Extraneous sounds coming from the kitchen are often the first signal that something is wrong with household appliances. If your The refrigerator makes cracking and crunching noises, this can cause concern for any owner, because we are accustomed to the quiet operation of modern units. However, these sounds do not always indicate a critical breakdown that requires an immediate call to a repairman.
In this article we will analyze in detail the physics of the processes occurring inside the chamber and the engine compartment so that you can independently determine the source of the problem. Understanding the nature of sound is key factor in deciding on further actions: from simply adjusting the feet to replacing an expensive compressor.
Often users confuse normal operating noises with signs of a malfunction, which leads to unnecessary expenses for diagnostics. We will help you learn to distinguish when the equipment is working normally, and when it really needs repair or replacement of parts.
Natural sounds: thermal expansion and system operation
The most common cause of cracking that owners of new equipment encounter is thermal expansion of materials. The internal plastic housing and the evaporator are constantly exposed to temperature changes: from +20°C to -24°C. When suddenly cooled or heated, the plastic contracts and expands, producing characteristic clicks or clicks. These sounds are especially noticeable in the first few months of operation or after defrosting, when the unit reaches operating temperature. If crack or clicks.
These sounds are especially noticeable in the first few months of operation or after defrosting, when the unit reaches operating temperature. If Bosch refrigerator or LG makes such sounds while the compressor is running or immediately after it stops, this is absolutely normal. The design of modern chambers is such that even a slight change in the geometry of the walls causes an acoustic response.
However, you should be wary if the cracking becomes constant and is accompanied by vibration of the shelves. Normally, thermal expansion is periodic, rare sounds. If the cracking is continuous, the assembly technology may be broken or there is a plastic molding defect.
⚠️ Attention: If the cracking is accompanied by the smell of burnt plastic, immediately unplug the device from the power supply. This may indicate overheating of the wiring or melting of the insulation, which creates the risk of a short circuit.
Refrigerant circulation may also be a source of sound. Liquid freon, flowing through the tubes of the No Frost system, can create gurgling or hissing sounds, which are sometimes perceived as a slight crunch. This is a normal heat exchange process, and there is no need to interfere with the operation. refrigerant no need.
Problems with the defrosting system and freezing of ice
In refrigerators with the system No Frost or Full No Frost occurs periodically automatic defrosting of the evaporator. At this moment, the fan may touch ice chips or a frozen fur coat if the water drainage system does not work correctly. The sound in this case resembles the crunching of snow underfoot or the friction of the blades against a solid mass.
If the fan blowing continues to operate with the defrosting heating element turned on, the blades can melt the ice, but at the same time make a sharp crackling sound. This often occurs due to a malfunction of the defrost sensor or timer, which does not turn off the fan motor in time.
- 🧊 Impaired water outflow: The drainage hole is clogged with debris, the water freezes and forms an ice plug that cracks when it expands.
- ❄️ Faulty heating element: The heating element does not warm up the evaporator completely, the ice remains and interferes with the operation of the fan.
- 🌀 Deformation of the impeller: The fan blades are bent due to temperature and touch the housing or ice.
To fix the problem, it is often necessary to completely defrost the refrigerator within 24 hours. If after this the sound returns after a few days, then the reason lies in the breakdown of the components of the defrosting system.
Faults of the compressor and start relay
When compressor gets old or fails, the nature of its operation changes. Instead of a smooth hum, a metallic clanging, knocking or cracking sound may appear. This often indicates wear-out of internal mechanisms, destruction of the motor mount, or problems with valves.
Particular attention should be paid to the starting relay. If, when you try to start the engine, a loud click is heard, followed by a crackling sound, and the compressor does not start (or immediately stalls), then the relay cannot start the engine. In some cases, you can hear the crackling of sparking contacts inside the relay itself.
| Sound type | Probable cause | Urgency of repair |
|---|---|---|
| Metal clanging | Destruction of the suspension compressor | High |
| Frequent crackling sound when starting | Malfunction of the starting relay | Medium |
| Uniform hum with a crackling noise | Piston group wear | High |
| Single click | Thermostat or thermal expansion | Low |
If the compressor operates with overload, it can become very hot, and the cracking noise will come from thermal deformations of the casing. In such a situation, operating the equipment is dangerous: the motor may burn out completely, which will require an expensive replacement.
