Why Is My Refrigerator Making A Knocking Noise?

Updated on March 13, 2023

Why Is My Refrigerator Making A Knocking Noise?

When a refrigerator is running, it makes a variety of sounds. Unless the noise is excessive, this is usually not a cause for concern. A loud banging sound coming from your fridge might be an indication of a more severe issue.

A strong banging noise indicates that the evaporator fan, condenser fan, or compressor may be malfunctioning, so you should check them out right once.

You should first rule out the possibility that the issue is caused by anything in your fridge slamming onto the fridge’s wall when the compressor is running. Make sure your fridge is level on the kitchen floor as well.

The internal components will need to be checked if the two easy changes don’t work.

Faulty evaporator fan

Your refrigerator’s evaporator fan distributes cold air throughout the appliance. A malfunctioning or obstructed fan will prevent your fridge from cooling down, and the sound of the fan may be audible.

If your fridge is warm and not chilling correctly, the evaporator fan is most likely the source of the issue. A malfunctioning evaporator fan may be the blame.

It’s time to examine the evaporator fan.

  • Defrost your refrigerator by turning it off. Plug it back in and check whether the issue has been rectified when it has been defrosted.
  • Remove the cover from the evaporator fan if the noise persists.
  • A thorough cleaning is required if the fan is found to be filthy. To see whether it’s blocked in any manner, you may turn the fan all the way around. Remove the foreign item that is obstructing it, then replace the cover and retest to see whether the issue has been resolved. The condenser fan should be checked if you’re still hearing a banging sound (see the next step below).
  • The motor of the fan must be disconnected and tested with a multimeter if it isn’t blocked. For those who don’t own or aren’t familiar with multimeters, you’ll need to have a professional come out and check your motor.

It is safe to re-connect the motor and continue on to the next component if the test confirms that the motor has continuity. It will, however, need to be changed if the motor is no longer functional.
Make that the banging has ceased after installing the replacement motor in your fridge. Check the condenser fan if that doesn’t solve the problem.

Faulty condenser fan

A malfunctioning condenser fan is most likely to blame for a banging noise coming from the rear of your refrigerator. The condenser fan’s job is to keep the coils in the condenser cooler. Whenever it fails, the coils become too hot and your fridge doesn’t cool down as it should. The fan might bang against ice or another item in the fridge’s rear, which can cause it to make a loud noise.

There are a few methods to check the condenser fan:

  • You may reach the condenser fan by turning the electricity to the fridge off and removing the fridgefrom the wall.
  • Locate the fan (you will probably have to take the back panel off).
  • Inspect the fan to see if it has been damaged in any way, and to see if it is dusty or frozen over.
  • Before re-plugging in a filthy or frozen fan, allow it to thaw and/or clean it thoroughly.
  • The fan may be blocked, so if it isn’t broken in any evident manner, try turning it around 360 degrees to inspect. If it moves easily and is clear of debris, you may proceed to the next part of the process.
  • You may attempt to remove anything that is blocking the fan, but if that is not feasible, it will need to be repaired or replaced.
  • Once the new fan has been fitted and the fridge has been switched back on, you should hear no more banging if you decide to replace it. Make sure the compressor isn’t broken.

Faulty compressor

Check the compressor as the last component. The compressor is the most important part of your refrigerator since it circulates refrigerant throughout the appliance.

If your compressor is malfunctioning, you may hear a rattling sound. The cost of replacing a compressor is prohibitive, so you may as well purchase a new refrigerator. They are extremely difficult to fix, therefore only a certified technician should attempt any repairs.

To be safe, locate the compressor and look for any evidence of loose components before hiring a specialist. Attempt to fix any loose parts, and then check to see if the noise subsides. Unless you can locate any missing components, you’ll either have to hire a refrigerator repairman or buy a new refrigerator.

 

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