View Full Version : Removal of ceiling fan
RM08
May 17, 2008, 03:04 PM
I have checked a lot of sites on how to remove the ceiling fan. I have also followed a number of give instructions. I did all the need steps and have reached a dead end the ceiling fan won't come off. I am attaching images of where I have reached, any help would be great, before I break it off. - Thanks
ac101
May 17, 2008, 07:02 PM
If you can't find any other fasteners holding it on do you have attic access to look at from above ? What type of fan is it if you know it looks older to me ? If it were me I would try to get at it from the attic if I could at least to see how its connected it should be attached to an electrical box in some way but I have seen some screwy installations. Post back and let us know. GOOD LUCK AC
Handyman2007
May 17, 2008, 07:28 PM
There are some fasteners on the very top part near the ceiling. Carefully loosed then and see if the unit will slide down. There should be enough room to unhook the fan motor assembly from it's anchoring point. MAKE SURE THE ELECTRICITY IS TURNED OFF AT THE CIRCUIT BREAKER BEFORE DOING ANYTHING!!
RM08
May 17, 2008, 08:18 PM
Where are these fasteners?
Handyman2007
May 17, 2008, 08:42 PM
Look at your photos. There are three "studs" sticking out around the top of the plate... they should thread off
RM08
May 17, 2008, 09:21 PM
Those studs had locknuts which I have removed. The base plate just moves (rotates) slightly, but nothing more
donf
May 18, 2008, 08:33 AM
RM08,
At the bottom of the fan assembly is the light package. Carefully move the wiring out of the way and you should see at least two screws in slotted cut outs. Loosen the screws and let the fixture asm. Drop down.
What is the motor mounted to? Do you see a shaft or rod running down through the motor? See if you can lift and twist the motor to release from its mounting. Remember, motors are heavy so be prepared for the weight.
The two cowlings pictured seem to be for decoration only. Neither seem to have the strength to support the motor.
Let me know how it goes.
ac101
May 18, 2008, 09:01 AM
Any luck with that ceiling fan ? Can you get above it?
stanfortyman
May 18, 2008, 09:02 AM
Those studs at the top, where you removed the lock nuts, are where the fan housing mounts. With those nuts removed, and the washers removed, the fan comes off those studs.
I am surprised it hasn't fallen down by itself!
You disassembled way more than you needed to. The blades and those three nuts were all you needed to remove.
donf
May 18, 2008, 09:09 AM
Stan,
Those do not look like mounting screws. They appear to be nothing more then bezel screws.
That housing sits on top of the fan motor assembly. Until the fan motor is released, the bezel will not drop down. At least that's MPO.
RM08
May 18, 2008, 09:14 AM
I have removed/pulled down the light fixture. I don't see any pins, neither is the motor lifting up the shaft. But I do see 3 screws on the top side of motor casing, hard to reach.
ac101
May 18, 2008, 09:15 AM
Stan that's what it looks like to me also. I think those look a little big for just bezel screws but its hard to tell from the pic. I think I would try gently pulling down and twisting slightly at the same time maybe the housing is wedged on the threads of those studs. Anyway guess well wait to hear back from RM08
RM08
May 18, 2008, 09:17 AM
AC
I haven't had a chance to get to attic, but that's part of my plan.
RM08
May 18, 2008, 09:19 AM
I have tried turning, pulling down, shifting side ways - no luck
ac101
May 18, 2008, 09:21 AM
Just keep us posted we will get it down. What about those hard to reach screws you found ?
RM08
May 18, 2008, 09:48 AM
AC
No luck from the attic, there is a block of wood across, so no access
stanfortyman
May 18, 2008, 09:53 AM
I 100% guarantee that those studs are the housing mounting studs. With the nuts removed the whole thing will come down.
Why it doesn't for you is a mystery.
Did you try and get those lock washers off? It looks as if they might be wedged on there. Try to pry off the washers and see what happens.
RM08
May 18, 2008, 10:30 AM
Great! I removed the washers using a chisel and down came the whole thing. Stanfortyman, ac101, donf and handyman2007 - Thank you so much for your patience, advice and sharing of knowledge. I will now be installing a new fan and I hope it won't be as difficult. Once again, much appreciate your help.
RM
ac101
May 18, 2008, 11:18 AM
GOOD JOB if you have anymore trouble were here. AC
RM08
May 18, 2008, 11:30 AM
Thank you again!
ceilingfanrepair
May 19, 2008, 07:27 PM
I'm late-- if you removed all three nuts closest to the ceiling, it should come off. The suggestion of making sure the washers were also removed was a good one.
Looks like a Moss fan, very good quality older fan.