The creaking of a refrigerator is one of the most annoying household problems. It can appear sporadically or accompany the operation of equipment constantly, interfering with sleep, distracting from work and causing anxiety: "Will it break soon?". In most cases, a creaking does not signal a critical breakdown, but you should not ignore it - some reasons lead to serious malfunctions over time.
To understand what to do, you first need to determine sound source. The creaking can come from the compressor, fan, plastic parts of the case, or even from vibration transmitted to the furniture. In this article, we will analyze all possible causes - from banal misalignment to bearing wear - and give clear instructions on how to fix the problem yourself or when it’s time to call a technician.
Let us immediately note: if the refrigerator not only creaks, but also does not freeze well, heats or turns off, this is a reason for urgent diagnosis. In other cases, you can do without panic - most squeaks are eliminated in 10–30 minutes.
1. Creaking from compressor vibration: why it occurs and how to remove it
The compressor is the “heart” of the refrigerator, and its operation is always accompanied by a slight hum. But if it is added rhythmic creaking or grindingto it, the problem most often lies in:
- 🔧 Loose fastenings - the bolts securing the compressor to the frame become loose over time.
- 🛠️ Wear of shock absorbers —rubber gaskets lose elasticity and cease to dampen vibration.
- 🏗️ Incorrect installation —the refrigerator is uneven and the compressor touches the housing.
To check the compressor, Unplug the refrigerator and gently swing it from the bottom at the back. If you hear a knock or play, the problem is in the fastenings. If the sound disappears when the refrigerator is tilted forward, an uneven surface is to blame.
Move the refrigerator and check the levelness of the floor|
Unscrew the back panel and inspect the compressor mounts|
Try to place rubber pads under the legs|
Check the integrity shock-absorbing rubber bands (they should not be cracked) -->
If the shock absorbers are worn out, you can replace them yourself - they are sold in spare parts stores for household appliances (for example, for models Indesit, Atlant or Samsung universal kits are suitable). Cost - from 200 to 500 rubles.
⚠️ Attention: Do not place fabric, cardboard or wood under the legs of the refrigerator - this will increase the vibration. Use only rubber or silicone gaskets.
2. Problems with the No Frost fan: when squeaking is dangerous
Refrigerators with a system No Frost are equipped with a fan that distributes cold air throughout the chambers. If it starts to creak, it could be:
- ❄️ Icing of the blades —ice interferes with rotation, and the fan touches the ice.
- 🔄 Wear bearing —the squeaking becomes louder when accelerating/decelerating the blades.
- 🐭 Ingress of foreign objects - pieces of food, packaging or even insects.
To check the fan, turn off the refrigerator, defrost it (if there is ice) and manually rotate the blades. If they rotate slowly or with a crunch, the bearing requires replacement. If you hear a foreign noise object, carefully remove it with tweezers.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Method of elimination |
|---|---|---|
| Creak when turning on/off | Wear bearing | Fan replacement (from 1,500 ₽) |
| Constant grinding | Ice on the blades | Defrost + checking the door seal |
| Periodic knocking | Foreign object | Cleaning the ventilation duct |
In models LG i Samsung with system Total No Frost The fan is located behind the rear panel of the freezer. To get to it, you will have to remove the protective cover - you can do this yourself, but it’s better to watch the video instructions for your model in advance.
Once a month|
Once every 3-6 months|
Only when ice appears|
Never defrosting (No Frost)|
3. Creaking of plastic parts: doors, shelves, seals
If a creaking noise is heard when opening or closing the door, the culprit is:
- 🚪 Door hinges —over time they become loose or rust.
- 🧊 Sealing rubber band — if it sticks to the body, a characteristic “smacking” sound is heard.
- 📦 Shelves and containers - the plastic rubs against the guides.
Hinges can be tightened with a screwdriver (usually they are hidden under decorative plugs). If they are rusty, treat them WD-40 or with another lubricating spray. Clean the seal with warm water and soap and dry it - often it squeaks due to adhering dirt or food residues.
