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I have a ceiling fan w/light in the masterbedroom that makes a rattling (sp?) sound when it is turned on. It runs fine on all three speeds, and of course, the faster it goes the more noise it makes. I don't have a maintenance manual -- I don't do more than wash the blades 2xyr and dust it. Any ideas on how to eliminate the rattle? Should I be oiling it or something?
Some of them have a little hole in the motor housing and if that be the case you can put a drop of WD40 in there and see if that solves the problem. If the blades are wobbling at all then when cleaning them you may have slightly tipped the balance and sometimes taping a penny to the wobbling blade (or to the one opposite it) will correct that. I'm no fan mechanic and, if all else fails, dump it and buy a new one! Cheers!
you might need to put a ltitle shim(s) of wood between the motor housing part and the ceiling...if yours sit up flush to the ceiling. Maybe...that is how I fixed mine from shaking and rattling when running.
Make sure the blades screws are all tight toi.
good luck!
If you have a light, with a single globe covering the ball, it may be rattling. Take it off put a wide rubber band in the grove where the bolts that hold it on ride, Tighten bolts evenly.
I did check the fit against the ceiling and that looked fine. Never thought about the blade screws!
I also checked to make sure all the light fixtures (4) were in securely -- but I still think that's a great tip too, I could easily try the rubber band thing
Thank you all for the great tips -- I'm looking forward to solving this problem this weekend. I'm sure one of you has solved my problem.
Sounds like it might be slightly off balance. We have 2 ceiling fans that we can't run on high because of this. Seems to be on the ones that have an even number of blades on them. Is this something that just started? Or has it been happening almost since you put them up?
I second checking all the screws on the blades. Both the ones holding them to the fixture and those holding "wooden" part to the metal part. If it needed oiled I would think it would be screeching instead of rattling.
Newer fans today have a bearing not sleeve so oil will do no good.If unbalanced lots of luck could never balance, had to replace.I have 7 now for 8 years all work fine,some 24/7.
It is most likely out of balance. After tightening everything, balancing the blades needs to be done. The extra weight of the light causes more stress than a fan without the light. Here is one set of detailed instructions for how to go about this PITA task. Ceiling Fans Balance
Or google "balance ceiling fan" and pick the instructions you like. Common problem. Not expensive to fix but takes time and patience.
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