Why does the refrigerator groan: we analyze all possible causes and solutions

Did your refrigerator suddenly start making strange sounds - either groaning or creaking like an old wooden floor? Don’t rush to panic: in 90% of cases this is not a breakdown, but the operating features of modern technology. But you can’t ignore such signals either - some “grunting” may indicate incipient problems that are easier to fix at an early stage.

In this article we will analyze all the possible reasons why a refrigerator may groan, squeak or make other suspicious sounds - from completely harmless to those requiring the intervention of a specialist. You will learn how to distinguish normal operating noises from alarming signals, what you can do yourself, and when it is better to call a specialist. We will pay special attention to models with the No Frostsystem, which often become sources of unusual sounds.

Let us immediately note: modern refrigerators (especially inverter ones) are quieter than older models, but still make different sounds. The main thing is to learn to “read” them. Let's start with the most harmless reasons and gradually reach those that require action.

1. Normal operating sounds: when grunting is not dangerous

Many owners get scared when they hear the refrigerator crackles when turned on or during operation. In fact, most of these sounds are absolutely normal, especially for new models with advanced cooling systems. Here's what your refrigerator may make in normal mode:

• 🔄 On/off cycles compressor —when starting, the motor may make a short buzzing or quack sound (especially noticeable with inverter compressors LG and Samsung).
• ❄️ Refrigerant circulation — gurgling or hissing sounds when freon moves through the tubes (most often heard in the first hours after switching on).
• 💨 Fan operation No Frost — periodic buzzing or slight crackling when blowing the evaporator (typical for models Indesit, Bosch, Atlant).
• 🔥 Thermoregulation - clicks when relays or valves are activated (especially noticeable in two-chamber refrigerators).

If sounds are repeated with a certain frequency (for example, every 15-20 minutes) and are not accompanied by other symptoms (bad cooling, puddles under the refrigerator), most likely everything is in order. Pay attention to volume: normal operating sounds usually do not exceed 40-45 dB (about the same as a quiet conversation).

Modern inverter compressors (installed in models LG Inverter Linear, Samsung Digital Inverter) can emit quack sounds when changing speed - this is a feature of their smooth power control. Such sounds are often confused with breakdowns, although in fact this is a sign of economical operation.

⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator was manufactured before. 2010, noise standards for it may differ. In older models with linear compressors, groaning during startup is more common, but this does not always indicate a malfunction. Check the instructions for your model.

2. Problems with the compressor: when groaning is an alarm

The compressor is the “heart” of the refrigerator, and its malfunctions often manifest themselves through unusual sounds. If groaning is accompanied by at least one of these symptoms, it’s time to be wary:

• 🔊 The sound has become much louderthan usual (for example, it can now be heard from another room).
• ⏱️ Compressor works without stopping more than 1-2 hours.
• ❄️ In the refrigerator or freezer compartment the temperature has risen (food thaws).
• 💥 When starting up, there is a sound sharp click, after which the motor does not turn on.

Let's consider the most common problems with the compressor, due to which the refrigerator may grunting:

It is especially dangerous if the compressor it groans, but does not start - this may indicate an interturn short circuit in the motor winding. In this case, the device will try to turn on, making characteristic sounds, but after a few seconds it will turn off. It is impossible to fix this on your own - you will need to replace the compressor.

How to check the compressor. yourself?

If you are confident in your abilities, you can perform a simple test:

1. Unplug the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes.

2. Turn it on and immediately put your hand on the compressor (it is located in the lower part at the back).

3. the motor gets very hot, but does not start - most likely the problem is in the start relay or the compressor itself.

⚠️ Do not try to disassemble the compressor yourself - this is dangerous and can lead to a freon leak!

