The part(s) or condition(s) listed below for the symptom Bath fan motor is loud or noisy are ordered from most likely to least likely to occur. Check or test each item, starting with the items at the top of the page.
The exhaust fan motor bearings might be worn out. To determine if the bearings are worn out, wiggle the motor shaft back and forth. The motor shaft should not move at all. If the motor shaft moves even slightly, this indicates that the bearings are defective. The bearings are not repairable—if the bearings are worn out, you must replace the motor.
Try spinning the blower wheel by hand. If the blower wheel does not spin freely, check for the blower wheel for obstructions. In addition, ensure that the blower wheel is not rubbing against the blower housing. If the blower wheel is clear of obstructions, but it still doesn’t spin freely, replace the blower wheel.
First, inspect the fan blade for damage. If the fan blade is damaged, replace it. If the fan blade does not appear to be damaged, try turning the fan blade by hand. If the fan blade does not turn freely, check for obstructions. If any obstructions are present, remove them. If the fan blade does not turn freely, and no obstructions are present, the fan motor might be defective.