Introduction
Replacing the fan on the AirPort Extreme A1521 requires a fair amount of disassembly; note that there are many small screws to keep track of. The fan keeps the device from overheating while in use.
Tools
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To detach the small clips from the connectors, place the flat end of the plastic spudger underneath the clip and gently lever it away from the center of the device.
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To detach the large clip from its connector, place the flat end of the spudger on the clip and lever it upward out of the connector.
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Using two fingers, pinch the power supply wire and gently lift it upward. Move it away from the metal plate.
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Next, unscrew the four 3.3mm T8 Torx screws and remove the metal plate.
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Remove the T8 Torx screwdriver head and replace it with the 60 mm extension; then, add the T9 Torx head.
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Loosen, but do not remove the two screws at the bottom of the 1.2-inch wide gap in the middle of the internal structure.
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Using only your fingers, gently compress the internal structure and pull evenly upward to remove it from the white case.
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Rotate the internal structure so that the white ports are facing away from you.
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Three 8.2mm T8 Torx screws connect the fan to the internal structure. Unscrew all three.
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To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.
16 comments
Thanks for the guide. My 4-year old A1521 gave me a flash warning light. I fired up the utility app and it said the device was overheating. I put my ear against it and couldn’t hear any noise. I opened it up as shown here, removed the outer casing and powered it up, confirming the cooling fan was not spinning. I found quite a bit of resistance when I turned the fan by my finger. I had some 0W-40 fully synthetic motor oil laying around. I opened the fan up just by pulling the fan blade unit up and lubricated the shaft with the motor oil. And it worked out beautifully. The fan spins quietly and I get my green light back.
I should say the most tricky part was the step 1. I used a dinner table knife to open the base. Later in the process I did break a fan shroud clip. But the fan was hold tightly together with the screws in the end so it didn’t do any actual damage. It wasn’t a particular hot day, but without the fan the device did become warm and the internet speed was noticeably slowed down.
motofan1 -
does anyone know of a good place to get a replacement fan (AirPort Extreme A1521 Fan Replacement)? Any insight is greatly appreciated.
Yes I`m also interested in a replacement fan
The black cover is about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick and is held in with pressure points. Might be good to use two spudgers or thin, flat screwdriver tips.
John Vitali -
When putting the cover back on after completing the fan replacement, be sure you put the side with the cutout on the same side of the Airport that has the LAN and power connectors. The black cover can only go back on in one correct position. Look at the inside bottom of the black cover and you’ll see one side is configured differently. Place that different side to align with the LAN and power holes of the Airport unit, then push it down gently into place.
John Vitali -
Not found anything “gentle” works here! Can’t manage this without damage personally (gentle guy).
Martin -
I was able to compete this step with a butter knife and much gentle prying. The scariest part is slipping the butter knife in.
James -
Be gentile. Work around slowly a couple of times. Make sure to have a thin putty knife. Do not stubbornly use a lot of force but with some gentile but moderate pressure you will do it with minor issues on the plastic.
saltobanana -