Whirlpool's Noise table for the WRF757SDHZ is a list of normal sounds, so nearly every complaint can be matched to a row. The compressor and fans run longer at lower speeds, with pulsating or whirring as they optimize; popping comes from wall expansion, especially at first cool-down; hissing or dripping is refrigerant or oil; sizzling is water on the defrost heater; gurgling is ice melting into the drain pan; buzzing and clicking is the water valve; repetitive clicking is the dual evaporator valve switching compartments; creaking, cracking or grinding is ice ejecting; clatter is ice dropping into the bin. Vibration is a levelling job and rattling is a water line or items on top.
Differential
Likely causes of “Whirlpool refrigerator makes buzzing, clicking, rattling or knocking noises”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Normal compressor, fan and defrost sounds
What separates it There is pulsating, whirring, popping, hissing, sizzling or gurgling because of normal compressor, fan and defrost sounds
How to confirm The guide lists each as normal; no action needed
- 2
Vibration from an unsteady refrigerator
What separates it There is a hum or vibration that changes with touch because of vibration from an unsteady refrigerator
How to confirm Adjust the leveling screws and lower the leveling foot until it is steady against the floor
- 3
A water line or items on top rattling
What separates it There is rattling or banging against the cabinet because of a water line or items on top rattling
How to confirm Move excess water line away or fasten it, and remove items from the top of the cabinet
- 4
The ice maker on with no water connected
What separates it There is buzzing and clicking from the water valve because the ice maker is on with no water connected
How to confirm Turn the ice maker off if the refrigerator is not connected to water
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The type of sound and when it happens
- Whether the refrigerator rocks or rattles when touched
- Whether the ice maker is on and connected to water
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedMatch the sound
ReversibleWhirlpool's normal sounds: compressor pulsing or whirring, popping walls, hissing refrigerant, sizzling on the defrost heater, gurgling melt water, valve buzzing and clicking, repetitive clicking from the dual evaporator valve, and ice sounds.
Level the refrigerator
ReversibleAdjust the leveling screws and lower the leveling foot so the refrigerator is steady against the floor.
Secure the water line
ReversibleMove excess water line away from the cabinet or fasten the excess tubing to the cabinet, and remove items from the top of the refrigerator.
Check the ice maker
ReversibleIf the refrigerator is not connected to a water line, turn the ice maker off to stop valve buzzing.
Allow settling time
ReversibleA new refrigerator regulates temperature more efficiently and runs more quietly, so you may notice unfamiliar sounds that are normal.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Normal sounds table
- The guide's Noise table also lists creaking, cracking and grinding as ice is ejected from the mold, and says the compressor in a new refrigerator regulates temperature more efficiently while using less energy, so quieter operation can make unfamiliar sounds more noticeable.
- Vacation and Showroom modes
- In Vacation Mode the freezer defrosts less often to save energy: open Options and press LOCK under Vacation to turn it on, and press LOCK there again to turn it off, which restores the earlier settings. During the first hour, opening the door does not affect it, but afterwards opening the door turns it off, and Fast Ice or a Door Ajar alarm cancels it. Showroom mode is for retail display only; if the word Showroom appears, hold LIGHT and LOCK for 3 seconds to exit.
- Typical noises
- The compressor hums, the ice maker clicks and the fans whoosh. Loud buzzing, rattling and grinding are not normal. Check that the refrigerator is level, that the drain pan is secure and that no food packages rattle against the back wall.
- Fan noises
- A grinding fan may be hitting ice or debris. Unplug the refrigerator, check the evaporator fan area and remove ice, then plug it back in. If the noise remains, a technician should check the fan motor.
- Parts for this problem on the WRF757SDHZ (RepairClinic, 2026-09-21)
- evaporator fan motor assembly with defrost therm, part number W11224591, at $107.05; condenser fan motor, part number W11127829, at $127.64; icemaker fill tube heater, part number W11087201, at $71.94.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit models WRF555SDHV, WRF535SWHZ, WRQA59CNKZ, WRS588FIHZ, WRS325SDHZ, WRT318FZDW.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If a sound is not on the normal list and continues, contact Whirlpool service
- !If a fan blade knock is heard, service is needed
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Whirlpool's own help articles for its refrigerators, each; the article for this page is named in the page's notes.
Whirlpool's own page for this model's manuals and support.
Parts and list prices as shown on RepairClinic's parts search for this model number on 2026-09-21.
Exact questions
Common questions
Is popping normal?+
Yes, contraction and expansion of the inside walls, especially during initial cool-down.
Why does it click repeatedly?+
The dual evaporator valve switches between cooling the two compartments.
Why does it clatter?+
Ice is falling into the ice storage bin.
Why does it hum longer?+
High-efficiency compressors and fans run longer at lower speeds.
Where do I hear normal sounds?+
Whirlpool's Product Help has recordings under normal sounds.
Can items on top rattle?+
Yes, items on top can rattle, so remove them.
Is the ice maker noisy?+
It clicks and drops ice; that is normal.
What if the fan grinds?+
Check for ice and call service if it persists.