The situation when household appliances fails is always unpleasant, but for refrigerator owners Biryusa this is not always a reason to call a technician. Many faults, such as a clogged capillary tube, thermostat failure, or fan failure, can be repaired yourself if you know how to properly access the internal components. Disassembling refrigeration equipment is a process that requires not only physical effort, but also strict adherence to safety precautions, since the refrigerant is under pressure inside the system.
Before you begin dismantling, you must clearly understand for what purpose you are doing this. If your task is to replace light bulb or clean the water drainage system, it is enough to remove only the plastic panels. However, to repair compressor or replace the evaporator, a deeper disassembly will be required using special tools.
In this article we will look in detail at how to disassemble various models of refrigerators Biryusa, including the popular series 133, 134 and 149. You will learn about the nuances of fastening panels, the features of removing doors and the rules for safe work with electrical parts. The correct approach to dismantling will save you time and money, and will also allow you to avoid typical mistakes that beginners often make when first contacting the internal filling of the unit.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tools
Quality preparation for repairs is already half the success. To safely and effectively disassemble the refrigerator Biryusa you will need not only a set of screwdrivers, but also a certain organization of space. The work area should be well lit, and the floor should be covered with soft material so as not to damage the enamel of the case if parts or tools accidentally fall. You should not ignore this stage, since a lost small screw or a scratched panel can significantly complicate assembly.
The main set of tools includes Phillips and slotted screwdrivers of different sizes, since fasteners in refrigerators Biryusa may differ depending on the model year. You will also need pliers, a knife with a thin blade to carefully pry the latches, and possibly socket wrenches to remove the nuts from the compressor. If you plan to work with electricians, it will not be superfluous to use a multimeter to check the circuits for short circuits.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! Unplug the plug from the socket and make sure there is no voltage on the wires. Working with live electrical appliances is deadly.
Particular attention should be paid to safety when working with refrigerant. Although household models Biryusa most often use safe freon R134a or isobutane R600a, breaking the tightness of the system while the compressor is running or sparking is unacceptable. Isobutane, for example, is an explosive gas, so make sure there are no open fire sources in the room. If you are not confident in your abilities when working with a sealed circuit, it is better to limit yourself to replacing hanging elements.
Dismantling of external elements: doors and shelves
The first stage of disassembly is always the release of the internal volume and removal of hanging elements. This is necessary to facilitate the design and provide free access to fastening units. Start by removing all shelves, vegetable drawers and containers from the door. Glass shelves should be removed carefully, lifting them up and pulling them towards you so as not to touch the rest of the fittings.
Removing doors is a more complex process that requires the help of a second person, since the door leaf with a seal and glass (if any) has significant weight. In refrigerators Biryusa the doors are attached to hinges, which can be hidden under decorative plugs. Carefully pry up the plastic covers with a knife or thin screwdriver to gain access to the mounting bolts. By unscrewing the top hinge, you can remove the top door, and then, having reached the bottom, dismantle it too.
- 🔧 Remove all removable shelves and drawers to free access to the walls of the chamber.
- 🚪 When removing the doors, be sure to hold them with your second hand or ask an assistant to avoid falling and injury.
- 📏 Remember or take a photo of the order in which the gaskets and washers are installed on the hinges so that there are no distortions during assembly.
- 🧊 If the door has built-in glass, try not to lay the door flat on a hard surface without a backing.
After removing the doors, pay attention to sealing rubber. During prolonged use, it may stick to the body or become deformed. If you are planning a complete disassembly, it is better to remove the seal by bending its edge and pulling it out of the groove. This will allow you to gain access to the screws, which are often hidden under the rubber edging, especially in the area of the lock or handle.
Removing internal panels and plastic decor
Plastic panels inside the refrigerator and freezer compartments in models Biryusa perform not only a decorative, but also a heat-insulating function. They are secured using hidden latches and screws that are often disguised. To remove the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment, where the channel for draining melt water and sensors are usually located, you must first remove all interfering elements, such as shelf holders.
