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Why Does A Refrigerator Make A Knocking Noise & How To Fix It

It’s common to hear a refrigerator making a knocking noise before you open it. While some may enjoy the various knocking noises it sounds, others may find it annoying and want it to stop. What causes this knocking sound that the refrigerator makes?

Refrigerators make a knocking sound because of a loose compressor inside your refrigerator. Also, the bottom fan blades and blade inside of the freezer section may also be loose. Check these loose parts to eliminate the knocking sounds.

In this article we’re going to show you how to fix the knocking sound your refrigerator makes so you can limit the noise.

What Makes The Knocking Noise In Your Refrigerator

This knock-out noise can be heard in your refrigerator from three possible sources. There are two compressors: Vacuumizer – Fans. Condensers – Fans.

The fridge has some problems with it. If you get lucky, these pieces will probably not work. It is needed quickly, as these malfunctions may affect the cooling system.

Why Does A Refrigerator Make A Knocking Noise & How To Fix It

Below are the reasons your refrigerator may be making loud knocking sounds when the refrigerator door is closed.

Check Condenser Fan Motor/Blade

Refrigerator loud noise

Whenever your fridge knocks try locating the noise and detecting the cause. Are there any loud noises in refrigerators and cabinets? Usually, there’s an issue with the condenser blade motor.

This piece must be removed from the panel, which is usually easily removed. When fan blade cleaning has occurred it will be necessary to remove the dirt from the blade. If it is cleaned you can check your motor. Motors can cause knocking sounds in case of a faulty motor or malfunction. It is easy to replace motors that have broken down or require a completely new fridge.

Ensure a clean coil and a good temperature in the refrigerator. Condenser dust and soil can cover it. In these circumstances, condensers make noise while operating and reduce cooling. When you hear new sounds and notice the refrigerator is not cool, remove the door panels and inspect the coils.

There is sometimes a problem with getting coils. The fridge can be placed behind a fridge, in front or on the side of the fridge. Keep your fridge hidden from your wall. Find it. They’re black. You will have to open the refrigerator cover to access them.

Malfunctioning Evaporator Fan

It is important to defrost the refrigerator so that you can melt all of the ice that blocks you evaporator fan. If this does not solve your issue you will need to remove the freezer vents to access the evaporator.

The vaporizer fans are dirty so remove it with a brush. Try spinning it several times, there’s something inside the fan that stops it spinning. Warning: Avoid immersing evaporator fans in water as they can contain electronic components. If the evaporator fan motor is bent, the fan will not allow you to bend the fan in the desired way.

Ice Maker Jam

Let’s imagine the fridge comes equipped with an ice maker. If it is possible, you can also troubleshoot this component in this instance. Typically, frozen ice cubes are shoveled in ice buckets.

Depending on your refrigerator brand, ice may go to a storage box outside the fridge door. Nevertheless knocking noise in the refrigerator could be caused by the refrigerator’s cubes jamming the freezer. When the parts in your ice machine are struggling to break up the ice, you’ll hear an annoying knock sound coming from the appliance. It seems easy to get rid of an ice cube containing the stuck object.

Old Fridge Compressor Either Starting or Stopping

A compressor in your refrigerator controls refrigeration circulation and airflow. The vapor reaches the temperature of the refrigerator via pressure.

The compressor takes the gas out. It helps reduce the concentration of a substance in the air before it is directed into an auxiliary condensing machine.

Due to these functions, a sound thump often occurs on older models – less on older models. If you can’t get sound into a model you can do the following interventions.

Dirty Condenser Coils

Ensure a clean coil and a good temperature in the refrigerator. Condenser dust and soil can cover it. In these circumstances, condensers make noise while operating and reduce cooling. When you hear new sounds and notice the refrigerator is not cool, remove the door panels and inspect the coils.

There is sometimes a problem with getting coils. The fridge can be placed behind a fridge, in front or on the side of the fridge. Keep your fridge hidden from your wall. Find it.

They’re black. You will have to open the refrigerator cover to access them.

Fridge Plastic Parts

Depending upon where you’re in a refrigerator, the plastic inside may cause knocks that you may have noticed.

Remember your refrigerator will contain many plastic pieces. Air can be easily buried behind a plastic front panel or other section. Remember that your refrigerator won’t just stay cold for hours at a time. Instead, several times per day, the appliance runs the defroster cycle automatically.

During this period an evaporator heater will be turned on to melt any snow accumulating in its vicinity. When you keep your fridge hot for hours, during this time all the cold air inside expands.

The Refrigerator Is Hitting the Wall

It has been reported that refrigerator vibrations can be caused when they touch something. Your fridge might hit a wall or cabinet easily.

The refrigerator naturally has vibrations that make sounds appear louder when they touch the opposite surface of the room. For this reason, move the fridge out of the way of the door and leave a little bit of room between them.

These vibrations may appear to give off a knocking noise, as it’s so close to the wall.

Conclusion

The knocking noise of the clogged condenser fan or old coils can be a major part of why the knocking noise occurs on a daily basis.

Be sure to also check the evaporator fan to ensure the defrost cycle is happening regularly.

Frost buildup can be a huge issue when new refrigerators are turned on for the first time in a while. Hope that helps and if there are any questions, please let us know.