Wobbly fan, what's the score with hardware repairs right now?

[Feek]

My iMac has an intermittent wobbly fan and I really need to get it booked in while it's still covered by AppleCare.

It's not the noise that the fans make when they're ramped right up but can happen at any time and a bit annoying. It sounds as though one of the fans is wobbling (I've recorded it on my iPhone, zipped it and it's attached to this post). It is intermittent though, I can go for days without it happening.

With all the stores closed, does anyone have any experience of the current repair service? Are they doing collections?

I know I could ask Apple but I'm sure we have some Apple employees here who might know the answer.

Thanks.

 

[Feek]

@Alpherah, any ideas on this please?

 

[Feek]

Thanks for the advice.

The problem with mail in repair is it’s handled by a contractor really, they don’t test much -
Run diagnostics and a quick visual inspection, not ideal for intermittent faults.

Urk, I didn't realise that. I'd put that on par with using a third party repairer which I'm always very keen to avoid.

How long is left on your apple care?

It's good until the first week of August.

Part of the problem is that it's very intermittent, thinking about it now, it probably hasn't happened for a few weeks but when it starts, it's really annoying. I don't think it's any of the main fans which ramp up as gets warm because it can happen at any time, whether the system is being thrashed or not. But then, I don't know how many fans this has inside.

Did you listen to the rattle sound I posted as I think it sounds like something wobbling.

I think you're right, hope the stores are open before the AppleCare expires and just get it booked in.

 

[Feek]

to see if it can be replicated at high temperatures or speeds.

Thread bump because it's hardly done it since my last post in this thread and that's been what two months? I had a couple of instances last week where totally out of the blue, it started again for a minute or so at a time.

You could try an ASP too if there are any still open in your area, they will be able to deal/repair under Applecare cover.

I don't trust them. I know they're approved, etc but I just don't trust them.

I have an appointment at my nearest Apple shop next Sunday. Naturally I have full backups and anything that may (or may not) be a little dodgy will be removed before I take it in and the guest account will be enabled.

I don't expect them to be able to replicate it, it really sounds like something wobbling to me and it can happen when the fan is going full tilt or at idle.

@Alpherah Do you know how many fans are in this model iMac? It's a 2017 27" i7.
/edit - Just found a teardown, there seems to be only one. Well hopefully they'll replace it, that would be the best fix.

 

[Feek]

Really? Any particular reason why? We have exactly the same training and procedures.

I know, it's totally illogical on my behalf. I just feel that if I'm getting warranty work done then I'd rather have it done by Apple rather than a third party.

edit: I've edited this about a million times because however I write it, it seems super defensive lol. It's not meant to be, just curious

I'm an admin, I can see all your edits
I didn't see the comments as super defensive, just descriptive. Perhaps out of warranty, I'd consider an ASP but not when still under AppleCare.

 

[Feek]

In either case, hope you get it sorted good Sir!

I set up an 'apple' account and dumped the sound recordings on the desktop and took it in today.

I explained the problem and without me having to prompt or ask, they said they'll swap the fan out. No issues whatsoever. I was initially told it could take up to five days and then after he'd booked it in, he said it might slip to seven days as they don't have the fan in stock. That's fine, naturally I want it back as soon as possible as I'm just using my MacBook now but as long as it's fixed, I don't really mind if it takes a week.

 

[Feek]

Which store did you go to?

Lakeside.

 

[Feek]

I picked it up at the weekend, all done and as far as I can tell, no problems. Of course, it's a new fan so I'd be very surprised if it happens again.