A sudden knock in the refrigerator Atlant can turn a quiet stay in the kitchen into a test for the nervous system. Many equipment owners are frightened by loud sounds, believing that the unit is about to fail or already requires expensive restoration. However, in some cases, extraneous noise is a normal reaction of equipment to changes in temperature conditions or incorrect installation.
Before calling a technician, you must listen carefully to the nature of the sound. It can be dull, ringing, intermittent or constant. Correct identification of the source of noise allows you to solve the problem yourself in half the cases, without spending money on service. In this article we will look at the main mechanical and electrical reasons that cause knocking.
It is worth considering that new models often make sounds during the break-in or primary cooling process. If The refrigerator is old the knocking appears suddenly, this is a signal about the need for diagnostics. Ignoring the problem can lead to compressor failure, which is expensive to replace. Therefore, it is important not to panic, but to act consistently.
Natural causes of noise during operation
Not every sound that your refrigerator makes is a sign of a malfunction. Modern models Atlant, especially those equipped with the No Frost system, have a complex design with many moving parts. Periodic knocking may be associated with thermal expansion plastic parts of the case or internal shelves when the temperature changes.
Often owners confuse the operating noise of the compressor with a breakdown. When the engine starts or stops, it may make a characteristic metallic clanging or knocking noise. This is due to the fact that start relay triggered, starting the piston group. If the sound lasts only a couple of seconds and is repeated only when the motor is turned on, this is considered normal.
Another reason may be the operation of the defrost system. In refrigerators with no frost, the damper switching mechanism periodically operates or the ice breaks off from the evaporator, which creates the sound of falling objects or knocking. It is also worth checking whether the glass shelves or bottles on the door are vibrating due to the operation of the fan.
- 🔊 Loud start of the compressor when plugged in.
- 🧊 Plastic cracking when setting the cold or defrosting.
- 💨 Noise of a running fan in the chamber No Frost.
- 🥤 Rattling of dishes or bottles standing close to each other.
⚠️ Attention: If the knocking is accompanied by a lack of cold or continuous operation of the motor without shutdowns, this is not a natural process, but a sign of a serious malfunction.
To understand what kind of sound it is the norm, and which requires intervention, it is useful to know the structure of your unit. In models with one compressor, the sounds will be different from two-compressor systems Atlant.
Installation problems and vibration of the case
One of the most commonplace, but common causes of knocking is improper installation of the refrigerator. If the housing Atlant is not level, a misalignment occurs, which leads to vibration of the compressor and its contact with metal tubes or cabinet walls. As a result, you hear a rhythmic knocking sound that intensifies when the motor is running.
Check the adjustment supports at the bottom of the device. They should fit snugly to the floor, ensuring a stable position. It often happens that one of the legs is twisted too much or, conversely, does not reach the surface. The vibration is transmitted to the floor and resonates, creating the feeling that the unit itself is knocking.
It is also worth paying attention to the distance between the back wall of the refrigerator and the wall of the room. If the gap is too small, vibration can be transmitted to the building structure and the sound will appear louder. The condenser tubes on the rear panel should not touch the wall or each other.
☑️ Checking the installation of the refrigerator
Sometimes the knocking occurs due to the fact that the refrigerator is standing on a slippery surface (for example, linoleum) and when the compressor is running it begins to “ride” slightly, hitting the legs about floor projections or baseboards. In this case, you can place special anti-vibration pads under the legs.
Malfunctions of the compressor and start relay
If installation problems are excluded, and the knock comes directly from the engine compartment, there is likely a problem with the compressor. This is the “heart” of the refrigerator, and any knocking here does not bode well. In piston compressors, which are installed in most models Atlant, knocking may indicate wear of internal parts: piston group, valves or bearings.
An often audible metallic clanging sound upon startup, followed by silence and a click of the relay, indicates that the compressor is trying to starts, but can't. This may be caused by jamming of the mechanism or a drop in voltage in the network. If the engine hums, but does not start, and a knock is heard, there is a high probability of failure the start-up relay.
In rare cases, the cause of the knock is the destruction of the rubber shock absorbers on which the compressor is suspended inside the casing. The motor begins to hit the walls of the housing, making a loud roar. This is dangerous because the copper tubes through which freon circulates can fray or burst.
| Sound type | Probable cause | Difficulty of repair | Risk of breakdown |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metallic clanging at start | Wear of the piston group | High (compressor replacement) | High |
| Frequent knocking and clicking | Malfunction of the starting relay | Low (replacement of the relay) | Medium |
| Rumbling inside the motor | Breakage of shock absorbers | Medium (suspension repair) | High |
| Rhythmic hum with vibration | Compressor imbalance | Medium | Average |
Experience and tools are required to accurately diagnose the condition of the compressor. You can only visually assess the condition of the relay and the integrity of the tubes on your own, but it is not recommended to open the sealed casing without skills.