If the squeak comes from vegetable drawers, check whether they are deformed from overload. In refrigerators Beko i Bosch roller guides often creak - they can be replaced with new ones (cost - from 300 ₽ per set).
4. Creaking from refrigerant pipes: when is it normal and when is it not? This is normal if:
Copper tubes through which freon circulates may make squeaking noises when thermal expansion. It's ok if:
- ❄️ The sound appears only in the first 10-15 minutes after switching on.
- 🔊 It is quiet and is not accompanied by other noises (knocking, humming).
But if the tubes squeak constantly, this may mean:
- 🔧 Friction against the body —the tubes are not secured properly.
- 💧 Corrosion —copper oxidation leads to microcracks.
To eliminate problem, carefully bend the tubes away from the walls of the refrigerator (they should be at a distance of 1–2 cm from the body). If you notice a green coating, clean it with vinegar and cover the tubes with special paint for copper.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to straighten the tubes by force - this may lead to freon leakage. If they are deformed, it is better to call a specialist.
5. Creaking from electrical components: relay, start-up protection device
If the refrigerator creaks when turning on or off, the problem may lie in:
- ⚡ Start-protection relay - it is responsible for starting the compressor.
- 🔌 Thermal sensor —if it is faulty, the compressor operates jerkily.
To check the relay, turn off the refrigerator and shake its box (located next to the compressor). If you hear rattles, the magnet inside has broken off or the spring has weakened. In this case, the relay must be replaced (cost - from 800 ₽).
How to check the temperature sensor?
To check the temperature sensor you will need a multimeter. Disconnect the sensor from the control board and measure its resistance at room temperature (should be between 5–10 kOhm, depending on the model). If the readings are very different or equal to zero, the sensor is faulty.
In refrigerators Liebherr i Electrolux often creaks electronic control module due to overheating. If the sound comes from the board, provide it with better ventilation (remove dust, check the operation of the cooler).
6. Creaking due to external factors: floor, furniture, plug
Sometimes the refrigerator creaks through no fault of its own. Check:
- 🪑 Floor stability —wooden boards or laminate may sag under weight.
- 🔌 Socket —if the plug dangles, the contacts spark, and this causes extraneous sounds.
- 🪟 Proximity to a wall or furniture — vibration is transmitted to the cabinets.
The solution is simple: move the refrigerator to a more level place, tighten the socket or place anti-vibration pads under the legs. As a last resort, you can use rubber mat under the refrigerator - it absorbs up to 70% of vibration.
7. When a creaking is a sign of a serious breakdown
Immediately turn off the refrigerator and call a technician if the creaking is accompanied by:
- 🔥 A burning smell - the compressor winding may be burning.
- ⚡ Sparking - a problem with electrical wiring.
- 💨 Freon leak —an oily coating appears on the tubes.
If the refrigerator creaks and does not cool, but the compressor runs without stopping, this is a sign of a refrigerant leak or blockage capillary tube. In this case, independent repair is impossible!
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about squeaking in the refrigerator
Can the creaking of a refrigerator be dangerous to health?
The creaking itself is not harmful, but if it is caused by a malfunction of electrical components (for example, sparking), it is may cause a fire. Also, constant noise negatively affects the nervous system - it is better to eliminate the cause.
Why does a new refrigerator squeak from the first day?
This may be a feature of the model (for example, plastic parts rub against each other) or an assembly defect. Check if the shelves are touching the case, and contact the store if the sound is too loud - by law, you can return the equipment within 14 days.
No Frost refrigerator creaks - what to do?
In 80% of cases the fan is to blame. Defrost the refrigerator for 12 hours, then check to see if ice or foreign objects are blocking the blades. If the squeak remains, most likely the bearing is worn out, and the fan needs to be replaced.
Is it possible to lubricate the compressor so that it does not creak?
No! The compressor is a sealed device, and attempts to lubricate it will lead to failure. You can only tighten the fastenings or replace the shock absorbers.
The creaking intensifies at night - why?
At night the house is quieter, and extraneous sounds are heard better. The reason may also be a drop in voltage in the network (for example, if powerful appliances from neighbors turn on at night). Try connecting the refrigerator through a voltage stabilizer.