Fastening elements can be located under plastic plugs or hidden in the depths of the holes. Use a thin awl or needle to carefully remove the plugs without damaging them. The screws, as a rule, have a Phillips head, but in older models Biryusa there was also a slotted fastening. Proceed with caution: plastic becomes brittle over time, and excessive force can lead to cracks that will then have to be sealed.
The area of lighting lamp and the thermostat requires special attention. In some models, the lampshade is removed by carefully pressing out the fasteners, in others - by unscrewing the screw. Additional panel fastenings are often hidden under the lampshade. If the panel cannot be removed, do not use force - check to see if any screw remains unscrewed in a hard-to-reach place. The plastic of the panels Biryusa is quite thin and easily breaks if handled carelessly.
Access to the compressor and the rear of the unit
For repairs refrigerant circulation system or replacing the start relay, it is necessary to gain access to the bottom of the refrigerator where the compressor unit is located. In refrigerators Biryusa the compressor is closed with a metal or plastic casing, which is attached to the rear wall of the unit. Removing this casing provides access to the motor, condenser and filter drier.
The casing mounting bolts can be located around the perimeter or only on one side. Use an open-end wrench or socket of the appropriate size (usually 8 or 10 mm) to unscrew them. After removing the casing, you will have a view of compressor, which is the heart of the refrigerator. Pay attention to the condition of the tubes: they should not have traces of oil, which may indicate a freon leak.
| Element | Location | Mounting type | Tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compressor casing | Lower part at the back | M8/M10 bolts | Socket wrench |
| Start relay | Side of the compressor | Latch/Screw | Flat screwdriver |
| Condenser | Next to the compressor | Clamp/Clip | Pliers |
| Main pipes | Around the compressor | Soldering/Welding | Torch/Pliers |
When working in the compressor area, it is important to be careful with electrical contacts. The start relay and thermal protection are energized at the moment of switching on. Even when the refrigerator is unplugged from the outlet, a residual charge may remain in the capacitors, so before touching the metal parts, it is advisable to discharge them by shorting the contacts with a dielectric tool (although in household refrigerators the risk is small, the habit is safe).
Disassembling the No Frost system and evaporator
In models Biryusa with the No Frost system, access to the evaporator is hidden behind the rear panel inside the freezer. This panel is usually made of plastic and is secured with several screws as well as latches around the perimeter. To remove it, you need to completely empty the freezer of food and, possibly, dismantle the shelves if they interfere with the view.
After unscrewing the visible screws, the panel must be carefully pressed at the edges. It is important not to overdo it here: the plastic clips may be frozen or simply “stiffened” from the cold. If the panel does not work, let it warm up a little at room temperature or use a hair dryer on low power to soften the plastic. Sudden movements can lead to breakage of the fasteners, which will break the seal of the chamber and lead to the formation of ice.
- ❄️ Before removing the evaporator panel, make sure that the chamber is completely defrosted so that water does not get on the electrics.
- 💨 Check the condition of the blower fan, which is often located behind this panel - it may be the cause noise.
- 🔌 Disconnect the defrost sensor connectors carefully, using tweezers or a thin screwdriver to fix the tab.
- 🧊 Pay attention to the drainage hole - it often becomes clogged with ice or debris, requiring cleaning.
It is located behind the panel evaporator —an aluminum radiator through which refrigerant circulates. It contains defrost sensors and a heating element. When disassembling this area, it is extremely important not to damage the aluminum evaporator tubes. Even a puncture will lead to the release of freon and the need for expensive refilling. If you need to replace the defrost heating element, act as delicately as possible.
Why can’t you use sharp objects to chip ice?
Using a knife or screwdriver to remove ice from the evaporator or chamber walls is strictly prohibited. The aluminum from which the evaporator is made is very soft, and it costs nothing to pierce it with a sharp point. This will lead to instant depressurization of the system, leakage of freon and moisture entering the circuit, which will require complex repairs with filter replacement and evacuation.
