My son (in college) says the blower in his '95 850 (with ECC) is starting to squeak. It started gradually, and only squeaked when turning, but is getting worse and makes noise more like all the time.

I want to replace the blower motor when the car is around on the holidays. Looking at parts I can buy a blower motor with or without the plastic cage. How do you determine if a new cage is needed, or is it worth the extra cost ($40) to just replace the whole thing? The cage appears to be the actual fan part; I don't see how it would wear out but apparently something in there is dying.

I found a few notes in the archives about cleaning the motor brushes. Is that a likely fix, or is it more a temporary stopgap measure? I'll only have a few days with the car so basically one try to fix it.

Thanks,

Terry