A sudden extraneous sound in the operation of household appliances always causes alarm, especially if we are talking about a refrigerator that works around the clock. The situation when the refrigerator is crackingcan be caused by many factors: from a banal misalignment of the housing to serious malfunctions in the electrical circuit of the compressor. It is important not to panic, but to consistently analyze the nature of the sound and the conditions under which it occurs.
In this article we will analyze in detail the mechanics of the occurrence of crackling, clicking and humming. You will learn to distinguish normal technological sounds from signals of a breakdown, which will help save your budget on calling a technician or, conversely, prevent food spoilage in time. Understanding the source of noise is the first step to restoring silence in your kitchen.
Normal operation of the No Frost and drip defrosting system
Modern users are often frightened by sounds that are actually standard for equipment with automatic defrosting. If your the refrigerator is cracking periodically, about once every 8-12 hours, and the sound resembles the crackling of bursting plastic or hissing, most likely the evaporator is defrosting. In models with the system No Frost the built-in timer periodically starts the heating element (heating element), which melts the ice on the radiator.
A sharp change in temperature causes thermal expansion and contraction of the plastic parts of the inner box and air ducts. It is this physical process that gives rise to the characteristic crackling sound. Gurgling or hissing may also be heard - this is the refrigerant flowing through the pipes after the compressor stops, and the pressure in the system is equalized. These sounds are absolutely normal for a working unit.
However, you should be wary if the crackling becomes continuous or is accompanied by a burning smell. In normal mode, the defrost cycle takes from 15 to 45 minutes, after which the refrigerator again begins to operate silently or with a steady hum of the motor.
Improper installation and vibration of the case
One of the most common reasons why the refrigerator is cracking vibrates is a violation of installation rules. If the housing is not level, the load on the compressor is distributed unevenly, and the unit itself begins to resonate with the floor surface. Even a microscopic misalignment can turn the quiet operation of the motor into a loud rattling sound.
Be sure to check the distance between the back wall of the appliance and the wall of the room. The gap should be at least 5-7 centimeters for free air circulation. If the condenser (black grille at the back) touches the wall, the vibration is transmitted to the building structure, increasing the noise. Also, the source of sound can be objects lying on the top cover of the refrigerator.
- 🔧 Check the adjusting feet: they should fit snugly to the floor, but not be pinched.
- 📏 Use a building level to check the horizontal installation.
- 🚫 Remove all foreign objects from the body and from the niches around unit.
Often users forget to remove the shipping bolts that secure the compressor during transportation. If these bolts are left in place, the vibration of the running motor is transmitted to the entire body, causing a strong rumble. Find the instructions for your model Bosch, LG, Indesit or another brand and make sure that the fasteners are removed.
Malfunctions of the compressor and start relay
If refrigerator is cracking is loud and metallic, especially when starting or stopping the engine, the problem may lie in the very heart of the unit - the compressor. The start relay, which supplies current to the motor windings, wears out over time. Inside it is a plastic core, which hits the walls when starting, making a loud click. If the relay is faulty, you may hear a series of rapid clicks, after which the motor hums, but does not start.
A more serious situation is wear of the bearings or internal parts of the compressor. In this case, the crackling noise is accompanied by strong vibration and heating of the motor housing. Such noise cannot be ignored, as a jammed compressor can burn the wiring or fail permanently, requiring expensive replacement.
⚠️ Attention: If you hear a loud electrical crackling sound and smell burning plastic, immediately unplug the appliance. Continued operation may lead to a fire.
Diagnostics of a compressor requires skills in working with a multimeter and knowledge of electrical circuits. Replacing the start relay yourself is possible if you know how to safely work with electrical components. However, if you suspect mechanical damage to the piston group, it is better to contact a service center.
Is it possible to replace the relay yourself?
Yes, if you have skills in working with electrical equipment. The relay is inexpensive and is sold in spare parts stores. However, it is important to choose an exact copy for your compressor model, otherwise the motor will burn out.
