Refrigerator creaking 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. In contrast to the uniform hum of the compressor, creaking most often signals about mechanical problems - from banal friction of plastic parts to serious breakdowns requiring the intervention of a specialist.
In this article we will analyze all possible causes of squeaking - from harmless to critical ones, we will learn to distinguish them by the nature of their sound and localization, and also give step-by-step instructions for eliminating them. We will pay special attention to situations when repairs can be done yourself, and when it is better to immediately call a specialist. At the end you will find a FAQ with answers to the most frequently asked questions and a table with typical “symptoms” of malfunctions.
1. Friction of plastic parts is the most common cause of squeaking
More 60% of complaints refrigerator squeaking is associated with friction of plastic elements of the body or internal shelves. This sound usually occurs when opening/closing the door or during operation of the compressor, when vibration is transmitted to loose fasteners.
How to recognize: The creaking is short, intermittent, reminiscent of the creaking of ungreased hinges or the friction of plastic on plastic. Most often heard when the door is touched or when the temperature changes (when the plastic becomes slightly deformed). In models Samsung RB, LG GC- and Indesit C*** guides for drawers and fastening shelves are especially susceptible to this problem.
- 🔧 Loose fastenings of shelves —over time, plastic clamps become loose and rub against glass or metal.
- 🧴 Dried grease on door hinges or drawer guides (relevant for refrigerators older than 5 years).
- 🔄 Deformation of the seal —rubber loses elasticity and clings to the body when opening.
What to do:
First try visually inspect all moving elements. If a squeak occurs when the door is opened, apply silicone grease (not oil!) to the hinges. For shelves and drawers, a special spray for plastic is suitable (WD-40 Specialist Plastic). As a last resort, place a thin rubber gasket between the rubbing surfaces.
When the door is opened|During the operation of the compressor|When the temperature changes|Constantly, without reference to actions-->
2. Vibration of the compressor and tubes: when the squeak “receives” into the housing
If the refrigerator creaks rhythmicallyat intervals of several seconds, and the sound comes from below, the compressor or parts adjacent to it are to blame. Vibration from the motor is transmitted to metal tubes of the freon circuit or fastenings, causing friction against the body or other elements.
Typical "culprits":
- 🔩 Loose compressor mounting bolts (often after transportation of the refrigerator).
- 🔧 Tubes touching the back wall —in models Atlant MHM-, Bosch KGN pipes sometimes sag.
- 🧲 Magnetic resonator (in inverter compressors) - can vibrate at certain frequencies.
How to fix:
Disconnect the refrigerator from the network and carefully tighten the compressor mountings (usually 3-4 bolts on the rear panel). If the tubes touch the body, place a piece porous rubber between them and the wall (for example, from an old rug). For inverter models (LG Inverter Linear, Samsung Digital Inverter) it may help changing mode operation - try switching to Eco mode or Vacation.
3. Problems with the No Frost fan: creaking and whistling from the freezer
Refrigerators with the system No Frost (Samsung RB, LG GB, Bosch KGE***) often creak due to the fan that blows on the evaporator. The sound may resemble bearing creaking, whistling or grinding and usually intensifies before the compressor is turned off.
Causes of fan squeaking:
- ❄️ Icing of the blades —if ice touches the housing, you can hear grinding.
- 🔄 Bearing wear —constant creaking, with a metallic tint.
- 🍃 Hit foreign objects (pieces of cling film, labels).
Diagnostics and repair:
Disconnect the refrigerator and defrost it on 12-24 hours. If the squeak remains, remove the back panel of the freezer (in most models it is secured with latches) and check the fan. If icing occurs, wipe the blades with alcohol; if the bearing wears out, replacement will be required. In models Samsung the fan is often mounted on one bolt - it can be lubricated lithium grease.
What happens if you ignore the creaking of the fan?
If you do not fix it problem, the fan bearing may jam, which will lead to failure of the entire No Frost system. In some cases, this leads to overheating of the motor and failure of the entire No Frost system. In some cases this leads to complete defrosting of the freezer in 6-12 hours and spoilage of food.
4. Deformation or wear of the door seal
The rubber seal loses elasticity over time, dries out or becomes deformed. When the door closes, the rubber rubs against the body, making a sound. This is especially noticeable in refrigerators with creaking or grinding. This is especially noticeable in refrigerators with magnetic seal (Liebherr, Siemens).
Signs of a problem:
- 🚪 The creaking is heard only when opening/closing the door.
- 🔍 Cracks are visible on the seal or it is “moving away” from the door.
- 💧 Condensation appears in the chamber (due to a loose fit).
