Cheap & Easy Bathroom Exhaust Fan Fix! Broan 688

[@Jwd295]

Pro tip... Don't buy one that's too quiet or everyone is going to hear everything.

[@Challenged1]

They will also forget to turn it off. Sucks the conditioned air right out of the house.

[@C10TruckNerd]

Agreed! Sometimes loud is a good thing!

[@C10TruckNerd]

@@Challenged1 They do SUCK! Haha!

[@andreacrittenden6499]

💩 🤫

[@chona123]

Wise!

[@7788Sambaboy]

Well done, great explanation...I have done quite a few of these for Sr. Citizens (volunteer org) and sometimes the really really old houses have to have the whole housing replaced (total pain) but 95% are just like you showed. Great vid.

[@C10TruckNerd]

I appreciate it and thank you for helping folks out! I’m sure they really appreciate you.

[@sarimira]

I don't mean this in any disrespectful manner! You have the mannerisms of a typical Midwestern dad, but the look of a Midwestern frat guy named Chad! Thanks for putting this together!

[@C10TruckNerd]

Love it!

[@lajvmart]

Dude, you just save me a lot of time and aggravation. Just showing me how to take it out solved my problem. Mine was making a noise when first started and then it would work as normal. Just taking it out, cleaning it and lubing the rod and spinning wheel by the motor took care of my issue. Didn't even have to go buy a new one....

[@C10TruckNerd]

Outstanding! Glad that worked out for you. I appreciate you watching!

[@stephenbrown7545]

The instructions say its lubricated for life..hmmm.

[@mrchedda]

Thought I was gonna have to replace the entire fan! Thanks to you this took literally less than 3 minutes! Thanks again!

[@C10TruckNerd]

That’s awesome! I’m always happy to save folks time and money! Thanks for watching!

[@BrianKyleBoys]

yeah but you didn't 100% replace it, all you did was moter, i need the whole set and wiring

[@C10TruckNerd]

This video was just a repair vs replace. I was lucky I guess!

[@chona123]

THank you. Very good. Short and clear. Perhaps you forgot to suggest that a lot of dust vacuming is also recommended once you remove that grill. The older the house the thicker the dust.

[@C10TruckNerd]

Thank you! Vacuuming would be a great idea! They get pretty gross over the years! Thanks for reaching out and thanks for watching!

[@yinquin9110]

Thank you I did get the confidence to make the purchase of the bathroom fan!

[@C10TruckNerd]

Awesome! I always enjoy saving folks money!

[@ClassicRollPlayer]

Chad..... amazing! Wish Id checked the darn model number BEFORE I ordered of the Amazons!

[@C10TruckNerd]

Appreciate it!

[@stephenbrown7545]

@@C10TruckNerd This fan is 4 sones...that is fairly loud imo..I have a 688 model also.

[@C10TruckNerd]

@@stephenbrown7545 I like having one a little louder for the privacy and it helps me know when the kids leave them on all the time!!

[@TimothyDixon-p7u]

Thanks! Helped me fix my bathroom exhaust fan!

[@C10TruckNerd]

Awesome! I’m always happy to save folks money! Thanks for watching!

[@UltimateTechHub]

Thanks Chad! I have the exact model in my bathroom. Looks super easy!

[@C10TruckNerd]

You bet! You won’t have any problems. It’s crazy how it’s cheaper to buy it all instead of just the motor!

[@jessieglaser2731]

My amazing husband has had to replace a bunch of these at many of our rental properties. The Broan model you showed to the typical one we find, and you instructions are spot on!

[@C10TruckNerd]

He sounds like a keeper! Sounds like he spends a lot of time in the bathroom!!

[@alyonapetrova694]

What’s the need to kill the breaker if you can unplug it?

[@C10TruckNerd]

Good point! I figure to tell folks to be overly cautious due to some scary wiring jobs I’ve seen in the past.

[@vegetar7886]

Thanks!! This helped a lot !!!

[@C10TruckNerd]

Awesome! I glad it could help!

[@tarahwilliams7325]

Does it matter if the little door on the old one came off? On the new one, it’s the black plastic piece. I was vacuuming out the old one and the little door came off and i couldn’t figure out how to get it back in. I don’t think it’s possible, since on the new one it’s installed from the end that goes in the ceiling or attic.

