Skip to content

Best Exhaust Fan Motors for Bathroom for 2026: Fit-First Choices

A dead or noisy bathroom vent can make a small room feel stale, especially after a long shower. Replacing the motor can restore airflow without replacing the entire grille and housing, but model numbers, shaft dimensions, and rotation direction must all line up. These six Fetechmate options cover several common Broan and Nu-Tone assemblies, from compact 9415 units to larger 763RL housings.

The Lineup, Simplified

PickWhy We Picked ItBest ForAction
Fetechmate S99080166 BP28 Bathroom Exhaust Fan Motor Kit for Broan Nu-Tone 655 679
Practical Pick

Fetechmate S99080166 BP28 Bathroom Exhaust Fan Motor Kit for Broan Nu-Tone 655 679

Broad compatibility for common vents
Repairing common Nu-Tone models
Fetechmate S97012026 696N-R02 B Unit 50 CFM Bathroom Exhaust Fan Motor Assembly for Broan Nu-Tone
Well Rounded Pick

Fetechmate S97012026 696N-R02 B Unit 50 CFM Bathroom Exhaust Fan Motor Assembly for Broan Nu-Tone

Complete motor and blower assembly
696N and compatible 688 units
Compact Choice

Fetechmate 82229000 Bathroom Vent Fan Motor and Blower Wheel Kit for Broan Nu-Tone 9415 9425 9451

Compact assembly with mounting bracket
Tighter 9415 and 9425 housings
Fetechmate BP27 S97012038 Fan Motor for Broan 678
Balanced Choice

Fetechmate BP27 S97012038 Fan Motor for Broan 678

Useful fit for several 600-series vents
Broan 659 through 688 families
Fetechmate S97009796 Bathroom Exhaust Fan Motor Blower Assembly for Broan 162 164 Bulb Heaters
Specialty Choice

Fetechmate S97009796 Bathroom Exhaust Fan Motor Blower Assembly for Broan 162 164 Bulb Heaters

Built for bulb-heater fan assemblies
162 and 164 series heaters
Heavy Duty Pick

Fetechmate 763RLN B S0503B000 50 CFM Bathroom Exhaust Fan Motor Assembly 9 x 9 for Broan 763RL 769RL

Full assembly for 9-inch housings
Larger 763RL and 769RL frames

A Breakdown Of The Leading Choices

Replacing a failed vent motor can be less involved than replacing the complete fixture, provided the housing uses the same BP28-style setup. The S99080166 appears suited to common Nu-Tone 655, 657, 658, 679, and 85N2 applications, making it a practical option for household repairs.

Unlike the complete assemblies later in this list, this is primarily a motor replacement. Its 70 CFM rating, meaning 70 cubic feet of air moved per minute, and counterclockwise rotation must match your existing assembly.

Notable Upsides

  • Broad model coverage for several Nu-Tone families
  • 120-volt motor suits standard bathroom wiring
  • Solid-copper construction resists corrosion
  • Low-noise operation suits occupied bathrooms

Trade Offs

  • Verify the 7/32-inch shaft and counterclockwise rotation before ordering
  • A motor-only replacement may require transferring the original blower wheel

Key Specs

FeatureSpecificationWhy It Matters
Electrical120V, 60Hz, 1.4ADefines the expected power supply
Rotation3000 RPM, CCWDirection must match the housing
Airflow70 CFMSets the motor’s rated air volume
Shaft7/32 x 1-1/4 inchesHelps confirm mechanical compatibility

Made For

This motor suits DIYers restoring a compatible Nu-Tone vent while keeping the existing housing and blower wheel.

Another Choice May Suit

Fetechmate S97012026 696N-R02 B Unit 50 CFM Bathroom Exhaust Fan Motor Assembly for Broan Nu-Tone fits people who want a new blower wheel and mounting plate in one package.

Check Latest Price

The S97012026 takes a more complete approach than the BP28 motor by including a motor, blower wheel, and mounting plate. That arrangement can simplify a repair involving multiple worn components in a compatible 696N, 695, 688, or 663 housing.

Its 2.0-sone rating uses a perceptual sound scale, where higher numbers indicate louder sound. The 50 CFM output and 4.5-inch wheel make this a useful middle-ground option, though the 7-1/8-inch frame measurement deserves your attention first.

