The first time I changed my cabin filter I went with an aftermarket TYC brand recommended by the local foreign car parts store. I remembered asking, "are these filters any good" and the response I got was, "they are very good and we've never had any problems".

The next time I changed it I decided to order an original Volvo part, because I was placing a large order with Tasca. I was pleasantly surprised that Tasca's price was only two-dollars more than what I paid for the aftermarket brand. When I removed the TYC filter the top portion had collapsed, basically folder in slightly, because I wasn't aware of any resistance when I put it in. Then I noticed the original Volvo filter has a firm plastic frame and the TYC was paper. The original Volvo filter goes in much easier.

I have over 200k miles. Recently the fan motor began to chatter, and the sound would come and go. I read some posts on this forum and others and learned these motors would begin to chatter when the brushes were worn. I decided with the cold weather coming I better be proactive and change it now. I was all set to part with $200+ and order an original Volvo blower, but learned about a salvage yard with late model Volvos. I stopped in and purchased a used fan for about $50. Since the car has so many miles, and I have a list of expensive maintenance projects for this car (shocks, axles, timing belt, etc.), I decided to cut costs where practical. The salvage yard threw in a few minor parts I needed, that had I ordered new would have set me back another $100, so I was very happy with the purchase.

This evening I pulled the trim and the glove box and eventually the blower motor.

Important point number one: You need a torx 25 size socket-type tool to pull the screw next to the fire wall. I spent probably half the time during the repair removing and replacing that screw one thread at a time.

Once I removed the blower I examined it and didn't find much play in the cage or the shaft. In fact, about the same play as the salvage part, which came off an S60 carcass with less than 100k miles. What I did find was a pine needle lodged in the basket, and the most likely cause of the chatter heard. I installed salvage blower in the car and it sounds fine, and I now have a back-up blower because I can't find anything wrong with the one I pulled from my car.

Second important point: I've come to the conclusion that the pine needle got past the TYC filter when it collapsed in the channel and finally made its way to the blower cage. I'm going to use original Volvo filters with the plastic frame for now on.

Third: If your blower motor begins to chatter consider that the noise may not be the impending demise of an expensive component.

Pull it out and check it first, then order what you need. If you have a torx 25 that gives you access in tight clearance it's a very straightforward project and pulling it twice is not that big of a deal.

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I'm stuck on Volvo and Volvo's stuck on me....