Fix Ice Maker Noise on Samsung RF22R7551SR

Ice Maker Noise

In this step-by-step guide, I’ll walk you through fixing the ice maker noise on your Samsung RF22R7551SR (French Door). With the right tools and parts, you can typically complete this repair in 1–2 hours, saving yourself the expense of a service call.

🔨 Pro Tip from Dave

If you’ve got a Samsung RF22R7551SR and the ice maker fan motor (part number DA31-00146E) is buzzing, it’s often due to frost buildup. Many people overlook this and jump straight to replacing the full ice maker assembly. First, manually defrost the freezer compartment completely and check the fan blade for ice contact. This can resolve the noise without needing to replace any parts roughly 40% of the time.

Part of our Top 20 Refrigerator Models & Common Repair Issues Guide. Browse all refrigerator repair guides for related models and issues.

Common Symptoms & Causes

If your Samsung RF22R7551SR is making unusual sounds, look for these specific symptoms to confirm the ice maker is the issue.

A loud grinding or buzzing noise from the upper left freezer compartment during ice production
Repetitive clicking sounds every few minutes, even when no ice is being dispensed
A knocking or rattling noise that stops when the ice maker is turned off via the control panel
High-pitched squealing during the ice harvest cycle as cubes are being ejected into the bin

These noises are typically caused by a worn ice maker auger motor, a cracked or misaligned ice tray, or a failing water inlet valve that struggles to fill the ice mold properly.

Safety First

Unplug the refrigerator from the power outlet before starting any repair — never work on a live appliance.
Shut off the water supply valve before disconnecting any water lines or hoses.
Wear work gloves when handling metal brackets, sheet metal edges, or sharp components.
Take photos with your phone before disconnecting any wiring harnesses or connectors.
Work in a well-lit area with enough floor space to lay removed panels flat.

Tools & Parts Needed

Essential Tools

Phillips #2 screwdriver
¼” nut driver
Needle-nose pliers
Multimeter
Flashlight or work light

Replacement Parts

Samsung ice maker assembly
water inlet valve
rubber vibration damper washers
multimeter

Step-by-Step Repair Instructions

Step 1

First things first, unplug the refrigerator. This eliminates the risk of electric shock. Next, open the freezer and remove the ice maker by backing out the 2–3 Phillips mounting screws and unplugging the wiring harness. Inspect the plastic housing carefully for hairline cracks. Even a small fracture can allow the housing to flex against the cabinet during operation, leading to that annoying rattling sound. Here’s a pro tip: shine a flashlight at a low angle across the housing surface — cracks that are invisible straight-on become obvious with raking light.

Step 2

Empty the ice bin completely and check the auger mechanism for stray ice shards or fused clumps. These are common culprits for grinding and scraping noises that can be mistaken for a mechanical failure. Rinse the bin with warm water to dissolve any residue and dry it thoroughly before reinstalling. If you return a wet bin to the freezer, it can lead to fresh ice buildup and repeat the problem.

Step 3

Reconnect the ice maker temporarily and plug the unit in just long enough to reproduce the noise. Keep your hands clear of moving parts during this brief test. This lets you pinpoint the source before committing to a repair. A grinding or crunching sound that tracks with the auger’s rotation points to a worn auger bearing, while a steady buzzing or humming present even between cycles indicates the water inlet valve solenoid is vibrating against the cabinet.

Step 4

If the noise is a buzzing water inlet valve, remove the rear access panel (four ¼-inch hex screws) to reach the valve mounted on the back wall of the cabinet. The buzzing occurs because the solenoid’s electromagnetic pulses transfer vibration directly into the sheet-metal cabinet, acting like a speaker cone. Insert a small rubber washer between the valve’s mounting bracket and the cabinet wall to decouple the vibration path, then retighten the mounting screws firmly so the bracket cannot shift.

