so over the last couple days, whenever i turn on the HVAC in my 2001 LT Blazer, i get this squealing sound coming from behind the dash from the glove box area. Sounds like a fan with a bad bearing or bushing. regardless of what setting you choose, or what fan speed, this sound is there. definitely sounds like something trying to spin is catching or something, and having a hard time trying to get moving again.
and earlier this year, back in the fall, the HVAC fan speed was starting to sound rough in the high and med-high settings.

I'm assuming this would be my blower motor that's pooched?

I've tracked down a replacement to order, and i'm probably going to do the replacement myself along with my dad. i'm wondering if anyone else has had to replace one of these and how involved the process is; i haven't taken apart the dash yet to just look at the part, since it's been -30 to -40 all week so far, so i don't want to be outside tearing stuff apart in that kind of weather.

 

The HVAC blower is serviced entirely from under the hood. On some model years, you need to cut the black rubberized housing covering the blower with a utility knife. The area that needs to be cut is outlined on the housing, if it is necessary on your model year vehicle. Easy job, maybe a half hour.

 

oh excellent, that's much better than i expected. thanks, hook!

 

Is there any purpose to that housing? My wife's 95 was falling apart so I pulled it all out of there and didn't immediately see a reason for it except to keep grime off.

 

Supposed to keep water & dirt away from the motor.... before it crumbles

 

On the 2000 and maybe yours also, it will be easier if you remove the black box PCM and other stuff mounted on the inner fender that's in the way. The fan sits pretty low in the corner and needs to turn in such a way to clear the inner fender. Also check whether it has a drain vent hose. Some come with and others don't. If yours does, some replacements will have a rubber plug that you can remove and reuse your drain hose. Another tip, there's a sheetmetal screw that comes up from below that gets in the way...
Mine only squealed when the outside temps were below 20 like last winter, or in the summer with the AC cranking cold air.