One of the most common reasons for decreased efficiency of refrigeration equipment is a loss of tightness of the door circuit. Equipment owners Beko often face a situation where the rubber loses its elasticity, cracks or deforms, no longer fitting tightly to the body. This leads to constant entry of warm air into the chamber, which forces the compressor to work at its limit.
Timely replacement of the seal not only eliminates ice and condensation, but also significantly reduces energy consumption. If you notice that the door has become harder to close or a gap has appeared between the body and the rubber, you need to act immediately. In this article we will analyze in detail the process of selecting and installing a new part.
Signs of wear of the sealing rubber
The first and most obvious signal about the need for replacement is visual deformation. The rubber may flatten, crack, or pull away from the plastic base of the door. However, external signs do not always appear immediately, so you should pay attention to indirect symptoms of a malfunction.
If you notice that the food in the refrigerator has begun to deteriorate faster, and a layer of ice has formed on the back wall of the chamber, even if the model is equipped with a system No Frost, this is an alarm bell. The compressor, trying to compensate for heat loss, turns on more often and runs longer, which is accompanied by increased noise.
You can check the tightness with a simple test using a sheet of paper or a banknote. Clamp the sheet with the door around the perimeter: if it falls out or is pulled out without the slightest resistance, it means it seal does not fulfill its function. In some cases, the rubber may be clean, but simply lost its elasticity due to aging of the material.
⚠️ Attention: Ignoring a problem with the seal can lead to compressor failure due to overload, the repair of which will cost much more than replacing the rubber.
How to choose the right seal for Beko
The spare parts market offers many options, but for equipment Beko it is critically important to choose a model that matches the specific article number of the refrigerator. Universal elastic bands that stretch “to any size” often do not provide adequate tightness in the corners or have an incorrect bend profile.
You can find the original part number in the technical documentation or on the sticker inside the refrigerator compartment. You can also find information on the manufacturer by entering the model of your device. When purchasing, pay attention to the material: high-quality magnetic seal should be soft, but elastic, without a sharp chemical odor.
If you cannot find an original spare part or its cost is too high, you can consider high-quality analogues. However, in this case, be sure to check with the seller about the cross-sectional profile and method of fastening. An incorrectly selected profile may not fit into the groove or, on the contrary, fall out of it.
When ordering through online stores, check your profile photos with your current seal. Even within the same brand, different series of refrigerators may use different types of rubber fastening.
Necessary tools and preparation
Replacing the seal on the refrigerator Beko is a procedure that does not require complex professional equipment. In most cases, a minimal set of tools that can be found in every home is sufficient. The main thing is to act carefully so as not to damage the plastic door body or the new rubber band itself.
You will need the following tools:
- 🔧 Screwdriver (Phillips or flat) - for removing decorative panels or fasteners, if the door design requires it.
- 🔨 Hair dryer (construction or household) - necessary for warming up the new rubber so that it straightens out and fits into place more easily.
- 🧼 Soap solution and sponge - to clean the mounting gutter from dirt and grease before installation.
- 📏 Spatula (plastic) - helps to carefully tuck the seal into the groove without damaging it.
Before starting work, the refrigerator must be defrosted, if there is ice in the chambers, and disconnected from the power supply. It is better to remove the doors and lay them horizontally on a soft surface to make it more convenient to work, although experienced craftsmen often change the rubber in a vertical position.
☑️ Preparation for replacement
Removing the old seal
The process of removing an old rubber band depends on the method of its attachment. In modern models Beko most often there is a dovetail type fastening, when the seal is inserted into a special groove on the plastic base of the door. In older models, the rubber may be glued or screwed.
If the seal is glued, it must be carefully torn off, starting from one of the corners. Work slowly to avoid damaging the door surface. If screws were used, they must be removed while supporting the rubber with your other hand. After removing the base, be sure to remove any remaining adhesive and thoroughly rinse the installation site.
In the case of an insert profile (“dovetail”), simply pull the edge of the seal. It should come out of the groove without much effort. If the rubber is petrified and breaks, remove it in pieces, helping yourself with a flat-head screwdriver, but try not to scratch the plastic.
⚠️ Attention: When cleaning the mounting trench, do not use sharp metal objects or aggressive solvents, which can melt the plastic or disrupt its geometry.
After dismantling, degrease the surface alcohol or stem cleaner. A clean surface is the key to ensuring that the new seal will lie flat and hold securely.
