Loud noise when fan is on - 2005 Vue
 

My son was given a 2005 Saturn Vue. For the most part it runs just fine. Recently it started making a very loud noise whenever the fan is turned on, heat or A/C. My initial thought was filters. There is only one filter, changed that out - still makes crazy loud noise. We also cleaned off any debris we could see in and around the hood.

The noise is behind the glovebox, not driver side. The fan is working, just really loud.

Probably need to pull the blower motor out of the duct work. No telling how much crap got pulled in through the outer air intake. Also, the vehicle may have sat for a while and there may be a rodents nest of some type, hopefully abandoned. If it sounds as though the blades are actually hitting something in there, it is likely they are. If it sounds like a metal screeching, then maybe a motor bearing. My bet is on nesting. Not hard to clean out as long as it hasn't been blown all over the place inside the system. Rodents are pretty good at packing that stuff down

I was thinking animal nest too. That's why I started with the air filter and checking the air pipe that connects to it.

Guess I'll have to figure out how to get up there. Thank you!

I'm not familiar with the Vue, but you'll probably be able to access the blower motor by removing the glove box liner. And I'm in 100% agreement with derf about debris in the fan motor. If you have to get on your back and drop the motor straight down, be sure to wear eye protection. You only get two and need to protect them. I'd also recommend a mask if that's the case. You'll need to clear out the housing as well as the "squirrel cage" wheel, aka fan blades.

Definitely sounds like a problem with the blower motor. If it's not rodents in there I'd bet it's the bearing or the fan is cracked or off center. It's very easy to change usually only a few bolts and a wire clip.

If it's a plastic wheel and not metal, it could be a broken fin on the wheel itself. You're still going to have to access and pull it out to figure it out. Quit dilly, dallying around and get to it. We all want to know what you find!

If not the blower motor or cage, it may be the Turbinator. These were extremely difficult physically locate on the S cars. Not even sure where to tell you to look on a Vue.