I had my blower motor crap out on me as I was driving to MI from NJ for a summer job.

I replaced the whole assembly. I couldn't figure out how to take the cage off easily, and reasoned that putting it on the new motor was probably going to be another adventure assuming I didn't break it in the process of removing it from the original motor.

Plenty of people are able to just clean the motor like you said, it is worth a shot, also give it some oil, I've heard of the bearings going bad (mine ceased). Mine was also full of fine black dust.

While you’re replacing the motor or cleaning it I highly recommend installing a cabin air filter, if you don't already have one. You will need an adapter either from a dealer or IPD (Volvo OEM). It should keep all sorts of nasty junk out of your HVAC system and your cabin.

Also while you’re under the dash I would recommend checking that the recirc function works. I had a small plastic piece that connected the actuating motor and vent fail causing me to loose the recirc functionality.

Overall the replacement is a simple one and shouldn't take more than an hour.
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-INFO2X
1994 Volvo 855
1985 Volvo 245DL "The Silver Bullet"