How to Fix a Noisy Bathroom Exhaust Fan

[@vinaigrettchen]

Thanks for the clear explanation. It was especially useful to me that you explained the tabs that hold the housing in, and mention of the push-on retaining ring that might be on the blower wheel (I watched several videos and none mentioned this). I couldn't fix mine just with cleaning; it turned out the motor had a bad bearing--but I got a replacement motor + blower wheel on Amazon for like $15 for a universal one and it was a cinch to replace it. I'm not very handy so this video helped me a LOT to understand and feel like I could do it - and I did! So nice to have a working fan again.

[@doityourselfstan]

Glad this video was helpful and that your problem was resolved. Thanks for watching!

[@snigglepop]

Thank you! Great instructions - I did it! Took down the fan, removed the retainer (which I wouldn't have known to just jimmy up a little to remove), then removed and cleaned the whole blower fan. When I reassembled, I could see the slightly flattened side of the motor shaft to match to the blower fan, just like in the video. Thanks - it was so nice to do this in a half hour instead of hire someone.

[@zane8686]

Very helpful video! These are the type of videos that make KZbin great. Thank you Stan!!

[@beckygash6092]

Thank you! Even this 62 year old grandmother fixed our shower fan/light by following this!!

[@TykCub]

Thank you SO much! First time home buyer and after a month my bathroom fan starting making crazy noises. This is exactly what I needed! Thanks!!!

[@peterc.7841]

I appreciate the professionalism of your descriptions and instructions

[@doityourselfstan]

Thank you for the kind words! I always try hard to make things as clear and detailed as possible.

[@grubaker]

Your video was concise and easy to understand. Great job on the camera work. One of the best DIY videos I have yet seen.

[@doityourselfstan]

Thank you for your kind words! I will be sure to pass along your compliments to my shooter. After replacing mine again, I also installed a timer switch. That will hopefully keep it from wearing out as quickly the next time around.

[@bryankeyt]

This video is extremely well edited with great and simple narration. The steps shown taught me how and why to fix this. Subscribed! Thanks for your help!

[@doityourselfstan]

Thank you! I'm glad you found this video useful!

[@jgarrison1309]

I just installed a Broan replacement motor/wheel assembly. This video is exactly what you need to know. I did not have springs with my grill cover (I had a screw and wing nut attachment) but everything else was exact including those two tabs on the one side and the single screw by the electrical plug. This video is perfect if everything is fine except for your motor. If you need to mess with ductwork, check out another video (there are plenty here on youtube. Thanks again!!

[@dogmosatchmo]

Great video! Sometimes cleaning, and adjusting the wheel on certain models does the trick. But as mentioned in the video, it can be worn as well, and needs replacement. It's worth cleaning and seeing if that helps, and this video shows you exactly how to do that as well. I've also seen shot motors, and of that's the case it is more often than not, cheaper to buy the whole assembly than the motor. Then you get all new everything.

[@happilysprouts]

Thanks-this is exactly the type of fan we have in our rental. Very clear instructions. Thank you

[@axjohn]

I was thinking I might have to replace the entire fan, but I'm going to try this. This might actually be the problem with my fan. Worth a try. Really nice video even if it turns out I have to replace my fan. Easy to understand and nice close ups. Three 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽 up.

[@yviruss1]

Thank you for the video. The instructions are simple, clear, concise, and crisp. Very professional.

[@fredster1923]

Thanks. My fan made a grinding noise as it would start. I only had to take the cover off and did a quick vacuum and that seemed to do the trick. Your video helped me know what to expect with the spring.

[@doityourselfstan]

Glad it was of help! Sometimes a simple vacuuming/cleaning is all it takes.

[@flagrantburneraccount3076]

Thanks, my fan had stopped because the wheel slipped down off the end of the rod. Put it back in place and it's working great again. Saved the money and hassle of buying a new one!

[@jgg204]

they are $15 in home depot

[@Macklevan]

Followed your video and turned what seemed like a sure replacement job into a fan sounding like new. Thanks.

[@doityourselfstan]

Glad the video was helpful!

[@Lisamj714]

Thank you for this very helpful and easy to follow tutorial video. I now feel very comfortable trying to fix this myself.

[@AnthonyGodinho]

Thanks this was a very helpful step-by-step and easy to understand tutorial!

[@doityourselfstan]

Anthony GodinhoDe nada!

[@davidh9701]

Great video. My fan motor worked fine just had a noise from the blower wheel rubbing on the motor plate. I placed 2 washers on the studs between the motor and plate, problem solved. Thanks again.

[@TheAudioman15]

Exactly my situation. Was thinking of washers but wasn’t sure. After reading this definitely going to give it a a shot

[@BrianD3185]

Unless I’m missing something, looks like there aren’t any screws or tabs. Looks like the whole fan was installed from in the attic. It’s a Nutone HD80NT-A. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Update: Looks like the person who installed the fan, used 2 different screws to secure the assembly to the vent along the side of the vent. There was also a tab on the other side which I pried free with a screwdriver. Everything else was the same minus the grounding screw. I removed the wheel and ends up it just needed a thorough cleaning. All the accumulation of black mold and dust was what was making all the noise. Easy to put back in and the fan doesn’t even sound like it’s running now. Just have to order a new cover, old one cracked when I removed it. Thank you for your help and such a clear video.

