Submitted by Zeno_Fobya t3_z12owe in DIY
My bathroom fan just died. Upon inspection, the plug still works, meaning that I can just change the motor/fan rather than ripping out the entire unit (right?). According to YouTube, you can just pop out the fan and motor, but I don’t seem to be able to do that?
See picture here:
Sure, you could do that. Finding the right size replacement will be harder than just getting a new unit. Cost will be about the same as a brand new unit.
Replacing the whole unit is not hard, and it gives you a chance to look at the exhaust end/ducting to see if you have any issues there.
Yeah, varadins said. Hell, I have one upstairs with a failed light ballast, and I’ve decided even that probably warrants a total unit replacement. Can’t wait to crawl up into the attic….
Absolutely. They almost certainly make the inside part just for that fan, for that purpose. I've done it before. SO MUCH easier than swapping out the whole unit with a new one.
Even if you can't find the correct replacement, you can also likely find a universal motor/fan you can mount in the existing piece.
Definitely will be easier and cheaper to buy a new unit. Had this exact issue happen and it was so much easier to install a new and more efficient unit in.
This is your opportunity to change the whole thing, upgrade as you wish, and/or put in something quieter or higher CFM output.
We bought our mid-90s house about a year and a half ago. I replaced all 5 fans (2 1/2 bath, toilet room, laundry room) with all new units and am glad i did.
I bought a replacement motor for mine and could never get the old motor off the squirrel cage fan regardless of he allen key / angle / holding my tongue just right.
I know your pain.
I'd also add that a new unit may be quieter. I just replaced mine not so long ago and it's a huge difference. Worth considering if the noise bothers you.
If you can find a new complete unit that fits in the same size hole as the box of your existing unit, I would suggest doing that. You can get something quieter with better features.
But, if you're like me and there's no new unit that fits in the same size hole, yes, you can replace just the fan part as others have described. I was able to get a replacement for my very old fan from Supply House.
It took me years to realize that some bathroom fans are loud...in purpose.
If you do replace the unit totally, make sure that you purchase one that is correctly sized to your bathroom. They are usually clearly advertised with a square footage range on websites.
varadins t1_ix8l1wv wrote
You see two screws that are attached to the silver bracket. Loosen those and the armature with the motor and fan will come out.
It may be easier to just replace the entire unit. Because of moisture in the bathroom, a lot of times, the hardware will have rusted or is bound. Replacement units are comparable in price to parts and pieces.