I have a 1997 Accord EX V6, and the radiator fan that comes on when the AC is turned on appears to have a bad motor. I started noticing a vibration that I could feel through the steering wheel when I turned the AC on. I checked under the hood, and the fan on the driver's side seems to be the problem-- it's running, but it's noisy-- sounds like the bearings are bad.

My question is, is it dangerous to run the AC sparingly for the remainder of the week? The motor will have to be replaced anyway, which I will attempt myself this weekend, so am I risking anything by running it with bad bearings? I understand that the motor may burn up and quit working altogether, so I realize I will have to keep an eye on the temperature gauge. Is there another risk?

 

What about the other fan? When the AC clutch engages, BOTH fans are supposed to run. If not, then you have one already broken, and now the 2nd one is getting ready to fail.

 

The other one is running fine, the problem seems to be with the fan on the driver side.

 

OK, I misunderstood your post. Replace the fan & meantime it should be OK. Don't over-do it & keep watching the temperature gauge.

 

Thanks!