fridge motor knocking

[bennieboy]

I disconnected and pulled our Kenmore side by side out to clean the dust bunnies and their tribes out from the wall. When it r-started it produced a gentle knocking which it now does each time it runs. Is there a fix? Should I worry?

[DIY Guy]

Is it a knock that occurs once, each time the compressor stops? If so, no worries - it is the compressor motor dropping back into position after the torque tension has stopped.

If it is another knock, more description would be helpful. However, the most likely cause is the fan in back is probably bumping a wire or something. If should be adjusted so it doesn't cause any damage to the wire.

[bennieboy]

I observed the fan motor and you are correct. Each time the noise is made when the spindle moves backward while the fan turns. I did dust behind the motor, as I stated previously. Do you have a suggestion?

[DIY Guy]

Could be you inadvertently moved the fan. Try moving it by hand to see if you can shift it a tiny bit. Also, look for anything it may be contacting. A bit of electrical tape can be used to keep any wires up and away from the fan.

[bennieboy]

The fan is secure in it's position. I do see the fan blades and the shaft (not spindle) clearly. Each time the fan moves back toward the motor there is a knock. It seems to me to be too much play of the shaft in it's horizontal position.

[DIY Guy]

It does like it is the blade itself then hitting whenthe shaft moves. I'm not sure how that particular blades fastens to the shaft. You might be able to tighten it up. If it is the shaft itself, then there isn't much you can do, but it shouldn't be a problem.