I’ve tried replacing the fans but the problem is still there, it sounds like a fan rubbing and it gets worse if the laptop gets flexed in some way.

I took it apart to look for the issue, but I can’t see anything, when it is open and upside down it runs quiet, unless you press certain places to make it flex around the fan, which is not unexpected. But I can’t see anything out of place or see what can be fixed.

The laptop is a Dell XPS 15

  • actionjbone@sh.itjust.works
    5·
    2 days ago

    Sounds like the case itself may be warped.

    It’s going to be hard to fix. You may be able to sand down the area around the fan. Be sure to use fine grit paper, go slowly, and clean off any loose plastic bits afterward.

    I’m guessing you already verified that everything’s aligned properly and attached snugly.

    • Onomatopoeia@lemmy.cafeEnglish
      3·
      2 days ago

      Alternatively put a small insulator on top of the fan case so it keeps the laptop case away from the fan itself.

      It may have come with this and it broke down over time.

      I’ve used Goop adhesive like this on a very old Dell X series. Ran a bead on top of the main fan body because it would vibrate against the plastic part of the case, but only when my wrist was on the keyboard.

      Nice thing about Goop is it remains rubbery, and you can smooth it down while it’s still wet to make it as thin as needed (just lick your finger and it won’t stick to you).

      Goop is freakin’ magic glue. I’ve glued laptops back together with it, yet it’s removeable too.

      • eyesaremosaics@lemmy.zipOP
        2·
        2 days ago

        That’s a good suggestion, I’ll try some kind of temporary bits of padding first to try and work out what is going on. It is a plausible explanation of how the problem appeared, because I can’t see anything wrong

      • actionjbone@sh.itjust.works
        1·
        2 days ago

        Actually, yes, listen to this guy. Try what he says before you do what I said.

        Additive repairs are safer than destructive repairs.

    • eyesaremosaics@lemmy.zipOP
      2·
      2 days ago

      The problem with finding where and how to make adjustments is I can’t work out the physics/engineering of what is causing it, or what the original design was meant to be like. But the other comment does sound useful in this way