Sooner or later, owners of household appliances are faced with the need to look “under the hood” of their refrigerator. Whether it's replacing a seal, cleaning the water drainage system, or diagnosing a compressor malfunction, the procedure requires accuracy and knowledge of the design. Two-chamber models Biryusa, popular on the Russian market, have their own design features, ignoring which can lead to damage to the plastic or disruption of the seal of the chambers.
In this article we will consider in detail the process of dismantling the main components of the refrigeration unit. You will learn how to properly remove the doors, dismantle the internal panels of the freezer and refrigerator compartments, and also gain access to the technical compartment at the back. Safety and the sequence of actions are key factors for successful repairs, so do not neglect the recommendations for preparing tools and turning off the power supply.
Before To get started, make sure you have the necessary set of tools at hand. Usually a Phillips screwdriver, a flat-blade screwdriver for prying off the plugs, and a container to collect condensate are sufficient. Disassembly Biryusa refrigerator does not require specialized equipment, but requires attention to small fastener details.
Preparation for disassembly and safety measures
The first and most important step is to completely disconnect the device from the power supply. Unplug the plug and let the appliance sit for 15-20 minutes. This is necessary so that the refrigerant in the system has time to settle and the residual voltage in the control circuits disappears. Working with a live compressor or control unit is strictly prohibited.
Free up space around the refrigerator. You need access to the unit from all sides, including the rear where the motor-compressor and condenser grill are located. If the floor is slippery, lay down a rubber mat or dry cloth to prevent the tool from falling or damaging the floor covering.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to defrost the refrigerator. The presence of ice inside the evaporator or on the shelves will significantly complicate the dismantling of plastic elements and may lead to their breakage due to increased fragility at low temperatures.
Prepare containers for sorting fasteners. Screws in different components of the refrigerator Biryusa may differ in length and diameter. By mixing them up during assembly, you can damage the threads in the plastic seats or break through the insulation of the wires.
☑️ Preparation for disassembly
Dismantling door panels and fittings
Removing doors — a mandatory step if you plan to transport the refrigerator or deep wash the internal surfaces. The doors of two-chamber models Biryusa are quite heavy, so it is better to perform this operation with an assistant. First, remove all removable shelves and balconies from the inside of the doors to reduce weight and prevent them from falling out.
On most models, the top door is attached to the top hinge, which, in turn, is screwed to the body. The bottom door rests on the bottom hinge and is connected to the top through a pin or intermediate hinge. First, remove the decorative caps from the top hinges using a thin flathead screwdriver. The fastening bolts are hidden under them.
Unscrew the fastening bolts of the upper hinge. While holding the door, gently lift it to disengage it from the bottom hinge or pin. If the model has an automatic closing system or an opening sensor, carefully disconnect wire cable, having previously memorized or photographed the location of the contacts.
- 🔧 To unscrew the hinges, use an open-end wrench or a head of the appropriate size so as not to tear off the edges of the bolts.
- 📸 Be sure to take photographs of each stage of disassembling the connections, especially if you are doing it for the first time.
- 🧤 Wear gloves to avoid staining the white surfaces of the door with machine oil or dust.
Disassembling the inside of the refrigerator compartment
The interior space of the refrigerator compartment Biryusa is lined with plastic, which is attached to the metal body using hidden latches and screws. To access the evaporator or water drainage channel, it is often necessary to remove the back wall or side panels. Start by removing all shelves, glass inserts and plastic stops.
The back wall is usually held on by several screws located around the perimeter and plastic clips. Carefully unscrew the visible fasteners. Then, starting from the corner, use a flathead screwdriver or a special spatula to pry up the panel. The movements must be progressive and gentle so as not to break plastic latcheswhich become very brittle in the cold.
The condensate drainage channel is often hidden behind the back panel. If the refrigerator has stopped draining water properly and it is accumulating at the bottom, this may be where the problem lies. Clean the canal with a soft wire or brush. When dismantling the inner lining, be careful with the capillary tube going to the thermostat - damage to it will lead to freon leakage.
| Element | Type of fastening | Tool | Risk of damage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Back panel | Screws + latches | Phillips screwdriver | High (breakable latches) |
| Shelves | Guides | No tools | Low (risk of breaking glass) |
| Lamp shade | Latch or screw | Flat screwdriver | Medium (cracks plastic) |
| Temperature regulator | Sleeve + nut | Key 10-12 mm | Medium (capillary tube) |
Dismantling nuances lighting lamp
In some Biryusa models, the lamp shade is secured not with screws, but by shifting it to the side. Try gently pressing on the lampshade and moving it to the left or right. If you feel resistance, do not press harder - perhaps your model still has a hidden screw under the decorative trim.
