Replacing the Rear Grille on 20 In. Shroud Floor Fans

By We re still here！ | Published: 2026-10-31

Category: How-to Guides

Swap a bent or broken rear grille on your 20-inch shroud floor fan in minutes. Follow these steps to remove the old grille and seat the new one correctly.

Quick answer

Unplug the fan, remove the front grille and blade, then unscrew and lift off the old rear grille. Seat the new grille so its mounting holes line up, tighten the screws evenly, and reassemble the blade and front grille.

Why the rear grille needs a clean seating surface

The rear grille sits between the motor and the blade, so any grit or burr left on the mounting surface can keep the grille from sitting flat. A grille that is not flat may rub or cause the blade to sit off-center. Wipe the mounting area and check for bent tabs before you install the new part.

When to replace instead of straighten

A small bend in the wire can often be straightened by hand, but a grille with broken welds, missing coating, or a distorted outer ring should be replaced. A new grille restores the protective barrier and keeps the blade centered. If the motor or blade is also damaged, address those parts separately.

Step-by-step rear grille replacement

Unplug and stabilize the fan: Pull the power cord from the outlet and set the fan on a flat, padded surface so the grille faces up. Remove any clip-on accessories before you start. Never work on a fan that is still plugged in, even if the switch is off.
Remove the front grille: Release the front grille clips or screws around the outer ring, then lift the grille straight off. Set the screws in a cup so they do not roll away. Check the clips for cracks; a brittle clip may break during removal.
Take off the fan blade: Loosen the blade nut or spinner (turn counterclockwise unless your model says otherwise) and pull the blade straight off the motor shaft. If it sticks, wiggle gently rather than prying. Note which side of the blade faces the motor so you can reinstall it the same way.
Unscrew the old rear grille: Remove the screws or nuts holding the rear grille to the motor housing or shroud. Keep them with the front grille hardware. Lift the old grille away. If a screw is seized, apply a penetrating oil and wait a few minutes before trying again.
Clean the mounting surface: Wipe the motor housing and shroud where the grille seats. Check that the mounting holes are clear and that no old gasket or debris remains. A clean surface helps the new grille sit flat and prevents vibration.
Seat and fasten the new grille: Align the new rear grille’s mounting holes with the housing, then start all screws by hand before tightening. Tighten in a cross pattern until snug—do not overtighten. If the holes do not line up easily, lift the grille and reseat it rather than forcing a screw.
Reinstall the blade and front grille: Slide the blade onto the shaft in the original orientation and tighten the nut or spinner. Reattach the front grille and secure its clips or screws. Spin the blade by hand to confirm it turns freely and does not touch either grille.

Product facts

Rear Grille for 20 In. Shroud and Non-Shroud Floor Fans: Powder-coated black finish for durability and a direct swap with common household tools. The coating resists chipping during installation, and you likely already own the tools needed for the job.
Rear Grille for 20 In. Shroud and Non-Shroud Floor Fans