My son's 15" mid-2010 MBP has developed what sounds like a faint "diesel" sound right in the middle section of the trackpad/keyboard. The drive in the 15" is off to the side, correct? Where about is the fan? I'm wondering if the fan bearing is the issue. His Applecare ran out just about 2 weeks ago.

Call AppleCare NOW... They will usually allow a 2 week grace period after AppleCare expires. Mention the issue has been happening for a couple of weeks now.

One would think that AppleCare on a 2010 system, 2yrs on top of the original 1 yr. should be good well into 2013, how come his expired so soon?

It's just 1 year of Applecare. We never got the additional 2. I'll call and see what they have to say.

Parts and labour for a fan should be under a hundred bucks, worst case scenerio.

Plus the $50-$60 it will cost to ship it (one way). If Apple covers it, they may return ship it for free.

It's just 1 year of Applecare. We never got the additional 2. I'll call and see what they have to say.

Then you don't have AppleCare. You just have the basic Apple warranty. Big difference. To be clear, AppleCare only applies to the additional two year warranty, not the one year base warranty.

I've heard that 1 year limited warranty being referred to as AppleCare before, but you're right. AppleCare is really only the 2 years purchased.

Apple suggested taking it in to a Genius Bar or service provider. Not a chance on either of those. According to this link, replacing the fan (at least the left one) doesn't seem too complicated. Where would one get a fan and how would I determine what fan is the problem (I believe there are 2).

Just bought a new OEM left fan off ebay for around $20 with free shipping (arrived today). Haven't been able to find new right side fans, only used. Make sure you get one that's compatible with your model.

Now to study some replacement guides and get busy.

Just bought a new OEM left fan off ebay for around $20 with free shipping (arrived today). Haven't been able to find new right side fans, only used. Make sure you get one that's compatible with your model.

Now to study some replacement guides and get busy.

Guides available at ifixit.com as well as fans, but maybe check your local Mac fixit place for a fan replacement first.

MacBook Pro 15" Parts - iFixit (http://www.ifixit.com/Mac-Parts/MacBook-Pro-15%22)

And just selecting the first model selection:
MacBook Pro 15" Model A1150 Parts - iFixit (http://www.ifixit.com/Mac-Parts/MacBook-Pro-15%22-Model-A1150#0-Fans)

Csonni, have a look at the pictures here: MacBook Pro 15" Unibody Mid 2010 Teardown - iFixit (http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/MacBook-Pro-15-Inch-Unibody-Mid-2010-Teardown/2212/1)

As you can see, the fans aren't under the trackpad - they're right at the top of the keyboard by the hinges.

Of course, I'm not sure what would make a diesel noise right under the trackpad, as that's where the battery lives, and it has no moving parts!!

You could try simply cleaning and lubricating the fans - sometimes that works. You never know - they could have dust/fluff etc. on them.

Also, you need to figure out which fan it is - the left and the right are different.

When one of the fans on my 2007 MBP started making a racket, I cleaned it, which helped for a while, but eventually did replace it. It looks easier to replace the fans on the mid-2010 model! It's definitely a doable job - IF Apple refuse to extend your warranty. BTW - did you consider asking them if you could buy AppleCare now? I don't usually get it for desktops, or my own laptop, but for kids' laptops, it's definitely been worth it. My son who is in his second year of university has had a couple of repairs done on his MB and AppleCare has more than paid for itself now.