How to Fix a Wobbly Ceiling Fan

1. Cut Power to the Ceiling Fan

   Shut off power to the ceiling fan by flipping off the circuit breaker at the electric service panel.

2. Cover the Floor

   Cover the floor directly below the ceiling fan with a dropcloth or plastic sheeting.

3. Clean the Fan Blades

   With the extendable duster, clean the fan body and fan blades. Start at the top of the fan body, making sure to clean all around the downrod.

   Clean the fan blades by starting at the downrod, then pulling the duster outward until the dust drops from the blade. Clean all blades.

4. Remove the Canopy

   The canopy is the metal, dome-shaped part that hugs the ceiling, covering the mounting bracket and hanger ball. Remove the canopy by first removing the canopy cover ring, then by unscrewing one or more set screws typically located on the side of the canopy.

5. Check the Stability of the Mounting Bracket

   Located at the top of the downrod, the ceiling fan's mounting bracket is attached to an electrical box. Though electrical code does allow for one type of ceiling fan (paddle fans) to be mounted to the ceiling drywall alone, most ceiling fans must be mounted by supports to the ceiling joists.

   Grasp the mounting bracket and wiggle it side to side to check for stability. If you're able to access the attic with a flashlight, this is another way to inspect the strength of these items.

6. Check the Hanger Ball

   The ceiling fan hangs from the mounting bracket with a hanger ball. Lift the ceiling fan by the downrod to make sure that the hanger ball is properly seated in the bracket.

   The hanger ball is meant to be flexible within the mounting bracket to allow the fan to hang level.

7. Replace Components and Test Fan

   Reattach the canopy and the canopy ring. Turn the power back on at the electric service panel. Test the fan. If it is still wobbling, turn the power off again from the circuit breakers.

8. Measure Fan Blades

   Standing on the ladder, use the tape measure to measure the distance from the top of each fan blade to the ceiling. Be sure to measure each blade at the same point. All measurements should be the same or within 1/4-inch.

9. Tighten Fan Blades

   Check to see if any of the fan blades are low because they are loose. If so, tighten the blades to the blade arms or the blade arms to the motor housing.

   What Is a Blade Arm?

   Blade arms are T-shaped metal pieces that attach the fan blades to the ceiling fan.

10. Replace Fan Blade Arms (Optional)

    Distorted fan blade arms are difficult to bend back into shape. So, it's usually best to install replacement fan blade arms.

11. Replace Fan Blades (Optional)

    Entirely replace warped or sagging ceiling fan blades. Fan blades tend to be sold in five-packs, so it's best to replace all fan blades at once.

12. Add Fan Blade Balancers

    Turn the power back on and turn the fan off.

    Attach a plastic balancing clip from the balancing kit to the middle of any fan blade.

    Turn on and observe the fan to see if the wobble has been fixed. If not, shift the clip to the next blade.

    Continue shifting the clip from blade to blade and turning on the fan until the wobbling is minimized.

    Shift the clip along the length of the fan blade until the wobbling is lessened.

    Stick the self-adhesive weight to the top of the fan blade at the last location of the balancing clip.

When to Call a Professional

If the ceiling fan is defective, have a home repair service or electrician replace the ceiling fan. If the electrical box is loose within the ceiling, you may also decide to have a professional replace the box.