How To Remove Bathroom Exhaust Fan Motor

How to Remove a Bathroom Exhaust Fan Motor

Most bathroom exhaust fans are powered by a small electric motor that runs continuously to extract air from the room. Over time, these motors can wear out or fail, requiring replacement. If you're comfortable working with electrical appliances, replacing an exhaust fan motor is a relatively simple task that you can do yourself using common tools.

Tools and Materials You'll Need:

Phillips head screwdriver
Flathead screwdriver
Electrical tape
New exhaust fan motor

Safety Precautions:

Before beginning any electrical work, always turn off the power to the circuit at the electrical panel.

Step 1: Remove the Exhaust Fan Grille

Locate the screws that hold the exhaust fan grille in place. They are typically located on the face of the grille. Remove the screws and carefully lift off the grille.

Step 2: Unscrew the Motor Housing

The motor housing is usually held in place by four screws. Locate the screws and remove them using a Phillips head screwdriver. Once the screws are removed, gently pull the motor housing straight down to detach it from the fan assembly.

Step 3: Disconnect the Motor Wires

Inside the motor housing, you will see two wires connected to the motor. One wire is typically black and the other white. Use a flathead screwdriver to carefully pry the wire nuts off of the wires. Then, pull the wires out of the motor terminals.

### Optional Step: Label the Wires

If you are not sure which wire goes to which terminal, it's a good idea to label them before disconnecting them. You can do this using a piece of electrical tape and a sharpie.

Step 4: Remove the Motor

Once the wires are disconnected, you can remove the motor from the housing. There may be a set screw or clip that needs to be loosened first. Once the motor is loose, remove it from the housing.

Step 5: Install the New Motor

Take the new motor and insert it into the housing. Make sure that the motor shaft is properly aligned with the fan blade. If necessary, use a set screw or clip to secure the motor in place.

Step 6: Reconnect the Motor Wires

Connect the black wire from the new motor to the black wire in the fan assembly. Connect the white wire from the new motor to the white wire in the fan assembly. Secure the connections with wire nuts and electrical tape.