Trying to diagnose issue with blower or power

KEVIN MOLLUK

MEMBER
2011 MAZDA 6
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
33,000 MILES

Recently this car started making an intermittent noise in the dash. Initially this would only happen when the car is moving and you turn the steering wheel to the left.
The blower would slow down and I can hear a screech behind the dash, maybe a bit like a belt slipping. It happens whether the AC is on or just the vent. After about a week it now does it when the steering wheel is turned in either direction.
Initially I thought maybe the blower motor but now I wonder if it is a power issue or maybe the serpentine belt. I am not sure how to diagnose, any advice is appreciated.

9 Replies

DANNY L

MECHANIC
5,648 POSTS

Hello, I'm Danny.

Quick questions first. Does it do this when running, parked or both? If can use you cell phone to make a video of the sound and upload here it would help us diagnose better. Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.

Danny-

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Monday, October 14th, 2019 AT 7:02 PM

KEVIN MOLLUK

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5 POSTS

Danny, the noise only happens when the car is moving, going at least 15-20 mph. I am not able to try to replicate without the engine running.
I will try to get a video tonight.

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Tuesday, October 15th, 2019 AT 3:04 AM

DANNY L

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Hello again.

Okay, just make a video the best you can.I'll be looking for it. Thanks again for using 2CarPros.

Danny-

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Tuesday, October 15th, 2019 AT 2:16 PM

KEVIN MOLLUK

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5 POSTS

Danny,

I was able to turn off the engine on a couple of turns and it does still do it with the power on but engine off.
I am attaching a video showing the noise.
Kevin

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Tuesday, October 15th, 2019 AT 2:48 PM

DANNY L

MECHANIC
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Hello again,

Can you make a video doing the same with the A/C and heat off this time? Trying to separate between engine noise- heater/A/C issue. Bare with me me, I can figure this out. Also, have you ever replaced the blower motor? Thanks again for using 2CarPros.

Danny-

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Tuesday, October 15th, 2019 AT 10:16 PM

KEVIN MOLLUK

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5 POSTS

It only makes the noise with the blower fan on. With or without the AC part turned on.
I was just about to replace the blower motor but I was questioning if it was something else because of it only making the noise during turns, which just doesn't make any sense to me as the blower motor.

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Wednesday, October 16th, 2019 AT 2:53 AM

DANNY L

MECHANIC
5,648 POSTS

Hello again.

It's possible the blower motor has a faulty/noisy bearing. Here is a tutorial showing how to remove/replace:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/blower-fan-motor-works-on-high-speed-only

I've attached step replacement pictures below. This is for an automatic control system.Hope this helps and let me know if you have any more questions. Thanks again for using 2CarPros

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Thursday, October 17th, 2019 AT 3:52 PM

KEVIN MOLLUK

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5 POSTS

Thank you very much. I was just hesitant to trust myself that was it. I will get a new one ordered.

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Thursday, October 17th, 2019 AT 5:38 PM

DANNY L

MECHANIC
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You're welcome!

Let me know how things turn out. I've attached a picture from AutoZone. You will be looking at about $120.00. Dealership prices are more. Hope this helps and thanks again for using 2CarPros.

Danny-

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