Have you noticed that your refrigerator has begun to make strange sounds - crackling, clicking, or even creaking? Don’t rush to panic: in 90% of cases this is not a breakdown, but the operating features of modern compressors and cooling systems. However, you cannot ignore noise either - some sounds signal the imminent failure of the equipment.
In this article we will analyze all the possible reasons why The refrigerator crackles when it’s running- from harmless “talking” of the plastic to serious compressor malfunctions. You will learn how to distinguish normal noise from dangerous noise, which models (Indesit, Samsung, Atlant, LG) crack most often, and what to do to fix the problem yourself. And if repairs are unavoidable, how can you save up to 40% on it?
Let us warn you right away: some sounds (for example, metal grinding or dull knocks) require immediate disconnection of the refrigerator from the network. Others, on the contrary, say that the equipment works properly. To avoid guessing from the coffee grounds, go through our diagnostic checklist - it will help identify the problem in 10 minutes.
1. Normal refrigerator sounds: when a cracking sound is not dangerous
Modern refrigerators are complex devices with many moving and heating parts. Even new models (Bosch KIN86AF30, Liebherr CNef 4815) can make sounds that users mistake for a breakdown. This is what is considered normal:
- 🔄 Relay clicks when turning the compressor on/off (every 10–20 minutes). The sound is similar to a light blow to the body.
- 🧊 Crackling of plastic when the temperature changes - the material expands or contracts (especially noticeable in the freezer).
- 💨 Fan noise in models with No Frost (similar for a quiet hum or whistle).
- 🔥 Crackling of the heater during defrosting (typical for systems Frost Free).
If sounds appear regularly, but do not increase over time, and the refrigerator maintains set temperature - there is nothing to worry about. For example, Samsung RB30A3200SA refrigerators are known for loud relay clicks, and Atlant MXM 2835-90 for plastic cracking in the first months of operation.
How to check? Listen to the refrigerator in silence (preferably at night). Normal sounds:
- Short-term (1-2 seconds).
- Not accompanied by vibration or overheating. housing.
- Do not change the tone (do not become louder or quieter).
⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator is Cracks only when first turned on after defrosting, this may be a sign of icing on the evaporator. In this case, check the door seal - it could be deformed.
2. Dangerous sounds: when cracking is a sign of breakdown
There are sounds that cannot be ignored. They indicate malfunctions that require urgent repairs:
| Sound type | Possible cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Metal grinding or creaking | Worn compressor or fan bearing | Turn off the refrigerator immediately! The part needs to be replaced. |
| Loud knocks (like a hammer) | The compressor fasteners or shock absorbers are loose | Tighten the fasteners or replace the rubber ones gaskets. |
| Whistling or hissing + refrigerant leak | Damage to the evaporator tubes | Call a specialist for soldering and refilling with freon. |
| Rattling if body vibration | Malfunction of the starting relay or break in the compressor winding | Diagnostics with a multimeter, replacement of the relay or compressor. |
Especially dangerous creating noise when the compressor is running - this means that the bearing has already begun to deteriorate, and in 1-2 weeks the motor may jam. In this case, repairs will cost 50-70% of the cost of a new refrigerator.
How to distinguish a dangerous rattle from a normal one? Use a simple test:
Listen to see if the tone of the sound changes when you open the door|
Check whether the housing is heating up at the bottom (a sign of compressor overload)|
Turn off the refrigerator for 10 minutes - if the sound disappears, the problem is electrical|
Shine a flashlight at back wall - are there any oil stains (leakage from the compressor)-->
⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator Indesit or Beko models 2018-2022 emits rhythmic knocking (like a clock), this may be a factory assembly defect - check that it is not has your series been recalled!
3. Why a new refrigerator is cracking: top 5 reasons
If the refrigerator began to crack immediately after purchase, this is not always a defect. reasons:
- Adaptation of plastic. In the first 1–2 weeks, the case “gets used” to temperature changes. This is especially noticeable in models with thin walls (POZIS RK-102, Birusa 101).
