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LG Refrigerator Making Loud Noise - Causes & Fix

4 min read

Independent. We don't sell parts, so we tell you when not to buy one.

⚡ Quick Answer

Usually caused by frost buildup around the evaporator fan or an icemaker buzzing without a water supply. Fix by leveling the unit and turning off the icemaker if disconnected.

Difficulty Intermediate (DIY)
Est. time 15-60 min
Tools Multimeter , nut driver, screwdrivers

LG Refrigerator Making Loud Noise — What’s Happening

LG refrigerator making loud noise is not a fault code. It is a symptom category for several normal or abnormal operating sounds. LG specifically distinguishes buzzing or clicking, hissing or gurgling, thuds or bangs, and rattling or whirring as different noise types with different causes.

If the sound is buzzing or clicking and the icemaker is on but the water supply is disconnected, that is a common cause and turning the icemaker off stops the noise. If the sound is rattling, whirring, or squealing, it can be caused by a fan rubbing an obstruction, a frozen or interrupted fan, or an abnormal compressor sound. If the noise returns after the doors close, it is typically due to frost buildup around the fan housing.

Jump to Fix

Most Likely Causes

How to Diagnose and Fix

  1. Identify the noise type and location first, listening near the freezer interior, rear lower machine compartment, or door and icemaker area.
  2. Check the icemaker and water supply by confirming whether the icemaker is on without a water line connected, then turn the icemaker off and confirm the noise stops.
  3. Verify leveling and door alignment by checking that the refrigerator has a slight backward slope and the doors are aligned, and correct any misleveling before chasing frost-related noise.
  4. Inspect for frost buildup around the evaporator fan housing by opening the freezer and looking for ice on the fan cover or in the air channel, then correct the root cause with leveling and temperature adjustment and allow time for frost to clear.
  5. Inspect the evaporator fan with power off by removing the fan cover, checking for ice, obstruction, damaged blade, worn grommets, or a motor that does not spin freely.
  6. Inspect the condenser fan and rear compartment by unplugging the unit, removing the rear lower cover, clearing debris, and checking the fan blade, motor, mounts, and any rubbing contact.
  7. Check compressor mounting and vibration if the noise is a thud, bang, or heavy vibration and the fan is ruled out, inspecting the compressor and its mounts for loose hardware or abnormal movement.
  8. Repair or replace the failed component only after confirming the source, whether fan motor, fan blade, grommets, icemaker valve issue, compressor mount hardware, or the compressor itself if isolated as the source.

Parts You Might Need

PartNotes
Evaporator fan motorAmazon | Replaces a frozen, obstructed, or worn motor in the freezer compartment.
Condenser fan motorAmazon | Replaces a squealing or worn motor in the rear lower machine compartment.
Fan blade and mounting grommetsAmazon | Replaces damaged blades or worn rubber grommets that cause rattling or rubbing noise.

If your appliance also shows a code on the display, these match this problem:

When to Call a Pro

Call a pro if you cannot safely access the evaporator or condenser fan compartments, if the noise is isolated to the compressor and you are not comfortable inspecting sealed-system components, or if frost buildup returns repeatedly after leveling and temperature corrections. Also call for help if the icemaker issue persists after turning it off or if you are not confident working with electrical connections or refrigerant lines.


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