RE: GE GSL25JFR Freezer fan noise.

CHECK FOR ICE AROUND THE FAN BLADES AND CHECK TO SEE IF THE FAN BLADES ARE TOUCHING THE SIDES OF THE AIR FLOW DUCT OPENING. WHEN THE BLADES TOUCH THESE OBJECTS THEY CAN MAKE A NOISE LIKE THIS. A MOTOR THAT IS ABOUT TO GO BAD MAY ALSO MAKE THIS NOISE. IF THE BLADES ARE'NT TOUCHING ANYTHING THEN YOU MAY NEED TO REPLACE THE FAN MOTOR. ALSO THE FAN BLADE MAY BE LOOSE ON THE SHAFT THAT IT SITS ON,TRY SLIDING THE BLADE BACK OR FORWARD AND SEE IF IT CONTINUES TO MAKE THE SOUND.

Hard to diagnose without being there and taking it apart. Based on my experiences, I suspect the defrost drain could be restricted. The defrost water freezes in place around the fans shrould and the fan blade hits the ice buildup. If the ice builds up enough the fan blade will be stopped and possible damage the fan motor. Access fan area to inspect and defrost (hot water, hair dryer or let it stand overnight off. DC evaporator fan motor WR60X10228 est $85

Ric

That has been described as a barking sound by a neighborhood in Texas. You and I can find the problem or you can call for service. This time I believe you may have a short in the control panel for the dispenser controls. You can begin by unplugging the pin plug at the bottom left hinge of the freezer door being careful as not to damage the water line. We need to get the load of the short circuit off of the mother board if not already damaged. Need to do some voltage testing also, Want my help? Let me know, Thanks, Sea Breeze

Good day,
A fan motor with bad bearings is not unusual, Remove the panels, and inspect the fan motor. On occasion a piece of ice could be hitting the blade.
If not you'll need to replace the motor. If you try to oil the bearings, it may help for a while, but the bearings are usually scored.
Most appliance parts houses will carry the motor. If you don't take the motor with you, make sure you have the complete model number with you.
On GE machines, it's recommended you change the blade as well.

Thank you for using FixYa

Yes you can replace just the blade . You will need your correct and complete model number when ordering .

Remove the freezer panel to access the fan motor. Look for any obstruction around the fan or blade. Ice, misplaced wire etc.
Check the fan blade. Sometimes they slip down the shaft too far.
If you find none of these issues, replace the fan motor.

In the rear of freezer upper panel must be removed to get to it,possible cause that something has been pushed against panel making fan rub or ice formed around it.Addres the cause of problem because fan is needed for unit to cool refrigerator.

Replace the fan motor is my guess to cure the 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.

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.