Why does the refrigerator crack during operation and what does this mean for the unit?

Why is the refrigerator cracking?

The cause of the crackling may be some features that you can eliminate yourself:

• Uneven surface of floor coverings.
• Position the refrigerator close to the wall.
• Dishes located close to the inner wall.
• Unremoved mounting bolts on the unit frame.
• Mismatch of shelves with recesses located in the inside of the frame.

The sound is produced by the process of rattling and hitting the frame of the refrigerator.

The components can be eliminated independently without the help of a specialist. But you should seriously think about it when, when a cracking noise appears, the refrigerator loses its freezing properties and other significant functions.

Attention! Cracking is not a cause of failure if it is a feature and was purchased with this feature. For example, Atlant, Ariston, Indesit, Samsung models produce a characteristic crackling sound during operation

A dangerous sign indicating the need for repair is the cessation of cooling of the chambers, the shutdown of the compressor, the breakdown of the thermostat.

How to determine if a refrigerator needs repair?

Refrigerator repair is inevitable in the following cases:

• when the device begins to freeze worse (the problem may arise due to a freon leak);
• the refrigerator does not turn on;
• a lot of liquid accumulates inside the unit (possibly due to a clogged drain system);
• lack of light;
• the equipment does not turn off (may be due to a malfunction of the thermoregulation sensor);
• the sound of a cracking or clicking does not stop, but only intensifies;
• Excessive ice freezing in the freezer.

Cracking also occurs in old units due to wear of parts. In this case, carry out diagnostics: if the problem is not a technical breakdown, and the device is no longer new, then it’s “time to retire.” Call a technician to adjust or replace worn out old parts.

If the system works properly in the presence of sounds, you should just observe the equipment. It is not recommended to make independent changes to the design of the refrigerator if the warranty period is still valid.

If in some cases the owners of refrigerators can independently eliminate the unpleasant sounds emitted by the device, then if the compressor, thermostat, or start-up relay breaks down, they need to call a refrigeration repair specialist.

Relay failure

A relay is an element that takes on half the work of starting the engine. The second function is based on cooling an overheated motor, which serves as protection against high temperatures.

Reference! Due to wear and tear, the relay is replaced every 3 years. The part cannot be repaired.

Diagnostics:

• Scorched winding.
• The purpose of the contacts is inoperative (does not close).
• Double metal plates have lost their strength and elasticity.

Spare parts melt due to sudden voltage changes. To prevent breakdowns, you need to purchase a stabilizer that will keep all the structural elements of the device intact for many decades.

The refrigerator is cracking: the main reasons

The following factors lead to cracking:

1. Some fasteners are not adjusted.
2. Have you been using XO for a long time? The compressor has broken down or lost its performance, causing noise.
3. When switching temperature conditions, plastic parts, as we said above, expand. Try to ensure a stable temperature in the chambers, do not open the door for a long time, and do not put a lot of unrefrigerated products on the shelves.
4. The reason is the contact of parts with the motor tubes. The compressor may come into contact with the rear grille and other components.
5. Wear of engine shock absorbers.
6. Poor condenser connection. The cracking sound is accompanied by noticeable vibration.

Electricity problems

Sometimes XO cracks and sparks at the same time. This means there are problems with the electrical component. What you need to inspect first:

• socket;
• power cord and plug;
• carry out wiring maintenance;
• control module - it may have burnt out and make a cracking noise (the refrigerator will stop working or the lights on the control panel will blink).

For models with No Frost

Models with No Frost are designed slightly differently than regular ones. They are designed with a fan that circulates cooled air in the chambers. If there is a mechanical or system problem, or if annual defrosting is not done, the cooler blades may become coated with ice. Then there will be noise, and crackling, and grinding.

What to do? Urgent defrosting is required. No Frost models defrost within 24 hours. If the sound does not disappear after connecting to the network, it means that there are other problems in the system.

