"Zephyr" wrote in message

The shaft extends an inch or 2 out the front, and maybe 1 inch out the
back of the housing, and there is a fan on the front, and what I guess
is some type of balancing fan ( much smaller) attached to the back.
The play front and back of the shaft in the housing is causing all the
noise.

My question is, is that normal? should the "drive shaft" on an
electic motor have some play in any direction?
Is the the play in the shaft there by design?

The replacement motor I found is here
http://www.cshincorporated.com/produ...roducts_id/257

Many very small motors have some play in the shaft. Of course, not knowing
the factory specs no one can say if your is worn beyond acceptable limits.
Many of those small motors also have sleeve bears and they wear faster than
ball bearings. You may get by for a while with a shot of lubricant, but
long term, the motor is probably on the way out.

You may be able to find a cheaper replacement from www.grainger.com