I've always just used 3-in-1. If a drop or two of that stuff doesn't work, then it's a pretty sure bet that the bearing races are shot and further effort would be better spent in getting a new fan.

Its the pitch at all speeds? I have all my fans throttled down via control switches, BIOS settings or SpeedFan. Maybe just not run it full tilt perhaps?

I use white teflon grease for re-greasing the worm gear mechanism in my old phat PS2 drive... this will most likely work for fans too. White lithium grease is also a good lubricant.

I would personally stay away from silicone grease as it thins out and collects dust and other crap too easily! Also the "3-in-1" standard oils tend to end up a bit gungy after a while in my experience.

I am using chain grease since the early 90ties.

hell i used to pull the "C" clip off rub the axel down with Vaseline and called it good back in my P2 days.

cdoublejj wrote:

hell i used to pull the "C" clip off rub the axel down with Vaseline and called it good back in my P2 days.

As long as it doesn't touch any plastic parts... Vaseline contains petroleum which is bad for plastics!

i use automotive grease. vaseline is too runny.