A sudden extraneous sound in the operation of household appliances always causes alarm, especially when it comes to such an important unit as a refrigerator. Periodic clicking can be either a variant of the norm or a harbinger of a serious breakdown, requiring the intervention of a master. Understanding the nature of these sounds allows the owner to react in time and prevent food spoilage or equipment failure.
It is important to immediately note that the nature of the noise can differ radically depending on the type of compressor installed in your model, be it Indesit, Atlant or LG. Some sounds occur only when the engine starts, others - while it is running or stopped. Cyclic knock Often associated with thermoregulation, while chaotic knocks may indicate mechanical problems.
In this article we will analyze in detail the physics of the processes that cause these sounds and help you determine when you can calm down, and when you need to urgently look for the phone number of the service center. Diagnostics begins with careful listening and analysis of the frequency of sound signals.
Natural sounds of the compressor and system operation
Many owners begin to panic when they hear the first click, although in most In cases, this is an absolutely normal phenomenon. Start relay, which is responsible for supplying current to the motor windings, makes a characteristic loud click when the contacts close. This happens every time the temperature in the chamber rises above the set temperature and the unit starts up for cooling.
In addition to electrical clicks, the sound of liquid flowing is often heard. This refrigerant (freon) moves through the pipes of the system, changing its state of aggregation. In modern models with a system No Frost this process can be heard even better due to the absence of a thick layer of ice that dampens vibrations.
It is also worth considering the thermal expansion of materials. The plastic of the internal housing and the metal elements of the evaporator can shrink or expand with a sharp change in temperature, producing a crackling sound. Thermal knock usually does not pose any threat and goes away on its own within a few minutes after stopping the motor.
⚠️ Attention: If clicks are accompanied by a lack of cold or the motor hums, but does not start, this may indicate a malfunction of the starting relay or motor windings.
The following sound manifestations are characteristic of normal operation of the equipment:
- 🔊 A single loud click when the compressor is turned on.
- 💧 Quiet gurgling or rustling, simulating the transfusion of water.
- 📉 Light crackling of the plastic immediately after turning off the motor.
Problems with the starting relay and electrical circuit
If the clicks become too frequent, loud, or are accompanied by attempts to start, which immediately stop, the problem most likely lies in the electrical parts. Start-protective relay is a small mechanism that is put on the contact group of the compressor. Inside it there is a coil and a movable core, which, when voltage is applied, must close the contacts.
When the relay fails (the coil burns out or the contacts stick), it begins to endlessly try to start the motor, emitting a series of quick clicks. Electromechanical relay in good condition, it clicks once when starting and once when stopping. An increase in the rhythm indicates that the protection system turns off the power due to overload or lack of startup.
In some cases, the culprit may not be the relay itself, but capacitorthat has lost capacity, or oxidized contacts in the power circuit. If the motor is old, its windings may have high resistance, which causes the relay to operate in emergency mode. Replacing the relay is an inexpensive procedure and is often performed by craftsmen at home.
How to check the relay yourself?
To check the relay, you need to remove it from the compressor and shake it. If a rattling sound is heard inside (as from broken ceramic), it means that the ceramic tablet inside has cracked and the relay must be replaced. You can also ring the contacts with a multimeter.
Signs of a faulty electrical group:
- ⚡ A series of 3-5 clicks in a row with an interval of several seconds.
- 🔥 Heating of the relay housing or the appearance of a burning smell.
- 🚫 The compressor hums for 1-2 seconds and suddenly stops.
The influence of refrigerant and pressure in the system
Quite often, users confuse mechanical knocking with hydraulic shocks in the refrigerant circulation system. Freon, passing through capillary tube and evaporator are under high pressure. If the balance in the system is disturbed or there is an air lock, the movement of gas may be accompanied by sharp sounds reminiscent of blows.
Particular attention should be paid to the sounds immediately after the compressor stops. At this moment, the pressure in the circuits is equalized, and the remaining refrigerant can suddenly flow into the low-pressure zone, causing hydraulic click. This phenomenon is often found in models with linear compressors, where the piston moves without a traditional crank mechanism.
If clicks occur at the moment when the motor just starts to work, this may indicate airing the system or insufficient quantity refrigerant. In such cases, the compressor tries to pump gas, but encounters resistance, which causes vibration and knocking of the valves.
⚠️ Attention: Independent refueling or repair of the refrigerant circulation system is prohibited without special equipment and a license. This is dangerous and can lead to complete failure of the refrigerator.
Characteristic signs of problems with the refrigerant:
- 🌬 A whistling sound that turns into a sharp click.
- ❄️ Uneven cooling of the chambers when operating motor.
