Modern refrigerators Bosch are famous for their reliability and thoughtful design, but even the most advanced equipment requires maintenance from time to time. Disassembling the refrigerator may be required to replace the seal, repair the system No Frost, clearing drainage blockage or replacing the compressor. Unlike old Soviet models, German engineering assumes the presence of many hidden fasteners and plastic latches that require careful handling.
Before proceeding with dismantling, you need to understand that the internal structure of the units may vary depending on the series KGV, KGN or KIS. Incorrect application of force often leads to breakage of plastic elements, which then have to be looked for in spare parts catalogues. The critical point is to completely disconnect the device from the power supply 2-3 hours before starting workso that the refrigerant has time to drain into the condenser and the electronics are completely de-energized.
In this In this article we will look at a universal algorithm of actions that will help you safely dismantle the main components. We will not touch upon complex cases of manufacturing defects that require special tools, but will focus on typical operations available to the home craftsman. The correct sequence of actions will preserve the integrity of the case and simplify reassembly.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tools
Quality disassembling a Bosch refrigerator is impossible without a minimum set of tools and a properly prepared site. You will need free space around the unit, as some elements, such as the door or rear panel, will have to be set aside. It is better to cover the floor with soft material so as not to damage the covering of the room and the equipment itself if parts accidentally fall.
The basic set of tools should include Phillips and slotted screwdrivers of different sizes, as well as a set of hex keys. Special plastic spatulas are ideal for working with plastic latches; they do not leave scratches on glossy surfaces. Bosch. It is highly undesirable to use metal knives or screwdrivers to snap off the panels, since the risk of damaging the housing is too great.
Also prepare a container for water and a rag, since moisture may remain in the drainage system or evaporator. A magnetic tray or several small jars for sorting screws will not be superfluous, since fasteners in different units may differ in the length and diameter of the thread. Mixed-up screws can cause vibration or damage to the plastic during assembly.
- 🛠️ Set of screwdrivers (Phillips PH1, PH2 and slotted)
- 🔑 Set of hex keys (4 mm and 5 mm sizes are often required)
- 🧤 Plastic mounting spatulas for opening latches
- 💡 Flashlight for illuminating internal cavities
- 🧼 Rags and a container for collecting condensate
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, make sure that the refrigerator is unplugged from the outlet. Working with live electrical appliances is deadly, even if you do not plan to touch the wiring directly.
☑️ Preparation for disassembly
Removing door shelves and internal fittings
First the stage always becomes the release of the internal volume Removing Shelves and drawers in refrigerators Bosch usually does not require tools, but has its own nuances. Glass shelves often have plastic surrounds that can get stuck in the guides if pulled at the wrong angle. Plastic stops on shelves sometimes require a gentle squeeze or twist to release.
Door shelves are attached in different ways: some simply slide into slots, others have locking latches on the bottom. When removing glass bottles on the door, be especially careful - they are heavy and can break if dropped, damaging the lower plastic elements of the door. Freezer drawers in models No Frost often have guides that need to be carefully disengaged by lifting the front edge of the drawer.
After removing all removable elements, the inside of the chamber should remain empty, with the exception of fixed elements like lampshades or sensors, which do not need to be touched yet. This will allow you to gain access to the screws that secure the interior panels. If you are changing the seal, then at this stage you can carefully remove it from the door groove, starting from the top corner.
Removing Bosch refrigerator doors
The need to remove the door rarely arises, usually when replacing a seal, moving the refrigerator into a narrow opening, or transporting it. In refrigerators Bosch the door is supported by powerful metal hinges, which are attached to the body with several screws. The top hinge is often hidden under a decorative plastic plug, which must be carefully pryed off with a knife or spatula.
The door of modern models is heavy, especially if it is two-chamber or has a built-in display. Before unscrewing the lower hinge (if complete dismantling is required) or when removing from the upper hinges, be sure to call an assistant. One person should hold the door, the second should unscrew the fasteners. A sudden break of the door can lead to injury or damage to the floor covering.
If your model is equipped with a system Door-in-Door or has a complex opening system, first study the diagram in the instructions, as there may be additional cables or closer mechanisms. After removing the hinges, the door is carefully placed in a safe place. When reinstalling, it may be necessary to adjust the position of the door so that it fits snugly to the body.
| Hinge type | Location | Fixture type | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top | Top of the case | Hex screws | Hidden with a decorative cover |
| Bottom | Bottom, under the door | Bolts with nuts | Requires removal of the base panel |
| Medium | Between chambers | Screws + pin | Available only in two-chamber models |
Disassembling the No Frost system and removing the back wall
The most common reason for disassembly is a malfunction of the system No Frost. To access the evaporator, fan and heating element, it is necessary to dismantle the rear panel inside the freezer or refrigerator compartment. In refrigerators Bosch it is secured not only with visible screws, but also with hidden latches around the perimeter.
