Disassembling a two-chamber Bosch refrigerator: detailed instructions with photos and tips expert

Disassemble a two-chamber refrigerator Bosch installing it yourself is a task that requires not only accuracy, but also knowledge of the design features of the equipment. These units, especially models of the series KGE39, KGN39 or KAN9, are distinguished by a complex system of fastenings hidden behind decorative panels. Without preparation, you can damage the seals, break the plastic clips, or break the seal of the chambers. In this article we will analyze the process step by step: from turning off the power to dismantling the compressor, taking into account the nuances for refrigerators with a system NoFrost and drip defrosting.

It is important to understand that disassembly may be required for different purposes: replacing a thermostat, cleaning the drainage system, repairing a fan or eliminating a freon leak. Each case dictates its own level of intervention depth. For example, to get to the evaporator in models with NoFrost, you will have to remove the inner rear wall of the freezer, but to replace the backlight, you only need to remove the top cover. We will indicate which tools will be needed for each stage and warn against common mistakes that lead to expensive repairs.

If your refrigerator is still under warranty, remember: disassembling it yourself will void it. In such cases, it is better to contact the service center Bosch. For equipment older than 5 years or in the absence of a warranty card, our guide will help you save on calling a technician.

Preparing for disassembly: tools and safety measures

Before you begin, make sure that you have everything you need. Without the right tools, you risk stripping mounting screws or damaging plastic parts. Here is the minimum set:

• 🔧 Screwdrivers: Phillips (PH2) and flat (3-4 mm) with a magnetic tip - for screws on the rear panel and door fastenings.
• 🔨 Socket wrenches or 8, 10 mm heads - for dampers and compressor fastenings.
• 🗝️ Plastic spatulas or mediators - for removing clips and separating panels without scratches.
• 📸 Smartphone - for photographing the location of wires and parts before disconnecting.
• 🧤 Rubber gloves —protection from sharp metal edges and possible oil residues on the compressor.

Pay special attention Electrical safety. Even if the refrigerator is unplugged, the capacitors in the power supply can retain a charge for up to several hours. To avoid electric shock:

1. Unplug the plug from the socket and wait until it completely defrosts (if the refrigerator was turned on).
2. Remove the back cover and discharge the capacitor by shorting its terminals with a screwdriver with an insulated handle (do this only if you are confident in your skills!).
3. Work on a dry rubber surface (for example, on a bath mat).

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators Bosch with a system NoFrost the fan may turn on automatically when the door is opened, even if the power is turned off. Before disassembling, be sure to disconnect the fan power connector (usually it is located behind the back panel of the freezer).

Removing the door and dismantling the seal

The door is the heaviest part of the refrigerator, and removing it will simplify access to the internal components. In models Bosch the door is mounted on two hinges: upper and lower. Start from the top:

1. Open the door 90° and place a support (for example, a chair) under it so that it does not fall.
2. Remove the decorative hinge plug (pry it off with a flat-head screwdriver).
3. Unscrew the screws securing the top hinge (usually 2-3 pieces) and carefully remove the door from the pin.

The lower hinge is removed in the same way, but here you may need an assistant to hold the door. After dismantling the door, you can proceed to the seal. In refrigerators Bosch it is attached in two ways:

• 🔄 Grooved fastening: the seal is inserted into a groove around the perimeter of the door. Carefully pry it with a plastic spatula and pull it out.
• 🔩 Screw fastening: the seal is screwed on with self-tapping screws (found in older models). Unscrew the screws and remove the rubber band.

⚠️ Attention: Do not pull the seal by force - it may break. If the rubber band is glued, use a hair dryer to heat the glue (temperature no higher than 60°C) to avoid damage.

Removing the internal panels and access to the evaporator

Internal panels of the refrigerator Bosch hide the evaporator, fan (in models with NoFrost) and drainage system. Removing them requires care, as the plastic is fragile and the clips break easily. Let's start with the refrigerator:

1. Remove all shelves and drawers. In some models (for example, KGE39XW20R), the lower shelf is secured with latches - pull it up and towards you.
2. Remove the top cover (if any): it is secured with 2-4 screws under decorative plugs.
3. Remove the rear panel of the refrigerator compartment. It is held on by clips and sometimes 1-2 screws at the bottom. Pry it from the side with a plastic spatula and gently pull it towards you.

In the freezer the process is more complicated due to the insulation layer. For models with NoFrost:

1. Remove the inner back panel (it can be screwed or held on by clips).
2. Disconnect the fan connector and remove its fastening (usually 2-3 screws).
3. Carefully remove the evaporator - it is attached to brackets. Do not bend the tubes so as not to damage the circuit!

In refrigerators with a drip defrosting system, the evaporator is located behind the rear panel of the refrigerator compartment. It does not need to be removed completely - just clean the drainage hole (it is located below the panel).

What to do if the clip is broken?

If the plastic clip is cracked, do not try to glue it together - it will not withstand the load. Replace it with a similar one (you can buy it at refrigerator parts stores) or use a small screw with a press washer, but do not tighten it too much so as not to damage the panel.

Disassembling the rear panel and accessing the compressor

The rear panel of the refrigerator Bosch hides the compressor, condenser and start relay. Removing it requires caution, since freon tubes pass through here. Sequence of actions:

1. Unscrew all the screws around the perimeter of the back cover (usually 6-8 pieces). In some models, the screws are hidden under decorative plugs.
2. Carefully remove the cover by pulling it towards you. If it “sticks”, do not pull it - warm the edges with a hairdryer (temperature no higher than 50°C).
3. Disconnect the start relay connector from the compressor. Usually it is fixed with a latch - press it and pull the connector up.

