Freezer makes a loud knocking or banging noise when the compressor starts or stops.
Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
Possible Causes
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Unplug the freezer before accessing the rear compartment.
Inspect compressor mounting:
- Remove the rear lower panel to expose the compressor.
- Check that all mounting bolts or rubber grommets are intact and secure.
- Tighten loose bolts gently; do not overtighten and crush rubber mounts.
Check refrigerant lines:
- Look for copper tubes that are very close to or touching the cabinet or each other.
- Gently reposition lines to create small gaps, using care not to kink or crack them.
- Add foam sleeves or vibration dampers where lines might contact surfaces.
Cabinet resonance:
- Press on various panels while the unit is running to see if the noise changes.
- Add felt pads or foam between vibrating panels and the frame if needed.
Note: If knocking persists and appears to come from inside the compressor, it may indicate internal wear. The compressor can continue to run for some time but may eventually fail; replacement requires a professional.