How I fixed our Noisy Roof Turbine Ventilator!

Our turbine roof vents (whirlybirds) were really noisy and had some rattling that was causing some vibration in the house.
It was very annoying.
It sounded like someone running an air compressor in the attic.
I decided I was going to either fix them, or replace them. Turns out that they just needed some maintenance. So that's what I did...
These things can move a lot of air out of your attic.
They use the power of the wind.
I like the idea behind these things.
I like the idea that they are Free to operate...they seem to work..
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It’s very much appreciated!

[@weezyg.5724]

Here I am at 2am watching this video because my turbine won't let me sleep 🙄😔 thanx for the video, will fix it in the morning 😉

[@CheapGeek]

Good Luck!

[@richaelawaters9028]

Same here ! Sound like someone walking in the attic!

[@Lflower1Stars]

My neighbor's roof exhaust won't let me sleep, and my whole house is vibrating, bumping sounds too. Driving me nuts !

[@Emma-xz8fo]

Yep, same

[@scallywag1716]

Same here!

[@moncorp1]

I use a spray can of white lithium grease. Works better than WD40, oil, etc. I had one that squeaked so bad I thought neighbors were going to run me out of town. Got up on the roof, took it off, sprayed it with the grease and 2 years later still quiet as a church mouse.

[@jimmys.8062]

moncorp1 Inc funny you say that.. i thought we had attic mice or bats, but it was the turbines!!!

[@bobsmith674]

Watched this to see what you did to fix your turbine. My turbine's upper bearing is failing. Lasted over 30 years. After watching, I found out mine is a Lomanco brand. Looks like your turbine was too. Found out they are guaranteed for LIFE. They are sending me a new one. :)

[@CheapGeek]

That’s pretty Awesome! I know mine had been up there at least 30-35 years. ;)

[@lisatran9334]

This video is exactly what I need ! Finally found it. Thank you so much for sharing. May you always blessed ❤

[@CheapGeek]

Thanks for commenting! I appreciate it! :)

[@lalasgammie]

Thanks so much for sharing this video! It was clear and informative. Now I know what to expect when I climb up on my roof and glare at my turbine. You're the man!

[@mcs4189]

Thanks for this video. I was on my roof at 930 last night trying to spray WD40 in mine. Will go back up with tools and oil now!!!!🤣

[@mark39113]

Mine was at 11 pm! Lol! Wd40 did nothing

[@patrickyingst9060]

My wife says you should narrate an audio book. Also, your imitation of the sound the turbine was making had me cracking up

[@beanbomb]

So glad I found your video, mine are sounding like someone is up on my roof beating the hell out of the turbine with a bat! Sunday maintenance, hopefully it fixes it. Thanks for the informative video, it makes me much more confident I can do something about my noisy turbines now.

[@renitadean]

Your rendition of a noisy whirly bird is on point. I laughed so loud when you imitated it cause you sound just like mine. I need to fix mine but I rent my house so Im probably going to have to wait for maintenance. *sigh*

[@scallywag1716]

Thanks for the info. I used it to get all the tools and get up on my not so flat roof. My whirlybirds are the cheaper variety with no way to tighten anything. Ended up just using WD-40 to clean off bearings and shaft and silicone spray to lubricate. Worked like a charm….zero noise now. We’ll see how long it lasts.

[@CheapGeek]

Probably years 😉👍

[@crazysquirrel9425]

Two spring loaded clothespins, two playing cards. Will remind you of when you were a kid riding your bicycle! Vent too loud then turn up the stereo! Rule of thumb: lubricate those before installing them for the first time. Synthetic gun oil might be best. Also check for play before installing too.

[@chrislees914]

Excellent video. It's already been said but this was exactly what I was hoping to find when I started my search. Thank you sir

[@CheapGeek]

Chris Lees You are very Welcome, thanks for commenting! :)

[@johnnyfrench4004]

Thanks for the info ! That creepy noise in my attic is gone now. Hey, Looks to me like your ladder is set up backwards. Try turning it around next time. The steps will be at a better angle.

[@jonlee2186]

Thanks for infor. I have a little more confidence in what to expect when I dismantle the turbine. Now if somebody could fix "the fear of heights" I'd be set.

[@naturesplanllc1937]

Helped me a lot, thanks. I have two exactly like this on my shop. I don't hear them inside my house because the shop is a seperate building. But the squealing from one vent has gotten so loud that it'll make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up, so I'm going up.

[@CheapGeek]

Natures Plan LLC Good Luck! Be careful..