3. Problems with the No Frost fan: creaking and groaning

Refrigerators with a No Frost system (for example, Samsung RB30J3000WW, LG GA-B489YGQZ, Indesit DF 5200 W) are equipped with a fan that blows on the evaporator. If this fan begins to groan, creak or make noise more than usual, the reasons may be the following:

• ❄️ Ice on the blades — if the defrosting system is not working properly, ice may be blocking. rotation of the fan.
• 🔧 Bearing wear —over time, the lubricant dries out and the fan begins to creak.
• 🐭 Ingress of foreign objects —pieces of food, packaging, or even insects can get stuck in blades.
• 🔌 Problems with the electric motor - winding breakage or bearing failure.

If you heard periodic groaning from the freezer (usually in models c Full No Frost, most likely the fan is to blame. Try the following:

Unplug the refrigerator for 10-12 hours (complete defrosting)

Check if it is blocking blades ice or foreign objects

Turn the fan by hand - it should rotate easily, without jamming

Listen to the sound when turned on - creaking or groaning will indicate wear of the bearing-->

If after defrosting the sound does not disappear and the fan rotates with difficulty, it is most likely required replacing the bearing or the entire fan motor. In some models (for example, Bosch KGE39XW2AR) this unit can be replaced separately, in others - only together with the evaporator.

⚠️ Attention: Never try to lubricate the fan bearing yourself! This can lead to grease getting on the blades and their imbalance, which will only increase the noise. replace the entire assembly.

4. Problems with shock absorbers and compressor mounts

If the refrigerator grind when vibrating or the sound increases when you touch the body, the problem may lie in the compressor shock absorbers or its mounts. This malfunction is more common in refrigerators that:

• 🏠 Stand on an uneven floor or are tilted.
• 🚛 Were recently transported (for example, after a purchase or move).
• 🕰️ They have been in use for more than 5-7 years (the rubber of the shock absorbers becomes dull over time).
• 🔨 They have been repaired with the removal of the compressor.

Check the following:

1. Move the refrigerator away from the wall and inspect the compressor (black cylinder at the bottom). It should not touch the body or pipes.
2. Rock the refrigerator back and forth - if the compressor knocks on the frame, it means the fastenings are loose.
3. Check the rubber shock absorbers (usually there are 3-4 of them) - they should not be cracked or flattened.

If the shock absorbers are worn out, you can replace them yourself. To do this:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the network.
2. Unscrew the compressor fastenings (usually 4 bolts).
3. Remove the old shock absorbers and install new ones (you can buy universal ones or original ones for your model).
4. Attach the compressor back, making sure that it does not touch the body.

For models Atlant i Stinol suitable shock absorbers can be found in spare parts stores by article number:

• 241897600 — for refrigerators Atlant series MHM;
• 6001983669 — for Stinol 100/103/107;
• 5301JB2026A —universal for Samsung i LG.

5. Clogged drainage system: gurgling and groaning

If your refrigerator is grunts and gurgles, especially in the lower part, the problem may be related to the drainage system. In models with drip defrosting (for example Indesit BIAA 13, Biryusa 130), the condensate flows through a special tube into the pan, where it evaporates. If this tube becomes clogged, water accumulates and makes unpleasant sounds.

Signs of clogged drainage:

• 💦 Puddles under the refrigerator (especially in the front).
• 🔊 Gurgling or quack sounds in the lower part.
• 🧊 Ice in the refrigerator compartment (if the model has a drip system).
• 🌫️ Unpleasant smell from the refrigerator.

To clean the drainage system:

Disconnect the refrigerator from the mains

Find a drainage hole (usually in the back of the refrigerator compartment)

Clean it with a cotton swab or a special brush

Rinse the tube with warm water and soda (you can use syringe)

Check the tray for dirt and rinse it -->

If the blockage is severe, you can use a wire with a diameter of 2-3 mm, but act carefully so as not to damage the tube. In some models (for example, Liebert or Beko), the drainage tube has bends, and partial disassembly of the rear panel may be required to clean it.

⚠️ Attention: Never use sharp objects (needles, knitting needles, knives) to clean the drainage! This may puncture the tube, and then it will need to be completely replaced.

6. Problems with the thermostat and relay

If the refrigerator crackles and does not turn on, or the sound is accompanied by clicks, the problem may be in the thermostat or start-up relay. These components are responsible for starting the compressor, and their malfunction often manifests itself through unusual sounds.

