Samsung Refrigerator: Making Loud Noise
Quick answer: Refrigerators normally hum, click, and gurgle, but a new loud buzzing, grinding, rattling, or squealing points to a worn fan motor, a fan blade hitting ice or debris, a failing compressor or start relay, a rattling drain pan, or a vibrating water inlet valve.
- Unplug the refrigerator before reaching toward any fan blade.
- The compressor housing gets hot enough to burn; let it cool before touching it.
- Do not run the unit with panels removed longer than needed for a test.
Why is my refrigerator making a loud noise?
Refrigerators normally hum, click, and gurgle, but a new loud buzzing, grinding, rattling, or squealing points to a worn fan motor, a fan blade hitting ice or debris, a failing compressor or start relay, a rattling drain pan, or a vibrating water inlet valve. Where the noise comes from tells you most of what you need to know: inside the freezer means the evaporator fan, at the bottom rear means the condenser fan or compressor.
Our fitment data covers 1,216 Samsung refrigerator models and 5,879 Samsung refrigerator parts, so the part links below are filtered to this brand; always confirm your model number before ordering.
Most Likely Causes, in Order
1. Evaporator fan motor
Worn bearings make the evaporator fan chirp, squeal, or grind, and the noise gets louder with the door closed and quieter when it is opened.
How to check: Open the freezer door; the noise usually stops because the door switch cuts the fan. Press the door switch and listen; if the loud noise returns, it is the fan. Remove the rear freezer panel and check for ice on the blade or a wobbly motor shaft.
Fix: Clear ice from the blade; if the motor itself is noisy, replace it. (Difficulty: Moderate)
Matching Samsung parts:
- Refrigerator Evaporator Fan Motor DA31-00146H — $110.13 – $154.14 · 470 models
- Refrigerator Evaporator Fan Motor Assembly DA97-12815B — $107.65 – $150.40 · 206 models
- Refrigerator Freezer Evaporator Fan Motor DA31-00146E — $102.60 – $155.85 · 203 models
2. Condenser fan motor
The condenser fan at the bottom rear runs whenever the compressor does; a worn bearing or debris in the blade makes a rattling or buzzing sound.
How to check: Pull the unit out and remove the rear access cover. Look for dust, paper, or a loose blade; spin the blade by hand and feel for roughness.
Fix: Clean the blade and housing; replace the motor if it feels rough or wobbles. (Difficulty: Moderate)
Matching Samsung parts:
- Refrigerator Condenser Fan Motor Assembly DA97-15765C — $153.88 – $178.45 · 428 models
- Refrigerator Condenser Coil and Fan Motor Assembly DA97-15978B — $203.12 – $232.95 · 321 models
- Refrigerator Condenser Fan Motor DA31-00305C — $116.46 · 158 models
3. Compressor or start relay
A worn compressor knocks or rattles, and a failing start relay clicks loudly every few minutes as the compressor tries to start.
How to check: Listen at the compressor. A click every two to five minutes followed by silence means the relay or overload is tripping. Constant knocking that changes when you press on the compressor mounts is internal wear.
Fix: Replace the start relay; a knocking compressor needs a technician. (Difficulty: Advanced)
Matching Samsung parts:
- Refrigerator Compressor Overload and PTC Start Relay DA97-08310A — $110.26 · 39 models
- Refrigerator Compressor Overload and PTC Start Relay Assembly DA96-00174G — $28.10 · 4 models
4. Drain pan or loose panels
A drain pan that has shifted, or a loose rear cover, vibrates against the compressor or frame.
How to check: Press on the drain pan, rear cover, and grille while the unit runs; if the noise changes, that part is loose.
Fix: Reseat the pan and tighten or reposition loose covers. (Difficulty: Easy)
No Samsung part for this cause is in our catalog yet; search by your model number.
5. Water inlet valve
A valve with a worn diaphragm buzzes loudly or hammers when the ice maker fills.
How to check: Note whether the noise happens only for a few seconds when the ice maker fills. Check that water pressure is adequate and the supply line is not kinked.
Fix: Replace the water inlet valve. (Difficulty: Moderate)
Matching Samsung parts:
- Refrigerator Water Inlet Valve DA62-04027A — $144.96 – $177.03 · 367 models
- Kenmore Pro Refrigerator Water Inlet Valve DA62-00914B — $126.83 – $134.87 · 99 models
- Refrigerator Water Inlet Valve DA62-02360B — $114.63 – $154.50 · 78 models
6. Defrost heater
A sizzling or popping sound during the defrost cycle is the heater melting frost; a loud crackle can mean heavy frost from a defrost failure.
How to check: A brief sizzle a couple of times a day is normal. If it comes with frost on the back wall of the freezer or poor cooling, check the defrost system.
Fix: No fix is needed for a normal sizzle; repair the defrost system if frost is heavy. (Difficulty: Easy)
Matching Samsung parts:
- Refrigerator Evaporator Defrost Heater DA47-00285P — $69.08 – $74.88 · 31 models
Other Samsung parts the catalog tags for this symptom
- Refrigerator Defrost Heater DA47-00424M — $83.67 – $113.80 (frost in freezer; ice buildup; not defrosting)
- Refrigerator Defrost Heater DA47-00244W — $79.15 – $109.45 (frost in freezer; ice buildup; not defrosting)
- Refrigerator Ice Room Fan Motor Assembly DA31-00070E — $77.51 – $103.35 (ice; noisy operation; not circulating air; not cooling)
- Refrigerator Defrost Heater DA47-00244U — $62.42 – $129.26 (frost in freezer; ice buildup; not defrosting)
- Refrigerator Defrost Heater DA47-00434A — $100.72 – $169.10 (frost in freezer; ice buildup; not defrosting)
- Refrigerator Defrost Heater DA47-00324C — $173.81 – $310.83 (frost in freezer; ice buildup; not defrosting)
Popular Samsung refrigerator models
Confirm the model number on the rating plate before ordering. Each model page lists every compatible part.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which noises are normal?
A soft hum, an occasional click when the compressor starts or stops, gurgling refrigerant, and a brief sizzle during defrost are all normal.
Why does the noise stop when I open the door?
The door switch turns off the evaporator fan; if the noise stops, the fan or ice on its blade is the source.
Is a loud compressor dangerous?
Not immediately, but a knocking compressor is close to failing. Plan for repair or replacement and do not ignore a burning smell.
When to Call a Professional
Call a technician if the compressor knocks, clicks repeatedly with a burnt smell, or trips the breaker; compressor and sealed-system repairs require refrigerant handling and are not DIY.