How To Fix a Noisy Bathroom Exhaust Fan | Easy Project

Most people are quick to replace a bathroom exhaust fan when the issue could be something which is easily fixed in a fraction of the time and cost. This video will walk you through step by step fixing an interference issue between the fan blades and the motor bracket on a Nutone 8663RP Exhaust Fan which was causing a ticking noise that was super annoying. Even if you have a different issue like a bad fan motor this video will help you fix the problem and the below parts list will point you in the right direction.
Note: Broan and Nutone Bathroom Exhaust fans share many of the same parts. You could have a Broan Model 750 or 751 which will be identical to the Nutone 8663RP featured in this video.
Parts List
1. Nutone Exhaust Fan (Model: 8663RP) - amzn.to/2EVIAj7
2. Motor Assembly (Model: S97017705) - amzn.to/2tZITHv
3. Fan Blower Wheel (Model: 5901A000) - amzn.to/365Ektk
4. Fan Motor (JA2B097N) - amzn.to/2QtEQuv
5. Push Nut Used - amzn.to/2tatwLA
Tools Every Weekend Warrior Needs
Makita Corless Drill Combo Kit: amzn.to/2Jsw78j
Dewalt Drill Bit Set: amzn.to/2w0xAA4
Dewalt Screwdriver Bit Set: amzn.to/2UqTvK9
Craftsman Screwdriver Set: amzn.to/3bAsNEG
Eklind Allen Wrench Set: amzn.to/2wKDu8M
Pliers (4-Piece Set): amzn.to/2JlYUM7
Stanley Utility Knife: amzn.to/2Us2pqG
Stanley Tape Measure: amzn.to/2WPzr5K
Studbuddy Stud Finder: amzn.to/33SaZC4
Johnson Torpedo Level: amzn.to/3dzx5Ot
Stanley Hammer:amzn.to/39tudPL
Buck Bros Wood Chisel Set: amzn.to/2QTebYO
Klein Voltage Tester: amzn.to/2XMa1I2
Wire Strippers: amzn.to/2NHHKuS
Little Giant Ladder: amzn.to/2UrFmfG
DISCLAIMER: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission.

[@felizesperar9981]

Thank you SO much for this video - I was able to take my fan down, clean it out, and put it back up with no problems- I could not have done it without your video- I didn't even have the same type of fan, but it was close enough! Thank you!!!!

[@JT-gq8wv]

Well Done. Excellent idea to add the narrative post-production as opposed to dealing with ambient noise. I learned a lot. Thank You. I subscribed.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Thanks JT!

[@kgoldric]

Mine is no longer spinning and making a humming noise. I'm hoping it's just jamed up on filth and needs some lube. Thanks for the disassembly walk through.

[@toriankirland383]

*Works great with **Fastly.Cool** , exactly as described. Love the fact that it can push, pull, or exchange air with the push of a button. The remote is a nice bonus too!*

[@MrVeeves]

The Fastly.cool link doesnt work.

[@billreichert6842]

Very good video. Easy step by step instructions showing exactly what to do.

[@lflcoast]

You saved the day, and my fan. Thank you very much

[@James_48]

Any thoughts on what might be causing noise - only when the fan is installed in the housing? When I remove the fan and bench test it - it's whisper quiet. Often I can reassemble and it's quiet for a few days, but then the noise comes back. Then again, when I remove it from the housing it's quiet. I assume my noise source is a vibration in the housing but I can't pin it down.

[@whocares6901]

That's an uncommon bath exhaust fan. Could you do one the cheaper and much more used models most builders use in spec houses?

[@geebeeman1]

Did you also turn off the fuse to the fan?(And not just the flip switch.)

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

For this project I just flipped the switch since the fan plugs into an integrated outlet opposed to being hardwired. It is always the safest to turn off the circuit breaker so be cautious and pick the path you feel the most comfortable.

[@sarahs5340]

Mine is doing a random rattling sound and it’s driving me crazy!

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Did you remove the motor, fan blade, and housing to take a look?

[@Here-2-Learn]

I don’t have that kind a fan

[@lakerkid8]

Great video. I'm gonna have to do this in a few days. Side note...after you reassembled the fan and plugged it in, I felt a breeze and thought to myself "wow that's amazing" then I realized my a/c was on I'm sitting underneath a vent lmao

[@skittles2055]

😄

[@Noob-jt4ju]

😂😂😂

[@trumpeterchris]

This cracked me up 😂

[@tpatzzzz]

3:53 Deez Nuts

[@rxsullivan]

Your video taught me exactly what I needed. I thought I might have to replace my unit, but I did what you showed, moving the fan up just a little bit (after a thorough cleaning), and my Broan Designer Series fan/light with night light is quietly rock-and-rolling again. Thank you so much. Money in the bank!