[@CheapGeek]

I hear you, I'm not as slender as I used to be. I was walking around on my RV roof. I was thinking light thoughts. :) It was pretty sketchy.

[@1971SuperLead]

I have the same exact turbine and as I type it is humming away just like the one in your video. The thing started humming at 4 am last night. I didn't know what it was. I thought someone was drilling holes on my roof. I walked outside in 30 degree weather at 4 am trying to figure it out. I'm going on the roof today after watching your video! Thank you!

[@GregCorcoran]

Thanks for the walk though. I noticed mine collapse or sagging to the point that they bind and stop turning. If i lift them, they Rotate freely. So I know where the problem lies. Thanks for sharing.

[@itrick3y570]

Exactly the video I was searching for. Thank you, sir.

[@CheapGeek]

+iTRiCk3Y You are Welcome! Thanks for letting me know :)

[@teresafesta6824]

thanks so much for posting this video!! a huge help!!

[@mayanking213]

Thank you so much for this video, I can fix my loud turbine vent now! Thank you so much again!

[@CheapGeek]

You're Welcome! Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it!

[@banthony6097]

Good sir

[@CheapGeek]

@EdWatts Cool, I didn't know that. Makes sense. Thanks!

[@beanbomb]

I got up there today, mine were different than yours though, the top nut wasn't removable just the bottom one and the whole thing had collapsed. Some of the arms inside were rubbing on another part and most of the aluminum was gone. I went up to Lowe's and picked up a new one for $35, easy to replace, I'll do the second one once it starts to act up i guess. Thanks again!

[@Blueformdesign]

I went and did a en entire tour of the hydro station up the way convinced it was that......heard this might be it, and now I see your video I'm convinced it is......just have to figure out how to get on a metal rook in the winter without dying in the process.

[@tedarias9040]

Thanks for the info from Paradise here Florida, tried to fix to in my rental home and did not help to lubricate bearing with a good gear grease had to replace real easy Lowes 39.99$ no problem!! Recycle old turbine again good job and thanks for all the great advice!!

[@CheapGeek]

Glad it helped. Sometimes they have to be replaced. Oh Well..Thanks for the comment. :)

[@Chopper9966]

You're a champion mate! Thanks for the info.

[@CheapGeek]

Thanks! Hope it helps!

[@renaislam4820]

I thought that it was my neighbor 's turbine too. Thanks for sharing

[@GoWest927]

Thank you for posting this! good job on getting it fixed.

[@CheapGeek]

Travis Eacona Thanks! I appreciate it :)

[@scriptkeepr1]

Thanks for the video. Was just what I was looking for. Dreading that ladder myself.

[@CheapGeek]

Thanks for commenting! You're Welcome..I just back off vacation and my parents turbines are doing the same thing..easy fix.. :)

[@CheapGeek]

Good! Glad this worked for you! :) I appreciate you letting me know. Thanks..

[@Hanno8AU]

Thanks, man, just what I needed. The last day or so one of these on my roof started squealing and it drives me crazy.

[@CheapGeek]

Glenn Hansen Excellent! They can be really annoying.. Hopefully an easy fix for you 👍

[@juliemattner7274]

Hi, thank you…this is a good fix, and a money saver.

[@CheapGeek]

Good! I hope it helps! Have you tackled them yet? Let me know how it goes. It's been almost a year since I did mine. So far so good...

[@sunfire2007]

It was my third night in my new home and I was awakened by a loud terrible rattling noise coming from what I later realized was the attic. I thought I had unwanted guest of the raccoon kind. Thanks for this video, it's truly appreciated.

[@jeffreyhurst7231]

Great detailed video. When the wind dies down I'm going to give it a shot. Mine is doing the same thing.

[@CheapGeek]

Good Luck, be careful, let me know how it goes. 😉

[@CheapGeek]

@EdWatts Thanks for the comment!

[@CheapGeek]

Thanks!

[@REDPRIMUSX]

Thank you sir

[@alexander2685]

My mom said find a instruction video how to stop the squeak on your turbine well here i am fixed it in 30 mins wow your a life-saver and yes i too love peanut butter crunch but the cereal .🥜 😊😋thanks for the video.

[@I_dont_want_an_at]

good job

[@EdWatts]

Entertaining video.

[@genelevesque2555]

Great video! Thanks so much for sharing~

[@CheapGeek]

😉👍

[@Blueformdesign]

Awesome video !......I need to fix mine..........I'm going insane.

[@CheapGeek]

Be careful up there!