Access to the evaporator of the freezer
The freezer in two-chamber ones Biryusha is most often located on top. To access the evaporator, you must remove the front panel (if there is one) or the back wall inside the chamber. In models with the No Frost system (although classic Biryushas are often equipped with a drip system or manual defrosting), access is achieved by removing the rear plastic panel.
Remove all drawers and glass shelves of the freezer. Pay attention to screws that may be hidden under plastic plugs or stickers inside the camera. After unscrewing all visible elements, carefully bend the edges of the panel. Here it is important not to damage defrost heaterif it is attached to the panel, and the temperature sensors.
If you plan to clean the evaporator from ice, use only soft agents and warm water. Mechanical cleaning with a knife or sharp objects is strictly prohibited, as this is guaranteed to lead to depressurization of the circuit and expensive repairs.
- ❄️ When working in the freezer, use a flashlight, as the lighting can be dismantled.
- 🧣 Keep your hands away from the sharp edges of the aluminum plates evaporator.
- 🔌 Check the integrity of the wires going to the sensors before installing the panel back.
Removing the bottom panel and accessing the compressor
The lower part of the refrigerator, where it is located compressor, covered with a metal or plastic panel. In older models Biryusa it can be bolted around the perimeter, in new ones it is often simply snapped on or held on by two to four screws. Remove the panel to gain access to the motor, start-protective relay and capacitor.
The capillary pipeline and filter drier are also located here. Visually inspect the connections for oily stains - this is a sure sign of a freon leak. If you need to replace the compressor or relay, disconnect the wires, having previously remembered the connection diagram, and unscrew the motor mounting bolts.
⚠️ Attention: Do not touch the black compressor casing immediately after work, even if the refrigerator has been turned off for several hours. It is also forbidden to cut copper pipes without first releasing the refrigerant into a well-ventilated area!
When reinstalling the panel, make sure that the wires do not get under the fasteners and will not be cut by the vibration of the running motor. The gaps between the panel and the housing should be minimal for proper airflow of the motor.
Assembly and leak testing
After repairs or cleaning, the assembly stage begins. Proceed in reverse order: first reinstall the freezer and refrigerator interior panels, then secure the doors. Make sure that all screws are tightened, but not overtightened, so as not to deform the plastic.
Pay special attention to the door seals. When reinstalling the doors, check that they are flush against the frame. If you removed the doors, you may need to adjust the height of the refrigerator legs to properly tilt the body back, which will ensure automatic closing.
Plug in the refrigerator only after it has stood in an upright position for at least 2-4 hours (if it has been transported or tilted strongly). This is necessary to allow oil to drain into the compressor. For the first few hours of operation, monitor the appearance of cold and the absence of extraneous noise.
- 🕒 Let the refrigerator operate without load (empty) for about 2 hours before loading food.
- 👂 Listen to the operation: the hum should be smooth, without knocking or clicking.
- 🌡️ Check the temperature in the chambers 5-6 hours after switching on.
Is it possible to wash the refrigerator with water under pressure?
Absolutely not. Using high-pressure washers (Kärcher) inside the refrigerator compartment will result in water getting into the insulating layer (foam) and onto the electrical contacts. This will cause corrosion, mold inside the cabinet and the risk of a short circuit.
What to do if after assembly the door does not close tightly?
Check whether the shelves and drawers fit correctly - they may interfere with a tight fit. If only the seals are in the way, they may have been installed incorrectly or require heating (with a hairdryer) to restore elasticity. Also check the adjustment of the support legs.
Do door hinges need to be lubricated during assembly?
Yes, but you only need to use special silicone grease or litol intended for household appliances. Regular machine oil can thicken over time or stain floors and clothing. You need to lubricate the hinge axis, avoiding contact with plastic elements.
How to distinguish original Biryusa spare parts from analogues?
Original plastic elements often have manufacturer’s markings and a characteristic smell of high-quality plastic. Metal parts (hinges, shelves) must have an even paint without chips. When purchasing, pay attention to the packaging and the presence of certificates of conformity.