i have a 91 4 cylinder camry.

2 problems have developed.

1. after installing new front end axels. My mechanic says the front
passenger bearing is bad, it is making noise. what if keep driving
short distances without changing, i intend to keep the car for 2
more years. he is charging $200 to have it fixed.

2. heater blower does not work on low, the mechanic says it is
resistor problem, where is the resistor located ?


any help is appreciated.

1. I would just bite the bullet and have it fixed. This can become a safety issue, if it eventually just gives out. When it comes to safety, its a bad idea to cut corners, IMHO.

2. The "blower motor resistor" is located under the dash on the passenger side of the vehicle. Follow the wiring from the blower motor back and you should see the resistor. It will have 1 electrical connector on it and 1 screw holding it in. It's usually in the path of the fan housing itself since the fan blowing on it helps keep it cool and lenghten it's life. I believe this is a dealer only part.

Mike

1. If the bearing is bad, you probably will hear some noise. If it's bad enough, the wheel will chatter. Depends on the situation, you can decide if you would like to replace it. I replaced mine 2 years after some inspection guy told me it's "pretty bad", but I can't feel anything. After 2 years/20k miles, I begin to feel the tiny free play of the wheel and slight chatter at high speed. I am not sure if this could become a safety issue (maybe eventually), but I am sure the free play of the wheel can cause tire wear problem.

2. There are couple coil resistors on that module. The one for the "low" fan speed is the one with the highest resistance which generate more heat and more prone to burn out. I remember it's not cheap if you buy new. I got one from a junk yard for $2. You can give it a try to save money.

The resistor bank is about $60 from dealer.

Radio Shack resistors are fine - assuming you can solder. :)
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http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=3196086&postcount=4

Mike Gerber or Proman, May I ask you guys' expertise ? .... My 89Camry is doing the same with the fan. The low fan speed won't work no matter if its AC or Heat. But it wll work on the next fan speed. Is it the same resistor problem? Many thanks in advance.

Mike Gerber or Proman, May I ask you guys' expertise ? .... My 89Camry is doing the same with the fan. The low fan speed won't work no matter if its AC or Heat. But it wll work on the next fan speed. Is it the same resistor problem? Many thanks in advance.


Yes, it is most likely the same issue with the blower motor resistor. In vary rare instances it can be the switch itself, but 99.9% of the time it's simply the resistor block. It is in the location I described above and it is a very simple DIY fix.

Mike

Yes, it is most likely the same issue with the blower motor resistor. In vary rare instances it can be the switch itself, but 99.9% of the time it's simply the resistor block. It is in the location I described above and it is a very simple DIY fix.

Mike

Ditto.

I went down the path to take apart the switch assembly. Can't find anything wrong with it (besides couple burnt LEDs which was also the reason I suspect the switch assembly). But I finally traced to the resistor block and found 1 or 2 coils broken which causes open circuit and hence motor doesn't work.