my fan is making a loud clicking or grinding noise, especially on the higher speeds.

Diagnosis

The loud clicking or grinding noise in the Rowenta VU5670 Turbo Silence Stand Fan is typically caused by mechanical interference or a failure in the motor bearing assembly. Because the noise intensifies at higher speeds, it indicates a centrifugal force issue: as the motor spins faster, the fan blade assembly experiences more vibration or "wobble," causing it to strike a nearby component. In many cases, the internal wiring harness that connects the base control panel to the motor housing has slipped out of its plastic retaining clip, allowing a wire to intermittently slap against the rotating blades. Alternatively, if the sound is a consistent grinding rather than a rhythmic click, the lubricant in the motor's sleeve bearings has likely dried out or become contaminated with household dust. This creates friction between the motor shaft and the bearing housing. You can confirm this by unplugging the unit and spinning the blades manually by hand; if you feel a "gritty" resistance or the blades stop abruptly rather than gliding to a slow halt, the issue is internal bearing wear. If the blades spin freely and silently by hand, the problem is almost certainly an external obstruction or a loose housing screw rubbing against the blade edge.

How to Fix It

Follow these steps to isolate and resolve the mechanical interference:

1. Disconnect the power cord from the wall outlet completely to prevent accidental activation.
2. Remove the front safety grille. Grip the outer plastic ring of the grille and rotate it counter-clockwise to unlock the locking tabs. Carefully lift the grille away from the fan head.
3. Inspect the perimeter of the fan blades. Look for any loose plastic shards from the housing or stray wires. Specifically, check the area where the motor housing meets the rear grille; ensure the wiring harness is tucked firmly into its designated routing channel.
4. If a wire is loose, use a small zip-tie or a piece of electrical tape to secure the cable against the motor housing, ensuring there is at least a 2-inch clearance between the wire and the tip of the blades.
5. Check the blade nut (the center cap holding the blades to the shaft). Use your fingers to see if it is loose. If it is, tighten it clockwise. A loose nut allows the blade assembly to shift off-center, causing it to clip the grille or housing at high RPMs.
6. Clean the blade edges with a damp cloth to remove any heavy dust buildup, which can occasionally cause aerodynamic imbalance and vibration.
7. Reinstall the front grille by aligning the tabs and rotating the outer ring clockwise until it clicks into place.

If That Didn't Work

• Lubricate the Motor Shaft: If the grinding persists, the bearings need lubrication. Remove the motor housing cover (usually 4 Phillips head screws). Apply two drops of high-grade synthetic sewing machine oil or SAE 20 non-detergent oil to the front and rear of the motor shaft where it enters the bearing. Avoid using WD-40, as it is a solvent, not a long-term lubricant, and will eventually make the grinding worse.
• Tighten the Oscillation Gear: If the noise only occurs when the fan is oscillating, the plastic gears in the oscillation clutch may be stripped or dry. Open the motor housing and apply a small amount of white lithium grease to the oscillation gear teeth.
• Check for Blade Warping: Inspect the plastic blades for any hairline cracks or warping. If a blade has warped due to heat or impact, it will create an imbalance that causes the motor shaft to vibrate against the housing at high speeds. If the blades are warped, the entire blade assembly must be replaced.
• Inspect the Rear Grille Mounting: Ensure the rear grille is bolted tightly to the motor housing. If the mounting screws have vibrated loose, the grille can shift forward, causing the blades to graze the metal mesh during high-speed operation.

Heads Up

• Never operate the fan without the grilles installed, as the VU5670's high-torque motor can cause the blades to flex or shatter if they encounter an object.
• Avoid using aerosol lubricants like WD-40 on the motor shaft; these attract dust and grime, which turns into an abrasive paste that destroys the bearings.
• Perform a "dust-out" every three months using compressed air on the motor vents to prevent overheating and bearing degradation.
• Always ensure the blade nut is tightened firmly; a loose blade is the leading cause of catastrophic motor failure in stand fans.