My GE is 2 1/2 years old and works fine. However, about a week ago, the fan in the freezer compartment started making a soft howling noise (like wind blowing through pine trees). I pulled the unit out and cleaned out all the dust (which was minimal) and then took the ice maker and light housing out of the freezer to get to the source of the sound. I found that the fan in the freezer compartment was making the noise but could not find a reason for it. I did notice that the fan is speeding up and slowing down about every 3-5 seconds. at the higher RPMs is when the "howling" sound is made and the slower speed it makes a humm. Nothing is touching the fan and I don't know if the speed change is normal. The temperature is normal in both the fridge and freezer and everything else seems to be working fine. I am just concerned that this is the beginning of a problem and would like to fix it before it is an issue.
Thanks
Mark
Howling/Humming noise emanating from the freezer compartment evaporator fan. Starting doing it about 3 months after being installed. New fan did not fix. Will motherboard replacement fix it? The howling is driving my wife and me crazy...pretty much can't stay in the kitchen unless we turn on the TV to drown out the howling/humming.
SOURCE: GE GSL25JFR Freezer fan noise.
You are correct in believing the fan is going to be a problem. The evaporator fans inside the freezer compartment are common at going bad. I believe it is due to the extreme temperature and moisture conditions inside the application. The noise is the stator or bearing equivalent going out, the speed should remain constant. It may eventually make a screeching noise upon start up, or just lock up completely. The good news is replacements are relatively cheap and easy to find. If you do replace it yourself, make sure the fan blades are blowing in the right direction. If possible, remove the old one and bring it with you to the local appliance parts supplier and he should be able to help you get the right one, it will probably be a kit of some sort with multiple mounting brackets, screws, and maybe even a couple of blades. don't let this intimidate you. Most of this you will not use.
SOURCE: GE GSL25JFR Freezer fan noise.
It is very common for the fan inside the freezer to develop a loud noise as it runs. Its in an environment that is hard on them, cold, wet. Its a small and simple motor, and you are right in believing there will be more problem in the future, as the stator is probably touching the housing. It has a sleeve type bearing, and its probably worn a little causing the shaft to wobble. Eventually it will stop completely and the freezer will get warm.
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