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

   Clean the fan blades with the extendable duster. Hold a free blade with one hand to stabilize the fan. Start at the center and pull the duster outward until the dust drops from the blade. Clean all blades.

4. Remove the Canopy

   Remove the canopy by first removing the canopy cover ring. The canopy is the metal, dome-shaped part that hugs the ceiling, covering the mounting bracket and hanger ball.

5. Check the Stability of the Mounting Bracket

   Grasp the mounting bracket and wiggle it to check for stability. If you can access the attic with a flashlight, this is an alternate way to inspect the strength of these items.

6. Check the Hanger Ball

   Lift the ceiling fan by the downrod to ensure the hanger ball is correctly seated in the bracket. The hanger ball is meant to be flexible within the mounting bracket, allowing 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 and proceed to the following steps: securing and rebalancing the fan blades.

8. Check Fan Blade Height

   Use a ruler or 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 the Fan Blades to the Blade Arms

   Blade arms are the T-shaped metal pieces that attach the fan blades to the ceiling fan. If any fan blades are drooping because they are loosely connected to the blade arms, use a screwdriver to tighten them.

10. Replace Fan Blade Arms

    Replace the fan blade arms if they are bent or distorted. Bent fan blade arms are difficult to bend back into shape, so it's best to install replacement fan blade arms.

11. Replace Fan Blades

    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. Balance the Ceiling Fan

    Balance the ceiling fan by adding weighted clips to the blades.

    Attach a plastic balancing clip from the balancing kit to the middle of any fan blade. Turn on the fan and observe for wobbles. Shift the clip from blade to blade to see if this eliminates the wobble.

    When you find the blade causing the wobble, shift the clip along the length of the fan blade until the wobbling is gone. Use the adhesive to stick the weight in place.

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.