Bathroom vent screen replacement

[Airlock]

I need to replace the vent screen for the bathroom fan (2016 AS Interstate). A replacement part is available from Woodland Airstream but before I order it I would like to know if anyone has done this.

Can it be done from the inside or is this a "get up on top" job?

The screen itself has two screws holding it in place which are accessible from the inside but the push pull vent handle is in the way but I could remove those screws from inside. But once the screws are removed then the challenge will be attempting remove and then replace this part with the push pull handle in the way. The vent screen part also holds the on off switch in place so there's this challenge of getting the on off switch inserted into the holder that is part of the vent screen.

[richard5933]

If you pull your handle down into the closed position, do you also have screws on the sides of the handle?

That's what mine has, and once the screws are removed the handle comes off. This allows the screen to come out for cleaning.

[Airlock]

Originally Posted by richard5933

If you pull your handle down into the closed position, do you also have screws on the sides of the handle?

That's what mine has, and once the screws are removed the handle comes off. This allows the screen to come out for cleaning.

I do have screws on the side of the handle but they are not easily accessible. But, my handle broke in the middle last season and I fixed it by fashioning a mental piece which I used to bridge the break. Guess I could take that off (it's screwed on to the handle) and try and work the screen out through the handle break.

[richard5933]

When the handle is pulled all the way down you should have access to the screws, but you might need a 90-degree screwdriver to turn them.

When you order the replacement screen maybe you should also order a replacement handle?

[lemley]

My rig is well into vintage land. First the handle broke. I fashioned a replacement as you described. Then the motor failed. I replaced that. Next the cap came off during transit. (Yes, I forgot to close it). Replaced the whole fan assembly.

If my handle breaks again, I’ll just assume that the plastic parts are getting old and brittle and replace the entire assembly.

Just curious.. to clean the filth off of the screen, I use a very wet paper towel. That works pretty well. Does anyone have a more effective method?

[ROBERT CROSS]

Ours also broke.

After replacement, I've found that a squirt of Beoshield T9 every once in a while helps a LOT.

Squirt,squirt, grab the handle by the ENDS, open, close 'til smooth.

Bob
🇺🇸

[ttrout]

Originally Posted by lemley

My rig is well into vintage land. First the handle broke. I fashioned a replacement as you described. Then the motor failed. I replaced that. Next the cap came off during transit. (Yes, I forgot to close it). Replaced the whole fan assembly.

If my handle breaks again, I’ll just assume that the plastic parts are getting old and brittle and replace the entire assembly.

Just curious.. to clean the filth off of the screen, I use a very wet paper towel. That works pretty well. Does anyone have a more effective method?

It would sure be handy if the screen could be slipped over the switch and removed for cleaning. I'm spraying the screen, brushing then using a vacuum

[Airlock]

Thanks Richard. True to form, the handle on my bathroom vent van does not extend past the opening to be able to get a screw driver in there, 90 degrees or otherwise. And yes, I did order a new handle at the same time.

Gary

[Airlock]

Originally Posted by lemley

My rig is well into vintage land. First the handle broke. I fashioned a replacement as you described. Then the motor failed. I replaced that. Next the cap came off during transit. (Yes, I forgot to close it). Replaced the whole fan assembly.

If my handle breaks again, I’ll just assume that the plastic parts are getting old and brittle and replace the entire assembly.

Just curious.. to clean the filth off of the screen, I use a very wet paper towel. That works pretty well. Does anyone have a more effective method?

Replace the entire assembly; that's my plan B

Gary

[Airlock]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

Ours also broke.

After replacement, I've found that a squirt of Beoshield T9 every once in a while helps a LOT.

Squirt,squirt, grab the handle by the ENDS, open, close 'til smooth.

Bob
🇺🇸

Bob, thanks for the tip. Going to do that today!

Gary

[Airlock]

As an update...the bathroom vent fan screen came yesterday and I replaced it this morning. Not too difficult and it can be done from the inside. Had to remove the handle to get to the screen (this and replacing the handle was the most aggravating part) and the rest was easy. Thanks for all of the replies and suggestions.

Gary

[Saullman]

Funny you should ask, with the fan on, ill take a soft bristle brush just big enough to fit in that area and lightly brush the screen, and because the fan is on it sucks out all the lint & debris caught up in there. Easy Peasy.!!!