Compressor fault

The compressor is an important part of the refrigerant generation system.
Its failure leads to a violation of the temperature regime. The cyclic moment of operation depends on the temperature in the freezers. The mechanism works using a set of sensors and relays that transmit a signal to turn the compressor off and on. Reasons for function failure:

1. Engine overheating.
2. Crackling, loud hum without any work.
3. Oily stains.

Possible faults requiring repair

Unfortunately, in some cases, the refrigerator makes a cracking noise due to a breakdown. According to the experience of RemBytTech specialists, most often it is associated with malfunctions of the following components.

*Prices are indicated only for the work of the master. Spare parts are paid extra.

Fasteners not adjusted

Weak fixation of fasteners stimulates the propagation of sound due to the impact of the frame on the bolts. Loosening of panels occurs as a result of poor installation of screws. To eliminate the cause, you need to call a specialist or adjust the fastening yourself. The operation is carried out easily and quickly using a screwdriver.

Simple reasons

The characteristics of the sounds produced by the refrigerator and their frequency can tell a lot. It is also worth paying attention to the time of their appearance. For example, this can happen during operation or after turning off the device. When knocking occurs, you should first check the functionality of the device, that is, whether the food is cooled.

Various brands of refrigerators can produce extraneous sounds: from the simplest and most inexpensive devices to modern and expensive ones. Some knocking noise may be characteristic of the operation of the device. Often noise appears from the evaporator tubes during the process of changing the temperature regime, which can also be accompanied by a kind of grinding noise associated with the thawing of the device panels. In some equipment, thermostats also make a knocking sound, but it appears from the first days of operation.

There are several simple reasons for a knocking refrigeration unit that do not require major repair work. These include:

• Long service life . Any equipment wears out over time. If the refrigerator has been in service for several years, the reason for the knocking may be wear and tear of individual elements that need to be replaced.

• Initially incorrect installation . The reason may also be errors in the installation of household appliances. The extraneous sound does not appear immediately, but after some time. It's all due to uneven flooring or even the most minor flaws in it. As a result, one leg may not be in contact with the surface, causing vibrations throughout the entire body. Therefore, be sure to use a building level or plumb line during installation.

• Overload . Knocking can also occur as a result of uneven placement of products in the internal space of the device. If one shelf is loaded with an abundance of products, and the rest remain empty, then there is a high probability of extraneous sound. This may also be due to improper fastening of the shelves themselves.

• Loose compressor . During the installation of refrigeration equipment, it is important to pay attention to the shipping bolts or other fastening means for the compressor. This must be done before turning on the equipment.

• Loose shock absorbers . In this case, the refrigerator turning off is accompanied by a loud knock and even bouncing. In this case, it is necessary to move the equipment aside and observe how this happens. When the shock absorber is weakened, it makes an oscillating movement and immediately hits the wall of the installation. Be sure to firmly secure the device and move it away from the wall.

If the device has been in use for a long time, then it is worth checking the mounting fasteners holding the compressor, or gaskets that may have worn out. This will cause a rattling sound. You can tighten the fasteners yourself or replace the rubber gasket.

Any of the listed problems can be easily eliminated and do not require the involvement of a qualified specialist.

When a crack is not a breakdown

Often the cause of the crackling sound is the internal plastic lining of the refrigerator compartment or the insulating material located in the layer between the lining and the body of the refrigerator. Due to temperature changes during operation, materials contract or expand depending on which direction the change occurs.

In refrigerators, the elements are not always adjusted to perfectly calculate the temperature gaps; as a result, the elements rub against each other, which causes a cracking sound. Sometimes, during the operation of the refrigerator, users themselves violate the established clearances, for example, by using excessive force when washing the inside of the refrigerator.

If the cracking occurs due to friction of the elements, then there is no need to worry too much. This is allowed even by regulatory documents regulating and standardizing household appliances. If there is a strong, continuous sound that is unbearable, if the refrigerator is new, contact the seller; if not, contact the service center.

In models from many manufacturers, even inexpensive brands such as Atlant, Biryusa, Stinol, Beko, Indesit, and mid-price ranges, for example, Bosch, LG, Samsung, Liebherr and others, when the compressor is turned on, the thermostat can make a cracking sound. With cheap refrigerators this usually happens louder, but here you don’t have to worry. If this has not been observed with the refrigerator before, then in this case there is a possibility that the temperature control device will soon need to be changed. Call a specialist to confirm or deny this point.