I have a FAC084N7A1 A/c unit which I have recently dismantled and found the motor for the fan 'siezed'. I broke it loose without a considerable amount of force but it was hard to turn. After some turning it got easier, however, it now makes a loud grinding sound when running. Otherwise, the unit is working perfectly. A new motor is $150, which is stupid, I would just buy a new unit in that case. Should I take the motor apart and try to replace the bearings?
It's obvious to me that your motor 'quit' turning because of a lack of lubrication.
You have one 'slight' chance here - and that depends on whether or not you are able to take a drill and 'drill' a small hole on top of the bearing case (which encases the bearing).
On most motors you can do this quite easily. Just look on the end of the motor (where the shaft comes out of the motor) and you should see the bearing encasement (on some motors this is internal and you won't be able to do this). - but in any case if you can - 'just drill a small hole at the top of the encasement and then take a oil bottle, one of those plastic ones with the long slender tube - and oil the motor. I've done this many times in the past and more times than not your fan motor will run normally for quite some time.
Note: you must understand though - that the damage already done to the motor 'might' cause this manuver to be un-sucessful, i.e. the motor may run and not make noise but will heat up and go off - or it may still make the grinding noise and also heat up and go off.
But, you do have a chance this way.
If this doesn't work - the only thing to do is to replace the motor.
Note: I've never took one of these motors apart and tried to oil the bearings as you suggested - mainly because the chance of success - versus the "time and trouble" to do so is very slim.
good luck!
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