Is it possible to replace the compressor yourself?
Theoretically, it is possible if you have the skills to solder copper tubes, a vacuum pump for pumping out freon and knowledge of electrical circuits. However, this is extremely difficult to do at home. An error in soldering or the amount of oil poured will lead to rapid failure of the new compressor. It is better to entrust this work to professionals.
Knocking in the No Frost system and fan
In refrigerators Atlant with the system No Frost (or Full No Frost), the source of the knock is often the fan circulating cold air. If ice freezes on the blades, they begin to touch the walls of the housing or the icy evaporator, producing a characteristic cracking or knocking sound. This usually happens in the freezer.
Another reason is failure of the fan motor bearing. In this case, not only a knock is heard, but also an increasing rumble or howl. The fan may work unstably, turning on and off, which creates an intermittent noise background.
Also in the No Frost system, the damper that regulates the air supply to the refrigerator may knock. If the mechanism is clogged or jammed, the plastic damper will hit the housing when trying to open or close the channel.
- ❄️ Ice freezing on the fan blades.
- ⚙️ Wear of the blower motor bearing.
- 🚪 The air damper is stuck.
- 🧊 A foreign object has entered the rotation zone.
To check the fan, it is often enough to remove the back panel freezer (after defrosting the refrigerator for 10-12 hours). If after complete defrosting the knocking noise disappears, then the problem was in the ice. If the sound remains, the fan needs to be replaced.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to defrost the refrigerator with a hairdryer or sharp objects to quickly remove ice from the fan. This can damage the plastic evaporator or puncture the cooling system.
Foreign objects and internal elements
Sometimes the cause of a banal knock lies inside the chambers. Users often forget that they left a bottle on the shelf, which, when the compressor vibrates, begins to roll and hit the wall. Glass shelves, if they are not secured with clamps, can also rattle.
Pay attention to the egg trays and containers in the door. If they are not filled completely, they may make sounds when the door is opened or vibration from the motor is running. Plastic drawers in the freezer shrink when exposed to strong cooling and may click.
Check to see if any small objects (such as a coin or a bone) have fallen behind the back panel or in the gap between the shelves. When the fan or vibration is running, such an object may get caught in the moving mechanisms.
In models with water or ice dispensers, the knocking may be caused by the feed mechanism. If you use these features, please check if they work. It is also worth inspecting the rubber seals: if they are worn out, the door may slam or rattle when there is a draft.
When you need to call a specialist
There are a number of situations when self-repair not only will not help, but will also aggravate the situation. If you hear loud metallic knocking in the engine compartment that does not stop, or if a burning smell is added to the noise, immediately unplug the device.
Calling a specialist is required if:
1. The refrigerator stopped freezing.
2. The compressor works without stopping.
3. There are traces of oil on the back wall or floor (freon leakage).
4. You can hear the crackling sound of an electric arc.
Professional diagnostics will allow you to accurately determine whether the compressor needs to be replaced, refilled with freon, or whether it is enough to replace a cheap part such as a relay or fan. Remember that sealed circuit you cannot break it yourself - this requires a license and special equipment.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the Atlant refrigerator knock only when turned on?
This may be the norm for older models with piston compressors, since the piston group starts abruptly. However, if the sound has become louder than usual, the compressor shock absorbers may have worn out or the motor mount has become loose.
Can a new refrigerator knock?
Yes, during the break-in period (the first days of operation) various sounds are possible due to the grinding in of parts and thermal expansion of materials. Also check that all shipping bolts and film have been removed.
Is it dangerous to ignore knocking noise in the compressor?
Yes, it is dangerous. If the knocking noise is caused by mechanical wear, the compressor may seize at any time. This will lead to its combustion and the need for an expensive replacement of the entire unit.
How long can a knocking refrigerator work?
It is impossible to give an exact period. It may work for another year, or it may break in a week. It all depends on the degree of wear of the parts. Operating a faulty appliance increases the risk of freon leakage and fire.
Will lubricating knocking parts help?
Lubricant can help if the fan or door hinges are knocking. However, lubricating the compressor itself or the electrical contacts is strictly prohibited - this will lead to breakdown.