Electrical circuit and control unit
Refrigerator electronics Biryusa can be located in different places: in the upper part of the case, behind the decorative strip above the door, or at the bottom, next to the compressor. In modern models with a door display, the control unit is often built into the door itself, which requires careful removal of the front panel. In simpler models, the “brains” are located in a plastic box on the back wall inside the refrigerator compartment.
To access the control unit, you must remove the protective cover. Inside you will see a board with electronic components, relays and connectors. Before disconnecting the wires, it is strongly recommended to photograph their location, since the color marking is not always clear, and mixed up contacts can damage the unit. Wiring refrigerators are often rigid due to low temperatures, so disconnect the chips smoothly, without jerking.
⚠️ Attention: If you If you find traces of burning on the control board, swollen capacitors or oxidation of contacts, independent repair may not be advisable. In such cases, it is better to replace the entire control unit with an original or compatible analogue.
Checking electrical circuits is carried out using a multimeter in continuity mode. It is necessary to check the integrity of thermal fuses, the resistance of heating elements and the serviceability of temperature sensors. The normal resistance of the sensor at room temperature is usually several kilo-ohms, but the exact values depend on the specific model Biryusa and the type of sensor used.
Assembly and performance testing
Assembling the refrigerator is done in the reverse order disassembly This is the golden rule of the repairman. Make sure that all screws are tightened all the way, but not with excessive force that could strip the threads in the plastic. Pay special attention to the door seals: they should fit snugly around the entire perimeter. If after assembly the door does not close tightly, you may have installed the hinges incorrectly or forgot some kind of gasket.
After complete assembly, do not rush to load the products. Plug in the empty refrigerator and let it run for a few hours. This is necessary so that the system reaches operating mode, and you can make sure that there is no extraneous noise, vibration or leaks. Check if the light is working, if the fan is spinning (in No Frost) and if the unit is gaining temperature.
☑️ Final check after assembly
If problems arise during operation, such as constant operation compressor without shutting down or insufficient cooling; perhaps one of the sensors was damaged during disassembly or the tightness of the circuit was broken. In this case, repeated diagnostics will be required. However, if you followed the instructions and were careful, your Biryusa should delight you with the cold again.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to disassemble the Biryusa refrigerator without damaging the foam insulation?
Yes, this is possible if you act carefully. Polyurethane foam insulation in refrigerators Biryusa is usually poured between the outer and inner casing. During standard disassembly (removing panels, compressor, doors) it is not affected. Damage to the insulation is only possible when trying to cut the body or when carelessly removing the internal plastic if it is glued to the foam. Use thin tools to pry up the plastic.
Where is the fuse in the Biryusa refrigerator?
In most refrigerator models Biryusa there is no separate fuse in the usual form (like in a traffic jam). The circuit is protected by a fusible insert inside the plug (in older models) or a thermal fuse in the defrost heating element circuit (in No Frost models), which is located on the evaporator behind the rear panel of the freezer. If the refrigerator does not turn on at all, the problem is most often in the socket, cable or internal wiring break.
Is it necessary to drain freon before disassembling?
Draining freon just like that into the atmosphere is prohibited by environmental regulations and is technically not necessary for disassembling mechanical parts. Freon is in a sealed circuit. If you do not plan to solder pipes or change the compressor, there is no need to touch the circulation system. If a compressor replacement is required, the freon must be pumped out by a technician using special equipment (station), and not released into the room.
Why did the refrigerator start to work louder after disassembly?
The increase in noise can be associated with several factors: vibration of loose panels, compressor tubes getting into the housing, or imbalance of the compressor itself when it is removal/installation. Also check whether the fan (if any) is touching ice or wires. If the noise comes from the compressor, it is possible that the mounting bolts were overtightened during assembly or, conversely, they were loosened.
How to remove a door handle if there are no visible screws?
In models Biryusa with hidden fastening of the handles, the screws are often located under decorative plugs that are located in the top or the bottom of the handle. Sometimes the handle is held on by powerful latches and is removed with a sharp but gentle pull towards itself (after removing the door). Study the instructions for a specific model, since the design of the handles may differ depending on the year of manufacture.