[@dolphinsc1]

Oh man thanks a lot, my wife saw the video now I've got one more thing on my honey do list! lol's ((-: thanks.

[@zachlee5992]

S A M E

[@CheapGeek]

Ah, No worries.. A static vent sounds like a good option. If mine were that worn out, I'd probably have gone the same route. Thanks for letting me know. :)

[@coronapizza]

Thank you for the video, very helpful, clear concise accurate, one point I think applies is your turbine appears to be a high quality American made unit vs. the cheap Chinese units that do not have the external braces.

[@CheapGeek]

David Holden Ours are at least 20 years old. the new ones are a little flimsy... :)

[@EdWatts]

The part you called a "cup spacer" is actually a "rain shield".

[@CheapGeek]

I plan on using that the next time I have to re do this. :)

[@redin575]

I never understand why people who take it upon themselves to create instructional videos also skip over critical steps in the process (such as actually removing the turbine from its mount).

[@danolanater]

If you need an instructional video on unscrewing 3 screws it's more of a you problem

[@akanesoratobu8889]

but some people like me do not know so please help me! @@danolanater

[@jonpiotrowski3506]

To redin575...The best reply EVER...!!!

[@bettysventilator6092]

Looks like that turbine is a Sears/Lomanco. As far as i know, Sears no longer carry's them. But Lomanco is still the #1 turbine producer in the country and they have the best warranty. it's important to know that not all turbines are created equal. The only Turbine company I know of that's still builds them to withstand a hail storm is Empire. outta NYC.

[@hungbach8669]

Thanks

[@tonyprice7544]

Next time you have to do maintenence on your girlywigs ....try a split washer on the main shaft nut it should stop any slackness .

[@CheapGeek]

Sorry, I missed your comment.. The turbines are lightweight aluminum and it takes very little to make them stop turning. I think adding stuff to make them into a generator would cause too much drag resistance. I don't think they would be effective as a means to generate electricity. I wish they could though..

[@CheapGeek]

Hope it works for you. I haven't to go back up there this year. I probably will though. I still don't like the ladder. :)

[@CCCC-tq8yo]

It's been 6 yrs did u do it yet

[@Xosidhe]

A storm just blew in and the spinner on my roof sounds like a seal 😅

[@nocturnalgoat]

We have a front coming through. Just wind and no precipitation. I couldn’t sleep because I have attic access right above my bed and it was so loud. I just literally put a long piece of shoe moulding up into it from underneath through the attic. Thank the lord it was driving me insane. And yes I know I have to remove it before it rains

[@CheapGeek]

Effective Solution!

[@CheapGeek]

@Dco237thEngBn -Very true on the beer...the roof does have a pretty steep pitch.. For this roof, when the time comes- I'll have it done..Ha!

[@majcrash]

I have the same issue with ladders. The older I get, the more vertigo I experience with heights. Sometimes, you just have to suck it up and climb up there.

[@CheapGeek]

Yep! True 😉

[@JediMasterHilljr]

I enjoyed this and it was very helpful but it was about three times longer than it needed to be....;-)

[@lalasgammie]

Hear that?? Its beautiful silence! Thanks again for your video!!

[@andyjame9687]

I had our roofer install this fan in our previously ...

[@acebongboy]

Thanks for the video. My turbine sounds like a demonic workman is up on the roof hammering his way in - kept me awake last night, so I'm going to climb on the roof (which I hate doing) and see if I can do some maintenance instead of buying a new one.

[@CheapGeek]

That would have been much better than the motor oil I used.. I didn't have any white lithium grease. I will next time! Thanks for the comment, valuable information!

[@snakesnake9778]

I have no roof vent fans in attic just a hood covered opening. I have a wobbly fan like noise that comes on at exactly 12:35am and 5:35am every night. runs for 10-15 secs then shuts off. I tried turning off all breakers in fuse box at nt and the noise still comes on. what could be causing this?

[@sharadpoudel6780]

can this turbine extract condence water from inernai roof?

[@pro311031]

can you connect a motors to them and generate electricity

[@EriBarr]

I found a secret room when I climbed up in my roof…I thought I had a serious mouse problem in my attic 😳 I set traps and all that but nothing.. I searched for any openings they could be using to get in and I found minor stuff.. but as I walked around the house I came to a corner where the squeak was really loud.. I stood there scratching my head until I looked up to the roof and saw this thing spinning like crazy while basically screaming.. when I went up to see what I could do I saw a type of small latch door.. I opened it and there’s a bunch of stuff from the 80s.. loads and loads of cashed checks and tax returns..a few cushions and Christmas ornaments, paintings that are signed by with the same name on the checks.. really good paintings too.. the space it’s over my garage but there’s no other entry points besides the door on the roof

[@CheapGeek]

It’s like your own secret vault! That’s pretty neat and slightly creepy. ;)

[@CheapGeek]

It’s like your own secret vault! That’s pretty neat and slightly creepy. ;)

[@rutherfordrankin3243]

Maintenance...

