Situations when it is necessary to disassemble a household refrigerator arise among owners of household appliances Candy quite often. This is usually due to the need to transport the unit to a new place of residence, deep cleaning of hidden cavities, or local repair of components such as a thermostat or fan. It is important to understand that complete disassembly of the case is not always necessary, but partial dismantling of the elements is often necessary to access the internal mechanisms.
Modern models of refrigerators, including the Italian brand Candy, are designed taking into account ergonomics and aesthetics, which makes their appearance attractive, but sometimes complicates access to the insides. Before starting any work, you need to clearly understand the design of your device, be it a classic two-chamber model or a compact single-chamber version. Errors at the initial stage can lead to damage to plastic fasteners or loss of system tightness.
In this guide we will look in detail at the process of dismantling various elements of refrigeration equipment. We will pay attention to safety precautions, since working with electrical appliances requires compliance with certain rules. You will learn what tools you will need, how to properly remove doors and shelves, and how to gain access to the compressor compartment without the risk of damaging important components.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work on disassembling the Candy refrigerator, be sure to disconnect the device from the power supply. Do not attempt to disassemble the unit while it is plugged in, as this may result in electric shock.
Preparation of tools and work area
Quality preparation of the work area is the foundation for successful repair or maintenance. You will need a free area where you can place the removed parts without fear of damaging them. It is best to cover the floor with a soft cloth or cardboard to prevent scratches on decorative panels and glass shelves during work.
To dismantle the refrigerator elements Candy you will need a standard DIY kit. First of all, get Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers of different sizes, since the mounting screws may differ in diameter and length. It would also be a good idea to have pliers on hand, a knife with a thin blade for carefully removing the plugs, and a container for storing small screws so they don’t get lost.
- 🔧 Phillips and flathead screwdrivers (PH1, PH2, SL4) are the main tool for unscrewing screws.
- 🔑 An adjustable wrench or a set of heads - may be needed for compressor mounting nuts or legs.
- 🧤 Work gloves - will protect your hands from sharp metal edges and dirt.
- 📸 Smartphone with a camera - take a photo of each stage of disassembly so that there are no questions during assembly.
Special attention pay attention to lighting. Refrigerator interiors are often poorly lit, and access to the back wall can be difficult. Use an additional light source, such as a flashlight or lamp, to clearly see where screws and plastic latches are attached. This will help avoid situations where the fasteners break due to poor visibility.
☑️ Preparation for disassembling the refrigerator
Dismantling of internal elements and shelves
Disassembly should always begin with freeing up the internal space. This will not only make it easier to access the walls, but will also reduce the risk of damaging products or glass shelves during operation. In refrigerators Candy shelves are usually fixed on plastic guides or metal runners, which are inserted into holes on the side walls of the chamber.
To remove glass shelves, simply lift their front edge and gently pull it towards you. If a shelf is stuck, do not use excessive force—food or ice may be getting in the way. Plastic guides, if they are removable, can be removed by lightly pressing their latches. On some models, the guides are part of molded plastic and cannot be removed without disassembling the entire cabinet.
The vegetable and fruit drawers at the bottom of the refrigerator also require removal. They often have locking mechanisms to prevent them from falling out when the door is opened suddenly. To access the drawer, pull it out completely, then lift the front and pull it up towards you. The guide rails on which the drawers roll are attached with screws to the side walls and are removed using a Phillips screwdriver.
The system No Frostdeserves special attention if it is present in your model. In such refrigerators, there is a plastic box on the back wall of the chamber that hides the evaporator and fan. Removing it requires care, as the plastic becomes brittle in the cold. Allow the refrigerator to defrost completely before removing the internal panels to avoid breaking them.
Removing doors and replacing hinges
Refrigerator doors are the largest and heaviest structural elements. Their dismantling is necessary to bring equipment through narrow doorways or to replace seals. In refrigerators Candy the doors are attached to metal hinges that are secured with screws. Before starting work, be sure to empty the door shelves of heavy bottles and products.
The process begins with the top hinge. Remove the decorative plug, if any, and unscrew the mounting bolts. It is important to hold the door with your second hand or ask an assistant, since after removing the top hinge the door will remain hanging only on the bottom, which creates a dangerous tilt. After unscrewing the top hinge, carefully lift the door and remove it from the bottom pin.
| Fastening element | Tool type | Removal features |
|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Key 8 or 10 mm | Requires door support when unscrewing |
| Bottom hinge | Phillips screwdriver | Often hidden under the decorative strip of the base |
| Handle doors | Hexagon or screwdriver | The fastening can be hidden under a plug |
| Opening sensor | Flat screwdriver | Located in the body, requires careful removal |
If your model is equipped with a display or control panel on the door, you must disconnect the wire cables before complete removal. Typically the connectors are located at the top of the door, near the hinge. Carefully unclip the plastic casing, find the connector and, pressing the latch, disconnect it. Do not pull on the wires, hold only the plastic part of the connector.