The compressor is secured with four bolts (10 mm socket wrench). Before removing it, take a photo of the location of the tubes and wires - this will help with reassembly. If your goal is to replace the compressor, remember:

• 🔧 There must be a new compressor same model or compatible in parameters (power, type of freon).
• 🔄 When replacing, you will need evacuating the system and refilling with freon - this cannot be done without special equipment.
• ⚠️ Working with freon requires certification! Failure to follow the rules can lead to gas leakage and poisoning.

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators Bosch with an inverter compressor (models with the prefix Inverter in the name), the starting relay can be integrated into the control board. In this case, diagnostics will require a multimeter and a connection diagram.

Diagnostics and replacement of the thermostat

The thermostat (or thermostat) in refrigerators Bosch is responsible for maintaining the temperature. Its malfunction manifests itself in constant operation of the compressor or, conversely, in the absence of cooling. In most models, the thermostat is located:

• 📍 In the refrigerator compartment - behind the plastic cover on the right wall (next to the backlight lamp).
• 📍 In the freezer compartment - behind the rear panel, next to the evaporator (in models with NoFrost).

To replace thermostat:

1. Remove the cover under which it is hidden (usually secured with 1-2 screws).
2. Disconnect the capillary tube (thin copper tube) from the evaporator. Be careful - it must not be bent or broken!
3. Disconnect the wires from the thermostat. (remember or photograph their location).
4. Unscrew the fastening screws and remove the thermostat.

When installing a new thermostat, make sure that:

• 🔌 The capillary tube fits tightly to the evaporator (you can secure it with a plastic clamp).
• 🔄 The wires are connected in the correct sequence (usually the terminals are marked with letters: L - phase, N - zero, 3 and 4 - contacts compressor).

Cleaning. drainage system and eliminating blockages

Clogged drainage hole is one of the most common causes of water accumulation in the refrigerator compartment. In models Bosch the drainage system consists of:

• 🕳️ Holes at the bottom of the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment.
• 🔄 Tubesleading to the condensate container (located above the compressor).
• 💧 Containerswhere water evaporates under the influence of heat from the compressor.

To clean the system:

1. Remove the back panel of the refrigerator compartment (as described above).
2. Find the drainage hole and clean it with a cotton swab or a special brush (included with some models).
3. Rinse the tube with warm water and soda (1 tablespoon per 1 liter of water), using a syringe or syringe.
4. Check the condensate container - if it is cracked, replace it.

If water continues to accumulate, the problem may be in:

• 🔧 If the refrigerator is skewed —check the level (the door should close on its own under the influence of weight).
• 🧊 If the drainage tube freezes —in this case, defrosting the refrigerator for 12–24 hours will help.
• 🔄 Clog in the container —it is needed remove and rinse (it is attached to the latches next to the compressor).

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators with a system NoFrost the drainage hole may freeze due to a faulty defrost heater. If the problem persists after cleaning, check. Defrost heating element with a multimeter (resistance should be 200–500 Ohms).

Assembling the refrigerator after disassembling

Assembling is no less important than disassembling. Errors here can lead to freon leakage, poor cooling or breakage of new parts:

1. Check all seals: the rubber bands of doors and panels should lie flat, without gaps. If necessary, lubricate them with silicone grease.
2. Tighten the screws with the correct force: overtightened fasteners can break the threads in the plastic, and loose fasteners can lead to vibrations.
3. Connect the wires according to the diagram: if you took pictures of them before disconnecting, check with the photo. Connection errors can burn the control board.
4. Check the tightness: after assembly, close the door and check for any gaps. To do this. use the test with a sheet of paper - it should be pressed tightly around the entire perimeter.

After assembly:

• 🔌 Connect the refrigerator to the network and let it stand for 2-3 hours before turning it on (this is necessary to equalize the pressure in the system).
• ❄️ Set the temperature to the average value (+4°C for the refrigerator compartment, -18°C for the freezer).
• 📝 Write down the serial number and model of the refrigerator - this will be useful for ordering spare parts in the future.

Critical: If after assembly the refrigerator does not turn on or makes uncharacteristic sounds (knocking, humming), immediately disconnect it from the network. This may indicate a jammed compressor or a freon leak - in such cases, professional repair is required.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about disassembling Bosch refrigerators

Is it possible? disassemble a Bosch refrigerator without experience?

Yes, but only for simple tasks: cleaning the drain, replacing a lamp or seal. Working with the compressor, freon circuit or control board requires skills and tools. If you are not sure, contact the service.

How to understand that the thermostat is faulty?

Signs: the refrigerator does not turn off or, on the contrary, does not turn on; the temperature in the chambers does not correspond to the settings; the compressor operates jerkily. For diagnostics, you can temporarily close the contacts of the thermostat - if the compressor starts working, the thermostat must be replaced.

What to do if after disassembling the refrigerator does not cool?

Possible reasons:

• Freon leak (refill required).
• Incorrect connection of the thermostat or compressor.
• Clogged capillary tube (needs cleaning or replacement).
• Damage to the door seal (check the tightness).

If you cannot determine the cause, call a technician.

How often should you clean the drainage system?

It is recommended to clean the drainage hole every 6 months, even if there are no visible blockages. In houses with hard water or when the door is opened frequently, cleaning should be done more often (every 3 months).

Is it possible to replace the compressor yourself?

Technically yes, but for this you will need:

• A vacuum pump (to pump out the old one) freon).
• Cylinder with freon (type depends on the model of the refrigerator).
• Gauge manifold.
• Blowtorch and solder (for sealing tubes).

Without experience and equipment, replacing the compressor is fraught freon leakage or damage to the circuit. It is better to entrust this to professionals.