1. This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn More.

Watercooling Pump vibration/wobble

Discussion in 'Hardware' started by Bloody_Pete, 30 Jun 2013.

  1. Bloody_Pete

    Bloody_Pete Technophile

    Joined:
    11 Aug 2008
    Posts:
    8,413
    Likes Received:
    1,090
    Hello boys and girls

    I'm just looking for thoughts. Last week my pump developed a bad rattle, which came and went. I assumed it was an air lock and thought nothing of it but over the last few days its got worse and more constant. I turned down the speed yesterday and in doing so I noticed that it had a bad case of the wobbles. So this would mean the impeller is unbalanced and hitting the sides of the pump. As far as I can tell its not failed and broken, so I was just wondering on your thoughts, as I really can't be bothered to drain the system and look nor can I afford to buy a new pump :(
     
  2. Big Elf

    Big Elf Oh no! Not another f----ing elf!

    Joined:
    23 Apr 2009
    Posts:
    3,937
    Likes Received:
    594
    I don't think you've much choice other than to dismantle the pump to inspect it. I've not heard of a piece breaking off an impeller but it could have happened.

    I can loan you a Phobya DC-12 400/EK DCP 4.0 pump.
     
  3. Stanley Tweedle

    Stanley Tweedle NO VR NO PLAY

    Joined:
    3 Apr 2013
    Posts:
    1,629
    Likes Received:
    28
    My pumps were noisy only for a few days with air bubbles. After that the vibration fades.

    Sometimes can be very small bubbles...

    My system is bubble free now. Maybe your problem is a fault though?
     
  4. Bloody_Pete

    Bloody_Pete Technophile

    Joined:
    11 Aug 2008
    Posts:
    8,413
    Likes Received:
    1,090
    Yeh, thats what I'm thinking. I may have to take you up on that offer :)

    I thought that, but I've turned it down to min speed and its only getting worse...

    Also, if it is the impeller, are these replaceable? As I've not seen any anywhere...
     
  5. Stanley Tweedle

    Stanley Tweedle NO VR NO PLAY

    Joined:
    3 Apr 2013
    Posts:
    1,629
    Likes Received:
    28
    I think you're gonna have to drain system and open the pump up to inspect it.

    It's not under warranty?

    I had a quick look for impellers but could only see for Eheim.
     
  6. Big Elf

    Big Elf Oh no! Not another f----ing elf!

    Joined:
    23 Apr 2009
    Posts:
    3,937
    Likes Received:
    594
    Is it a DDC? I'm not 100% sure but I may have a spare impeller somewhere. I don't know if it's possible to buy spare impellers for Laing pumps, I've never been able to find them.
     
  7. ferret141

    ferret141 Minimodder

    Joined:
    18 Oct 2010
    Posts:
    1,314
    Likes Received:
    40
    If there isn't cash to spare and the impeller is indeed broken you could break/cut the one opposite (if they're an even number of blades) to balance it.
     
  8. notmeagain

    notmeagain Minimodder

    Joined:
    29 Jan 2009
    Posts:
    561
    Likes Received:
    15
    Sounds like maybe the bearings are gone.

    It's unlikely that the blades are broken, it's a closed system - it would be a LOT noisier if a blade had come off and is interacting with the others.
     
  9. ferret141

    ferret141 Minimodder

    Joined:
    18 Oct 2010
    Posts:
    1,314
    Likes Received:
    40
    This is more likely. I can't believe I forgot....call my self an engineer.....:grr:
     
  10. Bloody_Pete

    Bloody_Pete Technophile

    Joined:
    11 Aug 2008
    Posts:
    8,413
    Likes Received:
    1,090
    I got it second hand, so no warranty.

    Alas, its a D5. Thanks though :)

    Could do that I suppose... I'm more concerned where the broken blade has gone.

    D5's use induction motors, so no 'bearings' as suck, but the impeller assembly does rest on a spindle, so maybe thats worn on one area, or inf act broken (it has a plastic ball tip that the impeller rests on)

    :thumb:
     
  11. notmeagain

    notmeagain Minimodder

    Joined:
    29 Jan 2009
    Posts:
    561
    Likes Received:
    15
    Lol, an engineer suggesting "Cut off t'other 'alf, Bodgit 'n scarper!"
     
  12. Nexxo

    Nexxo * Prefab Sprout – The King of Rock 'n' Roll

    Joined:
    23 Oct 2001
    Posts:
    34,731
    Likes Received:
    2,210
    The Laing D5 has no bearings in the pump chamber. The impeller is magnetically driven and balanced on a spindle. of course the motor does have bearings and they could have failed.
     
  13. Big_malc

    Big_malc Minimodder

    Joined:
    7 Sep 2010
    Posts:
    1,627
    Likes Received:
    83
    if motor bearings have gone touch it when running it will normally be vibrating like mad and hot
     
  14. Bloody_Pete

    Bloody_Pete Technophile

    Joined:
    11 Aug 2008
    Posts:
    8,413
    Likes Received:
    1,090
    I assumed it was an induction motor running like a Tesla egg, so no bearings at all...
     
  15. Big Elf

    Big Elf Oh no! Not another f----ing elf!

    Joined:
    23 Apr 2009
    Posts:
    3,937
    Likes Received:
    594
    The only bearing is the ceramic one on which the impeller sits.
     
  16. Bloody_Pete

    Bloody_Pete Technophile

    Joined:
    11 Aug 2008
    Posts:
    8,413
    Likes Received:
    1,090
    Yeh, this was my thoughts too. Looks like I'm going to have to bite the bullet and open it up...
     
  17. Rofl_Waffle

    Rofl_Waffle What's a Dremel?

    Joined:
    24 Mar 2010
    Posts:
    504
    Likes Received:
    12
    Sorry buddy but you are going to needing to buy a new pump.
     
  18. Bloody_Pete

    Bloody_Pete Technophile

    Joined:
    11 Aug 2008
    Posts:
    8,413
    Likes Received:
    1,090
    Its not dead yet though :p
     
  19. Bloody_Pete

    Bloody_Pete Technophile

    Joined:
    11 Aug 2008
    Posts:
    8,413
    Likes Received:
    1,090
    So, as an update, I finally replaced my pump with one supplied by Veryevil (cheers again buddy :) ) and is appears that the old one had worn where the impeller rests on the spindle, so it had sunk by 2-3mm and was lop sided, so is was grinding away the wall of the pump enclosure. Just something for people to be aware of :)
     
  20. Burnout21

    Burnout21 Mmmm biscuits

    Joined:
    9 Sep 2005
    Posts:
    8,616
    Likes Received:
    197
    I was about to post that, I remember a few years back the bearing surface would wear down causing such headaches. What you should have done is turn up the speed to float the impeller a little more.
     

Share This Page