What to do if the hinge bolts are rusty?
If the hinge mounting bolts are oxidized and cannot be unscrewed, do not use excessive force to avoid stripping the threads. Treat the joints with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and leave for 15-20 minutes. After this, try to carefully remove the bolt with a wrench, lightly tapping it.
Access to the back panel and compressor
The back of the refrigerator hides its “heart” - the compressor, capacitor and start relay. To access these components, you must remove the rear metal or cardboard panel. In modern models Candy it is secured around the perimeter with many screws. Before removing, make sure that the unit is moved away from the wall at a sufficient distance.
After unscrewing all the screws, the panel may not be removed immediately if it is stuck or deformed. Use a flathead screwdriver to carefully work around the perimeter, gently pressing the panel. Inside you will see the compressor (black metal tank), radiator grille and various pipes. Be extremely careful: copper tubes are very soft and easily damaged.
- 🌡️ Thermostat - often located inside the chamber or behind the rear panel, requires careful handling.
- ⚙️ Start relay - put on the compressor rod, removed by gently shaking after disconnecting the wires.
- 💨 Fan - in No Frost systems is located behind the back wall inside the chamber or outside near the capacitor.
- 🔌 Terminal block - the place where the electrical wires are connected, requires checking the contacts.
If the purpose of disassembly is to replace the compressor or repair the refrigerant circulation system, you need to remember about freon. Independently breaking the tightness of the circuit without special equipment is prohibited and dangerous. In such cases, disassembly is limited only to external elements for diagnostics, and further repairs must be carried out by a certified specialist.
⚠️ Attention: Copper tubes of the refrigeration system are very soft. When disassembling the back of the refrigerator, be careful not to touch them with a tool or the edge of a metal panel, otherwise refrigerant will leak.
Disassembling the No Frost freezer
The freezer compartments of the system No Frost have a more complex design compared to the drip system. Here, air circulation is provided by a fan, and the evaporator is hidden behind a plastic panel on the rear wall. To access the evaporator or fan, you must remove all the drawers and the top cover of the freezer.
The rear panel can be secured with screws, which are often hidden under plastic plugs or located inside recesses. In some models Candy the panel is held on by latches. You need to act carefully: heat the panel with a hairdryer (not too much) so that the plastic becomes more elastic, and evenly press the latches around the perimeter.
Under the panel you will find a defrost heating element (TEN) and temperature sensors. If the refrigerator has stopped freezing or ice is freezing, the problem often lies here. A visual inspection will reveal a burnt-out heating element or sensor malfunction. When replacing elements, be sure to unplug the refrigerator.
Common mistakes during self-disassembly
Inexperienced craftsmen often make mistakes that can lead to expensive repairs. One of the most common is the use of excessive force where you just need to find the right angle or press the lock. Plastic in refrigerators Candy is quite durable, but fragile at low temperatures or mechanical shock.
Another mistake is the loss of fasteners. Screws in refrigerators can be of different lengths and diameters. If you mix up their places during assembly, you can damage the threads or break through the insulation. It is recommended to use a magnetic holder or labeled containers for each disassembly step.
Ignoring electrical safety is also common. Even after being unplugged, electronics capacitors may retain a charge. Do not touch live parts of the control board with your hands immediately after disconnecting. Let the device stand for 10-15 minutes before starting active operations with the electronics.
Is it possible to disassemble the refrigerator without draining the freon?
Yes, external disassembly (removing doors, shelves, rear panels of the case) can be done without releasing the refrigerant. However, it is impossible to open a sealed circuit (cut off pipes, remove a compressor) without special equipment and skills - this will lead to freon leakage and require expensive refilling.
How to remove a door if the hinge screws are rusty?
Treat the threads with penetrating lubricant (WD-40) and leave for 20 minutes. Try gently tapping the bolt with a hammer through a drift to break up the rust layer. If this does not help, you can try to gently heat the joint with a hair dryer, but be careful not to melt the paint and plastic.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before removing the back panel?
Yes, this is highly desirable. In a No Frost system, ice may remain on the evaporator. When removing the panel, ice may fall off and damage the plastic parts or the heater. In addition, warm plastic is less fragile and is easier to remove from the latches.
Where can I find a disassembly diagram for my Candy model?
Exact diagrams (types) can often be found in the Service Manual for a specific model. Look for them by the model code located on the sticker inside the camera. Videos on specialized forums for repairing household appliances can also be helpful.
What to do if the plastic latch breaks during disassembly?
Small chips of plastic can be sealed with epoxy glue or soldered with a soldering iron with careful soldering. If the hinge mount is broken, you may need to replace the entire door or find a donor part. For a temporary solution, you can use metal corners, but this will ruin the aesthetics.