Cleaning Apple Airport Fans: A Step-By-Step Guide

Apple's AirPort Extreme is a Wi-Fi base station router that has been reported by users to have issues with its internal fan, which can lead to overheating. The fan is normally silent and inaudible, but dust buildup can cause it to become clogged and operate at higher speeds, resulting in increased noise and vibration. This issue typically arises 12-18 months after purchase, and since Apple does not provide repair parts for the product, users have sought alternative solutions. Some have opted for AppleCare coverage, which extends the warranty and allows for replacement. Others have attempted to clean or replace the fan themselves, requiring careful disassembly of the AirPort Extreme, or have turned to third-party service providers for assistance.

Cleaning the fan with compressed air

To clean the fan on your Apple Airport with compressed air, you will first need to open up the device. This process is not straightforward, and you will need to be careful not to damage the internal components.

Begin by searching online for instructions on how to disassemble your specific model of Apple Airport. Once you have successfully opened the device, locate the fan. Be careful when disconnecting the cables from the motherboard, as the pins can easily break.

Once the fan is disconnected from the board, you can use a compressed air duster to blow out any dust or debris that has accumulated on the fan and its components. Be sure to blow air in short bursts, and avoid touching the fan blades or other sensitive components with the nozzle of the duster.

After cleaning, carefully reconnect the fan to the motherboard, ensuring that all cables are securely attached. Then, reassemble your Apple Airport according to the instructions you used for the disassembly.

By following these steps, you can effectively clean your Apple Airport fan using compressed air, helping to maintain optimal performance and prevent overheating.

Using a paper towel to clean the small pointed metal on the fan

To clean the small pointed metal on the fan of your Apple Airport using a paper towel, you will first need to tear down the router. You can find instructions on how to do this online. Be careful when disconnecting the cables from the motherboard, as the pins can easily break.

Once you have the fan disconnected from the board, carefully open the fan's protective case by unclicking the locks. Do not open the case entirely, and leave the foam part intact. Take out the fan from the case and blow out dust from the magnet ring using a compressed air duster.

Now, you can clean the small pointed metal on the fan with a paper towel. Apply a small amount of lubricant or oil to this part, such as WD-40. Return the fan to the protective case and test if the fan has stopped wobbling before reassembling the router.

Applying lube or oil to the fan

To apply lube or oil to the fan of your Apple Airport, follow these steps:

Firstly, you will need to disassemble the router. You can find instructions on how to do this online. Be very careful when disconnecting the cables from the motherboard, as the pins can easily break. Once you have accessed the fan, carefully open the fan's protective case by unclicking the locks. Do not open the case entirely—leave the foam part intact.

Next, take out the fan from the case and blow out any dust from the magnet ring using a compressed air duster. Then, clean the small pointed metal rod attached to the fan with a paper towel. This rod is often the cause of the fan's wobbling, as dirt buildup can cause it to hit the fan's protective case.

Now you can apply the lube or oil. Use a very small amount of a high-quality, non-detergent oil designed for electric motors. You can find this at your local hardware store. A small amount of WD-40 can also be used in a pinch.

Return the fan to the protective case and test if the fan has stopped wobbling before reassembling the router.

Replacing the fan

To replace the fan on your Apple Airport, you will need to disassemble the device, which involves a number of steps and requires careful handling of small components.

Firstly, you will need to gently pry the cover off the bottom of the device using a metal spudger. Inside, you will see four internal wires connected to the logic board. Three thin wires are connected by small end clips, and one thicker wire is connected by a larger end clip. Use a plastic spudger to carefully detach the clips from the connectors, prying them gently away from the centre of the device.

Next, you will need to disconnect the power supply wire by pinching it gently with your fingers and lifting it away from the metal plate. Remove the four 3.3mm T8 Torx screws holding the metal plate in place, and then remove the plate itself.

Now, you will need to access the internal structure of the device. Loosen the two screws at the bottom of the gap in the middle of the structure, being careful not to fully remove them as they are spring-loaded. Compress the internal structure gently with your fingers and pull it evenly upwards to remove it from the white case.

To remove the fan itself, rotate the internal structure so that the white ports are facing away from you. The fan is held in place by three 8.2mm T8 Torx screws, which should be unscrewed. Be careful not to lose the rubber grommets underneath the screws, as these protect the device from damage during disassembly.

Finally, remove the fan from the device, being gentle as it fits snugly and could damage other components if pulled out roughly.

To install a new fan, simply follow the above steps in reverse. Ensure that you handle all components carefully and do not force anything, as many connectors and cables are delicate and can be easily damaged.

Turning off file sharing

To turn off file sharing on your Apple AirPort:

On the AirPort:

• Open AirPort Utility on your Mac (Finder > Applications > Utilities > AirPort Utility).
• Click on the picture of the AirPort to select it.
• Click Edit in the smaller window that appears.
• Click the Disks tab at the top of the window.
• Uncheck the box next to "Enable File Sharing".
• Save the changes to update the new setting.

On your Mac:

• Go to System Preferences.
• Click on "Sharing".
• Below "Content & Media", turn off "File Sharing".

Note: If you are using macOS Catalina, you may need to use the Terminal app to enable and disable file sharing.

Frequently asked questions