Access to the refrigerator compressor is a critical step in the process of diagnosing and repairing household appliances. Sealed casing, which encloses the motor, protects the internal components from dust and moisture, but at the same time makes visual inspection difficult. Owners are often faced with the need to remove this cover when replacing the start relay, checking the windings or leaking refrigerant.
It should be understood that working with refrigeration unit is associated with high risks. Electricity circulates inside the system at 220 volts, and the compressor itself may be under pressure. Incorrect handling of tools or ignoring safety precautions can lead to injuries or final failure of the equipment. The sealed compressor housing is sealed and is not intended for opening in domestic conditions - we are talking only about removing the external protective cover.
Before Before starting manipulations, you must turn off the power to the device. Unplug the cord and move the refrigerator away from the wall, allowing easy access to the back wall. Only after this can you begin disassembly, using the necessary set of tools and being careful.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to open the metal compressor housing itself (cut off the cover with a grinder or drill). This will lead to an immediate release of freon and requires professional refilling with evacuation of the system.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
High-quality preparation reduces the risk of damage to parts. You will need a standard DIY kit that most men have. The main tool will be Phillips screwdriver, since it is the Phillips screws that most often secure the protective panels.
In some models, especially old Soviet or specific European brands, there may be flat-head screws or even wrench bolts. Also, a flat-head screwdriver would be useful to carefully pry up the latches if the casing is held on by clips. A flashlight will be useful for working in hard-to-reach places.
Be sure to prepare a container for water or a rag, as condensation moisture may have accumulated at the bottom of the casing during operation. Rubber gloves will provide better grip on the tool and protect against possible cuts on metal edges.
☑️ Tools for opening the casing
Types of protective casing designs
The design of the rear of the refrigerator can vary significantly depending on from the manufacturer and model year. Understanding the type of fastening will help you avoid breaking plastic elements. Most often, there are three main options for fixing the protective screen.
The first and most common option is screw fastening. In this case, the casing is screwed to the refrigerator body or to the compressor frame with several self-tapping screws. Usually their number varies from two to four pieces. The second option is a combined one, where the screws are complemented by plastic latches.
The third type is typical for modern built-in models and some brands like Indesit or Atlant. Here the cover may be part of a common rear panel that is completely removable. In rare cases, for example, in some models Liebherr, access is provided through a smaller removable hatch.
- 🔩 Screw connection is the most reliable and common method of fixation.
- 🔘 Clip latches - require careful opening with a flat-head screwdriver to avoid breakage plastic.
- 🛡️ Solid back panel - typical for built-in equipment, completely removable.
Step-by-step instructions for removal covers
The dismantling process requires a sequence of actions. First, visually inspect the back wall of the refrigerator. Find the black metal cylinder - this is the compressor. There is a protective structure around it that we need to remove.
If you find screws, start unscrewing them counterclockwise. Do not use excessive force to avoid stripping the threads. If the screws are rusty, pre-treat them with a penetrating lubricant such as WD-40 and wait 10-15 minutes.
If there are no visible screws, carefully inspect the perimeter of the cover for latches. Carefully insert a flathead screwdriver into the gap between the housing and the frame, and twist the tool slightly to release the retainer. Move around the perimeter, freeing all fastening points.
| Type of fastening | Tool | Difficulty | Risks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screws (self-tapping screws) | Philipps screwdriver | Low | Thread breakage |
| Plastic clips | Flat screwdriver | Medium | Broken fastener |
| Mixed | Set of screwdrivers | High | Damaged wiring |
Access features in different brands
Different manufacturers use their own engineering solutions. For example, in refrigerators Bosch and Siemens there is often a system where the compressor is closed by a removable plate, which is held on by two screws from above and engaged from below. It is important not to pull the plate upward until the lower clamps snap off.
Equipment LG i Samsung often has more massive casings that cover not only the motor, but also the capacitor array. Here you may need to remove the entire back panel. In models Electrolux sometimes there is a fastening of the compressor cover on plastic clamps that need to be carefully straightened.
Particular attention should be paid to models with the system No Frost. In them, access to the compressor may be partially blocked by plastic air ducts or a fan. In such cases, you must first dismantle the interfering elements, marking their position.
⚠️ Attention: The design of fastening elements may vary depending on the year of manufacture of a particular model. If standard methods do not work, check the official device diagram in the service documentation.
What to do if the screw is rusty and does not turn?
If the screw does not give in, do not use force so as not to tear off the splines. Apply a special anti-rust agent, lightly tap the screw head to destroy the oxides, heat the joint with a hair dryer (be careful with plastic!) and try to unscrew it again. If the slot is torn off, use an extractor or carefully make a new cut with a hacksaw for metal using a flat-head screwdriver.
Diagnostics after removing the cover
After the cover is removed, access to the main components opens. First of all, inspect starting relay i thermostat, which are usually attached to the side or top of the compressor. Check them for melting, blackening or a characteristic burning smell.
Visually assess the condition of the copper tubes. There should be no traces of oil on them, which often indicates the location of a freon leak. If you notice oily spots, this is a sure sign of depressurization of the circuit. Also check the integrity of the electrical wires - they should not be frayed or melted.
Pump the compressor by hand (with the refrigerator unplugged). It should not dangle excessively; If the shock absorbers are worn out, vibration during operation will be transmitted to the refrigerator body, causing loud noise. If necessary, replace the rubber washers or bushings.
- 👀 Inspect the relay for cracks and carbon deposits on the contacts.
- 💧 Check for oil stains on the tubes and the bottom of the casing.
- 🔌 Make sure the electrical connectors are securely fixed.
Assembly and performance testing
After completing diagnostic or repair work, you must correctly install the cover back. Make sure that all wires are laid in their own channels and do not fall under the screws or into the rotation zone of the fan (if there is one). Incorrect installation may result in short circuit or damage to the insulation.
Screw the casing, but do not tighten the screws all the way right away. First, tighten all the fasteners, then tighten them evenly diagonally. This will help avoid distortion of the plastic and the appearance of gaps. If latches were used, wait for a characteristic click.
After assembly, connect the refrigerator to the network. In the first minutes of work, listen carefully to the sounds. There should be no extraneous rattling noise, which may indicate that the lid is not seated tightly or is touching the vibrating tubes. If there is no noise, the repair can be considered complete.
Is it possible to start a refrigerator without a compressor cover?
A short-term start for diagnostics is possible, but it is impossible to operate the refrigerator without a protective cover for a long time. Dust and moisture will enter an open system, which will lead to corrosion of contacts, oxidation of the relay and eventual failure of the compressor. In addition, exposed live parts pose a risk of electric shock.
What to do if freon leaks after removing the cover?
If you hear a hissing sound and smell a specific smell, it means the circuit is damaged. It is impossible to weld pipes yourself without equipment. It is necessary to immediately turn off the refrigerator, ventilate the room and call a technician to solder and refill the system.
How often do you need to remove the cover for prevention?
There is no need to specially remove the compressor cover for prevention. It is enough to vacuum the back wall of the refrigerator once a year without removing the protective covers. Frequent disassembly only increases the risk of damaging the plastic fasteners.