Technology for installing a new seal
Installing a new rubber band is the most critical step. Before installation, it is recommended to warm up the new seal with a hairdryer or soak it in warm water (about 50-60 degrees) for 10-15 minutes. This will make the material more elastic and make it easier to lay it in the corners.
It is best to start installation from the top corner of the door. Insert the edge of the seal into the groove and make sure it locks into place. Then, moving around the perimeter, gradually tuck the rubber in with your hands or a plastic spatula. There is no need to try to cram a large area at once - act sequentially.
Pay special attention to the corners. This is where creases or leaks most often form. Carefully straighten the material, making sure that the magnetic strip inside the elastic does not twist and lies flat.
What to do if the rubber does not fit into the groove?
If the profile does not match perfectly, try slightly stretching the rubber in the folds or, conversely, compressing it a little. Sometimes using a small amount of safety glue in problem areas helps, but only if the seal does not hold well.
After the entire perimeter has been completed, check the fit again along the entire length. The seal should fit tightly, without gaps between it and the door. If there is a gap left somewhere, use a hair dryer to heat this area and press it with your finger until it cools.
Comparison of types of seal fastenings
Understanding the type of fastening is important not only for dismantling, but also for purchasing the right spare part. Different series of refrigerators can be equipped with different options. data-i="109">Plug-in ("Dovetail") Beko can be equipped with different options.
| Mounting type | Description | Difficulty of replacement | Where is it found? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plug-in (Dovetail) | Rubber has a special protrusion that snaps into the door groove | Low | Most modern models |
| Adhesive | The seal is glued to the body along the entire perimeter | Medium | Old models, some budget series |
| Screw | Rubber is pressed with a plastic strip, which is screwed with screws | High | Rarely, in industrial or old models |
| Combined | Combination of an insert profile and an adhesive base in the corners | Medium | Middle price segment models |
The most common option for household appliances is insert profile. It allows replacement quickly and without the use of additional consumables. Screw fastening requires care so as not to break the thread in the plastic door body.
Door adjustment and final check
After installation If a new seal is installed, the door may close tightly or, conversely, not completely. This is normal in the first hours until the rubber “settles in”. However, if the gap is too large, the hinges may need to be adjusted.
To do this, loosen the mounting bolts on the hinges (top and bottom) and slightly move the door in the desired direction, achieving an even fit around the entire perimeter. After adjustment, tighten the bolts tightly.
The final check is carried out using the same paper sheet. Walk along the entire contour: the sheet should be pulled out with noticeable effort, but not torn. Also visually evaluate the fit line - it should be continuous.
⚠️ Attention: Do not slam the door immediately after installing a new rubber band. A sharp slamming can damage the fresh fastener or displace the seal in the groove.
Full tightness is usually achieved 24 hours after installation, when the material finally takes the desired shape at operating temperature.
Common mistakes when replacing them yourself
Despite the apparent simplicity, beginners often make mistakes that negate all the work. One of the most common is trying to install cold, hard tires without preheating. As a result, creases form that cannot be straightened.
Another mistake is poor cleaning of the installation chute. Remains of old glue or dirt will not allow the new seal to fit tightly, and the tightness will be broken immediately. Also, do not stretch the rubber too much during installation: over time it will tighten and cracks will appear in the corners.
Ignoring adjustment of the hinges is another common mistake. Even perfect rubber will not work if the door is warped. Always check the geometry of the door installation after replacing consumables.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
How often do you need to change the seal on a Beko refrigerator?
The service life of a high-quality seal is 7-10 years. However, with active use, frequent opening of the door or the use of aggressive chemicals when cleaning, replacement may be required earlier - after 4-5 years.
Is it possible to restore the old seal instead of replacing it?
A temporary solution is possible: the rubber can be removed, soaked in hot water with vinegar added to restore elasticity, and then installed back. But this is a short-term measure; it will not be possible to completely replace the worn-out material.
Why did the door begin to close too tightly after replacement?
The new seal always has greater thickness and elasticity than the old one. Within 1-2 weeks it will rub in and become softer. If the door does not close at all, it is possible that the seal was chosen incorrectly or was skewed during installation.
Where can I find the seal number if the sticker inside the refrigerator has worn off?
The number can be found in the technical data sheet of the device. You can also measure the dimensions of the door (width and height) and look for compatible models by size in spare parts catalogs, consulting with the seller.
Does the new seal need to be lubricated?
Immediately after installation - no. During operation (once every 3-6 months), it is recommended to wipe the rubber with a special silicone lubricant to prevent drying out and cracking.