AC condenser fan, broken? Just replace the motor.
So during some recent maintenance I discovered like many have that my AC condenser fan wasn't working. Looking online replacement OEM-like fan assemblies were around $130-150, and similar size inexpensive 12” electric fans ran anywhere from $35-55, but I would need to fabricate brackets (cheap other than my time). After I pulled the whole assembly out I started looking around for just the motor as it looked like a fairly common part. Found a new replacement motor “plug n play” on ebay for $35 plus $6 for priority shipping from Florida. Ordered it Sunday night and it arrived Wednesday morning.
Here is the ebay link I used, I'm sure cheaper options are out there but this was easy and fast:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/301719012049?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
Here is what the oem looks like (out of the fan shroud and the new one installed
Replacement involves removing cage from fan (5 screws), fan from motor (3 screws) and motor from frame (3 screws), swap in new motor, put the screws back in you're done.
Can't speak for longevity as I just installed it yesterday, but works great when I tested it. Also wired in a switch to the dash to turn it on when in 4low to keep things cool.