[kayak99]

Kenmore refrigerator with freezer on the bottom. When new seven years ago I had their repair service over twice due to some snapping noise and noisy compressor. They said it was normal, put some more sound proofing stuff in it and said have a nice day.

This week the same noise became very loud (sort of a rattling squeaky noise) when running and after first incorrectly blaming it on a freezer fan the repairman pronounced the compressor has to be replaced, and offered to fix it for $645.

The refrigerator cools and works fine except for this awful noise. The repairman offered no alternatives (and of course the five year warranty ran out two years ago).

Anyone familiar with these units? Is there an alternative, does it sound like the compressor needs replacing or should we just shop for a new one?

We looked at LG brand units tonight. (again with bottom freezer) How are they?

Thanks

[denman]

Can only recommend you pull the unit out and check it for yourself.
If it is from inside the compressor then the only way to repair is to replace.
I would not put that amount of money into it
May make a good garage/basement fridge as it may last for a couple years like this, good for ice,drinks beer etc.

I do not know enough about fridges to recommend a unit. I have seen a number of complaints about LG's service but this may vary by locale.
I would not buy fancy unless you cannot help yourself. The more complicated the unit the more likely an expensive repair in the future.

[kayak99]

I had the back open a couple of times. If there are bearings inside that black football sized thing that may be where the problem lies. If that has no moving parts then the vibration is radiating form someplace else. (not the fan, as that is okay)

[denman]

The black football size thing is your compressor so it has moving parts.