Hi, Scotty! I have a Corolla 2011 with 140,000 KM that I bought used a couple of years ago. It's in great shape, the only problem I have noticed recently is the cooling fan makes noise only sometimes, I assume it's when I turn the A/C on high (I live in a very hot area). I checked the fan and I noticed that the motor bearing is loose, I guess it's worn out and it's time to change it. Instead of buying the very expensive motor at the dealer, I ordered a Dorman brand assembly. It's seems very easy to install. My question is ¿should I change it now or can I wait until the original fan motor fails completely? As I said, it only makes noise sometimes ¿Can it damage something else while it operates abnormally? Thanks!
I agree with @yaser. You don't want to chance overheating the engine.The aluminum head is easy to ruin.
As long as you do not have heating issues, you should be fine, but keep in mind if the fan stops working, you may end up overheating the engine if you are in a city traffic.
I would preemptively change out the fan now. If it freezes up, it might do damage to your electrical system, ie, relays, switches, alternator, etc.
Change the fan now. I let a worn but still working fan go too long on one of my cars years ago and it basically self-destructed with pieces falling out into the road, and also damaged the radiator.
Damn! Thanks for the advice! I guess it's time to get dirty.