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Central Air Conditioning Unit and Heat Pump Maintenance

By Bob Formisano, About.com

3 of 7

Remove Protective Grilles and Lubricate Motor


To access the outside and inside of the condenser coil you must remove the protective side grille. You also need to remove the top panel that protects the fan, motor and interior of the condensing unit.

To remove the grille proceed as follows:

  • Remove the screws holding the side and top panels in place using a Phillips head, flat blade screwdriver or socket driver as required and place the screws in a secure area.
  • With care, pull the side grill away from the unit and lift the top panel which may also support the fan motor.
  • Carefully support the top grille with the motor and fan making sure not to stress any electrical wiring connections.
  • Locate the fan motor oil ports above the fan blade and place a few drops of lightweight household oil into each port.

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