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When your bathroom fan starts humming like a beehive or stops spinning altogether, you don’t need to rip out the whole ceiling assembly. The fix is often a direct swap of the motor inside. This guide covers the best bathroom fan motor replacements that drop right into common models from Broan, NuTone, and Air King — so you get quiet airflow without the contractor bill.
I’m Min — the founder and writer behind Gadgets Feed. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
To get a bathroom fan motor replacement that fits, you need to match three things to your existing housing: the shaft size (the metal rod the blade spins on), the mounting hole spacing (the distance between screw holes), and the blade type (the shape and size of the fan blades).
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Bathroom Fan Motor Replacement
A failed bathroom fan is annoying, but picking the wrong motor is worse. Here is what to measure before you click buy.
Match the Mounting & Shaft
The two critical dimensions are the center-to-center distance of the mounting studs (often around 1.88 inches) and the shaft diameter and length (commonly 3/16 inch by 1.5 inches). If those match, the motor will bolt right in. A slightly longer shaft is usually fine; a shorter one means the fan blade won’t sit correctly.
Blade Style Matters
Some kits come only with a motor, expecting you to reuse the old blade. Others include a new blower wheel. A curved blower wheel moves more air quietly than a flat paddle-style blade. If your old blade is metal and the new one is plastic, consider reusing the metal one for better airflow.
CFM and Sones
CFM (cubic feet per minute) tells you how much air the motor moves. A standard bathroom needs about 50 CFM; larger rooms benefit from 70 CFM. Sones measure loudness. Lower sones are quieter. A rating of 4.0 sones is noticeable but conversational; 6.0 sones is loud enough to be a bother.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | CFM | Noise Level | Weight | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broan S99080517★ Best Overall | Best Overall | 50 CFM (typical) | Quiet | 1.6 lb | Amazon |
| Ceoighe Vent Fan Motor KitBudget Champion | Budget Champion | 50 CFM | Quiet | 1.2 lb | Amazon |
| Broan-NuTone C350BNRFastest Install | Fastest Install | 50 CFM | 4.0 Sones | 1.6 lb | Amazon |
| BOJACK BJ-YJF-6158 | Best Fit | 50 CFM | Quiet hum | 4.6 oz | Amazon |
| NOOTO S97012038 | Highest Rated | 50 CFM | Quiet | — | Amazon |
| BOJACK BJ-YJF-58 | Strong Airflow | — | Noticeable | 1.7 lb | Amazon |
| PANDEELS SM550 (2-Pack) | Multi-Bath Value | 50 CFM | Extremely quiet | — | Amazon |
| Air King AS50 KIT | Air King Match | 50 CFM | Quiet | 1.0 lb | Amazon |
| Broan-NuTone RE70BN | Power Upgrade | 70 CFM | 6.0 Sones | 2.4 lb | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Broan S99080517 Bathroom Fan Motor
Our pick — over 4.5★ from 300+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The quiet replacement that fits Broan housings from the 1960s up to today.
Buyers reach for this motor-only kit from the OEM brand when their old motor starts grinding. It runs much quieter than the unit it replaces — reviewers report it is “much quieter than the fan motor it replaced.” It is rated at 120 volts and 1.3 amps. At 16 ounces, it is a little heavier than the Ceoighe (1.2 pounds), but that extra weight comes from a copper winding (a wire coil that conducts electricity efficiently) and sturdy construction that owners say vents steamy air quickly.
Performance is the top praise by a wide margin, and quality ranks second. The recurring negative is that a small number of units have failed early, though that is not the majority experience. One honest trade-off: the motor is motor-only, so you will need to reuse your existing blade and mounting plate.
Why It Wins
- Much quieter than the original factory motor
- Exact fit for a wide range of older Broan models
- Copper windings and good build quality
Note This
- Motor only — no fan blade or mounting plate included
- A handful of buyers report early failures
Your best bet if: you own a Broan fan and want the quietest drop-in motor from the original brand.
Consider another if: you need a complete motor-and-blade kit or are on the tightest budget.
2. Bathroom Vent Fan Motor and Ceiling Blower Wheel Replacement Kit
The lightweight kit that brings a dead 50 CFM fan back to life for pocket change.
At just 1.2 pounds, this is one of the lightest motor-plus-blade combos you can buy, and it includes both the motor and a fan blade. It spins at 3000 RPM and draws 1 amp at 120 volts. The crowd favorite feature is how easy it installs — functionality and installation dominate the praise. Owners mention it is “very quiet” and fits vintage Broan N688 models perfectly.
The main durability concern is real: several customers note the motor seizing after about 8 months of use, though others report a lifespan of 4-5 years. For the price, the trade-off is acceptable if you are reviving a guest bath or a rental unit where long-term silence is not critical.
Smart money move: If you need a quick fix for a secondary bathroom and the low cost outweighs the gamble on longevity, this kit works beautifully right from the start.
