Berkeys / Berkeys Blog

December 02, 2016

Fixing A Ceiling Fan From Squeaking For Dallas Homeowners

A squeaky ceiling fan is annoying but could also indicate that bigger problems are brewing. If a new ceiling fan begins to squeak right away, it may be a sign of poor workmanship or mechanical issues. But an older fan that has been running quietly for some time may have a more serious issue.

This video show How to stop a Ceiling Fan from Squeaking.

How to Repair a Squeaking Ceiling Fan

1 Step

Stand on a secured ladder, chair or table near the ceiling fan and attempt to locate the squeak. For example, try to determine if the sound is caused by something rubbing on the fan blade. Or you might conclude that the squeaking sound is coming from inside the motor casing. If it appears to be a fan blade — and not the motor itself — turn off the ceiling fan power and wait for the blade to come to rest; then apply a shot of canned air or a lubricant like WD-40 to the area of the fan blade that is squeaking. This may resolve the issue if it is a simple matter of removing debris that is rubbing and causing the squeak.

2 Step

Clean the ceiling fan. Dirt and dust can enter moving components of the fan and can rub, causing the squeak. Turn off the power to the ceiling fan to protect yourself from accidental shock. Wipe the blades down with a damp cloth to remove built-up dust and grime. Open the fan’s motor compartment to spray canned air inside, or use a vacuum attachment to pull dirt out from around the motor. Use a feather duster to remove any visible dust from other areas of the fan before turning it back on to see if the squeak has been abolished.

3 Step

Tighten all the screws on the ceiling fan; it is possible that over time, one or more of them has worked loose with the fan’s motion. Make sure the ceiling fan power is off. Then, using the screwdriver, begin at the bottom of the fan and attempt to tighten every screw, including in the light fixture if the fan has one. Pay close attention to the screws holding the fan to the junction box — if necessary, remove the box at the ceiling connection to tighten all screws. Tighten all screws holding the fan blades to the fan; these are easily loosened by the fan’s movement.

4 Step

Check the balance of the fan blades. Hold a yardstick perpendicular to the ceiling, allowing the tip of one fan blade to touch it. Note the measurement of the fan blade from the ceiling; then manually rotate the fan and check each blade to see if they are all measuring the same distance. If not, purchase a balancing kit (if one did not come with the ceiling fan) that includes weights and clips. Place a clip on the blade that is not measuring the same as the others; turn the fan back on to see if any wobbling and squeaking of that blade has improved or disappeared. If not, turn the fan back off and move the clip up and down the blade until the incorrect movement of the blade has been corrected. Then, firmly place a weight in the center of the top of the blade, directly across from the clip, pressing down to make sure the weight attaches. Turn the fan back on; the squeak should be eliminated with the wobbling fan blade.

5 Step

Oil the fan if it provides a small oil hole above the motor or you have access to the bearings. Turn the fan off, and use the secured ladder, chair or table to look for an oil hole; it should be on the top portion of the motor. Add up to six drops of a light machine oil — such as sewing machine oil – in the hole to lubricate the motor. Turn the fan back on to work the oil into the motor gears and see if the squeak has been eradicated.

Tips

Squeaking ceiling fans usually result from the blades being out of balance, so by first cleaning accumulated dust, etc. from the blades, then balancing the blades if needed, you can usually decrease or eliminate the squeak.

Some other things that may cause a fan to squeak are: screws holding the blades are loose, fan is not firmly mounted to ceiling, fan blades are not the same distance from ceiling when measured at the tips, set screw not tight against down pole or fan blades are not all the same pitch. Checking these things are usually a lot more effective than messing with balancing kits.

Light kits that have loose parts may also squeak if there is sufficient “wobble” to cause parts to rub together.

Warnings Before Doing The Activity

Disconnect power before disassembling the fan unit, especially those equipped with pull chains, since voltage is present in the assembly even when they are switched off. Never try to adjust, or otherwise tamper with a ceiling fan while it is running. If you use a ladder to reach the fan to clean or adjust the blades, use safe techniques on it. Call us for your home service and repair needs.