Broan-NuTone Replacement Fan Motor kits

Broan-NuTone Replacement Fan Motor kits: The Ultimate Guide to Restoring Ventilation

Is your bathroom exhaust fan humming louder than a lawnmower, or has your range hood stopped clearing smoke entirely? Broan-NuTone Replacement Fan Motor kits are the industry-standard solution for restoring quiet, efficient ventilation without the hassle of a full remodel. Whether you are dealing with a steamy bathroom or a greasy kitchen, swapping out the motor is often a cost-effective 10-minute DIY project that saves you from cutting into drywall.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about selecting and installing the correct replacement motor, understanding crucial specifications like CFM rating and Sone noise level, and deciding between OEM replacement parts and universal upgrades.

Why Choose Broan-NuTone Replacement Fan Motor kits?

When a ventilation fan fails, the motor is almost always the culprit. The housing, ductwork, and grille usually remain in perfect condition. Opting for a motor replacement kit instead of a complete unit replacement offers several advantages:

Cost Efficiency: You pay only for the electromechanical parts, not the housing or new duct connectors.
Time-Saving: Most replacement motors are plug-in motor assemblies that drop directly into the existing housing.
No Drywall Repair: Since you aren’t removing the fan box from the ceiling, there is no need to patch, texture, or paint the ceiling.
Performance Upgrades: Many kits allow you to upgrade an old, noisy fan to a whisper-quiet model with better air movement.

Signs Your Motor Needs Replacement

Before ordering a part, confirm that the motor is the issue. Look for these signs during your HVAC maintenance check:

Excessive Noise: Grinding, screeching, or metal-on-metal sounds indicate worn bearings.
Poor Airflow: The fan spins, but the bathroom mirror still fogs up completely (check the CFM rating).
Seized Motor: The switch is on, but the blade doesn’t spin at all, often accompanied by a humming sound.
Vibration: The fan shakes the housing, creating a rattling noise that tightening screws won’t fix.

Identifying the Right Replacement Part

The most critical step is finding the exact match for your unit. Broan and NuTone have manufactured thousands of models over the decades.

Finding the Model Number

Bathroom Exhaust Fans: Remove the cover grille (pull down and squeeze the springs). Look for a metal specification plate or sticker inside the housing. Common model numbers include 696N, 688, 763RL, and 671.
Range Hood Ventilation: Remove the aluminum grease filters. The model number is typically on a sticker inside the hood shell, near the light socket or motor bracket. Look for series names like Allure, QS1, or F40000.

Understanding Specifications

CFM Rating (Cubic Feet per Minute): This measures how much air the fan moves. A standard bathroom needs at least 50 CFM, while larger master baths may require 80-110 CFM.
Sone Noise Level: This measures loudness. An old builder-grade fan might be 4.0 Sones (loud), while a high-quality upgrade kit can be as low as 0.8 to 1.5 Sones (nearly silent).
Electric Motor Specifications: Ensure the voltage (usually 120V) and plug type match. Most bathroom fans use a standard 2-prong plug.

Popular Broan-NuTone Motor Kits & Cross-Reference

Use this quick Model number cross-reference to identify common replacement paths.

Original Model	Upgrade/Replacement Kit	Benefits
696N / 696	C350BN / C350BNR	Direct OEM replacement. Note: Check housing size; pre-1999 housings differ.
688 / 671	BKR60 (QuicKit)	Universal upgrade kit. Increases airflow to 60 CFM and lowers noise to 2.5 Sones.
NuTone 695	QK60S	Includes a new grille and blower wheel for a fresh look and quiet operation.
Allure Range Hoods	99080535 (Motor Only)	Direct replacement for range hoods. Often requires retaining the old fan blade.

Pro Tip: For the ubiquitous NuTone 696N, measure your metal housing box. If it measures 8″ x 7.25″, you need the specific pre-1999 motor assembly. Newer “universal” kits may not fit the older B-unit housings perfectly.

Installation Guide: Bathroom Exhaust Fan Motor

Replacing a bathroom fan motor is one of the easiest home repairs. You generally only need a flathead screwdriver and a vacuum.