[@C10TruckNerd]

I think you talking about the black flapper that is mounted to the housing. If so, it doesn’t have to be there. It just prevent back drafts from outside if that’s where it’s vent. Many are vent incorrectly up in an attic as well. Let me know if you are talking about something else. Thanks!

[@tarahwilliams7325]

@@C10TruckNerd i learned it’s called the damper! And i believe you can only replace it from the side that’s in the attic, so our “handy man” is coming to put the box in also.

[@C10TruckNerd]

@@tarahwilliams7325 that sounds correct to me! Sorry I couldn't help you out more on that fix!

[@jebsmith8170]

I watched your video and noticed there is an easier way to to remove/install the fan plate in the existing housing. In the video you dug all the tabs out of both single and double tab sides with your screwdriver then slid the plate down. That is more difficult. To remove the old fan plate , wearing gloves (for safety), unplug, use a flat screw driver to free the single tab side, lower the motor frame. To install the new, insert the two tab side first, push up the single side to catch the single tab, and plug in. Done. Easy Peasy!

[@C10TruckNerd]

Thanks for sharing this! I will give it a try on the next one. I like easier ways!

[@ad1vet783]

Make sure to inspect the flapper on the discharge tube to make sure it is present and functions properly. Clean the sealing surface if dirty. Replace outer housing if found to be missing or defective. Keeps bugs and the weather out.

[@C10TruckNerd]

Excellent tips! Thanks for sharing and for watching!

[@nines_n_vines9373]

There are two other options. They sell just the motor $32 and a motor upgrade kit $49 that contains the only items you used. The motor has the screws facing the wrong way and you have to flip them around and use the existing nuts. The upgrade kit is the way to go. It’s quieter and has more power to it.

[@C10TruckNerd]

It’s wild how you can by a brand new unit and scrap what you don’t need for less than the replacement motor. Mass production I guess!

[@brettotte6470]

I just bought a Broan 688 to place my dead 30yo one for $20

[@tedrik1346]

Just took the old ones out and waiting on Amazon for the new ones..thanks. saved me a bunch of money and the wife thinks I'm so smart!

[@C10TruckNerd]

It’s a big win if you can get some brownie points and save a little money. Thanks for sharing and for watching!

[@tedrik1346]

@@C10TruckNerd yes, so easy after watching your video..did both bathrooms in about 15 minutes.."everything's easy if you know how"! Thanks again.

[@JAG77productions]

that was longer than 10 min sir.

[@C10TruckNerd]

But the video was under 10! Lol

[@troyeberlein8465]

Warning: the Broan 688 is noisy. Loud enough that I am replacing 5 of them in our 2003 house. The top contender is Delta SLM 50.

[@C10TruckNerd]

I don’t mind their sound. It helps me know when the kids forget to turn them off. The replacement units I installed were much quieter the my originals. But if low decibel unit is what folks are looking for, their are better options like you said. Thanks for sharing and for watching!

[@andreacrittenden6499]

Your bathroom is way cute. Your wife has great taste! I bet she’s really pretty and probably really cool, too.

[@C10TruckNerd]

She dreams it up and I make it happen!

[@presnj01]

Would if my current Broan has a light and my new one (688) doesn’t?

[@C10TruckNerd]

I am not sure about the different models. Sorry.

[@tomsanger5548]

"Don't worry you're going the eat some popcorn"...Yipes! If you have popcorn make sure it is asbestos free.

[@C10TruckNerd]

Great point!

[@fubar395]

I can't believe I missed the model # on the metal! Great informative video!

[@C10TruckNerd]

Glad to help and thanks for watching! Great name!

[@juanft71]

Thanks!!!

[@C10TruckNerd]

You bet! Thanks for watching!

[@drkdrive]

This video was absolutes perfection with helping me replace my aging bathroom fan. Flawless installation, thanks to you my friend!

[@C10TruckNerd]

I’m glad to know if could help! I always enjoy helping folks save a few bucks! Thanks for watching!

[@DaneAndScout]

That’s so easy you don’t just have to buy the fan assembly itself you can just replace the fan motor

[@C10TruckNerd]

I was surprised to find that buying the whole assembly was $10 cheaper than just buying just the motor. Plus Lowe’s keeps them in stock.