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Hahaha, great to hear and always nice to save some money 💰 👍

[@btd2516]

3:00 Most times you can find those push-nuts easier at auto parts stores, like Auto-zone, Advance, etc.

[@kurtdesoto2335]

Absolutely WONDERFUL tutorial. My fan died and I thought I would have to climb into the attic to swap out the whole unit when it was 220 degrees up there!! I see YOUR fan was clean, but mine was so caked in dust that I thought about calling a HAZMAT crew. Luckily a small vacuum, a toothbrush, some Q-tips, and a change of (dusty) T-shirt did the job. I will be sending you a donation and a nice card from my wife because she didn't have to worry about keeping me hydrated if I ended up in the attic (and ready to call 911 if I fell through the ceiling from a heat stroke in 330 degree temps up there). PLEASE keep up the great tutorials. I subscribed a while ago and enjoy your videos!!

[@thetds101]

Thank you for saving me grief. I temporarily fixed the squeak, but I'm getting a new motor. If you haden't done this how-to video, I'd have been clueless. As a first time home owner (and former lifetime apartment renter) I had no idea how to handle this. Once again THANK YOU!!!

[@pobbard]

Thanks, this was really helpful! It helped me figure out how to remove and dissemble the fan - wonderful. In my case, after cleaning and reassembling it, the fan enclosure still kept sliding too low on the shaft and rubbing against the metal plate. I finally solved it with a tiny piece of flexible tubing fitting snugly on the shaft (roughly 1/4") which was just enough to keep the fan from rubbing against the plate.

[@pobbard]

@@squirrelattackspidy My local hardware store sells clear plastic tubing by the foot (in the plumbing section). I took the motor with me to the store and just did some trial-n-error to find the right size. The fix cost me less than $1! 😉

[@squirrelattackspidy]

Thanks for that awesome piece of info! We have a home Depot and a Lowe's in my area. I'll check with them to see what they have available for tubing. Do you recall the inner or outer diameter of the tubing? I'm looking online right now. I was thinking it through and now understand why you want the tube snug on the shaft. If it's not, then the bottom of the plastic may end up rubbing on the bottom of the plate and will either erode or melt from the friction.

[@reynergy]

This was a fantastic video. You broke everything down in a very understandable way. Great teacher you are - Yoda

[@kosta2177]

Thank you. My vent system is not exactly the same, but after watching your video I was easily able to figure it out. I also provided some wd40 to spinning parts and it worked like a charm

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Nice!

[@donntakebayashi9424]

Thanks for the great video! My fan blades were slowly sliding down the metal motor shaft and hitting the casing. I put some electrical tape around the shaft to keep it from sliding down and it works great! Without your video, I'm not sure I would have tried anything other than just cleaning it and ignoring the noise...lol.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Hey Donn, always nice when a small fix makes a big difference. Good work on the repair!

[@danielluthergraves663]

THANK YOU for this video. I had done the first couple steps on my own, but your explanation gave me the confidence to continue. Your suggestion of vice grips was very helpful.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Glad the video helped, thanks Dan.

[@skythekeeper]

Great video. Used these steps to get my fan to quit making noise. Just thought I'd point out that rather than buying something at home depot and destroying it for the push nut, I found the exact nut I needed at autozone in a Doorman assortment kit for 5.99. Part #13441. Had 2 of the 1/4" nuts, along with a bunch of others I may or may not need someday hah. Anyway, keep up the good work!

[@geo1142]

Thank you thank you thank you. Mine made the same noise. This is exactly what I needed. I didn’t know how to take out the fan/motor piece. Didn’t realize it came out with one screw and I thought it was the whole metal frame that needed to come out. So I just let it go and didn’t use the fan for a couple months until I could get some help or hire someone to do it. Took some pics of the exposed motor unit when I took the light reflector off. When I showed them to a friend who zoomed in on the model number and found one on Amazon for $60. From there I searched KZbin for a DIY and here it is!! I had it replaced in minutes. I decided against fixing a 15 year old unit and replaced. I did fix it when I took it out, like you suggested and stored it in case someone would need a replacement. Again, thank you thank you. You saved me $$$.