Problems with the fan in No Frost systems
In refrigerators with the system No Frost fans are responsible for circulating cold air. Over time, ice can build up on the blades or debris can get into the fan bearing, causing an imbalance. As a result, the fan begins to hum, crackle, or make grinding sounds. This happens especially often in the freezer, where temperatures are extremely low.
If the refrigerator is cracking it is in the area of the evaporator (usually the back wall of the freezer), try defrosting the unit completely within 24 hours. If the noise disappears after defrosting, but returns after a couple of days, it means that the defrost cycle is broken and the ice is again blocking the blades. In this case, it may be necessary to replace the defrost heating element, defrost sensor or timer.
Sometimes the cause of the sound is simply dried out grease in the fan bearing. In some models, you can remove the fan, remove the protective casing and drop a couple of drops of machine oil into the rotation axis, extending the life of the part.
Comparison table: Normal or broken?
To make it easier for you to navigate, we have compiled a table to help classify sounds. Pay attention to the frequency and accompanying symptoms.
| Sound type | Probable cause | Normal or repair? | Urgency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiet crackling of plastic | Thermal expansion (defrost) | Normal | Not required |
| Loud click when starting | Start relay or compressor | Repair | High |
| Constant hum + vibration | Incorrect installation | Setting | Medium |
| Grinding or whistling | Fan or ice in air ducts | Repair/Defrost | Medium |
| Gurgling fluid | Movement freon | Normal | Not required |
Deformation of trays and foreign objects
Sometimes the answer to the question "why the refrigerator is cracking" turns out to be ridiculously simple. Vibration from a running compressor can be transmitted to interior shelves, egg trays, or bottles placed on the door. When plastic vibrates, it begins to rattle against glass or metal guides. Check that all the drawers are tightly seated and that the glass shelves are not loose.
Also look behind the back grill of the refrigerator. Small objects that fall during cleaning often end up there: coins, buttons, candy wrappers. When the motor is running, they can jump and knock on the metal tubes of the condenser, creating the illusion of a serious breakdown inside the unit.
Pay special attention to the products in the door. If the bottles are too tight and touch each other or the walls of the niche, when the door is opened or the engine is running, they will make a characteristic ringing and crackling sound.
When you need to call a specialist
There are a number of symptoms in which self-repair is not only ineffective, but also dangerous. If the refrigerator is cracking at the same time it stops freezing, or a “coat” of ice appears on the walls of the chamber, the problem may be a freon leak or a clogged capillary tube. In these cases, professional equipment is required to find leaks, solder and refill the refrigerant.
Do not try to open the sealed circuit yourself or change the compressor without the appropriate experience. This may lead to permanent breakdown of the unit and loss of warranty.
⚠️ Attention: Specifications and location of components may vary depending on the model and year of manufacture. Always check the manufacturer's official instructions before disassembling.
If you have checked all external factors, defrosted the refrigerator, but the cracking noise continues and is accompanied by heating of the motor or lack of cold, call the service center. Professional diagnostics will save you time and money in the long run.
☑️ Diagnosis of refrigerator noise
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does a new refrigerator crack in the first days of operation?
The new unit may make sounds due to the grinding in of compressor parts and lack of lubrication in the fan bearings. It is also possible for the plastic to react to the first cooling cycle. If the noise does not increase after a week, this is normal.
Is it dangerous if the refrigerator crackles and clicks when turned off?
A single click when turned off is normal (the thermal relay is activated). But if there is a series of clicks and the motor hums, trying to start, but does not start, this is a sign of a malfunction of the starting relay or compressor windings.
Can a refrigerator crack if there is not enough food in it?
Yes, an empty refrigerator operates in a more ragged mode, turning on and off more often, which increases the number of expansion-contraction cycles of the plastic. In addition, empty shelves may vibrate more. Filling the chambers with food (or bottles of water) stabilizes the temperature and reduces the frequency of switching on.
How long can a refrigerator operate with a crackling compressor?
It is impossible to predict the exact period. It can work for years, or it can burn out in a week. The operation of a faulty compressor leads to overheating and increased energy consumption, so delaying repairs is not recommended.