[@doityourselfstan]

Glad you were able to resolve the problem!

[@mena376]

great close up pictures and details thank you

[@jaybee6988]

Excellent tip all mines needed was an adjustment of the wheel, it was easy I was able to just tap my wheel in more down the shaft, thank you so much

[@doityourselfstan]

Great tip! Glad it did the trick.

[@jaybee6988]

@@doityourselfstan UPDATE: that adjustment is still holding tight 5 months later

[@rnhs-drr2138]

Thank You! Great speech and clear to dot understanding! Appreciated

[@jonathanjacobson3617]

Thanks very much for posting! Great instructions.

[@brendanorton5929]

Awesome video!! Easy to understand instructions😀 I loved it & you saved me lots of money!! Thanks & God Bless!!

[@Darieee]

I had an axial fan whirling like crazy - needed some lube on its bushings (now it sounds better than factory)

[@lorettathai9713]

Thank you very much! your video and step by step super easy understand.

[@timhutchison6731]

Thank You So Much Stan, Your Awsome. Im pretty handy around the house and do all of our own maintenance. I was first thinking I would need a whole new system, then I thought I could save some money if I just replace the motor and fan. After doing research on the ole innerweb to price these things out, I found the average cost to be close to $100 with shipping. While brousing around I came across your KZbin video about the blower wheel and said I'd better check that first. I removed the fan assembly for easy access to troubleshoot and was able to tell that the wheel was spinning on the motor shaft loosely. I was then able to get the retainer clip off easily with a small right angle pick to remove the fan. Then I commenced to plug in the motor and was a little disapointed at first because I couldn't hear the motor running. I had to get right up on the motor to hear it working. I even pinched the shaft with my fingers and it was spinning fastly. Lo and behold, you were right on the button. Thanks again man.

[@doityourselfstan]

+Tim Hutchison Thank you! Glad the video was of help!

[@aaronstanley6914]

best video on this topic thanks

[@doityourselfstan]

Appreciate the compliment! Thank you!

[@aaronstanley6914]

@@doityourselfstan no problem i actually ended up using your video in the end to clean my fan.

[@axjohn]

This video rocks! Cleaned fan assembly and lubed the motor spindle. Fan works like a charm now!! Thanks! Think I'll subscribe to your channel now. 👍🏽

[@doityourselfstan]

Thank you! I'm glad the video was helpful!

[@5555boneman]

very good instructional video - thanks for uploading!

[@willmandu]

Thank you for this! everything was very clear

[@bubbahong5143]

Great teaching voice; please add more!

[@siamak13]

Thanks. This video was super helpful.

[@phillipharris8646]

Thanks very much your video helped me a lot. Best regards

[@blueribb99]

Excellent video

[@hayashileo1159]

Very helpful and detailed

[@rolltide9173]

Thank you! Very helpful

[@admk69]

I found your vid searching for information regarding lubrication and/or greasing and exhaust fan, that when propella is disconected is making noise. any ideas? nice vid btw. :)

[@edwardli1200]

Good teaching video and thx

[@PaKiKiNg908]

Thank you! Amazing video!

[@WarTime518]

I gave mine a good cleaning fan, housing etc my problem (I think anyway) is once I turn on the fan it slides down the shaft and hits the bolts of the motor. Would I need a new fan, motor and shaft? Unfortunately the shaft does not appear enough from the top of the fan for me to use anything to secure it in place.

[@squirrelattackspidy]

I'm having a problem with a mold smell coming from the ceiling fan . I have almost the same bathroom fan model as you do . I pulled the housing, fan and motor out, and vacuumed everything. Everything except the motor I cleaned and scrubbed with bleach. There was absolutely nothing left on the unit when I reinstalled it and no smell of mold from the parts I removed after I cleaned it. Unfortunately, the mold smell is back with a vengeance and I can smell it even when the fan is running. I'm thinking maybe the mold is inside the duct work. I'm looking at the exhaust duct to the outside and it's about 30-40ft up on the side of the house. Any ideas on getting rid of that smell? I was thinking of maybe putting a ladder up near the intake fan. The putting a bucket filled with boiling water and bleach. Hoping the vapors will be sucked up and will kill the mold. Will that work? Do you have any other ideas that might help? Thanks! :)

[@altruistkun]

Bleach is not an effective mold killer, and possibly toxic (www.ehow.com/info_10000250_dangers-heating-bleach.html). I would suggest boiling vinegar instead. Anyway, it sounds like the vent is dirty/blocked from the other side, which is why moisture is being trapped in the vent allowing mold to grow. I would try cleaning it from the other side (roof of your house usually, or sometimes side).