⚠️ Attention: Repairing the compressor group requires specialized equipment and skills. An independent attempt to open the compressor casing or replace freon without evacuating the system will lead to complete breakdown of the unit.
Vibration of the housing and incorrect installation
Sometimes the source of crackling and crunching is trivial - vibration. If refrigerator is not level, its body may resonate with the operation of the motor. The vibration is transmitted to the floor, walls or nearby objects, creating the effect of constant rattling or crackling.
Check the distance between the back of the appliance and the wall. If the condenser pipes or compressor touch the wall or each other, a metallic sound will occur during operation. Vibration can also be transmitted to the dishes inside the chambers or to the fastening elements of the shelves.
☑️ Vibration diagnostics
Often users forget to remove shipping bolts or film, which can vibrate. Even a small piece of packaging caught between the compressor and the frame can produce a deafening crash. Take a close look at the rear of the engine compartment.
Adjusting the feet is a simple but effective way to eliminate noise. Make sure all four supports are firmly in contact with the floor. If the floor is slippery, place special anti-vibration pads under the legs that dampen sound waves.
Ingress of foreign objects and fan defects
In models with a ventilation system, air circulates forcibly. If a foreign object (a bag, a label, a piece of ice) gets into the air duct or the fan blades, you will hear a rhythmic cracking or crunching sound. The sound frequency will coincide with the rotation speed fan.
To test this hypothesis, open the door. In many models, the fan stops when the door is open. If the sound disappears, the problem is definitely in the blower system. It is necessary to remove the back panel in the freezer and inspect the space around the motor.
- 🍃 Foreign objects: Foil, paper or food caught in the air flow.
- 🔩 Loose fasteners: Fan mounting screws may become loose and rattle.
- 🧊 Ice build-up: Ice may build up unevenly and touch the blades.
How to safely remove the fan?
Unplug the refrigerator. Remove the back panel in the freezer. Disconnect the fan power supply. Carefully unscrew the mounting screws and remove the module for inspection.
Defects in the fan itself, such as worn out bearings, also lead to noise. In this case, the axis of rotation shifts, and the impeller begins to hit the housing. Replacing a fan is an inexpensive and quick procedure.
Deformation of plastic elements and seals
The plastic from which the internal drawers, shelves and doors are made loses its elasticity over time. When opening and closing doors or during thermal expansion, deformed elements can rub against each other, producing an unpleasant creaking or crunching sound.
This is especially common in older models or in equipment subjected to mechanical stress. If Samsung refrigerator drawer is skewed, it may hit the guides. Lubricating the guides with silicone often solves the problem, but sometimes the deformed part needs to be replaced.
The rubber seals on the doors can also be a source of sound. If they become dry and lose their flexibility, you may hear a loud bang or crack when you close the door. Regular care and lubrication of seals with special means prolong their life and maintain quietness.
When you need to call a technician: critical signs
Not all sounds can be eliminated yourself. There are situations when delay threatens complete loss of equipment. If crackling is accompanied by a lack of cold, this is an alarming symptom.
A technician is needed if you hear the sound of breaking glass inside the motor (destruction of valves), feel a burning smell, or see that the compressor is running without stopping. Professional diagnostics are also required if you cannot independently locate the source of the sound.
Is it possible to operate a refrigerator if it is cracking?
If the cracking is caused by thermal expansion or vibration of the dishes, it is possible. If the sound comes from the compressor or is accompanied by heating of the housing, operation is dangerous and can lead to a fire or permanent breakdown.
Why does a new refrigerator crack more than an old one?
New models often have more powerful compressors and tighter seals. In addition, the materials have not yet gone through the cycle of “shrinkage” and thermal deformation, so the sounds of expansion in the first months may be louder.
How to distinguish the sound of ice from breakage?
The sound of ice (crunching, crackling) usually occurs cyclically, during defrosting or immediately after it. The sound of a breakdown (metallic clanging, humming) is often constant or associated with the cycles of the motor turning on, and not with the defrost timer.
Does the voltage level in the network affect the crackling noise?
Yes, low voltage can cause a humming and crackling sound in the start relay, since the compressor cannot start the first time and tries to do so repeatedly, making clicking sounds.
Does it need to change freon if you hear a crackling sound?
The crackling itself is rarely related to the amount of freon. However, if the cracking sound is caused by water hammer (liquid freon entering the compressor), then the system requires evacuation and refilling, but this can only be determined by a master.