How to recognize the problem:

• 🔊 Characteristic clicks when you try to turn on, after which the compressor does not starts.
• 🕒 Refrigerator does not turn on at all or works in very short cycles.
• 🌡️ Temperature in cameras does not correspond to the installed one (too high or too low).

The most common reason is faulty start-up relay. This small block (usually black or gray, attached to the compressor) is responsible for starting the motor. If the relay is burned out, the compressor will try to turn on, making quacking sounds, but will not be able to start.

To check the relay:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply.
2. Remove relay from the compressor (usually it is secured with latches or one screw).
3. Shake the relay - if something rattles inside, it is faulty.
4. Check the contacts for carbon deposits or melting.

If the relay is faulty, you can replace it yourself. The main thing is to buy exactly the same one (it usually indicates the refrigerator model and parameters). For popular models, suitable relays:

• Atlant, Stinol — RTK HKL-3 or Danfoss 103N0240;
• Samsung, LG — RL3-220V or RL4-220V;
• Indesit, Ariston — 2C-G020.

7. When to call a technician: dangerous symptoms

Some sounds that the refrigerator makes indicate serious malfunctions that only a specialist can fix. Contact a service center immediatelyif:

• 🔥 Compressor gets very hot and makes quack sounds, but does not start.
• ❄️ In the freezer too much ice is formed, and the refrigerator groans and does not turn off.
• 💨 From the refrigerator smells like burning or plastic.
• 🔌 appears on the display errors (for example, E1, F2, H1 - see the explanation in the instructions).
• 🩹 Refrigerator beats electric shock or shorts out when turned on.

It is especially dangerous if groaning is accompanied freon leak. Signs:

• The refrigerator has stopped cooling, but the compressor is working.
• Oil stains have appeared on the back wall.
• The cooling circuit tubes are covered with frost.

In this case, independent repair is impossible - it requires refilling with freon a search for the leak location. The cost of such repairs depends on the model:

If your refrigerator is under warranty, do not attempt to repair it. on your own this may lead to loss of warranty obligations. Contact an authorized service center of the brand.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about groaning refrigerator

My refrigerator Indesit started groaning after defrosting. Is this normal?

Yes, after defrosting, the refrigerator may make unusual sounds for 1-2 hours. This is due to the fact that the compressor works in an increased mode to restore the temperature. If the sound does not disappear after a day or other symptoms appear (poor cooling, puddles), check the drainage system or call a technician.

The refrigerator is groaning and not freezing. Samsung No Frost groans and does not freeze. What to do?

Rather. In general, the problem is in the system No Frost: either the fan has burned out or the defrost heater has failed. Try defrosting the refrigerator for 10-12 hours. If after turning on the problem remains, you will need to replace the fan or defrost heating element. In models Samsung this is a common malfunction, especially after 3-5 years of operation.

Is it possible to replace the compressor shock absorbers yourself?

Yes, this is one of the few operations that can be performed without special skills. The main thing is to buy suitable shock absorbers (they differ in size and rigidity) and carefully unscrew the compressor without damaging the tubes For models Atlant i Stinol shock absorbers are suitable 241897600 or 6001983669after replacement, check that the compressor does not touch the housing.

Why does the new refrigerator LG crack louder than the old one?

Modern inverter compressors (for example, in models LG GA-B489 or LG GB-B459) operate with variable power, which can cause quacking sounds when the speed changes. This is normal and indicates that the refrigerator adjusts to the load. Over time, the sound may become quieter, check whether the refrigerator is installed correctly (it should be level, without). distortions).

The refrigerator groans and turns off after a few seconds. What is this?

This is a typical symptom of a faulty start-up relay or interturn short circuit in the compressor. The relay can be replaced independently (costs 500-1500 ₽), and if the problem is in the compressor, it will need to be replaced (from 8,000 ₽). In some cases, simply cleaning the relay contacts from carbon deposits helps, but this is a temporary solution.