If your refrigerator is making a noise or a constant repetitive clicking noise, here are 2 reasons why that can occur. There are 2 different types of fan motors in your refrigerator. One is located in the freezer and this one is called the evaporator fan motor.
The other is located behind your fridge and it is called the condenser fan motor. To repair and stop this buzzing or humming noise, first make sure the fan blade is not hitting anything. If the fan, motor and surrounding areas look fine, you will more than likely need to remove and replace the fan blade or fan motor.
To repair a buzzing or noisy refrigerator you will need some basic tools and of course the fan motor you are going to swap out. First determine where the noise is coming from. If it is inside the freezer then you need to buy a new refrigerator evaporator fan motor. If the noise is coming from the bottom and back of the fridge you will need a refrigerator condenser fan motor.
Here is what a noisy refrigerator evaporator fan motor will sound like.
Here is what a noisy refrigerator condenser fan motor will sound like.
Here is a video to show how to replace a noisy refrigerator evaporator fan motor.
Here is a video to show how to replace a noisy refrigerator condenser fan motor.
 Do you know of another method to repair a buzzing or noisy refrigerator? Please leave a comment below.
Written by Keith Schneerer
Certified Appliance Tech · Founder, RemoveAndReplace.com
Keith has spent 30+ years repairing machines, starting as a military mechanic and later maintaining food processing equipment before moving into appliance repair. He founded RemoveAndReplace.com to share field-tested repair advice.
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Chris Y,
Have you checked the back of the fridge to be sure the fan is not the object that is causing the squeaking? Check the fan at back as this is the most likely component causing the exterior squeaking noise.
-RR
My Whirlpool refrigerator is about 8 years old and has started to make a small squeaky noise, like something is loose or wobbly; seems like its coming from the outside of the fridge, not the inside. What can that be? Its a model GS5SHAXTO01, serial SU4431284. Thank you.
Chris A,
Something in the back of the fridge may be loose or not tight. When your Kenmore refrigerator is running, go to the back of it and visually check to find where the vibration is coming from. Once found, either tighten loose bolts or screws, or see if 2 components are chaffing therefore causing the noise.
-RR
We just got a new Kenmore 6505 three days ago. And when the compressor goes it is LOUD – when it’s off the Fridge is quiet as a mouse. Wondering if there is a way to deaden this noise somehow. The sounds is a loud hum – it literally keeps me up at night. Ideas? Suggestions? Kenmore, of course, says it’s normal. Our old one was at least 15 years old and never made a peep.
Rasbihari,
What make and model number is your refrigerator? Is it beeping or buzzing? Is it coming from inside the fridge or the control panel? Do you receive an error code (if applicable)?
-RR
Ed,
The sound only happens when the refrigerator door is closed? Have you checked that the evap and condenser fan blades are not rubbing the housing when running? Check and if rubbing or chaffing then bend back into place or replace both motor and fan motor.
-RR
I was fairly certain that I had a noisy evaporator fan as the sound would stop when either door was open and it sounds like it is coming from the freezer compartment. I replaced the evaporator fan motor yesterday, but it didn’t seem to make a huge difference in the sound. The sound is intermittent. Any suggestions? It is GE built in side-by-side.