Broan-NuTone Exhaust Fan Blower Assembly S97020971, Replaces S99080582

Is This the Right Part?

✅ Cross Reference Information

Common Symptoms

• Fan does not run when switched on
• Fan runs but produces little or no airflow
• Fan makes loud grinding, squealing, or rattling noises
• Fan runs intermittently or shuts off unexpectedly
• Motor overheats and shuts off due to thermal protection
• Visible damage to blower wheel or motor housing
• Fan vibrates excessively during operation
• Fan runs slower than normal
• Fan does not exhaust moisture or odors effectively
• Motor hums but blower wheel doesn't spin
• Fan trips circuit breaker when turned on
• Burning smell from fan motor

Check Before Replacing

• Inspect and clean the fan grille, blower wheel and housing interior — heavy dust accumulation restricts airflow and causes overheating without motor failure
• Confirm the duct connection is intact and the exterior vent cap and damper open freely — a blocked or stuck damper produces weak airflow even with a functional motor
• Verify the fan is receiving correct voltage at the switch and that wiring connections inside the housing are secure
• Confirm the blower wheel turns freely by hand before condemning the motor — a seized wheel can stall a functional motor
• Match the complete fan model number on the housing label to the verified compatibility list before ordering

Pro Tip

Part Details

Installation Notes

• Turn off power
• to the exhaust fan at the circuit breaker to ensure complete power disconnection.
• Verify power is off
• by attempting to turn on the fan switch. The fan should not operate.
• Use a non-contact voltage tester
• to verify no power is present at the fan housing before proceeding.
• Set up a stable ladder or step stool
• to safely access the ceiling-mounted exhaust fan.
• Take multiple photos
• of the fan grille, housing, blower assembly position, and wire connections before disassembly. Document the assembly orientation and any visible components from multiple angles. This is critical for proper reassembly.
• Remove the fan grille
• from the ceiling. Most grilles are held in place by spring clips or mounting screws. Gently pull the grille down and release the spring clips, or remove the mounting screws.
• Set the grille aside
• in a safe location.
• Locate the blower assembly
• inside the fan housing. It's typically a rectangular unit with a motor and blower wheel visible.
• Take a photo of all wire connections
• to the blower assembly motor before disconnecting.
• Disconnect the wire connectors
• from the blower assembly motor. The motor typically has two wires (black and white) that connect to the house wiring via wire nuts or quick-connect terminals.
• Label each wire
• with masking tape indicating its color and connection point (e.g., "black wire - motor," "white wire - motor").
• Locate the blower assembly mounting hardware.
• The assembly is typically secured to the fan housing with mounting screws, clips, or a mounting plate.
• Remove the mounting screws or clips
• that secure the blower assembly to the fan housing (typically 2-4 fasteners).
• Carefully lower the blower assembly
• out of the fan housing. Support the assembly as you remove it to prevent it from falling.
• Place the old blower assembly on a clean work surface
• with adequate space for inspection.
• Inspect the old blower assembly
• for visible damage such as broken blower wheel blades, burnt motor windings, seized motor bearings, or damaged mounting plate. This confirms the diagnosis.
• Inspect the fan housing
• for dust, lint, or debris accumulation. Clean the housing thoroughly with a vacuum or damp cloth.
• Inspect the ductwork connection
• for blockages or damage. Verify the duct is properly connected and not crushed or kinked.
• Unpack the new S97020971 exhaust fan blower assembly
• from its packaging. Handle carefully to avoid damaging the motor, blower wheel, or mounting plate.
• Verify the assembly specifications
• match the old assembly: 0.19 amps, 120 volts, 60Hz, 10-3/8" x 11-1/4" mounting plate, 7-5/8" x 2-7/8" blower wheel.
• Compare the new assembly to the old one
• to verify the mounting plate size, motor position, blower wheel size, and wire configuration match. Ensure you have the correct replacement part.