Reach for this if: you want a complete motor and blade kit for the lowest cost, and you are comfortable with a potential 8-month lifespan.
skip it if: you need a motor that will run quietly for a decade without worry.
3. Broan-NuTone Genuine Replacement Motor/Wheel for 50 CFM Bathroom Fans
A 90-second plug-and-play swap that includes the mounting plate and blower wheel.
This genuine Broan-NuTone kit comes with the motor, blower wheel (the spinning part that moves air), and mounting plate already assembled. It is rated at 50 CFM (cubic feet per minute — how much air it moves) and 4.0 sones (a measure of loudness; lower is quieter). What wins people over is installation — reviewers point out it takes about 90 seconds. The motor is described as “more sturdy than cheaper models” and is expected to last decades.
The noise level at 4.0 sones is the most-discussed trade-off. It is not whisper-quiet; shoppers say it is slightly louder than the very cheapest aftermarket motors but quieter than the original factory unit. It fits NuTone models 696N with the older 8 x 7.25 inch housing.
What You Get
- Includes mounting plate for a 90-second install
- Genuine OEM part with expected multi-decade lifespan
- More sturdy motor construction than generic alternatives
What to Know
- 4.0 sones is audible — quieter than OEM but not silent
- Only fits older 8 x 7.25 inch housings
Grab this if: you want the absolute easiest install and a genuine OEM part for your compatible NuTone housing.
Look elsewhere if: you need a motor for a different housing size or you require near-silent operation.
4. BOJACK Bathroom Vent Exhaust Fan Motor Kit
The UL-certified motor that fits Nutone, Broan, Uppco, and Dayton fans equally well.
This BOJACK kit includes a motor and a 4.5-inch flat paddle-style fan blade. It runs at 50 CFM, 0.65 amps, and 3000 RPM. The shaft is 1.75 inches long by 3/16 inch diameter. Functionality and installation are the top praise points, and it comes with UL certification for safety. One owner noted the pin driving the motor was too long and needed a quarter-inch trim, but after that it ran more silently and powerfully than the 20-year-old original.
The noise level is mixed — some find it quieter than expected, others find it noticeable. The flat paddle blade also produces less airflow than a curved blower wheel, so if moving a lot of air is your priority, consider a kit with a curved blade.
Versatility winner: For the widest compatibility list — Nutone, Broan, Uppco, Dayton, and Sears — this motor is a proven performer with strong owner satisfaction.
Pick this if: you have an off-brand or older fan and need the widest compatibility from a single motor.
Think twice if: you need maximum airflow and prefer a curved blower wheel over a flat paddle.
5. NOOTO S97012038 Bathroom Vent Exhaust Fan Motor Kit
The near-perfect motor kit that revived a 25-year-old Broan 680 without any fuss.
This kit from NOOTO delivers a motor and blower wheel assembly that replaces Broan part numbers S97012038 and 99080216. It runs at 50 CFM, 120 volts, 0.29 amps, and 3000 RPM. Reliability and noise level are the top positives by a healthy margin. One owner notes it was a “perfect fit to repair a 25 year old Broan 680” and called it smooth, quiet, and great value. The included blower wheel is 4.5 inches in diameter.
The only common nitpick is that the shaft (the metal rod the blade attaches to) is a bit longer than the original, but that rarely prevents the install. If you have a Broan 659, 662, 663, 668, 678, or 688, this is likely your best bet for a smooth swap.
The Advantages
- Near-perfect owner satisfaction with reliability and quiet operation
- Comes with both motor and blower wheel
- Direct fit for a long list of Broan models
The Catch
- Shaft is slightly longer than OEM (still fits fine)
- Best suited for Broan housings only
Get this if: you have a Broan model from the 659 or 688 family and want the highest-rated motor kit available.
Skip this if: your fan is a non-Broan brand or a different housing size.
6. BOJACK Bathroom Vent Fan Motor 120V 60Hz 0.60A
The 0.6-amp motor that pushes serious air through older mobile home vents.
This BOJACK motor is a different animal from its sibling above. It draws 0.60 amps (30 watts) and spins at 3500 RPM, making it noticeably more powerful. It comes with a 6.6-inch flat paddle fan blade and is designed to replace motors in models 686, 687, 8870, and M686. Functionality and installation are the top positive aspects, and owners praise the strong air movement — one called it “well made and strong air movement” for a 0.6 amp motor.
The trade-off is that the fan blade at 6.6 inches is larger than some vent pipes, and several owners needed to trim it. The noise level is also higher than the 0.29-amp motors. If you have a tight vent pipe or need whisper-quiet operation, this one may require more elbow grease.
Power pick: If your bathroom gets steamy fast and you need the strongest airflow from a direct motor swap, this 3500 RPM motor delivers.
Reach for this if: you have a 686/687 or similar fan and need maximum air movement for a steamy bathroom.
Consider another if: your vent pipe is small (under 6 inches) or you hate trimming fan blades.
7. PANDEELS SM550 Bathroom Fan Motor Replacement (2-Pack)
Two motors in one box for fixing both bathrooms at once, and both run nearly silent.
