A sudden extraneous sound in the operation of household appliances always causes alarm to the owner. If your Ariston refrigerator starts to crack, this can signal both harmless physical processes and serious damage to the unit. It is important not to panic, but to consistently analyze the nature of the sounds and accompanying symptoms.
Primary diagnosis often allows you to identify the source of the problem without calling a technician. Crackling can come from different components: from the defrosting system to the electrical part. Understanding the structure of your model will help you quickly navigate the situation.
In this article we will analyze in detail the main causes of noise, methods for eliminating them, and cases when independent repair is impossible. Careful attention to the “voice” of your refrigerator will help extend its service life and avoid food spoilage.
Natural physical processes during No Frost operation
The most common and absolutely safe cause of crackling noise in refrigerators with the system No Frost is the operation of automatic defrosting. In such models, frost accumulates on the evaporator, hidden behind the back wall of the freezer. The heating element periodically turns on, and the ice begins to melt.
The process of expansion and contraction of the plastic parts of the case under the influence of temperature changes causes a characteristic crackling or clicking sound. Sounds They can be quite loud, reminiscent of gunshots or a crackling sound, but they do not pose any threat to equipment. This usually happens cyclically, approximately once every 8-12 hours.
If a cracking noise is heard precisely when the compressor is stopped or immediately after it is turned on, most likely it is due to thermal expansion of the materials. The plastic panels and metal elements of the evaporator react to changes in temperature, making sounds that frighten inexperienced users.
⚠️ Attention: If the crackling sound is accompanied by a burning smell or smoke, immediately unplug the device. In this case, we are no longer talking about physics, but about a possible short circuit or overheating of the wiring.
It is also worth considering that new models can “break in” in the first weeks of operation. The intensity of natural crackling usually decreases after 2-3 weeks of active operation of the device. If sounds become louder over time, it is worth listening more carefully.
Problems with the compressor and start relay
The compressor is the heart of the refrigerator, and its malfunctions are often accompanied by a specific sound. If Ariston refrigerator crackles exactly when the engine starts, and then hums smoothly, the problem may lie in the starting relay.
The starting relay is responsible for starting the compressor engine. Over time, the contacts in it can oxidize or burn, causing electrical crackling. This is similar to the sound of a working electric welding machine or strong sparking.
- 🔊 A loud click before starting, followed by a hum and a second click with a stop.
- 🔊 A characteristic clicking or crackling sound in the compressor area (bottom rear).
- 🔊 The compressor tries to start, but immediately stalls.
In some cases, the compressor itself may produce metallic knocking or crackling noises due to wear of the internal valves or piston group. This is a more serious situation that requires replacement of the unit. Diagnostics The condition of the motor requires professional tools.
Fan malfunctions in the No Frost system
In models with full No Frost per circulation The fan responds to the cold air. If it starts to crack, it often indicates a mechanical obstruction or worn bearings. The sound in this case is usually monotonous, with periodic amplifications.
A common cause is ice freezing on the blades or in the shaft area. Ice chips get caught under the rotating parts, causing a cracking noise. It is also possible that a foreign object has entered, for example, a piece of packaging that has been sucked in by the air flow.
To test this hypothesis, you need to get to the fan, which is usually located in the freezer behind a plastic panel. Visual inspection This will allow you to see ice or damage to the blades. Lubricating the bearing can temporarily solve the problem, but replacement of the assembly is often required.
How to safely defrost the fan?
To defrost the fan, unplug the refrigerator for at least 12 hours. Do not use a hair dryer or hot water, as sudden changes in temperature can damage the plastic fan housing or lead to cracks in the evaporator.
If the fan makes a “rolling” sound or a dry cracking sound even without ice, the grease in the plain bearing has most likely dried out. In the long term, this will lead to jamming of the shaft and burnout of the fan motor winding.
Deformation of the housing and incorrect installation
Sometimes the source of noise is trivial - it is vibration transmitted to surrounding objects. If Ariston refrigerator stands unevenly or touches the wall, any operating cycle will be accompanied by rattling and crackling.
Check the adjustment of the support legs. The body must be stable, without distortion. A slight rocking back and forth is acceptable, but there should be no lateral roll. Use a building level for precise adjustments.
⚠️ Attention: Do not install the refrigerator close to a wall or furniture. A gap of at least 5-7 cm is necessary for free air circulation and to prevent vibration resonance.
Also check that the shelves inside the chambers do not vibrate. Glass shelves or plastic containers may rattle when the motor is running. Try to remove all the products and shelves: if the sound disappears, the problem is the resonance of the internal elements.
☑️ Checking the installation of the refrigerator
Sound diagnostic table
For the convenience of classifying faults, a table has been compiled to help compare the type of sound with the probable cause. This will help you more accurately describe the problem to the technician or understand whether you can handle it yourself.
| Sound type | Probable cause | Need for repair |
|---|---|---|
| Rare clicks when stopping | Thermal expansion (No Frost). rustling/friction | Not required |
| Loud crackling noise when starting up | Start relay malfunction | Relay needs replacement |
| Constant rustling/rubbing | Ice getting into the fan | Defrosting or replacing |
| Metal knocking/clattering | Compressor wear | Replacement compressor |
| Whistling with crackling | Clogged capillary tube | Requires a master |
As can be seen from the table, not all sounds require expensive intervention. However, ignoring signals compressor or electricians can lead to complete failure of the equipment.
When you need to call a specialist
There are a number of situations where independent actions can only cause harm. If you do not have the skills to work with electrical appliances and a multimeter, it is better not to take risks. This is especially true for diagnosing an electrical circuit.
A call to a specialist is required if the crackling noise is accompanied by a lack of cold in the chambers. This indicates a refrigerant cycle problem or compressor failure. You also need a technician if, after defrosting, the problem returns after a few days.
Professional diagnostics includes checking the pressure in the system, the integrity of the motor windings and the condition of the control electronics. This is the only way to accurately determine why your specific unit is cracking.
Is it possible to operate a refrigerator if it is cracking?
If the cracking is natural (thermal), it is possible. If the sound comes from the compressor or relay, operation is possible for a short time, but the risk of permanent failure is high. It is better not to store perishable products in it until repaired.
Why does an old refrigerator crack more than a new one?
Over time, lubricants wear out, plastic fastening elements and shock absorbers dry out. This leads to increased vibrations and the appearance of new sounds characteristic of aging equipment.
Does the voltage in the network affect the crackling noise of the refrigerator?
Yes, low or unstable voltage can cause a humming and crackling noise in the compressor, which cannot start normally. In such cases, it is recommended to use a voltage stabilizer.
Is it necessary to change the compressor if it is cracking?
Not always. Sometimes it is enough to replace the start relay or capacitor. However, if the knocking comes from inside the motor housing (valves), then replacing the compressor is the only solution.