How to Replace Worn-Out Bathroom Exhaust Fan Bearings

Is your bathroom fan rattling, grinding, or squealing every time you turn it on? If so, there’s a good chance the bearings inside the fan motor are worn out. While most people think they need to replace the entire fan when it gets loud, you can often fix the noise (and extend the life of your fan) just by replacing the bearings.

This DIY guide will walk you through everything you need to know to replace worn-out bathroom fan bearings, from identifying the problem to getting your fan running quietly again.

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

Why Do Bathroom Fan Bearings Go Bad?

Bathroom fans run in a moist, often humid environment, and over time, that moisture combined with dust and daily use causes the fan bearings to wear out. Once the bearings start to break down, you’ll likely hear:

• Grinding or metal-on-metal sounds
• High-pitched squealing
• A rattling or vibrating noise when the fan is on
• A fan that’s slow to start or gets stuck

If left unchecked, bad bearings can burn out the motor. The sooner you fix them, the better.

Can I Just Lubricate the Bearings?

You can try lubricating the fan motor shaft with a few drops of light machine oil (like 3-in-1), and sometimes that will quiet things down temporarily. But if the noise comes back, or never goes away, then the bearings are likely too far gone and need to be replaced.

What You’ll Need

• Screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips)
• Needle-nose pliers
• Nut driver or socket wrench (depending on your fan model)
• Small hammer (optional)
• Allen wrench or hex key set
• Flashlight or headlamp

• Replacement motor bearings (match your motor model)
• Light machine oil or bearing grease
• Rags or paper towels
• Replacement fan motor (optional, if bearings aren’t available separately)

Tip: Some motors are sealed and don’t allow bearing replacement. If that’s the case, you’ll need to replace the whole motor, or possibly the entire fan unit.

Step 1: Turn Off Power to the Bathroom Fan

Before you start working, go to your circuit breaker and turn off the power to the bathroom. Flip the switch for the bathroom circuit, and then test the fan switch to make sure it won’t turn on.

Safety always comes first when working with electrical components.

Step 2: Remove the Fan Cover and Motor

1. Take off the fan grille: Gently pull it down, then squeeze the metal spring clips and pull them from the slots.
2. Remove the fan motor assembly: Most fan motors are held in by a few screws or a metal bracket. Use your screwdriver or nut driver to remove them.
3. Unplug the motor: If your fan has a plug, disconnect it. If it’s hardwired, you may need to loosen wire nuts and label the wires for easy reconnection later.

Set the motor assembly on a clean work surface where you can inspect it up close.

Step 3: Remove the Fan Blade or Impeller

Before you can get to the bearings, you’ll need to remove the fan blade (also called the impeller or blower wheel).

• Look for a small set screw on the fan blade hub. Use an Allen wrench to loosen it.
• If the blade is press-fit, gently wiggle it off the shaft. You can use a small hammer and block of wood to tap it loose if needed, just be careful not to bend the shaft.

Set the blade aside. This is a great time to clean it if it’s dusty or grimy.

Step 4: Access the Motor Bearings

With the blade removed, take a closer look at the motor. Depending on your model, you may need to:

• Remove end caps or housings
• Unscrew a few small fasteners
• Carefully pry off retaining rings or clips

Once you open the motor, you should see the bearings on both ends of the shaft.

Note: If the motor is completely sealed or glued together, it might not be serviceable. In that case, skip to the end of this guide where we talk about replacing the whole motor instead.

Step 5: Remove the Old Bearings

Bearings are often press-fit, so they may be snug.

• Use pliers or a small flathead screwdriver to gently pry them out.
• Some motors have snap rings or clips that need to be removed first.
• Take note of the bearing size and type, you’ll need the same size when buying replacements.

Once removed, clean the bearing slots with a rag and a bit of rubbing alcohol or mild degreaser.

Step 6: Install the New Bearings

• Line up the new bearings with the shaft and press them into place.
• If needed, use a wooden dowel or small socket and gently tap them in with a hammer.
• Make sure they’re seated evenly and snugly.

Apply a small amount of light machine oil or bearing grease to the bearings to keep them running smoothly.

Step 7: Reassemble the Fan Motor

Now that the new bearings are in:

1. Reattach any caps, clips, or covers you removed.
2. Slide the fan blade back onto the shaft.
3. Tighten the set screw or secure it as needed.
4. Make sure the blade spins freely with no resistance or wobble.

Step 8: Reinstall the Motor in the Fan Housing

1. Position the motor back into the fan housing.
2. Reconnect the wiring or plug it in.
3. Use screws or brackets to secure it firmly in place.

Before reinstalling the fan cover, test the motor by restoring power and flipping the switch.

Step 9: Test the Fan

With power back on, turn the fan on and listen:

• Is the noise gone?
• Does the fan spin smoothly?
• Any grinding, humming, or vibrating?

If all sounds good, congrats, you just saved yourself the cost of a new fan and got your old one running like new!

Step 10: Reattach the Fan Cover

Once everything is working properly:

• Squeeze the spring clips and push the grille back into the ceiling.
• Enjoy your quieter, smoother bathroom fan.

What If You Can’t Replace the Bearings?

Some bathroom fan motors are sealed or don’t have replaceable bearings. If that’s the case, your options are:

1. Replace the motor – Most home improvement stores carry universal replacement motors for common fan brands like Broan, NuTone, or Panasonic.
2. Replace the entire fan unit – This might be the easiest long-term solution if your fan is old, underpowered, or inefficient.

Replacing the whole unit is a bit more work but may be worth it if you’re dealing with multiple issues like poor airflow, loud noise, or outdated parts.

Final Thoughts

Bathroom fan noise is annoying, but it doesn’t always mean you have to buy a whole new fan. Replacing the bearings can bring your fan back to life, improve airflow, and cut down on vibration and wear.

With just a few tools, some patience, and a little mechanical curiosity, you can tackle this repair yourself and save money while improving your bathroom’s comfort.

Where To Find Us 

If you need any replacement parts for your appliances, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to locate and order them quickly. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have tons of great information in our repair help section and YouTube videos to help you troubleshoot.

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