GE Fridge Noisy Fan

[CTRIDGELINE]

I have a GE refrigerator model GSL25IGREBS with an interior fan that runs quiet some times and then is very noisy others. The noise is definitely coming from the fan. Now I have two questions:

1. How do you remove the large white plastic cover from the back of the freezer to gain access to the fan.

2. Could this be as simple as needing some lubrication or are these common parts to go? The units is about 2.5 years old.

Thanks in advance for the assistance.

Brett :)

[woodchuck]

The noise could be from ice buildup which comes and goes as the defroster melts the ice. Once you remove the cover you should be able to tell if the blades are hitting something or if the motor is making the noise. It shouldn't be worn out after just 2 1/2 years.

Spin the fan blade, it should move smoothly and freely. If the movement is not smooth, the motor should be replaced. There is no place to oil.

It may be necessary to remove obstructions such as the contents of the freezer, freezer shelves, ice maker and the rear inside panel of the freezer.

The rear panel may be held in place by retainer clips or screws. Remove the screws or depress the retainer clips with a small screwdriver.

[esquire]

I have seen in these unit the fan mounting bracket has broke and will cause vibration and noise

[CTRIDGELINE]

Thank you for the help, I will check on the items listed this weekend!
:)

[CTRIDGELINE]

OK, I was able to get the cover off of the fan unit and get it pulled out. The fan seems to be free from an obstructions, it spins freely and does not seem to bind at all. All of the housing also looks to be intact. Tried pressing in different areas to see if I could get it to stop the noise, but it continued (of course, this was still while the unit was installed in the freezer).

Before I replace the fan motor, I was wondering if there is any type of voltage regulation to the fan motor. You can literally hear the fan speed up and slow down. When it is going full, the noise is not present. When the fan is running slower, that is when it is a very annoying, almost ear numbing noise. :eek:

Thanks again for the help!
CTRIDGELINE

[woodchuck]

I don't think that there is any regulation to that fan. The variation is probably due to the motor going bad. That's what I would try anyway.