The need to remove the back panel or dismantle the door in refrigerators Nord often occurs unexpectedly. This may be due to replacing the seal, repairing the compressor, or cleaning the condensate drainage system. The owner is faced with the question of how to safely disassemble the equipment without damaging the fragile plastic and without breaking the tightness of the circuit. Models of the Ukrainian brand, such as the more modern series, have their own design features. Unlike Western analogues, specific latches and screws are often used here, hidden under decorative plugs. Understanding the structure of the unit is the first step to successful repair.
Models of the Ukrainian brand, such as Nord-107 or more modern series NBS, have their own design features. Unlike Western analogues, specific latches and screws are often used here, hidden under decorative plugs. Understanding the unit's design is the first step to successful repairs.
In this article we will look in detail at the process of dismantling the main elements. You'll learn what tools you'll need, in what order to unscrew the bolts, and how to avoid common mistakes. The right approach will save on calling a technician and extend the service life of the equipment.
Preparation of tools and workplace
Before starting the active phase of work, it is necessary to organize the space. Disassembling a refrigerator requires space not only around the body, but also for temporary placement of the removed parts. Make sure the floor is clean, dry and not slippery, as some elements may be heavy.
You will need a standard DIY kit to complete the task. The main tool will be a Phillips screwdriver, preferably with a magnetic tip, so as not to drop the screws in hard-to-reach places. You will also need a flat-head screwdriver for prying off the plugs and plastic spatulas that will not scratch the case.
- 🔧 Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers of different sizes for different types of fasteners.
- 🔨 A plastic spatula or spatula for safely opening the latches.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🔦 Flashlight for illuminating the interior and rear wall.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to carry out any work on disassembling the case without disconnecting the refrigerator from the power supply. Even when turned off, residual voltage may remain on the control board, which is dangerous to humans.
It is important to prepare a container in advance for folding fasteners. Screws in refrigerators Nord may differ in length and diameter depending on the unit. By mixing them up during assembly, you can damage the threads or break through the thermal insulation.
☑️ Preparation for disassembly
Dismantling doors and removing seals
The most extensive stage is removing the door panels. This is necessary if you need to remove the refrigerator through a narrow doorway or replace the hinges. The doors of the models Nord are mounted on powerful metal hinges, which are secured with bolts.
Start with the top hinge. Carefully remove the decorative cover, if present, and unscrew the mounting bolts. After this, it is better to hold the door, as it may move under its own weight. The lower hinge is usually released last, when the door is already raised.
If your goal is to replace the rubber seal, it is not necessary to remove the entire door, but it is highly desirable for high-quality installation of the new tape. The old seal is removed from the groove, and the new one is installed around the perimeter, starting from the corners.
- 🚪 Remove the decorative caps from the top hinge using a flat screwdriver.
- 🔩 Unscrew the bolts securing the top hinge using an open-end wrench or a socket.
- 🆙 Lift the door up to release the bottom hinge pin.
- 🧊 Remove the counterpart of the bottom hinge from the refrigerator body.
When installing a new seal, it is important to ensure that the magnetic tape lies evenly along the entire perimeter. Distortions will lead to a loose fit and loss of cold. In the corners, the rubber can be slightly heated with a hairdryer for better elasticity.
Disassembling the interior and removing shelves
The interior space of the refrigerator compartment requires delicate handling. The plastic used in the models Nordis quite durable, but becomes brittle at low temperatures. Therefore, if the refrigerator has just been working, let it warm up to room temperature before taking active steps.
Removing shelves and drawers is a simple process, but it has nuances. Glass shelves are usually simply removed from the guides, but plastic stops may have locking tabs. Freezer drawers are often held on guide slides, which need to be carefully pulled out all the way and lifted.
The system deserves special attention No Frost (if it is provided by the model). In such refrigerators, the back wall of the chamber is part of the evaporator and is covered with a plastic box. Its removal is required to defrost the drainage or replace the heating element.
| Element | Mounting type | Tool | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glass shelf | Guides | No | Take out strictly horizontally |
| Box of vegetables | Sleds/Skids | No | Requires lifting when removal |
| Plastic box (No Frost) | Screws + Latches | Phillips screwdriver | Fragile plastic, heat with a hairdryer |
| Egg tray | Latches on the door | Flat screwdriver | Remove carefully without breaking the ears |
When dismantling plastic panels inside the camera, hidden screws are often found. They can be disguised as stickers or plugs in the corners. A careful inspection of the surface will help you find all the attachment points.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use sharp metal objects to pry off the plastic panels inside the camera. There is a high probability of breaking through the wall of the refrigerator or damaging the refrigerant pipelines, which will lead to irreversible damage.
