For 3 Days I've Had This Noise in My Refrigerator - Am I in Trouble?

Question

It's kind of a cross between a rhythmic grind and a gurgle. Maybe like a motor laboring. Fridge still works fine tho

The noise does stop once in a while - once in a rare while..

It's a GE, frostfree. I've had it for about 4 years, tho it could have 20 years on it for all I know. I'm moving in a year, so won't be buying a new one it this goes. (IE. I'd buy used)

Anyone know what it is and what I might check out, if it is indeed a problem in the making?

Answer 1

I recommend getting a flashlight, pulling off the little kick guard below the door(s), getting out your vacuum cleaner with hose attachment and that skinny little flat, long one on the end and give the bottom coils a good cleaning. Whether the frig is 4 years or 40 years, dust, grease, and grime build up on the blades. Also, if you have an auto ice maker, check to see that that is working properly. You can secure the water supply to those behind your fridge. After that, you can disconnect the wire coupling at the connector, unscrew one or two screws and pop that puppy right out of there. You know, those things do go bad. And while you're at it, it's a good idea to pull your fridge away from the wall at least once a year for a good cleaning back there. Keep the flashlight handy. Also, that long extension for the vac hose comes in real handy here. Good luck.

Answer 2

I've had that problem. Something may have worked itself loose somewhere on the fridge and it's now vibrating at the same frequency as the compressor.

If possible, try picking up one side of the fridge a bit (about 1/4 inch) and let it kind of drop back down on the floor. If the sound becomes intermittent or goes away, you just have something loose that's vibrating. If it doesn't change, it may be an accumulation of dirt or gunk on the compressor fan that causes it to vibrate excessively. Or, the lubricant in the compressor or fan shaft could have gotten gunky. Or, you might have a small leak in the freon system, causing the compressor to overwork (lack of enough freon in a compressor will cause them to overheat, because the freon helps cool the compressor).

If either of the latter two conditions is the case, you should have an appliance repair person out to look at it to diagnose the problem.

Answer 3

Refrigerators are naturally noisy and the older they get, the more noise they'll make. This is due to old parts making noise, but they may still be working perfectly fine. You may want to clean your condenser fan and see if that takes some of the noise away. Many times, simply replacing a noisy part will do the trick. Here is a more detailed article on how to troubleshoot your refrigerator when it's noisy:
http://www.refrigerators.com/refrigeratortroubleshooting.aspx
You can find used refrigerators in your area here:
http://www.refrigerators.com/classifieds.aspx

Answer 4

Try to reach back into the vents (back of the freezer compartment) and see if you can touch the fan blades. It won't hurt, it just stops the blades. If you are scared use a straw. If the sound stops when the blades stop, then it must be wobbling or need lube.

Answer 5

Its hard to tell without listening to it, but if it has a gurgle, I suspect that it has something to do with your refrigerant.
http://appliancequickfix.com/ can tell you more about how your fridge works, although I didnt find anything about this,there. If its working ok, forget about it.

Answer 6

NAW you just got some gremlins.....LOL, JK