First, unscrew all visible screws, which can be located in the corners of the panel or hidden under plastic plugs. Then, using a plastic spatula, carefully go along the junction of the panel and the body, unclicking the latches. You need to act without fanaticism: plastic becomes brittle in the cold, and a sudden movement can break the fastening eye.
After removing the panel, you will see an evaporator covered with a plastic casing. Defrosting heating elements and sensors are located under the casing. Often the problem lies right here: a burnt-out heating element or a stuck sensor. There is also a drainage hole that could become clogged with ice or dirt. Carefully remove ice if there is any, but do not use sharp objects to pick at the tubes.
Why can’t you pick out ice with a knife?
Using metal objects to remove ice from the evaporator can lead to breakdown of the refrigerant tubes. This will cause a freon leak and will require expensive professional repairs with sealing of the system.
Access to the compressor and rear panel of the housing
To replace the compressor, start relay, or purge the condenser, access to the rear of the unit is required. At refrigerators Bosch the back wall can be removable (a metal sheet with screws) or non-removable (requires moving the entire refrigerator away from the wall). In most modern models, access to the compressor compartment is through the lower part at the back.
The compressor, condenser (black grille) and filter drier are located here. Compressor fixed on shock-absorbing rubber feet and pressed with a metal strip or bolts. Before removing the compressor, it is necessary to bleed off the refrigerant, which is impossible to do at home without violating environmental standards and losing gas. Therefore, replacing a compressor is a task for a service center with a vacuum pump.
However, you can independently replace the start-up relay, which is placed on the contacts of the compressor. It can be removed with a simple movement after disconnecting the wires. There is also often a condenser fan located here, which can make noise due to wear on the bearings. Replacing it is simple: unscrew the fasteners and disconnect the power supply.
⚠️ Attention: The filter drier (copper cylinder on the tube) cannot be simply disconnected. It is disposable, and after opening it, moisture will enter the system, which will lead to the formation of an ice plug and breakdown of the refrigerator.
Removing the control module and sensors
Electronics in refrigerators Bosch located either in the upper part of the case (behind the decorative panel) or in the base below. The control module is responsible for all processes, including temperature and defrost. To remove it, you need to dismantle the protective casing, which is usually held in place by latches and screws.
When working with electronics, it is important to maintain static safety. Before touching the board, it is advisable to touch a grounded metal object to remove static charge from your body. Cables and wires are disconnected carefully by clamping the connector latches rather than pulling the wires themselves.
Temperature sensors (thermistors) are often located inside the chamber or in the evaporator area. They can be fixed in special sockets or simply hang on wires. When disassembling the system No Frost they can be easily damaged, so watch the location of the wires. A faulty sensor may give incorrect readings, causing the refrigerator to operate incorrectly.
- 🔌 Disconnect the connectors only using the plastic parts of the connector
- 📸 Take a photo of connecting the wires before disconnecting
- 🧤 Use antistatic gloves when working with boards
Assembly and performance testing
After repair work, the stage of reassembly begins. Assembling the refrigerator is carried out in the reverse order of disassembly. Pay special attention to the installation of the rear panel of the camera: make sure that all wires of sensors and fans are not pressed by the edge of the plastic and do not fall into the rotation zone of the blades.
When installing the doors, check the horizontal installation of the refrigerator itself using a level. If the unit is positioned crookedly, the door may not close on its own or, conversely, open spontaneously. Adjusting the height of the legs allows you to position the body perfectly. After turning on, check the operation of the fan and the absence of extraneous noise.
The first startup after repair is better to do without food, allowing the refrigerator to reach temperature and check the shutdown cycles. If you changed the seal, the door may not immediately fit tightly - the rubber profile needs time (up to a day) to straighten out and take a working shape.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before completely disassembling it?
Yes, this is a prerequisite. Ice in the evaporator and tubes can interfere with the dismantling of panels, and water that melts during operation will flood the electronics. Let the unit stand unplugged for at least 12 hours.
How to replace special Bosch screws if they are lost?
In refrigerators Bosch screws with a non-standard head or coating are often used. You can replace them with regular galvanized analogues of the same size, but it is better to purchase an original repair kit to avoid corrosion and thread problems in the future.
Is it possible to wash the insides of the refrigerator with water after disassembling?
Only removable plastic parts and the metal body can be washed. It is strictly prohibited to wet electronic modules, fans and wiring. Wipe them with a dry or slightly damp (well wrung out) cloth.
Why does the refrigerator hum loudly after assembly?
Most likely, when installing the back panel or compressor, the vibration wire was pinched or the tube touched the case. Also check to see if there is a foreign object under the feet or the fan. Sometimes it is enough to straighten the tubes by hand (with the device turned off).