• Inspect the new assembly
• for any damage or defects before installation. The blower wheel should spin freely without binding or rubbing.
• Verify the blower wheel rotates in the correct direction.
• The wheel should rotate clockwise (CW) when viewed from the motor side. The rotation direction is typically marked on the motor housing.
• Position the new blower assembly
• in the fan housing, aligning the mounting plate with the housing mounting holes.
• Verify the assembly is properly oriented
• by comparing it to your photos. The blower wheel outlet must align with the ductwork connection.
• Secure the blower assembly
• with the mounting screws or clips. Tighten firmly but not over-tightening (which can crack the mounting plate or strip threads).
• Verify the assembly is properly seated
• and does not wobble or shift when gently pushed.
• Verify the blower wheel does not contact the housing
• at any point. Spin the wheel by hand to verify it rotates freely without rubbing or binding.
• Reconnect the wire connectors
• to the blower assembly motor, matching the labels you applied earlier. Connect black wire to black wire and white wire to white wire using wire nuts or quick-connect terminals.
• Verify all connections are secure
• by gently tugging on each wire. None should pull loose.
• Tuck the wires neatly
• into the fan housing to prevent them from contacting the blower wheel or motor.
• Reinstall the fan grille
• by aligning it with the ceiling opening and securing it with spring clips or mounting screws.
• Verify the grille is properly seated
• and flush with the ceiling.
• Restore power
• at the circuit breaker.
• Turn on the fan
• using the wall switch to verify proper operation.
• Verify the blower motor runs
• and the blower wheel rotates smoothly.
• Verify proper airflow
• by holding a tissue or piece of paper near the grille. The tissue should be drawn toward the grille, indicating proper suction.
• Listen for unusual noises
• during operation. The fan should operate quietly with only normal airflow sounds. No grinding, squealing, or rattling noises should be present.
• Monitor for vibrations
• during operation. The fan should operate smoothly without excessive shaking or vibration.
• If the fan does not run
• , verify all wire connections are secure and power is present at the fan housing. Check the wall switch is functioning properly.
• If the fan runs but produces little airflow
• , verify the ductwork is not blocked or crushed and the blower wheel is rotating in the correct direction.
• If the fan makes unusual noises
• , verify the blower wheel does not contact the housing and all mounting screws are tight.
• If the fan vibrates excessively
• , verify the blower assembly is properly secured and the blower wheel is not damaged or imbalanced.
• Run the fan for 10-15 minutes
• to verify proper operation and monitor for any issues.
• Verify the motor does not overheat
• during extended operation. The motor should run cool to warm but not hot to the touch.
• Monitor the fan for 24-48 hours
• of normal use to ensure it operates properly without unusual noises, vibrations, or performance issues.
• Safety Notes:
• Always turn off power at the circuit breaker before working on the exhaust fan. Use a non-contact voltage tester to verify power is off before touching any wires. Never operate the fan with the grille removed or the blower assembly exposed. Ensure all wire connections are secure and correct before restoring power. Use a stable ladder or step stool and work with a helper if needed for safety. This repair requires electrical knowledge and working at heights—if you're uncomfortable with the process, consult a professional electrician or HVAC technician.

Verified Compatible Models

QTREN110-A, QTREN110F, QTREN110F-A, QTREN110-B, QTREN110F-B, QTREN110-C, QTREN110F-C, QTREN110-D, QTREN110F-D, QTREN110-E, QTREN110F-E, QT110E, QT110LE, QT90L, QTN110LE, QTR100, QTR100FLT, QTR100L, QTR110, QTR110L, QTREN110, QTRN110, QTRN110L, QTX110SL, SSQTXE110, QTXE110-A, QTXE110-B, QTXE110-C, QTXE110-D, QTXEN110-A, QTXEN110-B, QTXEN110-C, QTXEN110-D, QTXE1102-A

Fitment reminder: Match the complete appliance model number, including suffix or revision where applicable, before ordering.