[@nogi7028]

Hi does the squeak noise starts quietly at first for a while before going fully loud? I keep hearing faint squeaks, but its pitch is so high I can hear it nonetheless.

[@CheapGeek]

NoGi it can. Ours Did.

[@piesho]

Hammer: the rage tool. You know, just in case that everything else fails to do the job.

[@Xx-xd3zo]

Man, you're pretty funny. Great vid, too. I enjoyed and learned... Sub'd.

[@akanesoratobu8889]

question would you suggest getting a aluminum or a galvanized steel type whirlybird

[@CheapGeek]

Honestly, I don’t think it matters all that much. Both will last quite a long time. I’d go with the one that looks better on your roof.

[@blogahoma]

Exactly what's wrong with ours however we are both over 70 and not crawling up on our roof. At least I know what needs to be fixed.

[@CheapGeek]

+Muriel Fahrion I'm in my 40's and I didn't want to go up there either... :)

[@CheapGeek]

Ha ha! I didn’t want to have to go back down ;)

[@joestone6992]

if the roof is tall and the roof is steep, it would be safe to install a roof anchor on the roof and then put on a safety harness before working on the roof.

[@akechifloorsign]

I thought someone broke into my house. 🤩

[@anthonypirrello2473]

Lubing the bearings and tightening the nut is not the final fix for your turbine. Both the top and bottom bearings need to be replaced. One tip - if you need to remove the turbine, use a Sharpie to mark the turbine location on the roof adapter to make sure you put the turbine back on the adapter in the original location before removing the turbine.

[@jonlee2186]

Thanks for the "Valuable" tip.

[@womackke]

He did that

[@1971SuperLead]

Well, I removed it and covered the hole with a lawn bag strapped with a bungie cord. Mine doesn't have ball bearings but mere bushings. The lower bushing is worn bad. The turbine is old and it's cousin is much newer. I looked down the hole and see a lot of dirt and leaves on the attic insulation. Not really the best design! I think I'm gonna get a static vent. The turbine serves no purpose but to keep rain out if it's spinning. I think a screened static vent will work better. Thanks anyways!

[@i.p.freely2501]

They 110$ canuckistan dollars in Canada for a 14 turbine ventilator

[@CheapGeek]

Good Luck! It's been about 6 months and mine are still silent.. I hope it goes well for you. If you would, let me know if it works out for you. Thanks and Good Luck!

[@playsportfun3356]

Fluid Film, best lube ever!!

[@mrstl3000]

How do u stop it from spinning

[@BrisLS1]

Willing to climb up there? You should have just brought new whirly birds with you! Oh well, I could not sleep from the squeaking, so I went in the attic and just shoe string tied the thing in place. My roof is too high and too steep pitched. Not getting me up there alone.

[@duckingtheradar]

I’m hearing this constant loud high pitched ringing whenever it’s windy. I think it’s my neighbor’s turbine. I wonder if I can call someone to come fix it. I can’t stand the constant ringing throughout the day in our otherwise super quiet neighborhood.

[@batterybroken]

Uggghhh. I’m in an apartment and have the same problem except it’s me. I feel bad for my neighbors but then I walk inside and I can’t even sleep. It’s SO LOUD. I have a migraine headache now and can’t sleep. I want to cry. I don’t even have a ladder to get onto the roof but I’m considering just trying. My landlord hasn’t even come in to fix the leak from the roof so I know he won’t come fix this. 😭 I have very few tools so I dunno what to do.

[@duckingtheradar]

It actually turned out to be my turbine that was making the noise. I also didn’t have a ladder and almost attempted to climb up manually, but I just kept fearing the worst. I’m not super handy. I bought a ladder for around $80 and a can of WD40. I went up with the intention of having to take the turbine apart like in this video, but I actually only had to spray the WD40. There was some crud/build-up between the turbine and the base, so I scraped that off easily with the WD40 straw and then sprayed it good. Haven’t had any issues since. Almost ended up calling a company to repair it, but glad it all worked out relatively cheap and easy. Glad I watched this video to give me the courage to check it out. Good luck!

