I put it to the lowest speed which should be very quiet, but I can hear the noise from the fan sounds like rustling from the bearing..

 

Replace the fan.

 

is it possible that I could lubricate the fan myself?

 

http://maxima.theowensfamily.com/tsb/NTB99-071b.pdf

 

Have you taken it out to check for leaves inside? Mine was making a similar noise. I found a couple of leaves inside the cage and it's all quiet now. It took about 10 minutes from start to finish. Very easy, pull the glove box and then remove 3 screws holding the fan in.

 

I think the bearing on mine is making the noise. Back when it was still in warranty the guys at the stealership claimed not to hear it. Between them not wanting to fix it, and me not wanting to spend the money on a new blower ($125), it has been running like that for ever.

 

lol. you're lazy - take it apart and examine.

 

Hey, this happened to me before too!

 

I do found some leaves inside, and I got them out, but the noise is still there. I think it comes from the motor brushes, but not a big problem, so....

 

Does that pdf apply to 5.5s? (only noted 2000-2001)
Most GLEs have the automatic air controls.
And just yesterday I recognized a slight annoying fan noise.

 

should apply to all 5th gens...and im pretty sure the blower is the same for both controls (manual and auto).

and FYI, ALL GLEs have auto climate

 

My 01 AE also has autmatic air. The fan is in the same place and it comes out the same way.

Make sure you stick your hand up in the area where the fan goes (once you have it out) and check for other leaves and junk that collects in there.

Also you should take your in-cabin filter out and check it. They get pretty clogged over time and can put back-pressure on the fan. The filter (actually it's two filters stacked on top of each other) is to the left (toward the center of the car) from the fan. It's held in place by a plastic cover and one spring clip.

 

Really now ? Mines a 2000 GLE, i got manual controls.

 

My fan was doing the same thing.. I took it out and tightened the 8mm bolt on it. Now you cant even hear it..