Exhaust Fan Dead or Making Grinding Noise? Blower Assembly S97020971 – Fix Broan & NuTone Ventilation Fast
If your Broan or NuTone bathroom exhaust fan has stopped running, produces little to no airflow, or is making grinding, squealing, or rattling noises, the blower assembly is the most common failed component. In most Broan and NuTone ventilation fans, the blower assembly contains the motor, blower wheel, and mounting plate as a single pre-assembled unit — when the motor bearings wear, windings fail, or the blower wheel is damaged, the entire assembly must be replaced to restore proper ventilation. ⚡ Common failure point in Broan QTRE110C, QTR070, QTR080, and QTXE110 series fans. Part S97020971 is the genuine OEM replacement blower assembly that restores full 110 CFM airflow and eliminates motor noise immediately.
❓ Is This the Right Part?
This is the correct fix if ALL of the following are true:
- ✔ Fan housing and grille are intact — only the motor/blower has failed
- ✔ Fan is wired correctly and receiving power at the switch
- ✔ Ductwork is clear and not blocked
- ✔ ONLY problem is no operation, weak airflow, grinding/squealing noise, or intermittent shutoff
Not sure? Send us your model number — we'll confirm before you order.
🔧 Common Symptoms
- Fan does not run at all when switched on
- Fan runs but produces little or no airflow
- Loud grinding, squealing, or rattling noise during operation
- Fan runs intermittently or shuts off unexpectedly
- Motor overheats and trips thermal protection cutoff
- Fan vibrates excessively during operation
- Visible damage to blower wheel or motor housing
✔ If these symptoms match, this is the most likely failed component in the system.
✔ In most cases, replacing this blower assembly restores full ventilation performance immediately.
📦 Part Details
- Part Number: S97020971
- Type: Complete exhaust fan blower assembly — PSC motor (0.19A, 120V, 60Hz), centrifugal blower wheel (7-5/8" × 2-7/8"), and mounting plate (10-3/8" × 11-1/4") pre-assembled
- Replaces: S97020048, S97018218, S97009796, S99080569, S99080582, 99080569, 99080582, 97016622, 97018218 (no modification required)
- Airflow Rating: 110 CFM
- Brands: Broan, NuTone
While the fan housing is open, inspect the duct connector and damper flap for debris buildup or damage. A blocked or stuck damper reduces airflow even with a new blower assembly installed — clearing it takes 5 minutes and ensures the new motor performs at full rated CFM.
⚙️ Installation
Skill Level: MODERATE — 30–45 minutes. Disconnect power at the breaker before servicing. Remove the fan grille and unplug the motor connector from the housing wiring. Unscrew the mounting plate from the fan housing, slide out the old blower assembly, and install the new S97020971 in reverse order. Ensure the blower wheel spins freely and the mounting plate is fully seated before restoring power.
✓ Compatible Models
Confirmed compatible with Broan QTRE110C, QTRE110, QTRE110S, QTRE110D, QTRE110F, QTR070, QTR070L, QTR070S, QTR070D, QTR070F, QTR080, QTR080L, QTR080S, QTR080D, QTR080F, QTXE110, QTXE110S, QTXE110D, QTXE110F, QTXE110FLT and NuTone QTXEN110, QTXEN110-A, QTXEN110S, QTXEN110D, QTXEN110F, QTXEN110FLT plus additional shared QTR and QTXE series models. Contact us to verify your model number before ordering.
💡 Pro Tip
Dust and lint accumulation inside the fan housing is the leading cause of premature blower motor failure. Before installing the new S97020971, vacuum out the housing interior and wipe down the duct collar. A clean housing extends motor life significantly and maintains rated airflow — this takes 10 minutes and protects your investment.
✅Compatibility & Cross Reference
Not sure about your model number? Call 1-877-899-7278 and we’ll help you confirm. All brand names are the property of their respective owners and are used for compatibility reference only.
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