Acer Aspire 3003 wcli Fan replacement

Okay... I've read all the instructions online about replacing the fan in this laptop. It is making a bunch of noise so it sounds like it is no longer balanced. It actually sounds like it is hitting something, not simply "grinding." Anyway, anyone ever fixed one of these without taking the entire laptop apart? From what I can see, the fan is accessible directly beneath a cover. The plug is right there beside it. There are two small screws mounting it to the system. I was hoping I could just unplug, unscrew, replace. But no... it looks like there is a flat portion of the fan tucked under the copper ribs of the cooling vanes. This explains why the books say you must take the entire system apart. Has anyone replaced one of these wothout doing that? My idea is using an Xacto knife to carefully score along the edge of the copper vanes so that the fan can be removed, leaving the "tab" under the vanes. Then, remove the same amount from the new fan, lay it in place, and run a bead of superglue along the edges of the plastic strip. This would help hold it in place, like the original.

Any comments? Naturally, care must be taken to NOT score the motherboard with the knife, nut I think it is doable and quick, as opposed to removing all the pieces, including the motherboard.

Thoughts? Comments? Help??

 

It can be done without dismantling the whole thing (which is rare).
Google "aspire 3000 3500 5000 service guide"- you might find something interesting

 

Ok... I got the service manual. If I am reading it correctly, by removing the 3 screws holding the thermal module, the entire fan will slip out. Correct ? (please say yes lol). Much better than cutting the plastic. It notes that the screws should be removed in a certain order. Are the screws numbered or can you shed some light on that pls? It looks like the thermal module and the entire copper "tube" comes out. When I put it back in, will I need to apply any thermal paste to it?

Thanks so much for your help!!!

I am ordering the new fan as I wait for your reply.

 

Order doesn't matter and all 3 screws should be identical so you don't need to worry about that.
Be prepared that it won't just come off easily once you loosen them- it's a tight fit so you'll have to move it around (rock it back and forth and so on).

You'll need to apply thermal paste on CPU before you start inserting new fan and cooling module.

 

Thanks so much. I assume that the cooling module will separate from the fan once I have it out? I don't need to order a new module along with the fan. Is this correct?

Any recommendations for where I should buy the fan? I have found a few sites, with different prices, but not sure if one is any better than another.

You've been a fantastic help. I certainly do sincerely appreciate it.

Thank you!!!!

 

I don't remember if it's one part or not but ultimately you won't have a choice if it's inseparable- there are some units like this and the only "fan" you can find for those is the whole cooling module.

So if you can find the fan alone that is dedicated for Aspire 3000- you have your answer.
I can't help you with where to buy though- it depends on your location. eBay is alway a good source and there most likely are local shops that specialize in notebook parts- usually quite expensive but they know you need it so...