- Unremoved transportation bolts. If you do not remove the compressor mounts, it will vibrate and make noise. loud clicks.
- Incorrect installation. The refrigerator is uneven → vibrating → the case is cracking. Check the level!
- Defective seal. If the door rubber is skewed, cold air penetrates inside, causing icing and cracking.
- Defective fan. In models with No Frost (Samsung RL38T6007SA, LG GA-B409SLGL) the blades may touch the ice.
What to do? To start, let the refrigerator run for 3-5 days. If the cracking does not disappear:
- 🔧 Check whether the transport bolts (they are located at the back, near the compressor).
- 📏 Make sure the refrigerator is level (use a building level).
- 🧰 Inspect the seal to see if there are any gaps or damage.
4. The refrigerator compressor is cracking: what to do?
The compressor is the “heart” of the refrigerator, and its malfunctions are often accompanied by characteristic sounds. Let's consider typical cases:
- 🔊 Loud humming + crackling → Motor overload (possibly due to freon leakage).
- 🛠️ Rhythmic knocking → The compressor mounts are loose or the shock absorbers are worn out.
- ⚡ Clicks without starting the motor → The starting relay is faulty.
- 🔥 Crackling noise + burning smell → Interturn short circuit of the winding (urgent replacement needed!).
The most dangerous situation is when the compressor Cracks, but does not start. This may mean:
- Bearing jammed (the motor needs to be replaced).
- Winding break (diagnosed with a multimeter).
- Problems with the starting capacitor.
How to check the compressor yourself?
- Disconnect the refrigerator from the mains.
- Remove the back cover (in most models it is secured with latches).
- Inspect the compressor for oil drips or melting.
- Test the windings with a multimeter (resistance should be 20–40 Ohms).
How to test the compressor with a multimeter?
1. Disconnect the wires from the compressor.
2. Set the multimeter to resistance measurement mode (200 Ohm).
3. Touch the contacts with the probes:
- Between C (common) and S (start) — there should be ~30 Ohms.
- Between C and R (run) — ~20 Ohm.
- Between S and R —the sum of the two previous values (~50 Ohm).
4. If the readings differ greatly or there is a break (OL), the compressor is faulty.
⚠️ Attention: If the compressor Liebherr refrigerator or Miele started to crack after a power surge, do not try to repair it! These models use an inverter motor, which requires professional diagnostics.
5. The No Frost refrigerator is cracking: system features
Refrigerators with the system No Frost (for example, Samsung RB37J5200SA, LG GB-B409PVQZ) crack more often than usual due to additional elements:
- 🌀 Fan - can touch the ice or the body.
- 🔥 Defrost heater —crackles when turned on.
- ❄️ Evaporator —makes a creaking sound when icing.
Typical problems No Frost:
| Symptom | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Crackling + poor cooling | Icing evaporator | Defrost for 12–24 hours |
| Clicks every 5–10 minutes | Faulty defrost timer | Replacing the timer |
| Whistling + cracking | Clogged drainage hole | Cleaning the tube |
If your No Frost started to crack, try defrost it for a day. In 60% of cases this solves the problem. If the sound remains, check:
- 🔍 Fan - whether it is blocked by ice or food.
- 🕒 Thaw timer - it should click every 8-12 hours.
- 💧 Drainage hole —clean it with a cotton swab.
6. How to fix a cracking refrigerator with your own hands
If you find out that the cracking is not associated with a serious breakdown, you can try to fix it yourself. Here are step-by-step instructions:
Step 1: Check the installation of the refrigerator
- 📏 Make sure it is level (adjust the legs).
- 🚪 Check whether the door is touching the furniture or the wall.
- 🔌 Make sure that socket is grounded (poor grounding causes vibration).
Step 2: Inspect the compressor
- 🔧 Tighten the mounting bolts (they may loosen over time).
- 🛠️ Replace the rubber shock absorbers if they cracked.
- 🧹 Remove dust from the condenser (it worsens cooling and increases the load).
Step 3: Check the door seal
- 🧼 Wipe the rubber with soapy water (dirt breaks the seal).
