Samsung Older French Door Refrigerator Condenser Fan Replacement

Written By: Bill Gilbert

Comments: 0

Samsung Older French Door Refrigerator Condenser Fan Replacement

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

30 - 40 minutes

Introduction

Use this guide to replace the condenser fan on your older Samsung French door refrigerator.

The condenser fan circulates air over the condenser coils. This cools the condenser coils and allows refrigerant in the coils to liquefy and release heat. The moving air carries the heat away.

If the condenser fan fails, the refrigerator will operate poorly or not at all because it will not be able to get rid of the heat that is released from the condensing refrigerant. It will likely stop cooling and the compressor may overheat and shut down.

The compressor fan is is a fairly tight location, so be prepared to patiently work at removing it and at removing the fan blades.

Tools

Step 1

Unplug your refrigerator before you begin your repair.
If you are testing or repairing the following items, you may also need to shut off and disconnect the water supply:
Condenser fan motor
Compressor motor and thermal overload device
Water supply valve assembly

Step 2

Use a #2 Phillips driver to remove the screws securing the rear panel to the refrigerator.

Step 3

Lift the rear panel upward and outward to free the panel the from the tabs at the lower edge.
Remove the panel.

Step 4

Locate the condenser fan power and control connector.
Grasp the connector, squeeze the locking tab, and pull down on the connector to disconnect it.

Step 5

Use a #2 Phillips driver to unfasten the fan bracket retaining screw.

Step 6

Slide the fan bracket toward you (toward the rear of the refrigerator.)
Then slide the bracket about 1/2"-3/4" (15-20 mm) to the left toward the compressor.

Step 7

Rotate the fan bracket clockwise, as shown by the arrows.
There is a refrigerant tube (red box) that passes through the bracket. Do not attempt to free the bracket from the tube just yet.
The third photo shows the fan bracket pivoting on the refrigerant tube after it has been rotated as mentioned.
By rotating the bracket clockwise first, you will be able to then pivot the assembly out of the machinery compartment.

Step 8

Remove the condenser fan assembly.

Step 9

Insert a flat-blade screwdriver under the fan blade hub.

Step 10

Pry upward with the screwdriver on the fan blade hub.
You may find the fan difficult to remove. One tip is to apply the prying force in line with the shaft (vertically) as much as possible.
You may find it easier to break the fan free by rotating the screwdriver at first to pry upward.
As the fan starts to slide on the shaft, you may also want to put the screwdriver tip further from the hub. Then lift with the shank as you start to remove the fan.

Step 11

Remove the fan.
The second photo is for reference for proper motor orientation when reassembling.

Step 12

Use a #2 Phillips screwdriver to remove the two screws securing the motor to the motor assembly.
The picture was taken before the fan was removed

Step 13

Use a flat blade screwdriver to pry each motor bracket clip from the motor assembly and unfasten the motor bracket.

Step 14

Reposition the motor and bracket from the motor assembly by pulling it straight off the assembly in line with the motor shaft.
Take care not to damage the wiring which is still connected to the motor.