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Sub Zero Refrigerator is noisy or loud

If your Sub Zero refrigerator is noisy or loud, start with the usual suspects and work down the list. The most common cause is a fan blade problem — check the evaporator fan blade behind the freezer back panel and the condenser fan blade under the unit; spin them by hand and look for rubbing or debris. Next, listen for a high-pitched squeal from the water inlet valve if your home has low water pressure; check faucet flow to rule that out. A failing evaporator fan motor will also make a lot of noise, especially when the door is opened, and usually needs replacement. Damper control assemblies can grow noisy as the small door opens and closes, creating a rattling or grinding sound. An unlevel refrigerator will vibrate or rattle, so level the unit with the adjustable front legs. Finally, a noisy ice maker drive motor or module can be the culprit during harvest cycles and may require the ice maker assembly. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part for your refrigerator.

01 - Sub Zero Refrigerator Fan Blade

If the refrigerator is noisy or loud, especially when one of the doors are opened, either the evaporator or condenser fan blade may be at fault. First, check out the evaporator fan blade in the freezer behind the back panel. Try turning it by hand. If the fan blade does not turn freely, check to see if the blade is rubbing against something or if something is caught in the blade. Additionally, check the condenser fan blade in the back underside of the refrigerator to determine if it has any obstructions.
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Highly Likely

02 - Low Water Pressure from House Supply

The home may have insufficient water pressure. The water inlet valve supplies water to the ice maker and low water pressure may cause the inlet valve to squeal or chatter. You can check the water flow at the kitchen faucet to help determine if the home's water pressure is sufficient or not.
Highly Likely

03 - Sub Zero Refrigerator Evaporator Fan Motor

When the evaporator fan motor in the freezer behind the rear panel fails, it often generates a lot of noise. This noise will be much louder when the refrigerator door is opened. If the evaporator fan is noisy, replace it.
Highly Likely

04 - Sub Zero Refrigerator Damper Control Assembly

On many refrigerator models, a damper control assembly is used to control the air flow from the freezer compartment to the refrigerator compartment to maintain the appropriate air temperature. The assembly accomplishes this by opening and closing a small door. As the damper control assembly ages, the action of opening and closing the damper door can become noisy or loud. If the damper control assembly has become increasing noisy, you can replace the old assembly with a new one.
Highly Likely

05 - Refrigerator not level

If the refrigerator is not level it can vibrate or rattle. Ensure the unit is level and stable on the floor. Most refrigerators' front legs or rollers are adjustable.
Highly Likely

06 - Sub Zero Refrigerator Ice Maker Assembly

If a refrigerator is making a loud noise near the ice maker when the unit is cycling, it's likely that either the ice maker's drive motor or motor module is beginning to fail. While some of the ice maker components, such as the drive motor or module, may be sold separately for select models, you may need to purchase and replace the entire ice maker assembly.
Common

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my refrigerator noisy when I open the door?
What causes my fridge to vibrate or rattle and how do I fix it?
Why is there a squealing or chattering noise from the water supply area?
My ice maker is making loud noises during its cycle. What should I check?
How do I find the right replacement part for my Sub Zero refrigerator on RepairClinic.com?

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