Troubleshoot Kenmore Refrigerator Making Noise

<p>A Kenmore refrigerator experiencing making noise is one of the most frequently reported service issues for this brand. Whether you own a newer model or a unit that is several years old, this guide walks you through the brand-specific causes, model-by-model diagnostic differences, and the repair costs you can expect. Kenmore appliances have unique engineering choices that make generic troubleshooting guides insufficient — this guide focuses on what actually goes wrong in Kenmore units specifically.</p> <h2>Quick Answer</h2> <p>The most common causes of making noise in Kenmore refrigerators are: Whirlpool-platform (106.xxx) evaporator fan motor bearing failure; LG-platform (795.xxx) linear compressor knocking; Compressor start relay failure (106 platform). Estimated repair cost varies by model and condition.</p> <h2>Affected Kenmore Models</h2> <p>This issue is most commonly reported on the following [Kenmore refrigerator models](/blog/hub/models-kenmore-refrigerator):</p> <ul> <li><strong>106.51133210 (Whirlpool — fan bearing / relay clicks)</strong></li> <li><strong>795.72053.113 (LG Elite — linear compressor knocking)</strong></li> <li><strong>106.56532400 (Whirlpool Top — condenser fan rattle)</strong></li> <li><strong>795.73157.610 (LG — twist-tray ice maker noise)</strong></li> </ul> <h2>What Are the Common Causes?</h2> <h3>1. Whirlpool-platform (106.xxx) evaporator fan motor bearing failure</h3> <p>the sleeve-bearing fan motor (Whirlpool W10189703) grinds when bearings wear, audible only when the freezer door is closed</p> <p>In our technicians' experience, wear on the primary failure component accounts for the majority of troubleshoot kenmore [refrigerator making noise](/blog/refrigerator-making-noise-guide) cases on Kenmore units.</p> <h3>2. LG-platform (795.xxx) linear compressor knocking</h3> <p>the LG Linear Compressor produces a loud knocking when the internal piston mechanism fails, documented in LG class action settlement</p> <h3>3. Compressor start relay failure (106 platform)</h3> <p>the PTC relay (Whirlpool W10613606) clicks every 2-5 minutes as it fails to start the rotary compressor</p> <h3>4. Condenser fan debris (both platforms)</h3> <p>pet hair and dust accumulate around the condenser fan under the unit, causing rhythmic ticking as the fan blade catches on debris</p> <h3>5. Ice maker harvest cycle noise</h3> <p>normal but noticeable cracking and motor sounds every 2-3 hours when ice is ejected from the mold; louder on 795-series with LG twist-tray ice makers</p> <h2>Step-by-Step Troubleshooting</h2> <p>Before starting any troubleshooting on your Kenmore refrigerator, disconnect power at the circuit breaker or unplug the unit. For gas appliances, turn off the gas supply valve as well.</p> <ol> <li><strong>Identify your exact model:</strong> Locate the model number on the serial plate (typically inside the door frame, on the rear panel, or under the lid). Kenmore uses this to determine the exact parts and diagnostic procedures for your unit.</li> <li><strong>Check for error codes:</strong> If your Kenmore refrigerator has a digital display, note any error codes shown. These codes narrow the diagnosis to a specific component or system.</li> <li><strong>Inspect for whirlpool-platform (106.xxx) evaporator fan motor bearing failure:</strong> Based on the most common failure for this symptom, check this component first. Inspect this component following the diagnostic steps specific to your model.</li> <li><strong>Inspect for lg-platform (795.xxx) linear compressor knocking:</strong> Based on the most common failure for this symptom, check this component first. Inspect this component following the diagnostic steps specific to your model.</li> <li><strong>Inspect for compressor start relay failure (106 platform):</strong> Based on the most common failure for this symptom, check this component first. Inspect this component following the diagnostic steps specific to your model.</li> <li><strong>Test appliance operation:</strong> After addressing any obvious issues found during inspection, restore power and run a test cycle. Monitor for the first 10-15 minutes to see if the symptom recurs.</li> </ol> <h2>When Should You Call a Professional?</h2> <p>Contact a certified appliance repair technician if:</p> <ul> <li>The issue persists after basic troubleshooting steps above</li> <li>You notice electrical burning smell, sparking, or any sign of electrical damage</li> <li>The repair requires accessing sealed <a href="https://www.epa.gov/section608" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">refrigerant</a> systems, gas connections, or high-voltage components</li> <li>Your Kenmore refrigerator is within warranty — professional diagnosis preserves warranty coverage</li> </ul> <p>EasyBear technicians carry Kenmore OEM parts and model-specific diagnostic tools on every service call, eliminating return visits for parts ordering.</p> <h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2> <h3>Why is my Kenmore refrigerator making a knocking noise?</h3> <p>On 795-series (LG-made) Kenmore Elite models, a loud repetitive knocking indicates the linear compressor piston is failing. This is a documented issue covered by the LG compressor class action settlement for units made between 2014-2020. Contact LG with your full model number to check warranty coverage. On 106-series (Whirlpool), knocking may indicate a loose compressor mount or condenser fan blade hitting something.</p> <h3>Kenmore fridge clicking every few minutes — what is it?</h3> <p>A click-buzz-click pattern repeating every 2-5 minutes on a 106-series (Whirlpool) Kenmore means the compressor start relay is failing. The relay attempts to start the compressor, fails, trips the overload protector, cools down, and tries again. The relay (Whirlpool W10613606) costs and plugs directly onto the compressor terminals. Replace it promptly to prevent compressor damage.</p> <h3>Is it normal for a Kenmore refrigerator to make noise?</h3> <p>Some noise is normal: the compressor hums when running, the ice maker clicks during harvest cycles, and the defrost heater may produce a faint sizzle. Abnormal sounds include grinding (fan motor bearings), rhythmic clicking (start relay failure), loud knocking (linear compressor failure on 795 series), and continuous buzzing (water valve issue or compressor strain).</p> <p><em>Still having issues with your Kenmore refrigerator? <a href="/book">Book an EasyBear technician</a> for expert Kenmore [refrigerator repair](/bay-area/services/refrigerator-repair). Our technicians carry OEM parts and brand-specific diagnostic equipment.</em></p>