Replacing CPU fan or fan+heatsink on W550s

[BornABruin]

I have a W550s with a noisy CPU fan (bearings going south). I see that there are both cpu fans with the heat pipe/heatsink (00J267 or 00J268) but I also see CPU fan being sold by by itself being sold. Is it better to replace both the fan+heatsink or just replace the fan?

TIA
BornABruin

[RealBlackStuff]

It would be cheaper to just replace the fan (provided you don't have two left hands).
You should also refresh the thermal paste, while you're at it.

[BornABruin]

Thanks.

Just have to figure out how they attach the fan to the heat pipe/sink.

[RealBlackStuff]

Easiest way would be to look at pictures on e.g. fleaBay, such as: https://www.ebay.ie/itm/353404177557 or https://www.ebay.com/itm/333469582095
This one is just the heatsink with the fan already removed: https://www.ebay.ie/itm/194117638472
Or look at your own fan.