● R1MX
MAINTENANCE Available

Fan Bearing Oiling

A simple fix for a rattling or noisy cooling fan that does not require full fan replacement.

Difficulty Medium
Time 30-60 minutes
Tools
  • Torx T6 screwdriver
  • Torx T8 screwdriver
  • Phillips PH0 screwdriver
  • Tweezers or small pick
  • Light machine oil (sewing machine oil, or 3-in-1 oil - very small amount)
  • Cotton swabs
Parts None required

Overview

The RED ONE MX uses an active cooling fan to protect the sensor and electronics during operation. Fan bearings wear over time and can become noisy, rattling, or intermittently seized. In many cases the fan itself is still functional - the bearings simply need lubrication.

This procedure oils the fan shaft bearings to restore quiet operation and extend fan life. If the fan has physically failed (no rotation, or burning smell), replacement is required instead.

Source: Procedure documented by Aaron Rash at Noisy Fan Fix - RED ONE MX Bearing Oil (REDuser.net, thread 172799).

Symptoms

This guide applies if you observe:

Symptom Notes
Rattling or buzzing sound during operation Increases with camera temperature
Fan runs but is louder than normal May change tone at different fan speeds
Intermittent fan noise Bearings may be partially seized

If the fan does not spin at all, or if SYSTEM > MAINTENANCE > FAN reports an error, see the fan replacement guide (planned).

Understanding the Fan Diagnostic Menu

Before disassembling, use the camera’s built-in fan test:

1
Access the fan diagnostic in the camera menu.

Navigate to: SYSTEM > MAINTENANCE > FAN
This menu allows you to run the fan at different speeds and monitor its operation. Run the fan at maximum speed and listen for the noise. If noise is present at high speed, bearing wear is confirmed.

📷 Photo needed: Camera menu showing SYSTEM > MAINTENANCE > FAN screen

Disassembly Steps

2
Power down and remove all power from the camera.

Remove the main battery and any external power. Allow the camera to cool fully if it was recently in use. The cooling fan and heatsink may be hot.

3
Remove the rear panel to access the fan assembly.

The rear panel is secured by Torx T8 screws around its perimeter. Remove all screws and set them aside in order. Carefully separate the panel, noting the cable harnesses. The fan is mounted inside the body and becomes accessible once the panel is removed.

📷 Photo needed: Rear panel removed, showing fan assembly location inside camera body
4
Disconnect the fan power cable.

The fan has a small 2- or 3-pin connector. Carefully disconnect it by pulling straight back on the connector body - do not pull on the wires themselves.

5
Remove the fan from its mount.

The fan is typically secured with 4 small screws (Phillips PH0 or Torx T6). Remove these and carefully lift the fan out. Note the orientation so it can be reinstalled correctly - airflow direction matters.

Oiling the Bearings

6
Locate the bearing access point on the fan.

Most 40-60mm computer fans have a small rubber or plastic sticker on the back (hub side) of the fan that covers the shaft bearing. Carefully peel back this sticker - it is often reusable if handled gently. Underneath you will see the fan shaft.

📷 Photo needed: Back of fan showing rubber sticker over bearing access point
7
Apply one or two drops of light machine oil to the shaft.

Use a very small amount of light machine oil - such as sewing machine oil, 3-in-1 oil, or a similar light lubricant. One or two drops is sufficient. More oil can attract dust and make the problem worse over time.

Apply the oil to the shaft where it enters the bearing. Spin the fan blades by hand a few times to work the oil into the bearing surfaces.

Do not use WD-40. It is a solvent and will remove existing lubrication without providing adequate long-term protection.
8
Replace the rubber sticker and spin-test the fan by hand.

Press the rubber sticker back into place. Spin the fan blades by hand - it should rotate freely and smoothly without any catching or roughness.

If the fan still feels rough or gritty when spun by hand, the bearings may be worn beyond lubrication. Fan replacement may be required.

Reassembly and Testing

9
Reinstall the fan in its original orientation.

Replace the fan screws and reconnect the power cable. Verify the orientation matches how it was removed - the fan arrow (if present) typically indicates airflow direction.

10
Reinstall the rear panel and test.

Replace the rear panel and all Torx T8 screws. Install the battery and power on. Navigate to SYSTEM > MAINTENANCE > FAN and run the fan at maximum speed. The noise should be significantly reduced or eliminated.

Troubleshooting

Problem Possible cause Action
Fan still noisy after oiling Bearing worn beyond lubrication Fan replacement required
Fan vibrates instead of rattles Fan blade cracked or out of balance Fan replacement required
No change in noise level Oil not reaching bearings Remove sticker again, apply more oil to shaft directly
Camera reports fan error Fan cable not fully seated Check connector and reseat

See Also