My 206 heater blower squeals and blows eratically. What is wrong and what do I need to do to remedy this?

Question

A while back the heater blowers on my Peugeot 206 (GTi 138bhp 2000-X) developed a fault whereby blowing speed would vary eratically. I may have set speed using the segment display of the control unit, but there'll be random blasts at higher speeds interrupting set speed. Seems to occur more in urban driving 'cos it settles once on m/way but restarts when I come off m/way. Just recently I started getting squealing noises, which seem to be linked to the random blowing speed changes... it seems to start when the blower is operating at its set speed - between the higher speed blasts - and ease / stop when blowing speed increases. They are less likely on the m/way. Noise is coming from what looks like blower motor, well behind the front of centre console and can be seen more from footwells.
Does anyone know what this fault is, if the faulty part can be fixed easily or if new part is likely to be needed - what part is it?
Car has climate control / air-con which possibly makes no difference

Answer 1

The squealing is caused by dry bushings in the fan motor. You may try removing it & lubing shaft area at the housing. May be only a temporary fix. Usually, if the outer bushing is dry the inner has dried too. The inner bushing is sealed in the motor housing.

To test while removed

1. Place a wire between the positive lead of the battery to the terminal on the fan motor.

2. Place a wire from the negative post to the fan motor case.

3. The fan will run at full speed so hang on tight.

- - -

Answer 2

Sounds like a possible vacuum leak for the speed change. I don't know what year it is so I'm not 100% sure, but you could run the blower and spray soapy water and listen for a change in speeds or look for bubbles. This may take two people. I would look under the dash and follow the thin hoses into the engine compartment. If the speed changes when water is sprayed then you will be close to a leak. If you have a cable or electrical system then you will need someone else's advice.

Answer 3

Climate control does that, varies the fan speed as it attempts to control the temperature to what you set. You don't get a set speed unless you override it.

It's possible that the squeal you hear is air whistling through a nearly-closed vent, failing that it might be that the fan needs seeing to - could be something stuck in there, could be a broken vane or could be the bearings or the motor.

And b*gger off, Jessica, you stupid tart!

Answer 4

Only one answer. If it's 'squealing' and speed is varying, the fan motor is on the way out. Not normally repairable, so fan motor will have to be replaced.
Settles down on Motorway 'cos it is usually a smoother drive than on urban driving.