will care less how the fan is mounted. The sleeves even when oiled do care.