This 2-pack from PANDEELS includes two SM550 motors, each rated at 50 CFM, 120 volts, 0.29 amps, and 3000 RPM. Performance and noise level are the top praise points — owners call it “extremely quiet” and say it was a perfect replacement for a 30-year-old Nutone unit. The kit contains one 4.5-inch flat paddle fan blade per motor, with a shaft size of 3/16 by 1.75 inches.
The main advantage of the two-pack is obvious: you can fix two fans in one order. A few owners note that the motor feels less powerful than the original, though it still clears the steam. If you need absolute raw power, a single higher-amp motor may suit you better.
The Upside
- Two motors at a great per-unit value
- Extremely quiet operation
- Easy 10-minute installation with no wiring
The Downside
- Feels less powerful than some original fans
- Flat paddle blade moves less air than a curved wheel
Buy this if: you have two bathrooms with dead fans and want a quiet, simple fix for both in one shipment.
pass on it if: you need maximum airflow and prefer a single, more powerful motor.
8. AIR KING AMERICA AS50 KIT 50 CFM Advantage Bath Fan Motor/Blade Kit
The factory-correct kit for Air King AS50 fans that needs just one screw to install.
This is the official Air King replacement kit for the AS50 model. It includes the motor and fan blade assembly and runs at 2125 RPM — slower than most 3000 RPM motors, but matched to the Air King housing. Installation is famously simple: one screw and a plug. Even the mounting bracket is included. Buyers report it fits perfectly and is noticeably quieter and more effective than a dying original motor.
The kit measures 8 x 6 x 8 inches and the motor is rated at 0.06 hp. The slower speed means it is generally quiet, though some owners found it louder than their old unit (which may have been barely running). If you have an Air King fan, this is the no-headache path.
Straightforward swap: For Air King owners, this is the exact OEM kit and the only choice that guarantees a fit without modification.
Reach for this if: your bath fan is an Air King AS50 and you want the official kit with the bracket included.
Look elsewhere if: you have a Broan, NuTone, or any non-Air King fan brand.
9. Broan-NuTone RE70BN 70 CFM Bathroom Exhaust Fan Replacement Motor Kit
The 70 CFM upgrade that fits 50 CFM housings and pulls far more moisture out.
This genuine Broan-NuTone kit delivers 70 CFM and fits many 50 CFM housings — it delivers up to 40% more power for select 50 CFM fans. It runs at 6.0 sones, which is loud. The kit includes the motor, blower wheel, two mounting plates, and hardware. Installation takes about 10 minutes and requires no wiring. It is compatible with a massive list of Broan, NuTone, Nautilus, and Aira models.
Noise is the recurring trade-off here: at 6.0 sones, it is the loudest motor on this list. Owners use words like “very loud” and “whooshing noise.” One owner installed it 6 months prior and was planning to replace it because the noise was too much. If you prioritize clearing steam fast and can tolerate the whoosh, this kit is a powerhouse.
The Power
- 70 CFM — moves significantly more air than 50 CFM motors
- Includes all hardware and two mounting plates for broad fit
- 10-minute no-wiring installation
The Penalty
- 6.0 sones — the loudest motor in this comparison
- Sharp motor plate edges reported by one owner
Choose this if: you have a large or very steamy bathroom and can tolerate a loud fan to get it dry fast.
Avoid this if: quiet operation is more important to you than maximum air movement.
Understanding the Specs
CFM and Sones
CFM (cubic feet per minute) measures how much air the motor moves. A 50 CFM motor is standard for a small to medium bathroom. Going up to 70 CFM clears steam faster but usually comes with a louder sound profile. Sones measure perceived loudness: 1.0 sone is a quiet whisper, 4.0 sones is a normal conversation, and 6.0 sones is loud enough to be annoying.
Motor Amps and RPM
Amperage (amps) tells you the electrical draw. Most bathroom fan motors draw between 0.29 and 1.3 amps. Higher amp motors generally push more air but are louder. RPM (revolutions per minute) is the spin speed. Most replacement motors run at 3000 RPM. The Air King AS50 runs at 2125 RPM, which is slower but matched to its housing.
FAQ
Will a 70 CFM motor fit in my 50 CFM housing?
How do I know if the mounting studs match?
Can I reuse my old fan blade?
What does “air over” mean on a motor spec?
How long do bathroom fan motors last?
Is a motor-only kit or a motor-plus-blade kit better?
What is the difference between a flat paddle blade and a curved blower wheel?
Will a 120V motor work in my fan?
Can I replace a motor without removing the fan housing from the ceiling?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For the majority of shoppers, the bathroom fan motor replacement winner is the Broan S99080517 because it is the quietest and most reliable motor from the brand that makes the fans. If you want a complete motor-and-blade kit with a fast install, grab the Broan-NuTone C350BNR. And for fixing two bathrooms on a budget, the PANDEELS 2-Pack is the one to reach for.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of July 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, Gadgets Feed earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.