Solution:
Wipe the seal glycerin or silicone grease —this will temporarily restore elasticity. If the rubber is cracked, replace the seal (for models Indesit and Ariston universal tapes are suitable, for Bosch and Siemens it is better to take the original). As a last resort, you can heat the seal hairdryer at minimum temperature - this will help it take the correct shape.
| Creak type | Probable cause | Can I fix it myself? |
|---|---|---|
| Short creaking when opening the door | Friction of the seal or hinges | Yes (lubrication, adjustment) |
| Rhythmic creaking from below | Vibration of the compressor or tubes | Yes (tightening fasteners, gaskets) |
| Whistling or grinding noise from the freezer | Problems with the fan No Frost | Partially (defrosting, cleaning) |
| Metallic creaking during operation | Fan or compressor bearing wear | No (replacement required) |
5. Creaking from temperature deformations: why the refrigerator “sings” at night
Many owners note that the refrigerator creaks at night or with a sudden change in temperature (for example, after defrosting). This is due to thermal expansion of materials - plastic, metal and rubber react differently to changes, which causes friction.
What happens:
- 🌡️ The plastic parts of the case are slightly deformed when cooling/heating.
- 🔗 The metal tubes of the freon circuit may move slightly.
- 🧊 In models with drip system (Atlant, Biryusa), a creaking sound is sometimes made by ice coming off evaporator.
How to reduce squeaking:
- Install the refrigerator away from heat sources (radiators, stoves).
- Check whether the back wall of the refrigerator is touching the wall or furniture - leave a gap 5-10 cm.
- If creaking occurs after defrosting, let the refrigerator run
2-3 hoursempty - this will help stabilize the temperature.
6. Serious faults: when a creaking is a signal of a breakdown
Sometimes a creaking indicates critical malfunctionsthat require professional repair. They can be distinguished by accompanying signs:
- ⚡ Creaking + compressor works without stopping possible piston wear group or freon leak.
- 🔥 Creak + housing heating - may indicate interturn short circuit in the compressor winding.
- ❄️ Creak + poor cooling - malfunction thermostat or start relay.
What to do:
If the refrigerator creaks and when this:
does not turn off for more than 20 minutes,
rust appears on the back wall,
a “snow cap” forms in the freezer — immediately unplug it and call a technician. In models with linear compressors (LG, Samsung), ignoring the squeak can lead to complete motor failure in 1-2 weeks.
The creaking is accompanied by a burning smell|The compressor does not turn off for more than 30 minutes|Oil stains are visible on the back wall|The refrigerator does not freeze well when the motor is running-->
7. Prevention: how to prevent a refrigerator from creaking
To keep the refrigerator running quietly, just follow simple rules:
- 🧼 Wash the seal regularly (once every 2 months) with soapy water and lubricate with silicone grease.
- 🔧 Tighten the fastenings compressor and shelves after transportation or cleaning.
- ❄️ Defrost the refrigerator at the first signs of icing on the fan (even if the model is No Frost).
- 📦 Do not overload the door —heavy products (bottles, cans) cause sagging and friction of the hinges.
For models with inverter compressor (Hitachi, Panasonic, Toshiba) it is important:
- Use voltage stabilizer —electricity surges accelerate bearing wear.
- Do not install the refrigerator in rooms with temperatures lower
+10°Cor higher+32°C.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the creaking of a refrigerator
Can the creaking of a refrigerator be hazardous to health?
The creaking itself is not harmful, but if it caused compressor malfunction (for example, interturn short circuit), this can lead to fire hazardous situation. Also, constant noise above 50 dB negatively affects sleep and the nervous system.
Why does a new refrigerator squeak from the first day?
Possible reasons:
- 🏭 Defective assembly - poorly secured parts (often found in models Indesit and Beko budget line).
- 🚚 Transport bolts not removed (check if they are unscrewed from the back!).
- 🧊 Incorrect installation —the refrigerator is not level and the vibration increases.
If the creaking does not disappear after checking the fasteners and alignment, contact the service center under warranty.
How to record creaking refrigerator to show the technician?
Use a smartphone with the mode turned on noise recordings (available in applications like Voice Recorder or Decibel X). Bring the microphone to the sound source (for example, to the back wall) and record 10-15 seconds. For accurate diagnostics of masters, a video indicating the refrigerator model is also useful.
The refrigerator creaks Samsung RL*** - what to do?
Q models Samsung with a linear compressor creaking is often associated with:
- Vibration of tubes — place rubber gaskets between the tubes and the body.
- Wear of fan No Frost —replacement required (part art.
DA61-01234A). - Failure of inverter module —diagnostics required at service.
Before repair, try resetting the settings: Settings → Support → Reset.
Is it possible to lubricate the refrigerator compressor yourself?
No! The compressor is charged special oil for freon systems, and its excess or deficiency will lead to breakdown. If the creaking comes from the motor, the only solution is to replace the compressor yourself. You can only tighten the fastenings or insulate it. vibrating tubes.
If your refrigerator squeaks, do not ignore the problem - even a small friction can develop into a serious breakdown over time. Start with simple steps: lubricate the hinges, check the fastenings and defrost the chambers. In most cases, this is enough. to restore silence. If the creaking is accompanied by other “symptoms”, do not take risks and contact professionals.