Excessive compressor shut down noise on our side by side Hotpoint refrigerator freezer-getting worse Is there a solution short of purchasing a new appliance

if theres a clicking noise behind the unit,then the ptc overload relay is weak and dropping in and out which will short cycle the compressor, also a compressor thats going bad will draw excessive current and make the ptc drop in and out check start and run currents to determine this,also,but rare it could be the cold temp control

Hello,

The noise i suspect is coming from one of the 2 fans...if you hear the noise coming from inside the freezer it will be that fan thats noisy and if from down by the compressor that will the fan thats noisy. the part numbers for the fans are

fan in the freezer (evaprator fan) WR60X10185

fan by the compressor (condenser fan) WR60X10220

They could be purchased from your local appliance parts store or online at,
searspartsdirect.com
apdepot.com
repairclinic.com
apwagner.com
partselect.com

GENE

I have the same model, and the exact same problem. Additionally, the compressor/fan for the freezer cycles up and then down (rising and falling noise pitch) at a frequency of about every 5 seconds. The howling is worse at night(!?). It is 4 yrs old and was in the house we just bought. Help quickly, or this is a CraigsList item.

Thanks

Stop the freezer fan and see if the noise quits. The fan runs when the compressor does.
Eric

it sounds like the compressor insides are loose and you will be needing a new compressor, but just check and make sure the rubber mounting feet on the outer compressor base where its mounted to the refrigerator base are all tight and the rubber shocks are all good

The weird noise will be something mechanical.

It will be either -
The Compressor (black "motor" at the rear)
The Control solenoid - Small electrical block with several pipes going through it
The frost-free fan - back of Freezer unit.

If it is the fan, it can be an easy fix if it is knocking something - just remove cover panel.

If it is the solenoid, it may require a rectifer component to prevent buzzing.

If it is the compressor, turn off unit, give it a reasonable knock to wobble it, waitm then re-connect. Sometimes the internal assembly sits in the wrong position.
If it is the compressor that is buzzing, it needs a new run capacitor fitting. If you are competent at soldering, it is possible to identify and replace this part yourself.

Take a look to the thermostat first!

i have had some suces with removing the fan motor and soaking the BEARING AREA ONLY with # 10 w oil. the housing around bearing has a spong like material that feeds the bearing oil as it needs it if it only quiets down for a short time just get a new one a motor that is good luck

Can you hear the compressor running? Is the fan inside the freezer running? It could be that a wire connection has come loose during the move. Was the fridge laid on it's side during the move? If so you probably have compressor oil restricting the refrigerant system. If compressor and fan are running you will probably need a qualified refrigeration tech to check it out.

Could be stuck in "defrost" mode. Happens a lot. See if you can hear if the compressor is running or the compressor cooling fan is running (in back underneath the unit). Worse case is the refrigerant leaked out and you have a sealed system problem.