Features That Help

  • Includes a blower wheel and mounting plate
  • Solid-copper motor construction
  • Works with several 600-series models
  • Moderate 2.0-sone sound rating

Points To Note

  • Requires a 7-1/8 by 7-1/4-inch housing
  • Does not cover every version of the 696N
  • The 50 CFM rating is lower than the BP28’s 70 CFM

At A Glance

FeatureSpecificationWhy It Matters
Frame7-1/8 x 7-1/4 inchesProvides the primary fit check
Blower wheel4.5-inch diameterDefines the included wheel size
Motor50 CFM, 0.8A, 3000 RPMSets output and operating speed

Right Fit For

This assembly works well for homeowners with a measured 696N, 695, 688, or 663 housing who want a complete replacement core.

Where A Sibling Pick Shines

Fetechmate S99080166 BP28 Bathroom Exhaust Fan Motor Kit for Broan Nu-Tone 655 679 suits people seeking higher rated airflow in a compatible 70 CFM setup.

View on Amazon

For a tight bathroom ceiling, the 82229000 offers a compact motor and blower package sized around 9415, 9425, 9451, and H925 fixtures. The bracket comes attached, which can make the assembly easier to position during the job.

It is smaller than the Fetechmate S97012026 assembly, with a 3-3/4-inch blower wheel and a 2-3/8-inch shaft. That compactness also makes exact model and dimension checks more important before you start.

What Stands Out

  • Compact wheel fits a range of 900-series fixtures
  • Mounting bracket and two-prong plug included
  • Solid-copper motor and metal blower

Worth Noting

  • Compare the shaft and wheel dimensions with the removed assembly

Who Will Love This

This kit appeals to DIYers replacing a compact Nu-Tone or Broan 900-series vent without disturbing the surrounding grille.

Look Elsewhere When

Fetechmate BP27 S97012038 Fan Motor for Broan 678 offers a better fit for the compatible 659, 662, 663, 668, 678, and 688 housing families.

Check on Amazon

The BP27 S97012038 targets the familiar 659, 662, 663, 668, 678, and 688 housing families. Compared with the BP28 motor’s 70 CFM rating, this 50 CFM assembly offers a different balance of airflow and physical sizing.

The package combines a copper motor, 4.5-inch blower wheel, and attached mounting hardware. That makes it a sensible repair option for several older Nu-Tone installations where the housing remains in good condition.

Where It Excels

  • Covers numerous 600-series housing models
  • Includes motor, blower wheel, and plug
  • 50 CFM output suits compact bathrooms
  • Mounting dimensions are clearly defined

Minor Gripes

  • Its 50 CFM rating is below the BP28 option
  • The center mounting bolt must measure 1.73 inches
  • Several replacement part numbers create extra checking work

Feature Snapshot

FeatureSpecificationWhy It Matters
Electrical120V, 60Hz, 1ASets the power requirements
Output50 CFM, 3000 RPMDefines airflow and speed
Blower4.5-inch diameterMust fit the original housing
Mounting1.73-inch center boltGuides bracket alignment

Best Suited To

This assembly fits DIYers working on a compatible 600-series Nu-Tone vent in a small or medium bathroom.

Swap It Out When

Fetechmate S97009796 Bathroom Exhaust Fan Motor Blower Assembly for Broan 162 164 Bulb Heaters serves people replacing the motor within a 162 or 164 bulb-heater fixture.

View Latest Price

A bulb-heater fan has a different job from a standard ceiling vent, and the S97009796 is designed around the 162 and 164 Nu-Tone heater families. It suits households replacing the ventilation motor while keeping the light and heater assembly in place.

The key difference from the BP28 is rotation direction. This motor turns clockwise rather than counterclockwise, so the shaft and direction must match the original heater assembly before you order.

Everyday Wins

  • Made for 162 and 164 bulb-heater vents
  • 70 CFM rated motor and blower assembly
  • Compact 3-1/4-inch fan blade

Soft Spots

  • Clockwise rotation makes model matching essential
  • The narrower blade and longer shaft may not suit standard vents

Built With In Mind

This assembly serves DIYers restoring ventilation in a compatible 162, 164, 9417, or 9427 bulb-heater fixture.

A Better Fit Elsewhere

Fetechmate 763RLN B S0503B000 50 CFM Bathroom Exhaust Fan Motor Assembly 9 x 9 for Broan 763RL 769RL is the stronger option for a measured 9-inch square housing.

Check Latest Price

The 763RLN B scales up from the smaller 696N assembly by using a 9-inch square frame. It fits several 763RL and 769RL applications, making the frame measurement the most important check for anyone considering this complete motor assembly.

Inside the housing, the package combines a solid-copper motor, 4.5-inch blower wheel, and mounting bracket. Its 2.0-sone rating keeps sound at a moderate level, while the 50 CFM motor provides a defined airflow target for larger replacement work.