What to do if the plastic is cracked?
If during disassembly you accidentally damaged a plastic element, do not rush to throw it away. For small cracks, you can use special glue for plastic or food-grade silicone sealants. Large chips can be masked or the part can be replaced entirely by ordering the original using the catalog number.
Access to the compressor and rear panel
The back of the refrigerator Nord hides the “heart” of the unit - the compressor, capacitor and start-up relay. Access to these components is closed with a metal or plastic cover, which is secured around the perimeter with screws.
To remove the back cover, turn the refrigerator on its side, having first secured the doors with tape so that they do not swing open. Unscrew all the screws around the perimeter. On some models, the screws may be hidden under rubber feet or decorative strips.
After removing the panel, you will see the compressor. It's a black metal tank with copper tubing going into it. Nearby is a basket or platform containing the starting relay and capacitors. This is where parts most often need to be replaced if there are problems with starting.
- 🔌 Disconnect the wire block from the compressor, having first photographed the circuit.
- 🛠️ Remove the start relay, gently rocking it from side to side.
- 🔩 Unscrew the clamp compressor bar, if its complete replacement is required.
- 💨 Clean the condenser (grid at the back) from dust with a soft brush or vacuum cleaner.
When working with the rear panel, it is important not to damage the aluminum tubes of the condenser. They are very thin and easily deformed. Any dent can disrupt the circulation of refrigerant. You should also be careful with electrical contacts.
Disassembling the No Frost and defrost system
In models with the system No Frost the most difficult step is disassembling the evaporator located behind the rear wall of the freezer. This is where ice accumulates and can block the fan or drainage hole.
To gain access, you must completely empty the freezer of food and drawers. Then the screws holding the plastic panel of the rear wall are unscrewed. They are often closed with plugs. After removing the panel, access to the evaporator and fan becomes available.
The critical element here is defrost sensorwhich controls the temperature of the evaporator. If it fails, the refrigerator stops defrosting and the ice coat blocks air circulation. Replacing it requires careful removal of the terminals.
The process of disassembling the fan usually involves disconnecting the power supply chip and unscrewing 2-3 bolts securing the motor housing. During assembly, it is important to check whether the blades rotate freely and do not touch the channel walls.
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics and arrangement of elements in refrigerators Nord may vary slightly depending on the year of manufacture and the specific modification. Always check the technical documentation or the diagram pasted on the inside wall of your unit before disconnecting the wires.
Assembly and performance testing
After completion of repair or maintenance work, the assembly stage begins. This is the reverse process of disassembly, but requires no less care. It is important not to forget a single screw and install all seals correctly.
First, the internal panels are installed and the back wall of the chamber is attached (for No Frost). Make sure that all latches click into place. Then shelves, drawers are mounted and doors are hung.
The final stage is connecting to the network. Do not load the refrigerator with food at once. Let it run idle for 2-3 hours to reach operating temperature. At this time, listen to the operation of the compressor: there should be no knocking, humming or vibration.
- 🔍 Check the tightness of the doors around the entire perimeter using a sheet of paper.
- 🌡️ Make sure that the thermostat or electronic control responds to changes in settings.
- 👂 Listen to the compressor for any unusual sounds.
- 💧 Check the condensate tray (if accessible) for leaks.
If the refrigerator is unstable after assembly, do not panic. Perhaps some connector was not inserted completely or the screw is pinching the wiring. Re-checking the connections often solves the problem.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do you need to completely defrost the refrigerator before disassembling?
Yes, this is a prerequisite. Moisture inside the chambers, when exposed to cold air, can condense on the electronic circuit boards, causing a short circuit. In addition, ice makes plastic brittle.
Where can I find an electrical circuit for a Nord refrigerator?
The circuit is often pasted on the inner wall of the refrigerator compartment or on the back cover. It can also be found in the operating instructions or on the manufacturer’s official website in the support section.
Is it possible to remove the doors without unscrewing the bottom hinge?
No, the design of the hinges does not allow you to remove the door by simply unscrewing the top part. It is necessary to release both fastenings in order to remove the canvas from the axles.
What to do if after assembly the refrigerator does not turn on?
Check whether the start relay plug is correctly connected to the compressor (it should fit tightly). Make sure the thermostat is on and the power light (if equipped) is on.
How often should you clean the back of the condenser?
It is recommended to clean the condenser grille of dust and pet hair once a year. This improves heat transfer and reduces the load on the compressor, extending its service life.