Power Down: Turn off the wall switch and flip the circuit breaker to ensure safety.
Remove the Grille: Pull the plastic cover down and squeeze the metal mounting springs to release it.
Unplug the Motor: Most residential units have a short black cord plugged into a small receptacle inside the housing.
Remove the Assembly:
- Look for a single tab or screw holding the metal plate.
- Insert a flathead screwdriver into the tab slot and twist, or remove the screw.
- The entire ventilation motor assembly should drop down.
Clean the Housing: Use a shop vac to remove years of dust and lint from the duct opening.
Install the New Motor: Insert the tabs of the new motor plate into the housing slots, swing it up, and snap it into place (or secure the screw).
Reconnect: Plug the new motor into the receptacle and reattach the grille.

Range Hood Ventilation Motor Replacement

Replacing a range hood ventilation motor is slightly more involved due to the location and grease accumulation.

Access: Remove the grease filters and the bottom cover plate (if applicable).
Disconnect: Unplug the motor harness. You may need to remove a wire retaining clip.
Removal: Support the motor with one hand while removing the mounting nuts (usually 2 or 4) with a nut driver.
Fan Blade Transfer: If your kit is a motor only, you must transfer the blower wheel or fan blade.
- Caution: These plastic blades can be brittle. If it’s stuck, use penetrating oil and pull gently from the hub, not the blades.
Reassembly: Bolt the new motor in, reattach the fan blade (ensure it spins freely without hitting the housing), and plug it back in.

OEM Replacement Parts vs. Universal Motors

When shopping, you will see “Genuine OEM replacement parts” and “Universal” options.

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer): Made by Broan-NuTone. Guaranteed to fit the specific mounting bracket and plug configuration. These are the safest bet for ease of install.
Universal Motors: Generic motors that fit many brands. They often require you to cut wires, splice connections, or shorten the shaft. Only recommended if an OEM part is obsolete.

Maintenance Tips for Longevity

To get the most out of your new motor:

Regular Cleaning: Vacuum the grille and motor assembly every 6 months. Dust buildup causes overheating and imbalance.
Check the Blower Wheel: A caked-on layer of dust on the blower wheel blades significantly reduces CFM and increases noise. Wash it with warm soapy water if it’s removable.
Lubrication: Most modern motors have permanently sealed bearings and do not require oiling. Attempting to oil them can attract dust and cause failure.

By selecting the correct Broan-NuTone Replacement Fan Motor kits, you can extend the life of your ventilation system by another 10-15 years, ensuring your home remains free of moisture, mold, and cooking odors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find the correct model number for my replacement motor?
To find the model number for a bathroom exhaust fan, remove the cover grille and look for a metal specification plate or a sticker inside the housing box. For range hoods, remove the aluminum grease filters; the model number is typically located on a sticker inside the hood shell near the motor bracket or light socket.

Is it better to replace the entire fan or just the motor kit?
In most cases, a motor kit is the superior choice. It is more cost-effective because you only pay for the mechanical parts, and it saves significant time by avoiding the need to cut into drywall or replace ductwork. Replacing the motor is often a simple 10-minute DIY project that preserves your existing ceiling finish.

What is the difference between CFM and Sones?
CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) measures the volume of air the fan moves; a higher CFM is necessary for larger rooms to prevent moisture buildup. Sones measure the noise level of the fan. If you want a quieter bathroom, look for a replacement kit with a lower Sone rating (such as 0.8 to 1.5) compared to older, louder models.

Can I upgrade my old, noisy fan to a quieter model using a kit?
Yes. Many Broan-NuTone replacement kits, such as the QuicKit (BKR60), are designed as universal upgrades. These allow you to replace the internal components of an old builder-grade fan with a newer motor and blower wheel that provides better airflow (higher CFM) and significantly less noise (lower Sones).

Should I choose an OEM part or a universal motor?
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts are highly recommended because they are guaranteed to match the mounting brackets and plug configurations of your specific unit. Universal motors often require more complex installation steps, such as splicing wires or modifying the motor shaft, and should generally only be used if the OEM part is no longer manufactured.