[@dpm1964]

Great video, thanks. Any thought of lubricating the shaft of the fan before reinstalling?

[@kgoldric]

I just got mine working again. The fan blades had shifted down the shaft and wouldn't let it spin. There was no starlock washer, either broke off or was missing from a prior repair. I bought two ~6mm c-lock washers and I was able to press them in place to hold the blades at the proper spacing.

[@dustymiller1560]

Thanks so much for the video. Fixed the noisy fan and now have peace. Priceless!

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Fantastic, happy to help!

[@MrSolarcell]

Great information! I have the exact same fan and the problem! I was thinking of shimming the whole motor but your method is much nicer! Thank you!

[@carlosvile9832]

I don't yet it. If you are going to take everything apart, why put that same part in when you can get a brand new identical item for $130? The labor is less if you replace.

[@kjisnot]

These fans have a 1.5 sone rating. I want a quieter fan. Has anyone found a complete replacement for these that didn't require repairing the ceiling? IE one that had a grill that would cover the recess for this Nutone grill?

[@glennnelson5946]

Thanks for this! What would you do if the fan does not stay seated? In other words, after following all your steps, everything was whisper quiet, but got noisy after an hour or so.

[@meg_HAN4680]

Hi, great video! I'm trying to clean my fan to reduce the noise it makes and I noticed that mine doesn't have a push nut above the fan blades. Does this cause the fan to make more noise somehow?

[@RakkaSan7219]

Easy..... Remove P Ed o Video Camera from Bathroom Fan housing. Gotta be smarter than Daddy!!

[@wigletron2846]

I have the exact same fan with the exact same problem. Only difference is the shaft is splined, almost like a car axle. I don't have a lock washer, the fan is just kinda jammed on the shaft. I need to shift it upward to stop rubbing the bracket but I can't move the fan. It feels like the fan will break if I pull it too hard and it's really stuck. Do you have any advice to get it moving?

[@YevgenLasman]

Thanks for the video, super helpful! I have the problem with similar device and tried to see how to fix it, but my problem is a bit… weird. It is actually that once I adjust the fan to no rub on either top or bottom plates, after I start the engine after few seconds the fan blade slides down to the motor plate and start to rub it up badly. Thinking about a splint to be put into that flat part.

[@chrisxavier1848]

Thank you for a clear and precise presentation! VERY helpful.

[@gary-x6f]

Hi. At the 4:26 mark of your video you pulled on the motor shaft and it moved in and out. This is what mine does and is cause of the rumble noise. As the fan spins the rotor and shaft lift out of motor and rumble. there are some kind of spacers inside on both ends to stop this but don't know what they are or can find a parts list for this type of motor. thanks

[@will2dmax1]

Are they all like this, our fan runs constant and it's sounding sick right now, it's a Panasonic I don't wanna waste my time going into teh attic if I don't have to.

[@philipcapunitan1954]

Thank you for posting this video! Fortunately you had the exact model we have and your detailed tutorial helped me address the problem. Our fan now works perfectly. You save me time, money and headaches lol

[@whiteknightcat]

The whole purpose of a bathroom fan is to make noise to cover up your own noises!

[@lxMaDnEsSxl]

Thanks for saving my sanity..... jk. and the safety glasses is a good mention, getting dust falling on eyes isn't nice

[@jebatman756]

What if it was louder for a few months and I didn’t get around to fixing it and now it’s barely making a noise and def not working when I turn it on?

[@HarpreetSingh-wn6kp]

Very well done instructions, great job. Helped me fix my fan. Thanks.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Nice Harpreet, glad the video helped out 👍

[@josephandrews2353]

Damn good job. 👏 Excellent 🎸

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Thanks Joe 🤘

[@specialsam24]

New home owner here! If the fan still touches the bracket can just put a washer between?

[@markchairez8474]

Do I have the shut the power off before unplugging it && taking it out?

[@JohnSmithdoe]

Thank you , u saved me 150$ and a lot of aggravation !

[@omargerardo5457]

So just with a rag that's hard to believe that this will fix the problem

[@TheAudioman15]

Amazing. Great video man! Excellent explanations on everything. Man, what am I gonna do without KZbin!

[@p.g.8138]

You can use electrical parts spray to clean motor.

