Air handler fan, creating loud rumbling noise
#1
12-26-18, 11:19 AM
Air handler fan, creating loud rumbling noise
Hello all,
Rheem RHLL-HM3821JA air handler fan, appears to be creating a loud rumbling noise. TBH, at first, I thought it was a speed boat outside.
Minutes after I heard it, I checked unit and copper line running outside was very cold, if not frozen up. Turned off ac and turned fan on alone, but heard rumbling, again, immediately.
Visual inspection of fan, appears normal with no obstructions (thought I might find a 🦎 but nada). Filter only used for 2 weeks prior to noise and never got wet. Unit has not been used for weeks.
Appreciate your thoughts!
Rheem RHLL-HM3821JA air handler fan, appears to be creating a loud rumbling noise. TBH, at first, I thought it was a speed boat outside.
Minutes after I heard it, I checked unit and copper line running outside was very cold, if not frozen up. Turned off ac and turned fan on alone, but heard rumbling, again, immediately.
Visual inspection of fan, appears normal with no obstructions (thought I might find a 🦎 but nada). Filter only used for 2 weeks prior to noise and never got wet. Unit has not been used for weeks.
Appreciate your thoughts!
Last edited by c1351996; 12-26-18 at 11:36 AM.
#2
12-26-18, 12:10 PM
Group Moderator
That air handler uses a direct drive X13 ECM (electronic motor).
This is an expensive repair proposition. How old is the system..... possibly still under warranty ?
This is an expensive repair proposition. How old is the system..... possibly still under warranty ?
#3
12-26-18, 04:21 PM
If it's a squirrel cage fan, a possible cause is the blade sub assembly has become detached from the hub/disc. Not sure how they are attached but I think it is friction because other means like welding. glueing, etc. would create a balancing problem. The noise you hear is the hub/disc turning at a different rotation speed than the blade sub assembly.
#4
12-27-18, 07:07 AM
Originally Posted by PJmax
That air handler uses a direct drive X13 ECM (electronic motor).
This is an expensive repair proposition. How old is the system..... possibly still under warranty ?
Originally Posted by beelzebob
If it's a squirrel cage fan, a possible cause is the blade sub assembly has become detached from the hub/disc. Not sure how they are attached but I think it is friction because other means like welding. glueing, etc. would create a balancing problem. The noise you hear is the hub/disc turning at a different rotation speed than the blade sub assembly.
No, not under warranty.
Yes, squirrel cage fan. It appears to be attached by screw, at hub, which feels tight to hand.
Hmm?
Last edited by c1351996; 12-27-18 at 09:33 AM.
#5
12-27-18, 12:02 PM
Group Moderator
#6
12-27-18, 12:37 PM
Originally Posted by PJmax
Try grabbing the blower wheel from the center shaft..... is there any play in the shaft ?
Last edited by c1351996; 12-27-18 at 01:09 PM.
#8
12-29-18, 11:19 AM
Originally Posted by beezlebob
If the motor bearings requires lubrication, when was the last time they were lubricated?
#9
12-29-18, 01:20 PM
Group Moderator
#10
12-29-18, 05:44 PM
Blower housing may have a tag indicating motor lubrication. If not, look for a hole on the circumference of the motor's exposed end cap. There may be a plastic plug in the hole. Use a mirror and flashlight to check the far side of the end cap. If there is one,you have to remove the blower housing as there is an oil hole on the motor's other end cap as well.
#11
12-30-18, 07:10 AM
Originally Posted by Pjmax
That looks like an ECM type motor...
You are correct; "Motor Type: ECM (X-13)"https://www.gemaire.com/rheem-rhll-h...specifications
