Kenmore Refrigerator, Banging Compressor
#1
02-20-16, 10:36 AM
Kenmore Refrigerator, Banging Compressor
Kenmore refrigerator, model 106.57023601. 9 years old.
For a few months now, the unit is making a loud banging sound. About every 30 minutes or so, for about 15 seconds at a time. Exactly like this: https://youtu.be/n5FtMVt-ICA
I pulled the back panel off and the compressor will move when the banging takes place, but I'm unable to move it myself otherwise. So it doesn't appear to be a mount issue. In the meantime, the refrigerator and freezer are both working fine as far as temperature, defrost, and ice making.
Any ideas? Is this an early warning? Is there a new refrigerator on my horizon?
For a few months now, the unit is making a loud banging sound. About every 30 minutes or so, for about 15 seconds at a time. Exactly like this: https://youtu.be/n5FtMVt-ICA
I pulled the back panel off and the compressor will move when the banging takes place, but I'm unable to move it myself otherwise. So it doesn't appear to be a mount issue. In the meantime, the refrigerator and freezer are both working fine as far as temperature, defrost, and ice making.
Any ideas? Is this an early warning? Is there a new refrigerator on my horizon?
#2
02-20-16, 11:07 AM
Group Moderator
That IS a strange one. If you reach in and hold the compressor..... does the noise stop ?
It sounds like the motor came loose inside the compressor but usually the noise is faster pitched. Your compressor sounds like an old steam engine.
If it is truly the compressor.... there is no repair other than replacing it.
It sounds like the motor came loose inside the compressor but usually the noise is faster pitched. Your compressor sounds like an old steam engine.
If it is truly the compressor.... there is no repair other than replacing it.
#3
02-20-16, 11:54 AM
Hi, Pete. When I hold the compressor it feels as if something inside is spinning around unevenly, as if it is off its axis, so to speak.
I'm guessing my options are to live with the noise, (ain't easy);
replace the compressor, (parts and labor, $$$); or
buy a new refrigerator, (most expensive option but possibly the most sensible).
Sigh. . .this comes about three months after replacing the control panel on a not quite 2 year old LG washer. The appliance gods are angry, my friends. It's Saturday afternoon, 3:00 PM, in my part of the world. Time for an adult beverage. . .
I'm guessing my options are to live with the noise, (ain't easy);
replace the compressor, (parts and labor, $$$); or
buy a new refrigerator, (most expensive option but possibly the most sensible).
Sigh. . .this comes about three months after replacing the control panel on a not quite 2 year old LG washer. The appliance gods are angry, my friends. It's Saturday afternoon, 3:00 PM, in my part of the world. Time for an adult beverage. . .
#4
02-20-16, 12:24 PM
Group Moderator
Well..... it's the same time here.... so we can share. 
Replacing a compressor on a fridge is a fairly easy job for a pro. Not a DIY job as it requires refrigerant handling and special equipment. On a nine year old fridge it would be a borderline proposition.
I've never heard a compressor as loud as that one before.
Replacing a compressor on a fridge is a fairly easy job for a pro. Not a DIY job as it requires refrigerant handling and special equipment. On a nine year old fridge it would be a borderline proposition.
I've never heard a compressor as loud as that one before.