[@duckingtheradar]

I’m not sure where your turbine is located, but perhaps there’s easier access from underneath (like the attic). If you can get to it from there, maybe you could jam a stick or something to stop it from spinning until it’s fixed. Just a thought. Bug your landlord until he fixes it. Tell him the neighbors are complaining and talking about calling the housing authority. You can even contact your local housing authority and report the issues that need to be fixed and they will make certain the landlord gets it done.

[@cideon]

Great video! I'm a first time homeowner, and heard this noise just start up 2 or soon the ago. it's gotten severe this weekend with the windy days we've been having unfortunately. I don't have a ladder, and I don't think I have the courage to go up there though. should I just call a general handyman or like a roofer to come during their off-hours? :/

[@CheapGeek]

I'd call a handy man or a roofer. I would call them on a regular workday. It's just annoying. Off Hours may cost more? If they say the wind bird , wind turbine needs to be replaced. Just show them this video. :)

[@cideon]

+CheapGeek thank you! I will keep it in mind :)

[@jazzyleah58]

It’s a temporary fix. My husband did the exact same thing you did and a month later, making that horrible noise! Smh

[@CheapGeek]

Mine lasted for about 2 more years

[@CheapGeek]

BE careful and walk gently.. :)

[@jamesmckinney9648]

5 m80s

[@morganwhitney1983]

I found this helpful! I do have a question for you sir. Just purchased a property and it was built in the 1970s, gutted and rehabbed prior to me owning it. I moved in in august and i keep hearing squeaking from the tip of my home. I’m betting it’s what your video covered. I’m a single mom, no experience with fixing things like this. Would you recommend a roofer? Would you recommend me applying lube to the device? I keep hearing consistant beeping and I’m think git’s my roof. I even asked Nextdoor appobwyat the beeping is and all my neighbors say they hear it too but can’t digurenoutbwyrebitsnfinubgbfrin.!

[@morganwhitney1983]

Figure out where it’s coming from* sorry! It’s so loud I think it’s my house. My dog is going nuts everyday!

[@CheapGeek]

When I lubricated mine, it didn’t squeak again for a couple of years. Our roof was replaced. ;) The scary and possibly part is getting on the roof. If you call a roofer they may be able to tell you for sure if that’s the problem. They may say to just replace it. A handyman can get up there and lubricate it and it maybe much less costly. I really don’t know what that would cost. I would call both a Handy man and a roofer to see what they can offer. If you’re not comfortable on a roof, I don’t think I recommend messing around up there. It’s really what your comfortable with. It was a really simple process though. If you have a handy friend maybe you can trade some pizza or beer or something for them to get up there. ;)

[@morganwhitney1983]

@@CheapGeek fantastic idea, I appreciate the advice and the helpful video!

[@CheapGeek]

@@morganwhitney1983 You’re Welcome! If you happen to figure what it is, let me know 👍

[@morganwhitney1983]

@@CheapGeek I sure will!

[@GR19611]

Good video but you should use peanut butter to lube it up.

[@callahamsepe4517]

You can find something like this on the Avasva page. Full step-by-step instructions right on your desk.

[@CheapGeek]

Callaham Sepe Actually, you cant. Thanks for pitching your spam page.

[@davidhazen2394]

I heard 50% of the people say rain comes these and the other 50% says it does not. Anyone have input on this? David

[@tjredhorse7235]

He"s Funny

[@jazzlover10000]

It had ♫ to be ♫ youuuuuuuuuu! ♫

[@561060033]

I fixed my with my kitchen knife oldman.

[@CheapGeek]

Very Nice!

[@hungton2223]

I would not spend more than one hour to fix it. It costs only $40 to have a new one, Turbine Ventilator.

[@spicypeppers2019]

Hung Ton that’s if you want one that will squeak or rattle after 1 year. They usually have plastic bushings instead of ball bearings. That’s just what I’ve noticed.

[@Shaynephie]

Lol lubricate the shaft

[@Darksky600]

My goodness, how do I tell my neighbor their vent fan is so noisy? I can't enjoy hanging out in my backyard. I feel like climbing up there with WD40. :(

[@CheapGeek]

Mail them a letter with no return address. Be nice and polite. 😉👍

[@Darksky600]

@@CheapGeek didn't work. They still did not fix it, but they bought recently a new SUV though. Bast.rd, inconsiderate neighbor ...

[@CheapGeek]

@@Darksky600 Dang! You might want to call Code Enforcement and just ask what they recommend to do. 😉