I've been using my single speed '30s Graybar Electric 8" oscillating fan a lot lately, and yesterday it developed a rattle when it hits one end of its oscillating range.

Before I take it apart, I thought I'd ask experts here on what the cause might be.  My first thoughts are the oil reservoir and wick, or grease in the worm gear case.  Anything else I should check?

I've had the fan apart twice since my OP.

The oil reservoir was dry.  I filled it and that helped a little.  The worm gear box looked OK, but I added grease for good measure.  One fiber washer on the armature spindle didn't match the three others, so I replaced it with one of the correct size since I had everything apart anyway.

Ever since I've had it, the fan has behaved like the blades are slightly out of balance, and a bit of a jitter can be felt on the back of the fan head.   I checked using a couple of basic techniques and I think the blades are about as trued up as they can be.   I've had decent luck using trial and error in adjusting blades on other fans, including my 12" GE Vortalex, which has blades that are notoriously difficult to balance.  If there's a sure-fire way of checking for proper balance, I'm all ears.

I think the source of the rattle is the oscillation linkage.  If I put pressure on both ends of the linkage, the rattling is minimized, but I don't think there's enough clearance to add another washer at either end.  In a quiet room the rattle is noticeable.  With two people conversing or if TV is on or music is playing, not so much.  Except for this rattle, the motor and blades make almost no noise and the oscillation is smooth as silk.

I'm running the fan now so its innards can resettle after having been messed with.  The rattle is at least only intermittent now.  The poor thing was running for more than 12 hours at a time during our hot spell this past week, so it could be a component that's finally wearing out. 

Should I consider that the fan is nearly 90 years old and leave it as is, or might there be something else I can do?

Thanks John.

I did use Zoom Spout turbine oil, the same as I use on my 1948 Vortalex.  I didn't even think about the floating bearing!  Honestly, it didn't appear to have one, but maybe I didn't look closely enough.  I have a feeling that could be the culprit, but I've had the fan running for a good period of time since my last post, and it has quieted down nicely.  I'm impressed with just how quiet the fan is and how much air it can move for its size.  If my maintenance work doesn't keep the fan quiet for very long, I'll open it up again and check (for) those bearings.

The toughest thing about disassembly is removing the screws that hold the cage in place.  The blades overlap so far that it's tough to get at the screws.  Additionally, the oil reservoir blocks access to the top screw, and I can't get my fingers in there to remove the oil cup with the cage on.  What is usually the easiest step in the process becomes an exercise in patience.  Is there a trick to it?

I've attached a couple of pictures.

Rich, I'll tell you after it starts to rattle again.  The first step in the process (removing the cage) is too annoying for me to want to deal with it again until I have to.

John, I might be interested in those parts.   Feel free to PM me when/if you're ready to unload them and we can work something out.