How do I make my AC quiet again?

[abcdefghi]

My aquaclear is making a constant noise from the impeller area, I have taken it apart, pulled the impeller out, used a qtip and pushed it through everywhere that I can, yet its still rattling away.

Do I need to replace something? Is the motor screwed on it? I have only had it about 4 months (no warranty though as eBay purchase). Do I just need to try a new impeller (guessing the magnet part and the white propeller looking piece) how much are these parts?

Thanks.

 

[Weezer]

My AC50 is about 3 years old and is very quite, if every thing looks good and you have washed every thing out, especially where the impeller sits, i would try calling the manufacture, if it's only a few months old.....

 

[TropicalNorth]

Check the impeller to make sure no plastic seams have been roughed up (basically when the impeller is made there can be plastic seams left from the mould, these can become raised and cause the impeller to rattle). It's kinda hard to explain but if you run your finger over the impeller you'll feel any raised bits. The raised plastic seams can be very gently scrapped off with razor blade to make the impeller smooth again (be carefull not to cut into the plastic). If an impeller is not perfectly symmetrical it will rattle. I had to do this when my AC was pretty new, fixed the rattle.

Its also possible you just have a dodgy impeller and it might need replacing.

 

[jbradt]

Check the piece of metal holding the impellar in place. These can get bent and may make it rattle as well.

 

[dudley]

I agree with Jbradt. If the metal impeller shaft is worn, it will also cause the noise. You can buy a new AC impeller shaft (I don't know where) or you can buy an Eheim 2217 ceramic impeller shaft to replace it, if it is an AC 110/500. I replaced both shafts on my filters with the ceramic ones and the noise is completely gone.

 

[DAVIDFBT]

I have this same problem, I rinsed out the impeller holding area and used a Q-tip and the rattly noise is still there. The next time I order from Drs F&S, I'll order an AC Impeller.

 

[fishorama]

The metal impeller shaft has quite a bit of play on some of mine, hard to get it perfectly vertical. Petsmart sells impellers too if you don't have a big mail order.