How to clean CX-9 HVAC blower (squirrel cage)?

[55V8]

A squeaking noise started coming out from my blower. Noise interval goes with the fan speed so it's definitely something in the blower.
Maybe I have some leaves or debris in there.

What's the best way to access this and clean it up? How do I remove the glove box and the plastic panel under it?
Anybody got step by step instructions or pictures on how to do it?

 

[table5511]

There have been a couple (literally one or 2) people on here with the squeak. I believe this is fan bearings. I think it is normal to some extent for a slight squeal when cold outside on cold startup. My Nissan Altima squealed like a pig when it was cold outside, very very loud, annoying. That was not normal.

But as far as removing the fan, yes the glovebox door would have to come out, but I don't believe you can just take the blower out. You likely have to take out the entire heatercore under your dash. Some of these things are as big as a large bag of mulch and are very involved getting them out.

Hopefully someone can correct me and tell me it isn't so.

 

[55V8]

There have been a couple (literally one or 2) people on here with the squeak. I believe this is fan bearings. I think it is normal to some extent for a slight squeal when cold outside on cold startup.

But if it's temperature related, it should go away when it warms up right? This one is persistent, that's why it's annoying.

If it's a big PITA to get the blower out, would it be safe to run a vacuum with garden hose attachment through the cabin air filter opening? Just to hopefully suck out any loose dirt there (if the noise is indeed due to debris).

 

[jk240sx]

According to the service manual, it looks like it's just below the filter, #12 in the diagram.
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the dashboard under cover, (passenger side) (See DASHBOARD UNDER COVER
REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
3. Remove in the order indicated in the table.
4. Install in the reverse order of removal.

for quick reference, see my google doc;https://docs.google.com/open?id=0BwaelfRUUDQPZ2RSeDJSdUxTaENuaVNaSURUWkFkZw

edit. here's the under dash cover removal; https://docs.google.com/open?id=0BwaelfRUUDQPQ2lTR285cHRRTVdqTTEyMWFwUkt2QQ

 

[55V8]

Thanks jk240sx!

Anybody got a link or PDF to "DASHBOARD UNDER COVER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION"?

 

[55V8]

Nevermind, I found it. Looks easy enough since I don't even have to remove the glove box to get to the squirrel cage.

 

[jk240sx]

you're quick! just edited my post with under dash pic

 

[55V8]

Stealership wanted to charge $100 just to take the blower motor out, so I said no thanks.

And today I decided to go ahead and just DIY it. Very easy indeed. In fact, the CX-9 is the easiest vehicle I've worked with so far in terms of pulling out the blower, mainly because you don't even have to remove the glove compartment. Just pull out the dashboard undercover, disconnect the plug and remove the 3 screws (torx 25) securing the blower.

Anyway, the culprit was indeed a leaf stuck in between the blades. I was relieved that it was not the motor/bearing.

And since I had the motor out anyway, I took advantage and cleaned the blades as well. Feels nice to get all that dirt out of the ventilation system.

Maybe next time the quickest way is to just vaccum it from the cabin air filter opening using a garden hose attachment. But for now, I'm glad that I got the motor out so that I can actually see what's causing the noise and thoroughly clean the fan as well.

 

[jk240sx]

great write up. amazing how dirty it gets.

 

[SteverGee]

i just bought an awesome 2009 Mazda CX9 Touring - but it has a ticking noise coming from the fan - wonder if something is in there creating this ticking noise?