If your PC fans are starting to whine, grind, or buzz, they might not be broken — their bearings might just be dry.
Most people don’t think about oil when they think about computers. But inside every spinning fan, there’s a tiny motor and a set of bearings that need lubrication to work smoothly. Just like in a car engine, if those bearings dry out or start to wear, friction increases, noise starts, and eventually, the fan (or the entire component it’s cooling) can fail.
Why Fan Lubrication Matters
Modern PCs rely heavily on airflow — from case fans to CPU coolers and GPU blowers — and all of these rely on small motors running at high RPMs. These motors use bearings, often sleeve bearings or sintered bronze bearings, which slowly degrade over time due to:
- Friction and heat
- Dust contamination
- Loss of lubricant over time
The result? Loud fans, increased power draw, overheating components, or even total failure.
Not All Oils Are Created Equal
Some people try to fix noisy fans with household oils like WD-40 or sewing machine oil. But these are not suitable for long-term use in high-speed, small-motor environments.
Here’s why:
- Low-viscosity oils evaporate or sling off quickly
- Non-synthetic oils break down faster under heat
- Incompatible additives can degrade plastics or rubber parts
The Science of Better Lubrication
To solve these problems, we’ve developed two specialized lubricants designed specifically for PC and electronics cooling systems:
Unicorn Blood
Advanced Synthetic Lubricant for Sintered Bronze Bearings
Unicorn Blood is a PAO (polyalphaolefin)-based fully synthetic oil infused with a polymeric cling agent. It’s engineered to soak deep into porous sintered bronze bearings — a common bearing type in older or higher-quality fans.
Key properties:
- ✅ Exceptional surface cling — won’t sling off at high RPMs
- ✅ Deep soak capability — reaches the inner structure of sintered bearings
- ✅ High thermal stability — works in hot environments without breaking down
- ✅ Proven durability — tested to over 50,000 hours of use with minimal wear
This is not your average oil — it’s designed to stay where it’s needed, even after years of use, reducing noise and friction with a single application.
Thiccoil: Gel-Like Oil for General Fan Bearings
Our second product is a high-viscosity synthetic oil-gel hybrid, designed for broader fan types, including:
- Plastic sleeve bearings
- Simple bushings in cheap or mass-produced fans
- Small DC motors used in routers, laptops, and consoles
It has the stability of a grease, but the flow characteristics of an oil, making it perfect for applications where oil might normally leak or run out.
Key benefits:
- 🛡️ High viscosity prevents sling-off and evaporation
- 🧊 Remains stable over long periods, even in hot and/or humid environments
- 🔧 Easy to apply — a small drop stays in place and lasts for years
When and How to Use These Lubricants
If you’re hearing fan noise, or your fans spin slowly, it might be time for a re-lube. You can bring your system in for a General Service, or if you’re a DIY enthusiast, we’ll soon be offering both Unicorn Blood and our upcoming Thiccoil in applicator bottles perfect for small electronics.
Final Thoughts
Proper fan lubrication is one of those small details that most people overlook — until something fails. With the right oil, a fan can run cooler, quieter, and far longer than you’d expect. It’s a simple upgrade with massive long-term benefits.
If you’re serious about PC performance, don’t just clean your fans — lubricate them properly.
Stay tuned for product launch dates and DIY fan care guides right here on the blog.