A customer in North Canton brought us an LG refrigerator (model LFX31945ST/02) making loud running noises from the freezer compartment. The cooling was still working fine, but the noise was getting worse each day. Our diagnosis revealed a failing freezer evaporator fan motor with worn bearings that was starting to contact ice buildup.
The Problem
The refrigerator was cooling normally, but a loud grinding noise was coming from the freezer section. The customer noticed the sound was intermittent at first but had become constant over the past week. The noise was clearly mechanical, not electrical, and seemed to worsen when the compressor cycled on.
Diagnosis
We isolated the noise to the freezer evaporator fan assembly behind the back panel. The fan motor bearings showed significant play when tested manually, and there were light ice contact marks on the fan shroud. While there wasn’t heavy frost buildup, the worn bearings allowed enough wobble for the fan blades to occasionally scrape against ice formation. This LG model’s evaporator fan is critical for proper air circulation between the freezer and refrigerator compartments.
The Repair
- Parts replaced: AEB73785615 — freezer evaporator fan assembly with built-in heater
- Work performed: Removed freezer contents and back panel, disconnected old fan motor, installed new fan assembly with proper wiring connections
- Result: Noise completely eliminated, airflow restored to proper levels, temperatures stable throughout both compartments
Is It Worth Repairing?
This LG model is a solid mid-range French door refrigerator that typically runs 12-15 years with proper maintenance. At 8-10 years old, replacing the evaporator fan is a reasonable repair that extends the unit’s life significantly. The compressor and main cooling system remain intact, making this repair worthwhile compared to replacement cost.
Maintenance Tips for LG French Door Refrigerators
- Check the freezer drain hole monthly — LG models are prone to blockages that cause ice buildup around the evaporator fan
- Replace the LT1000P water filter every 6 months to prevent restricted water flow that can affect ice maker operation
- Clean the condenser coils underneath every 3-4 months — this model’s coils collect dust quickly in Stark County’s seasonal conditions
Appliance Repair in North Canton, OH
North Canton is in Stark County — an area we cover regularly from our base in Louisville, OH. We also serve Alliance, Canton, and Hartville. Louisville Appliance Repair is owned and operated by Samuel Willhite, a master-certified technician with Bosch and Speed Queen factory authorizations. If your appliance needs service, schedule online or call (330) 693-9163. You can also find us on Google and read verified reviews from customers across Stark County and surrounding areas.
Louisville Appliance Repair serves Stark County and surrounding areas.
Schedule your repair online,
call (330) 693-9163,
or see our reviews on Google.