[@markusFFF]

I have a different model fan but it sounded like it was struggling when on. I did an inspection and it was caked in dust. After a cleaning, the fan sounded much more quiet. Thanks for the tip!

[@GMoney-B]

Thank you for the video! I am eager to try fixing mine. I hope it's not the housing though. When I turn it on it sounds like a freaking semi truck is parked ontop of my bathroom! Just a suggestion on the video production side, You should try looking at the camera lens vs the viewfinder, it creates a much more natural and genuine connection between you and your viewers! :)

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Hey Gavin, best of luck on the repair.

[@GMoney-B]

Everyday Home Repairs thank you!

[@howardgoff8000]

My fan doesn’t have that nut it’s round with looks like threads on it

[@aldanemarais5662]

Thanks for the vid Opened up mine and found out it was the cover full of dirt. Sometimes you just gotta make that first step on your own

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Glad it helped 🙌

[@davidfrahm9530]

Thank you, thank you! We have this model and your instructions were complete and detailed and we are up and running! You ROCK!

[@william8654]

I have the exact same fan and is was grinding. Followed this video and it took about 15 minutes total. Put it back together and no more noise. I don`t know exactly how it was fixed but it is quiet again!!

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Nice, got to love the easy fixes 👍

[@99larrythecableguy]

Love the video and great stuff. Working. Who would have thought cleaning the fan will clear the problem!

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Yeah, these exhaust fans get accumulate build up over the years. A quick clean can make a big difference. 👍

[@abdulsbadr]

This 8663rp motor is now 132$ 😢😢

[@kyleguy2305]

Exact same fan as mine only mine was even more dirty works great now! Awesome video

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Nice, thanks for the kind words.

[@TerrenceHoHoHo]

This was really helpful! I was able to get our fan working again.

[@robertadams2365]

You can get a push night at any small town hardware store too. In fact, it’s a better chance they’ll have it instead of Home Depot or Lowe’s.

[@REXXSEVEN]

4:35 lmao. Sometimes the kitchen sink is the only option we have. And you're lucky. I wish I had a laundry sink like that. most of the time a laundry sink is that cheap plastic one that's way too skinny, way too deep and it really sucks.

[@jamesbrowne1576]

Great video! My cooker exhaust fan is leaking rain water on the cooker top and I need to replace its roof pipe vent. What is your favorite roof pipe vent for this? (I have a gable roof)

[@BrittCHelmsSr]

I have one of these with a nightlight socket in my downstairs bath, and we love it. I did put an LED bulb in it because a conventional bulb burned out way too quickly.

[@hey.hombre]

I have a Brevel Corp fan motor that needs repair. It makes noise. I'm going to try to move fan blade to see it that works. If it still makes noise where do I find a replacement? The housing in the ceiling is round. So just simple swap out is not going to work.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Once you get the motor out you should be able to get the exact model number to use in your search online. Amazon has some sellers with a pretty good selection but usually once you get the exact model number a google search will point you in the right direction with the online dealers. I have found the pricing to be reasonable on these fans which is also a bonus.

[@truebluepatriot2739]

Thanx so much for putting out this video. I went from a OMG how the hell am I going to do this to ok I can handle this.🤪

[@karenthebroker5618]

The blade fans still fall to the base. The lack of dust just reduces the friction more, it won't keep my blade fans up.

[@rtatbone]

Just bought new unit. Probably didn't have to buy finally working after years. Thank you

[@iluvwanesworld]

Great video! I like how you cleaned everything with soap and water. Most guys only vacuumed or wiped with a dry cloth. Only thing I would do different is clean the motor with my hose outside, living in the Phoenix area where the air is dry I do all my appliances with a hose. I just give it a couple days to dry.

[@MadMax-yq9ix]

Mine has gotten so noisy I need to fix it now.

[@James-hb2jz]

I like the light off but the fan can be on

[@jayjudd6518]

That gave me confidence. 😊😊

[@TT-fn1xb]

I wish I understood this video. It seems so complicated to me though it's clear that a lot of people have benefited from it.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Hey TF, which part do you need more help with? Is your exhaust fan making noise and you want to see if you can find the issue?

[@TT-fn1xb]

@@EverydayHomeRepairs thanks for reply. Yes, the exhaust fan is making a ticking type sound. It is mounted on the wall not ceiling. There is no brand name and the vent part is circular in shape. I just dont know where to begin with it.

