Fan Isolation Mount Problem
Moderators: NeilBlanchard, Ralf Hutter, sthayashi, Lawrence Lee
Fan Isolation Mount Problem
This one has been puzzling me for a few weeks now!
How are you supposed to remove them without tearing them ???
How are you supposed to remove them without tearing them ???
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- SPCR Reviewer
- Posts: 8636
- Joined: Sat Nov 23, 2002 6:33 am
- Location: Sunny SoCal
I've had some succes by smearing a little soapy water* on the isolator cones before I try and pull the fan off. Sometinmes it works, sometimes it doesn't. But I buy them from McMaster-Carr in packs of twenty so they're not too expensive.
*BTW, doing this makes it a lot easier to assemble them too, especially for the isolators that are in the hard-to-get-to places.
*BTW, doing this makes it a lot easier to assemble them too, especially for the isolators that are in the hard-to-get-to places.
I've just had very good luck so far I guess - I just grab and pull a little bit of the isolator head out and then grab it with needlenose pliers, and gradually pull! So long as I also "wiggle and pull" the fan in the opposite direction simultaneously, those little guys stretch really thin (until I think they're just about to break) and then just snap out. After a few seconds they look exactly the same as new again! Their durability has really surprised me.
My successes/failures with installation and removal of the isolators in my case has been directly linked to whether or not the hole in the case was drilled to 3/16" and deburred. Smaller holes (even by 1/32") led to tearing, as did holes with unfinished or rough edges.
I've never had a problem pulling them out of a fan since the isolators stretch as al bundy described.
I've never had a problem pulling them out of a fan since the isolators stretch as al bundy described.
On re-examinination, I may be using mine diferently than most.
Isolation Mount Top - Wire Grill - Rubber Grommet Outside part- Case - Rubber Grommet inside part - 120mm JMC Fan - Isolation mount tip
My isolators are stretched about as far as they will stretch, just being installed. Hence a few breaking when I was installing.
Many others appear to have more success than me at removing. I may just have issues.
Isolation Mount Top - Wire Grill - Rubber Grommet Outside part- Case - Rubber Grommet inside part - 120mm JMC Fan - Isolation mount tip
My isolators are stretched about as far as they will stretch, just being installed. Hence a few breaking when I was installing.
Many others appear to have more success than me at removing. I may just have issues.
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- SPCR Reviewer
- Posts: 8636
- Joined: Sat Nov 23, 2002 6:33 am
- Location: Sunny SoCal
Here's your *issue*: "Wire Grill"Td_nw wrote: I may just have issues.
That stretches the snot out of the isolator. Someone here suggested drilling a tiny pilot hole in the back of the isolator and using short sheetmetal screws to screw on the fan grill. Me, I just leave the grills off. No kids or pets and with only 9 3/4 fingers left, I've learned where not to stick my fingers.
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- SPCR Reviewer
- Posts: 8636
- Joined: Sat Nov 23, 2002 6:33 am
- Location: Sunny SoCal
Removing isolators: tried alcoolic window cleaning liquid?
If soapy water is not enough, I would suggest trying one of these liquids you spray on windows to clean them.
That's a well known mountain-biker's trick, which works perfectly to remove rubber handles from the bike's handlebar. It seems the alcool these liquids contain temporarily (10-15 sec) releases the grip, before it evaporates.
That's a well known mountain-biker's trick, which works perfectly to remove rubber handles from the bike's handlebar. It seems the alcool these liquids contain temporarily (10-15 sec) releases the grip, before it evaporates.