Removing fan wheel from Squirrel cage blower motor?
I'm working on a single speed direct drive squirrel cage blower that has a bad motor. I took the unit down and I'm trying to get the fan off of the drive so I can get to the motor screws underneath. The unit doesn't have a nut holding the fan onto the drive. I've tried pulling and gently prying to get the wheel off but I can't get it. I even oiled it and that didn't help. Any tips on getting the wheel off without destroying it? I hear they charge way too much for replacement of the wheels. I read somewhere about a fan puller for these which looks promising, but the only ones I could fine online are 50 bucks which is ridiculous. I'm looking for cheap/free ways. The way this project is going I may just buy a new unit.
chad2011-01-10T08:17:54Z
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Tim, there is probably 1 or 2 recessed allen set screws on the blower wheel. Sometimes they are real hard to get off especially with out a hub puller.
With the blower assembly removed from the air handler. DO NOT HIT THE SHAFT WITH A HAMMER !
After you have the motor out, you should remove the mounting bracket from the motor. Be careful to note the orientation of the motor in he bracket. A penetrating oil on the shaft may help in removal such as BP Blaster.
To remove the motor from the blower assembly, start by loosening the set screw that attaches the wheel to the motor. Then remove the motor mounting bolts which hold the motor to the housing. You should be able to pull the motor out now.
After you have the motor out, you should remove the mounting bracket from the motor. Be careful to note the orientation of the motor in he bracket. Most are belly band motors. A ring with three brackets.
**NOTE** Some older units have the mounting brackets built into the motor. If this is the case, you will need to purchase the exact replacement or a motor and an adapter kit.
Now that you have the motor out, the next step in furnace blower replacement is selecting the proper replacement. Many motor manufacturers have web sites where you can take the number off the old motor and find the exact replacement.
If you are unable to find the exact replacement, you can usually use a universal replacement. Here is what you should look for and match:
1. type of drive( direct or belt)
2. motor diameter in inches (3.3, 5, 5.5, 6.5)
3. voltage (115,208-230,460)
4. horsepower (1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 3/4, 1)
5. speed in rpm
6. number of speeds available
7. direction of rotation (it is best to get a reversible one)
8. mounting method (typically a belly band)
9. size of run capacitor required ( this is important to any motor and should be replaced in all cases when the new motor is installed, never reuse the old one)
My furnace is an older Trane XE90 and the bearings went out on the blower motor during a cold snap at the end of the week. Didn't have time to order and wait for a hub puller so I improvised. Went to my local auto parts store and purchased the smallest muffler U bolt they had which was an "1 1/2. Also rented a basic auto puller (can be used for flywheels, bearing removal, etc.) and set it up to be a 2 claw puller (easier to work with). Got back home and removed the set screw from the hub and tightened the U bolt around the hub as high up as possible. Was then able to grab onto the U bolt with the puller and work the hub off of the blower motor. It takes a little bit of finessing to do and you might need to use one hand to help keep the claws of the puller on the U bolt but it does work in a pinch. Best part (besides the furnace working again) is that the rental of the puller ended up being free. I think I ended up spending $2 on the U bolt.
RE: Removing fan wheel from Squirrel cage blower motor? I'm working on a single speed direct drive squirrel cage blower that has a bad motor. I took the unit down and I'm trying to get the fan off of the drive so I can get to the motor screws underneath. The unit doesn't have a nut holding the fan onto the drive. I've tried pulling and...