[@possecommietaters1432]

I came here simply to find out how to remove that cover so that I could change the bulb. Boy did you ever help. I was trying to *unscrew* the thing. Thank you.

[@thedillybot]

Worked like a charm and it was easy. Washed the grill, took the motor and ade out, washed the blade while it was attached to the motor because I couldn't remove the clip, used a vacuum to clean around the motor, drop of wd40 and white grease into the motor, now it is quiet as a whisper again.

[@REXXSEVEN]

Those are also called "Speed Nuts" They're a pain in the neck when you don't know what they are or how to use them. But they are excellent once you know what they're called and how to use them.

[@shoppysharp9355]

This video helped me! Thanks! Best Exhaust Fan videos that I found.

[@gusrice6180]

Problem with my motorshaft is that it’s not keyed but had grooves in it . This sucks because the plastic fan eventually just strips out

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Hey Gus, if you buy and new fan and ensure no interference I would imagine it should run for years without issue, right? Still be a better option and should cost much less than a whole new exhaust fan.

[@MrVeeves]

So what caused the squeal?

[@agallonofwater]

damn this guy is tall. his head nearly touches the ceiling!

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

That dude is HUGE!

[@GQ-ch8xy]

Lmfao 😭😭😭

[@outkastrebel9637]

@@EverydayHomeRepairs that's what his girlfriend said...🤣

[@katmichaelis2412]

You were AWESOME! So easy to understand and calm. Have removed, replaced motor etc. Went to put back in ceiling, very difficult to fit? I found the slots and lined them up however it does not fit easily. I have not forced, but Houston, we have a problem? Thank you sooooo very much.

[@wadebass5600]

Just out of curiosity.... how much is a new fan assembly?

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Under $100 but it is more of the work associated to completely removing the old housing and installing new. If this doesn't work for you I would say the next step is buying a new complete fan assembly. Little more money but will save a ton of time on install compared to a completely new unit.

[@chasebradley3324]

There are 20 replace videos you have to scroll past to find this lol thank you.

[@sailor-jim]

Finally found a video showing my style bathroom fan. And a great video it is!! Steady camera work - so important!

[@robertdunn9407]

Excellent video. Well explained with good images. Made quick work of the swap.

[@TerryJohnson757]

Thank you so much sir. I just purchased a home and have to fix my sons bathroom fan. I had know idea how to even start until I found your video.

[@MinnyMann]

Hi, thanks for this. I have a super old fan and can’t get the push nut off?😬

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Is it rusted on? If so, do you have some WD-40?

[@benoitraymond1997]

Great video. I literally have the same model than you. The only problem is that after replicating all the steps, the white fan part is still sliding down the shaft. I tried putting some washers in between but it’s still creating a lot of noise. Do you have any suggestions ? Thanks

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

What about just ordering another blower fan wheel assembly amzn.to/365Ektk ? The new assembly should have a better friction fit on the motor shaft and then stay in place reducing the chance of interference / noise.

[@benoitraymond1997]

@@EverydayHomeRepairs I like to explore all options before I have to buy something new. It’s not about the price but the principle of trying to fix it 😂

[@rackum44]

The very first thing you should have said before you started was turn off the breaker!

[@marksternweis4598]

Not for to shoot the power off.

[@trucavalier]

The rigged up craziness I have seen associated with these fans OMG!

[@chriscortopassi9289]

Can the motor be lubricated to reduce noise?

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

a little 3-in-1 oil probably wouldn't hurt amzn.to/30WYBE9

[@ssap3717]

always check to see if the damper in the duct is working and not stuck. had to remove mine. just adds extra load on fan

[@anthonyryan5130]

Mine won’t even move this house is like heaps old and my power shut out to stop a fire electrician only fixed the switch so imma clean it

[@richardhodgkins6935]

Great instructions!

[@claytontiderman1697]

I need some help... I put the fan back on the new motor, plug it in to test it, and the motor and push nut spin around but the fan is still. Is the push nut not properly sealed to the fan? I didn't crack the push nut at all. Is it possible the plastic fan is worn down where it seals with the push nut? Any advice? TIA

[@TheAshpwns]

Thanks for this. Insta-sub from me

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Welcome to the channel 👍

[@REXXSEVEN]

6:50 That looks like the cap that goes on a shopping cart or wheel cart.

[@hellfire42107]

4 years later and helped me with my first house, thank you!

[@lindaholding5181]

Thank you so much.