- 💨 Clicks are heard mainly in the rear part of the unit near the condenser grille.
Mechanical faults compressor
The most unpleasant scenario is the wear of the internal components of the compressor itself compressor. Inside the sealed casing there is a motor-compressor operating in an oil bath. If the bearings, connecting rods or piston group wear out, the vibration amplitude increases and the internal parts begin to hit the walls of the casing.
Such sounds are usually described as a dull metallic knock or clanging sound, which intensifies as the unit warms up. Linear compressor, popular in technology LG i Whirlpool, it can produce specific clicks when the piston moves if the magnetic system is unstable or there is play in the guides.
Another reason for mechanical knocking is water hammer. If liquid refrigerant enters the compressor cylinder (which is possible due to improper filling or a strong temperature difference), a sharp impact of the piston on the liquid occurs. This is a critical situation that can quickly disable the unit.
Symptoms of mechanical wear of the compressor:
- 🔨 A loud knock that can be heard throughout the apartment.
- 📉 Gradual increase in noise over time.
- 🌡 Strong heating of the compressor housing (more than 80-90 degrees).
Vibration of the case and incorrect installation
Before committing complex breakdowns, it is worth eliminating trivial reasons related to installation. Vibration, created by a running motor, is transmitted to the body of the refrigerator. If the unit stands unevenly or touches a wall, furniture set or other objects, this vibration is transformed into an obsessive knocking or rattling sound.
Often users forget to remove shipping boltsthat secure the compressor suspension springs. Until these bolts are unscrewed, the compressor operates “on a rigid suspension,” which causes severe vibration and loud impacts of metal on metal at each start.
Also, the source of sound can be objects lying on the top panel of the refrigerator, or bottles inside the chambers, which begin to vibrate in time with the operation motor. Resonance can create the illusion of a breakdown, although in fact the problem is solved in a couple of minutes.
☑️ Checking the installation of the refrigerator
What to pay attention to when installation:
- 📏 The gap between the rear wall and the wall of the room.
- 🔩 The presence of transport bolts on the compressor (usually 2 or 4 pcs.).
- 🧱 The stability of the support legs (they must fit snugly to the floor).
Comparative table of causes of noise
For ease of diagnosis, we have systematized the main causes of clicks and their accompanying symptoms. This will help you quickly navigate the situation.
| Sound type | Probable cause | Danger | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single click at start | Normal relay operation | No | Do nothing |
| Frequent clicks, no cold | Faulty start relay | High (the motor will burn out) | Switch off, call a technician |
| Thud knocking inside the motor | Compressor wear | Critical | Replacement of the compressor |
| Case rattling | Touching walls or objects | No | Move away, level |
| Plastic cracking | Thermal expansion | No | Do nothing |
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics and designs of compressors may vary between different manufacturers. Always check the official documentation for your model, as some sounds may be specific to a particular brand.
When you need to call a technician
Self-diagnosis has its limits. If simple elimination methods (alignment, checking items) did not help, and the nature of the sound indicates a mechanical or electrical malfunction, you should not hesitate. Prolonged operation a faulty unit can lead to combustion of the compressor, the replacement of which is not economically feasible.
Especially an alarming signal is a combination of clicks with lack of cooling or the appearance of a smell of thick grease/burnt wiring. In such cases, it is necessary to immediately de-energize the device. A professional technician will measure the current strength, pressure in the system and winding resistance.
Remember that modern refrigerators are equipped with complex electronics, and improper intervention can disrupt the calibration of the sensors. Qualified repair will extend the life of your equipment and avoid repeated breakdowns.
Is it worth repairing an old refrigerator?
Repair is advisable if the age of the equipment is less than 7-10 years and the compressor itself has not burned out. Replacing the motor in an old refrigerator often costs more than buying a new budget model.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the refrigerator click but does not turn on?
Most likely, the start relay has failed or the compressor has jammed. The relay tries to start the motor, clicks, but the protection turns off the power due to overload. Diagnostics of the electrical circuit is required.
Is it normal for the refrigerator to click after defrosting?
Yes, this is normal. When defrosting, the ice melts and water flows into the drain, which can cause gurgling sounds. Thermal compression of plastic and metal is also possible, which is accompanied by cracking.
Can a refrigerator click if it is empty?
Yes, it can. The lack of food affects thermal inertia (the refrigerator heats up faster and turns on more often), but the clicking mechanism itself (relay operation, freon movement) does not depend on the fullness of the chambers.
Is it dangerous to ignore loud clicks?
If the clicks are frequent and accompanied by a hum, yes, it is dangerous. This may cause the motor windings to burn out. If these are rare single sounds when turned on, there is no danger.