How to Fix a Wobbly Ceiling Fan
How to stop a ceiling fan from wobbling
A wobbly fan can be irritating, noisy, and even a safety hazard. If your ceiling fan is wobbling, you don’t want to put off finding a solution – it’s best to fix the problem as soon as possible. Luckily, it’s a relatively quick and simple process with our steps below.
This information should only be used as supplemental material to the model-specific fan manual included with your purchase of a Hunter ceiling fan. Always refer to your manual for the most accurate instructions for installing your fan. If your manual has been misplaced, you can easily find and download the model-specific manual for your Hunter fan.
Why does my ceiling fan wobble?
Wobbling can stem from a variety of causes, including blades warping, loose screws, and faulty installation. While Hunter fans are built to be wobble-free, incorrect installation can cause an issue with imbalance or wobbling. Whether you have a Hunter fan or one from another brand, you can use our troubleshooting tips to help fix a wobbling ceiling fan.
Steps to fix a wobbly ceiling fan
01.
First, turn the fan off and make sure there’s at least a 30-inch clearance from the tip of the fan blades to the nearest object for safety.
02.
Remove the canopy cover to examine the mounting bracket and make sure the fan is mounted properly. If the bracket is loose, use a screwdriver to tighten it.
03.
Tighten any hardware on the mounting plate, downrod, set screw, blades, and light kit.
At this point, turn the fan on and see if there’s still a wobble. If so, turn the fan off and continue with the following steps.
04.
Look for warped blades. If even one blade is slightly distorted, it can create an imbalance. Check for warping by standing on a secure ladder and looking down the edge of the blade toward the motor. If there’s any curvature, the blade is considered warped. Repeat this step for each blade. If they do not appear uneven, double check the screws that attach the blades to make sure they're tightened and secure. Warped blades cannot be balanced. Depending on your fan, replacement blades may be available.
05.
Use a balance kit to even out the blade weight distribution. All Hunter fans ship with a balance kit and directions on how to use it. If you don’t have a Hunter fan, you may need to purchase a separate balance kit, which can be found at any home improvement store.
For Hunter ceiling fans, our customer service team can assist in getting you replacement blades. If the fan still wobbles after you replace the blades, turn the fan off and try the next step.
How to use a
balance kit
Balance kits typically include plastic clips and balance weights.
01.
Make sure your fan is properly installed and all fasteners are secure. Running the fan counterclockwise on HIGH for 10-20 seconds is ideal for performing these next steps.
02.
With your fan stopped, attach a clip to the end of any blade. Run your fan and observe the wobble. Stop the fan and move the clip to the next blade. Repeat this process on all of the fan blades.
03.
Move clip to the edge of blade that caused the least wobble. Run your fan and observe the wobble. Adjust the clip in small increments along the edge of the blade until least wobble is achieved.
04.
At the location where you noticed the least wobble, adhere the balance weight and remove the clip.
If you have a Hunter fan and the above steps have not worked, please contact our support team at 1-888-830-1326 (the US or Canada) and explain the troubleshooting steps you have completed. Be sure to have your fan model number, which can be found in your Hunter manual, and your receipt handy when you call.
If you do not have a Hunter fan and your fan is still wobbling after trying these steps, it may be time to get a replacement. Hunter offers a wide selection of wobble- and noise-free ceiling fans in various sizes and styles to suit your space.
