Found a way to fix a noisy fridge compressor with a rubber mallet

Last week I had a fridge in an old apartment that was rattling like crazy every 15 minutes. I tried tightening bolts and cleaning coils but nothing worked until I gave the compressor a few light taps with a rubber mallet to reseat it. Has anyone else used a percussive fix like that or is there a better way to stop compressor chatter?

3 comments

3 Comments

jade_singh15d ago

Not a permanent fix though, those taps just mask a loose internal part waiting to fail.

miamitchell16d ago

You ever try just giving it a solid whack and it actually fixes the problem? I had a similar thing with a compressor on a rental fridge a few years back, it would hum and rattle after every defrost cycle. I did the whole coil cleaning and leveling thing too, nothing helped. Ended up taking a rubber mallet and tapping it gently on the side of the compressor housing while it was running, and it quieted right down. The noise stayed gone for months until the tenant moved out, so I guess it just needed a little persuasion to settle into place.

fisher.adam15d ago

Ha! I've heard of this trick before actually. A buddy of mine who used to fix appliances told me that sometimes the compressor mounts just shift over time and a gentle tap can nudge them back where they need to be. He said it's usually fine for a few months but eventually you'd want to replace the rubber grommets underneath if it keeps happening. Sounds like yours held up pretty well though.