- 🔥 Heat the seal with a hairdryer (if it has become deformed from the cold).
- 🛒 Replace the seal if it is torn or has lost elasticity.
Step 4: Defrost the refrigerator
If the cracking is caused icing:
- Unplug the refrigerator.
- Take out all the food.
- Leave the doors open for 12-24 hours.
- Wipe the internal surfaces with a dry cloth.
Step 5: Check the electrical system
If the crackling noise is accompanied by flashing light bulbs or self-shutdownthe problem may be:
- 🔌 Socket —try connecting the refrigerator to another.
- 🔋 Surge protector —it may not cope with the load.
- ⚡ Voltage stabilizer —if it is, check its settings.
⚠️ Attention: If after all the manipulations the cracking remains and the refrigerator begins to cool worse— do not turn it on again! This can lead to compressor breakdown and expensive repairs.
7. When to call a specialist: repair prices in 2026
If self-diagnosis did not help, or you discovered a serious malfunction (compressor grinding, freon leak, winding break), it’s time to contact a specialist. Here are the estimated prices for repairs in 2026:
| Type of breakdown | Repair cost (₽) | Cost of spare parts (₽) |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement of the starting relay | 1 200–2 500 | 800–1 500 |
| Compressor repair (oil change, bearing) | 3 500–6 000 | 2 000–4 500 |
| Compressor replacement | 5 000–12 000 | 4 000–9 000 |
| Freon leak elimination + refilling | 4 000–7 500 | 1,500–3,000 (freon) + 1,000–2,500 (soldering) |
| Fan replacement (No Frost) | 2 000–4 000 | 1 200–2 500 |
The cost depends on:
- 📍 Region (in Moscow and St. Petersburg prices are 20–30% higher than in the regions).
- 🏷️ Refrigerator brand (spare parts for Liebherr or Miele are more expensive than for Atlant).
- 🔧 Difficulties of work (for example, replacing a compressor in a two-chamber refrigerator will cost more).
Where to look for a master?
- 🛠️ Official service center (work guarantee, but more expensive).
- 👨🔧 Private craftsmen (cheaper, but check the reviews!).
- 🏠 Repair services (for example, "RemBytTekhnika", "Cold Service").
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about refrigerator noise
❓ Why does the refrigerator only crack at night?
At night the house is quieter, so the usual sounds of the refrigerator (relay clicks, crackling noises) plastic) become more noticeable. Also at night the compressor may turn on more often due to changes in the temperature in the room. If no sounds are heard during the day, but they appear at night, this is normal.
❓ Is it possible to replace the compressor yourself?
Theoretically, yes, but this is a complex procedure that requires:
- Special equipment (vacuum pump, pressure gauge).
- Experience in soldering copper tubes.
- Knowledge of the rules for working with freon.
Errors during replacement can lead to refrigerant leakage or damage to the new compressor If you are not sure. in your power, it is better to contact a specialist.
❓ The refrigerator is cracking and does not freeze - what to do?
This is a sign of a serious breakdown. Possible reasons:
- Freon leak (refilling required).
- Compressor malfunction (needs replacement).
- Problems with the thermostat or control board.
Immediately unplug the refrigerator and call a technician. Continuing to operate in this condition can lead to complete failure of the equipment.
❓ Why. Is the refrigerator cracking after defrosting?
Probable reasons:
- The plastic of the case "gets used" to the temperature (it goes away in 1-2 days).
- Moisture has got on the electrical contacts (needs to be dried).
- Iced up evaporator (if defrosting was insufficient).
If the cracking does not go away for more than 3 days, check the door seal and fan operation (for No Frost).
❓ How to reduce the noise of the refrigerator?
Some practical tips:
- 🔇 Put refrigerator on a rubber mat (absorbs vibration).
- 🧲 Move the refrigerator from the wall 5–10 cm for better ventilation.
- 🔌 Connect through a voltage stabilizer (reduces the load on the compressor).
- 🧊 Do not fill the refrigerator with food" connection" - this impairs air circulation.