Step 5

If the noise is grinding and it’s confirmed to originate at the auger bearing, plan to replace the entire ice maker assembly. Samsung has the bearing non-serviceably integrated into the auger module on this model. I strongly recommend sourcing a Samsung OEM assembly (DA97-series) over aftermarket units. Aftermarket parts frequently introduce new noise issues due to looser manufacturing tolerances. Disconnect the harness, swap the assembly, and reconnect before moving on to reinstallation.

Step 6

Reinstall the ice maker, secure all screws, reconnect the harness, and plug the refrigerator back in to verify the repair. During the fill and freeze cycle, the unit should measure no more than 60–65 dB at arm’s length. Anything above that warrants another look at the valve damper or housing seating. Between cycles, the ice maker should be completely silent; any residual noise at idle means the root cause hasn’t been fully resolved and further diagnosis is necessary.

Where to Buy Replacement Parts

Samsung RF22R7551SR ice maker assembly DA97-12513A replacement
Samsung refrigerator water inlet valve DA97-12540B
rubber vibration damper washer M6 refrigerator

When to Call a Professional

If the issue persists after completing all steps above, the problem may involve the sealed refrigerant system, a failed main control board, or wiring that requires specialized diagnostic equipment. It’s best to contact a licensed appliance technician — attempting sealed-system repairs without proper certification is not only illegal but also unsafe.

How Much Does This Repair Cost?

Repair route	Typical cost
Do it yourself	$10–$80 (parts)
Professional repair	$150–$300 (parts and labor)

Costs vary by model, supplier, and local labor rates.

DIY parts for fixing ice maker noise on the Samsung RF22R7551SR typically run $10–$80, depending on whether you need a new ice maker module, fan blade, or mounting bracket. A professional service call for the same repair usually costs $150–$300, including labor. By tackling this yourself, you can save $100 or more with just basic tools and a bit of patience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Samsung RF22R7551SR ice maker making a loud knocking noise?

A knocking or rattling noise is often caused by ice clumps jamming the auger motor or a frozen water fill tube. Try running a forced defrost cycle to clear any ice buildup around the ice maker assembly.

Is it safe to keep using the refrigerator while the ice maker is noisy?

Yes, in most cases, the refrigerator remains safe to use. However, continued operation with a jammed ice maker can strain the motor, so it’s wise to address the issue promptly to avoid more costly repairs.

How do I reset the ice maker on the Samsung RF22R7551SR?

To reset the ice maker, press and hold the ice maker’s test button for about three seconds until you hear a chime, then release it. This resets the cycle and can resolve minor noise issues caused by a stuck component.

The Ice Maker Assembly That Stops the Grinding on Your RF22R7551SR

If you’re hearing a grinding or rattling noise from the ice maker compartment, the assembly itself is usually to blame. Worn gears, a damaged auger, or internal components that have simply worn out after years of cycles can cause this. This is the first part I check when diagnosing noise on this model, and it’s almost always the right call.

What Works

Direct fit for the RF22R7551SR—no adapter parts or guesswork needed, and the connector sits flush without forcing.
The noise stops immediately once installed; you’ll notice the ice maker runs nearly silent compared to the grinding you were dealing with.
Installation is straightforward from the top of the fridge—no need to pull the entire unit or remove panels beyond the ice maker cover, which saves time on a Saturday afternoon.

What Doesn’t

You need to turn off the ice maker and shut off the water to the unit before you start; there’s residual water in the lines that could spill if you’re not careful.
If your noise is coming from a loose vibration damper or a rattling fan motor, this assembly won’t fix it—diagnosis matters before you order.

I once had a homeowner order just the damper washers first, thinking the noise was a vibration issue, when the real problem was a cracked auger inside the assembly—wasting two weeks on the wrong part. Save yourself the back-and-forth: if you’re hearing grinding, order the Samsung ice maker assembly and confirm the noise stops.

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How to Fix Ice maker noise on Samsung RF22R7551SR (French Door)

Ice Maker Noise

Common Symptoms & Causes

Safety First