[@squirrelattackspidy]

Just checked that article out. Definitely not going to boil bleach now. :) I might try a coat hanger with a cloth wrapped around on the end that was dipped in bleach and water. I can't go up there from the roof side. I'm looking and it's too high. I don't have a ladder that goes that high up and I wouldn't trust myself climbing up there if I did. :)

[@jaKthemighty]

This was excellent, thank you!!

[@oumchar]

Very helpful, thank you.

[@ps3tub]

very helpful video

[@shanesmaineshop]

Great video thanks for sharing.

[@daikaiju20]

thanks for this Stan!, how do you remove those spring retainer disks that clip the fan onto shaft? with pliers it will be distorted and you have to get a new one I guess, i have a table fan i want to take blades off to clean but that clip is on real tight....

[@doityourselfstan]

I used a pair of needle-nose pliers. Yes, you will have to get a new retainer clip from the hardware store, but they don't cost much. Take the old one with you for size, or take your fan assembly with you to make sure the new retainer clip fits on the shaft.

[@nilufarhannan]

Thank you very much for sharing this ...god bless

[@leileili]

I just got a new fan. If I plug in the blower motor in a regular plug and it never turns on does it mean it’s broken. The side of the fan is warped so I am thinking it’s a returned product.

[@TALCOLMINTHEMIDDLE]

Good video, thanks.

[@Fishing1980]

my room 12'x10' feet . small window and i have 1 wall fan .day time and night very hot . what do i choose wall exhaust fan or ceiling exhaust fan to make my room cool from hot air .

[@barbaraevans5593]

Can you tell me how to find the retainer clip? I google and can't find anything. I went to Lowe's and Home Depot and they don't have it with the bathroom fan items. Not sure where to look..but I could use 3. (And thanks for the video!)

[@doityourselfstan]

Barbara Evans Any well-stocked local hardware store should have them. You may want to bring the fan/motor assembly and the old retainer clip to the hardware store so you're sure to buy a new retainer clip that's the proper size.

[@tresvon]

OMG! Thanks, this noise was looking me!!

[@vintagesimplexfirealarmsof6440]

What happens when you got one thats from the 50s or 70s with a regular fan like a box fan

[@OthmanAlikhan]

Thanks for the video =)

[@zarriawalker3900]

my fan was horrible thanks a lot man

[@zarriawalker3900]

good job

[@Samxxxxksor2005]

My bathroom fan don't have top pin, I can't take the fan off from the motor, anyone can give advice? Thank you.

[@leslieprice-norman161]

Thank you for posting this :-)

[@colemancampbell2792]

THANK YOU

[@orviskid]

How do you get the wheel retainer off? They’re easy to get on.

[@doityourselfstan]

I pulled mine off with a pair of needle nose pliers.

[@ilyam8409]

Thanks

[@nimamt8664]

thank a so much

[@davidlovett5022]

Where do you get new blower

[@doityourselfstan]

Typically, blowers are available from online appliance parts stores. Be sure to match the make and model number of your bathroom fan to the appropriate blower. The blower for my particular GE fan is made by Air King, 525 Mill St., Columbia, PA 17512.

[@hapetaa]

what name brand of this fan?

[@dogmosatchmo]

General Electric

[@doityourselfstan]

Yes, it's a GE. The replacement blower wheel for my particular model comes from Air King in Columbia, Pennsylvania.

[@jimjames1920]

And reattach the ground wire.

[@Loganx1981]

Anyone know the make n model on this one

[@doityourselfstan]

It's a GE. The fan model number is BF150. The blower wheel part number is S2299004.

[@tellitlikeitis4801]

Do you really need a new blower wheel tho? Why not just clean and make it work

[@doityourselfstan]

As mentioned in the video, the shaft on the motor has one flat edge that fits snugly into a hole of the same design in the plastic blower wheel. Over time, the rotating shaft wears away at the flat edge of the hole in the blower wheel, making it round and allowing the fan to spin loosely - and often very noisily!

[@zainkazmi9830]

Howtochangelaundryroome fan

[@Spartacusse]

First World mindset = Buy a new blower wheel. Third World mindset = Insert toothpick on the gap between blower wheel and shaft, proceed to sand down blower wheel so it won't scrape the housing.

[@juicyplayyzroblox390]

Retainer

[@DisturbedVette]

Lol blower motor.

[@jamessoto3709]

why does this guy sound like norm

[@doityourselfstan]

I wish I had Norm's level of experience and knowledge!

[@jl.6357]

N

[@wertiaaudit5746]

Wtf is a bathroom exhaust ? Like a heater ?

[@erickmorton8085]

It sucks the heat and humidity from the bathroom and smells when you take a dump

[@juicyplayyzroblox390]

LOOSE

[@lookintoit42069]

Turns fan on at the end still loud as F$%K lol

[@doityourselfstan]

Yes, it is an older, louder fan -- but much louder when the blower wheel is shot!