Noteworthy Benefits

  • Complete assembly reduces separate part matching
  • Solid-copper motor resists corrosion
  • Mounting bracket accompanies the blower wheel
  • 2.0-sone operating rating
  • Fits a defined 9 by 9-inch housing format

Practical Considerations

  • Your original frame must measure 9 by 9 inches
  • The 50 CFM motor differs from a 70 CFM replacement

Core Details

FeatureSpecificationWhy It Matters
Frame9 x 9 inchesProvides the essential housing check
Motor120V, 1A, 3000 RPM, CCWDefines electrical and rotational requirements
Blower4.5-inch diameterIdentifies the included wheel size

The Right Fit

This assembly suits DIYers replacing the motor core in a compatible 763RL or 769RL housing with a 9-inch square frame.

Reach For A Different Pick When

Fetechmate 82229000 Bathroom Vent Fan Motor and Blower Wheel Kit for Broan Nu-Tone 9415 9425 9451 fits people working with the smaller 900-series housings instead.

View on Amazon

What To Check Before Ordering A Replacement Motor

Start With The Model Label

The model number on the existing vent, motor, or housing provides the strongest starting point. Cross-check it against the compatibility list rather than relying on a similar-looking grille or housing shape. Broan and Nu-Tone model numbers often indicate different motor, frame, or mounting arrangements.

Match The Physical Dimensions

Measure the frame before ordering any complete assembly. A 7-1/8 by 7-1/4-inch frame, a 9 by 9-inch frame, and an unidentified housing cannot be treated as interchangeable. You should also compare the shaft diameter, shaft length, blower diameter, and mounting-bolt location when the old motor remains accessible.

Understand Airflow And Noise

CFM stands for cubic feet per minute, the volume of air a fan moves each minute. A higher airflow rating may suit a larger or poorly ventilated bathroom, but it cannot compensate for a mismatched motor. Sones measure perceived sound on a logarithmic scale, so a 2.0-sone motor is quieter than a higher-rated assembly under comparable conditions.

Check Electrical And Installation Needs

Confirm that the replacement expects 120 volts and 60 hertz, which matches the electrical values listed for these options. Disconnect power before removing or installing a motor, and wear gloves around the blower wheel and mounting hardware. Position in the housing can be tight, especially with a 4.5-inch wheel, so clear the surrounding area before beginning.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Mistakes Worth Dodging

Do not choose by airflow rating or wattage alone, since both mean little when the shaft, rotation, or frame does not match. Avoid assuming every Broan or Nu-Tone fan in the same series uses the same motor. Take a photo of the original label, measure the housing, and compare the plug and blower arrangement before ordering.

What Separates Premium From Basic

Higher-tier assemblies often include a new blower wheel, bracket, and copper motor together. That convenience matters most when several components are worn or the original wheel is difficult to remove. A motor-only kit can cost less and leave more original hardware in place, but it places more responsibility on you to confirm compatibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Identify The Correct Bathroom Fan Motor?

Read the part number from the original motor or housing and compare it with the replacement list. You should also confirm the frame dimensions, shaft size, rotation direction, and electrical rating before ordering.

Can I Replace A Bathroom Fan Motor Without Replacing The Whole Fixture?

In a compatible installation, replacing the motor and blower assembly can leave the existing grille and housing in place. The fit must match exactly, and wiring connections should be handled with the power disconnected.

How Much Airflow Does A Bathroom Vent Need?

The suitable airflow depends on the room, duct arrangement, and existing fan design. A 50 CFM motor suits many compact installations, while a 70 CFM option offers more rated air movement, provided the rest of the assembly matches.

Is A Copper Motor Better Than An Aluminum Motor?

Copper resists corrosion and provides a different motor construction from aluminum. The deciding factor remains compatibility, because a well-matched motor with the correct shaft, rotation, and electrical specifications matters more than the material alone.

Do I Need Professional Help To Install A Replacement?

The basic process is accessible to a careful DIYer, but wiring work, unusual housings, and tight ceiling cavities can raise the difficulty. Disconnect the power, follow the housing’s wiring diagram, and use qualified electrical help when the existing connections are damaged or uncertain.

Final Verdict

The right replacement begins with the label inside your bathroom fan, not the airflow number on a listing. Fetechmate S99080166 covers many common Nu-Tone setups, while the S97012026, 82229000, BP27 S97012038, S97009796, and 763RLN B assemblies serve more specific housings and blower arrangements. Measure carefully, match the rotation, and choose the complete package only when its dimensions confirm the fit.