I am looking at a used '96 850 GLT. I notice that the fan blower motor makes a squeaking noise at low RPM's, which I first noticed with the A/C going. Is this just a characteristic, or is the A/C trying to tell me something? I am forwarned by all the posts regarding A/C problems in the 850. If this is just a problem of the fan blower motor, is it on its last legs? Is repair/replacement a DIYS job? How much would a dealer charge?

You can definitely DIY. I purchased my blower for about $160 for my '94 850 and did the work in about hour and a half. You need to remove the plastic cover, knee support and glovebox to get access.

FYI, mine make noise as well. As soon as it warms up, I'm going to see if I can reach the bearings and lube them. Sometime "can" motors like those used in Volvo's system can be rejunated by drilling into the bearing support and shooting some lube into the bearing surround. I'll post whatever I find. Seems cheesy that something that should fail so often.

I know, I know, other cars have problems too but Jeezamawhezz, it's annoying to do this to a fine auto like the 850

This place is great. I come here looking for answers and always can find them....

The bearings definitely seems to be the problem with the blower. My intention is to try to access the blower and lubricating the moving parts. I'm real interested in hearing about your experience in this Jim if in fact you've already tried to do it.

I live in Florida where the blower motor is usually running all the time with the AC on. The squeak appears only during low RPM (Switch position 1,2, or 3, not 4) and when the AC is off. Strange, but true.

When the blower motor on my 97 started to fail, it made a humming noise when the brakes were applied. The cause was worn out bearings in the blower motor. It still worked but was noisy. It was like $340.00 to fix. However, when I told them that it waws covered under my VIP extended warranty, it dropped to $250.00. Funny, when volvo pays for it, it costs much less... Good luck,

Tyler

Hmm .. funny you shd mention that. Had the same problem on my fan blower, but it made noise when - in addition to engaging brakes - only on position 4 (highest speed), which I rarely use. I was then wondering whether there was some “connection” between the brakes and the blower (?). Anyways since my Fr pads were pretty worn, I changed to OEM pads and surprise surprise, no more sound from the blower!

Jeff

95 855T5

It has nothing to do with the condition of the AC system itself. The squeaking didn't happen to my '95 T-5R until 100K. But, it happened to my '96 850R wagon @ 50K. Go figure. I will try to lube but will probably buy replacement and put in myself.