An extraneous hum, an increasing hum or a characteristic creaking coming from the back wall of the refrigerator is not just an irritating factor, but a signal that the air circulation mechanism requires maintenance. In modern models with the system No Frost it is fan that is responsible for the uniform distribution of cold air, and its jamming can lead to serious consequences for the compressor.
Owners of LG equipment are often faced with a situation where after 3-5 years of operation the bearings The slips in the motor dry out, and the friction of metal on metal begins to make unpleasant sounds. If you hear that the refrigerator is humming louder than usual, do not panic and call a technician - in most cases, the problem can be solved on your own if you know the correct sequence of actions.
Timely lubricant extends the life of the unit and prevents complete failure of the electric motor. However, it is important to understand that the use of unsuitable materials, such as ordinary sunflower oil or WD-40, can only temporarily muffle the sound, but will ultimately kill the bushing.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work on servicing the LG refrigerator, be sure to disconnect the device from the electrical outlet. Working with live electrical appliances is deadly.
The maintenance process requires care, since the plastic fasteners in LG refrigerators are quite fragile, especially if the equipment is many years old. The plastic becomes brittle from constant temperature changes, so all manipulations must be carried out without the use of excessive physical force.
Diagnostics of the malfunction and identification of the source of noise
Before disassembling the unit, you need to make sure that the source of the noise is precisely fanand not the compressor or vibration of the tubes. LG refrigerators with the system No Frost usually have two fans installed: one in the freezer compartment (evaporation) and one in the refrigerator compartment (circulation).
The noise from the fan is often intermittent and intensifies at moments when the compressor is working intensively. If you hear rubbing, squeaking or whining, this indicates wear bearings or bushings. Sometimes the sound can occur due to the blades touching ice or a foreign object.
- 🔊 Listen: the sound is coming from the top of the freezer or from behind the rear panel of the refrigerator compartment.
- ❄️ Check for ice: the fan may be clogged ice due to a malfunction of the defrost system.
- 🔄 Open the door: in most LG models, when the door is opened, the fan should stop.
- 🛑 Press the door sensor button: if when the sensor is pressed (imitation of a closed door) the noise stops, then the problem is in the rotating mechanism.
It is important to distinguish normal working hum from pathological noise. A slight rustle of air is normal, but mechanical grinding noises require attention. If the fan hums constantly, even when the door is open (if the sensor is faulty or jammed), this is a sure sign that grease dry or leaked.
Necessary tools and choice of lubricant
To perform quality work on servicing the LG refrigerator fan, you will need minimal set of tools. The main thing in this process is not so much the tools as the right choice lubricant. Using the wrong chemical is the most common mistake that leads to repeated breakdowns in a short period of time.
You will need screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead), tweezers for removing small parts and clean rags. Pay special attention to the choice of lubricant: it must be frost-resistant, not thicken at low temperatures and be safe for plastic and rubber.
It is strictly forbidden to use lithol, grease or graphite lubricant, as they quickly freeze and turn into an abrasive that will finally jam the shaft. Also avoid pure WD-40 - it is a solvent, not a lubricant; it will wash away the remaining old oil and accelerate wear.
| Lubricant type | Temperature range | Compatibility with plastic | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silicone lubricant | from -40°C to +200°C | Safe | Recommended |
| Teflon (PTFE) | from -50°C to +250°C | Safe | Optimal |
| Machine oil | from -10°C to +80°C | Undesirable | Not recommended |
| WD-40 (base) | from -20°C to +100°C | Aggressive | Prohibited |
If there is no specialized lubricant at hand, you can temporarily use a sewing tool oil, but it is less durable at low temperatures. It is best to purchase a small tube of synthetic lubricant for household appliances - it will be enough for several years of servicing all equipment in the house.
Access to the fan: disassembling the rear panel
The process of accessing the fan in LG refrigerators may differ depending on the model, but the general principle is the same. In most cases evaporation fan located in the freezer behind the back wall. You will need to completely defrost the refrigerator within 10-12 hours so that the ice does not interfere with disassembly or damage the plastic latches.
After defrosting, remove all shelves and drawers from the freezer. The back panel is secured with screws and plastic latches. Carefully inspect the perimeter: the screws may be hidden under decorative plugs or located deep in the niche.
☑️ Preparation for disassembly
After unscrewing the visible screws, carefully pry the panel with a plastic card or a flat-head screwdriver wrapped in a cloth so as not to leave scratches. Proceed with care as plastic clips may be fragile. The panel can be connected to sensors, so do not pull it sharply.
⚠️ Attention: The design of panels in different LG models (GateFrost, Total No Frost) may vary. If the panel cannot be removed, do not use force - check that all screws are unscrewed, including those that may be hidden under the seals.
In some models, access to the fan is through a separate hole or requires removing the air duct. Study the circuit diagram of your device if the standard path does not work. The main thing is to provide free access to the housing fan motor.
Removing and cleaning the fan
When the back panel is removed, you will see an aluminum evaporator and a fan attached next to it. It can be mounted on rubber shock absorbers or screws to the evaporator housing. The first step is to carefully disconnect the power connector - usually this is a simple chip with two or three wires.
Remove the fan from the mount. Often it is supported by rubber bushings, which become tanned over time. Remove the impeller from the motor shaft. To do this, you may need to remove the retaining ring or simply gently pull it off if it is held in place by friction. Clean the blades from dust and adhered dirt.
- 🧹 Remove dust: use a soft brush or dry cloth to clean the blades.
- 💧 Wash the impeller: if there is grease on it, wash with warm water and soap and thoroughly dry.
- 🔍 Inspect the shaft: there should be no corrosion or scuffing on the motor shaft.
- 🌬️ Blow out the housing: remove dust from the motor housing itself, if possible without disassembling.
If ice is visible on the evaporator, it It is necessary to remove it carefully, but under no circumstances use a knife or sharp objects - you can pierce the tubes and release freon. It is best to let the remaining ice melt or use a hairdryer on low heat from a distance.
A clean fan should rotate freely by hand. If sticking is felt even without power, then the problem is in the bearings and requires immediate lubrication or replacement of the unit. Dirt and dust, getting into the lubricant, act as an abrasive, accelerating wear.
What to do if the impeller cannot be removed?
If the impeller sits very tightly on the shaft, do not try to tear it off by force. Try heating the center of the impeller with a hairdryer (do not heat the shaft itself!) or drop a little alcohol into the gap to dissolve the old grease.
The process of bearing lubrication
The most critical stage is application lubricants. LG refrigerator fans usually use plain bearings (bushings), and less commonly, ball bearings. Lubricant must be delivered directly to the friction zone of the shaft and bushing.
Remove the sticker from the back of the motor housing (if there is one), under which there is often a hole for accessing the bushing. If there is no hole, you can try to introduce lubricant through the gap between the shaft and the housing using a thin needle