[@amonk97]

Thanks Chad, nice DIY Video. I'll be changing the fan in our Master Bath soon.

[@C10TruckNerd]

Thanks Andy! Cheap and easy is my style! Good luck and thanks for watching!

[@greyknight1260]

You helped me save so much time. Seriously Thank you.

[@C10TruckNerd]

You bet! I’m always happy to save the next guy time and money! I appreciate the support and thanks for watching!

[@terrywalker2437]

He's funny. Thanks for this video. I think I can do this now!

[@C10TruckNerd]

Good deal! It’s not to bad once you get started. Thanks for sharing and for watching!

[@AlexRodriguez-jr4mi]

Thank you for helping us guys who were never taught this stuff. Keep keeping on

[@C10TruckNerd]

Absolutely! I’m always glad to help the next guy out. Folks sharing their knowledge is how I’ve made it this far.

[@cheesy6516]

Straight to the point. Thanks

[@C10TruckNerd]

Absolutely! Thanks for watching!

[@mssclk123]

That new one is 2x as loud. Have those in my home and hate them

[@C10TruckNerd]

I like knowing when the kids leave them on so we don’t suck out all the air conditioning.

[@hortenciazamarron3000]

Modify securing vent if no slots for springs noted

[@C10TruckNerd]

Good point!

[@Newaggie]

That’s what he said

[@_aaroneous]

Thank you for a very helpful video 🎉

[@C10TruckNerd]

Absolutely! I love saving $$!

[@scottdunn4506]

Nice job did the other bathrooms have the same fan as the old one or was they different just curious

[@C10TruckNerd]

Thank you! All three of mine were the same. Come to find out, these were a very common fan that builders used back in the day.

[@charlesrodriguez7984]

@@C10TruckNerdbroan is such a common brand and the good thing is that they are reliable, cheap work well and generally are good fans. The 688 model actually moves up to 70 cfm of airflow too.

[@RobertNES816]

​@@charlesrodriguez7984the 688 only removes 50cfm of air. Broan has an upgrade kit that has a blower style fan and a slightly more powerful motor which improves airflow to 60cfm. However the upgrade kit is $60 which is a waste of money. The Broan 679 is 70cfm and has a light built in.

[@TheMatsushitaMan]

That's a replacement, not a fix

[@C10TruckNerd]

Good point! Cheaper than a fix I guess.

[@TheMatsushitaMan]

@@C10TruckNerd Most fixes are cheaper than part replacements actually (bathroom fan wise)

[@C10TruckNerd]

@@TheMatsushitaMan the motor only for this one is over 30. That's why I chose the buy the whole replacement and save $$. I was surprised with the price difference. I would guess that so many of them are put in new houses and apartments and they last 25-30 years.

[@TheMatsushitaMan]

@@C10TruckNerd30 years for 30 bucks is really good! I was originally gonna suggest pushing the blower wheel upwards a little and using some kinda glue to make sure it doesn't slide down the shaft (and onto the housing becoming noisy again), wonder how long that would last instead.

[@C10TruckNerd]

@@TheMatsushitaMan it couldn't hurt to try at least!

[@NiqueNews]

The housing is bent and I am having a great deal of trouble installing, any helpful tips?

[@C10TruckNerd]

I’ve had to hold one side of the housing with a thin pair of needle nose pliers and try to bend the housing out with a big flat head or even smack with a small ping hammer.

[@edgarllamas8090]

Thanks for sharing! Simple and usefull explanation. For this model, is the output pipe 4" wide?

[@C10TruckNerd]

Should be 3”.

[@edgarllamas8090]

@@C10TruckNerd Thank you Shad! I appreciate your time

[@C10TruckNerd]

@@edgarllamas8090 You bet!

[@sam5333]

This 688 is super noisy! Super!

[@C10TruckNerd]

I don’t mind the noise. That way I know when the kids left it on and no one can hear you:)

[@douglass1221]

You cheated. You took the new one apart and took the fan assembly from the new one and put that into the ceiling. How come you didn’t show that you did that?

[@C10TruckNerd]

Isn’t that what I showed :)