The need to remove the internal capacity of the refrigerator compartment arises quite often: a thorough cleaning, replacement of damaged plastic, or simply freeing up space for large-sized products is required. Equipment owners Samsung are faced with different designs of shelves and trays, and an attempt to apply force where a careful turn is needed can lead to breakage of the fasteners. Plastic elements Modern models are designed to withstand the weight of products, but they are sensitive to shock loads.
Before proceeding with dismantling, it is important to understand that most internal components are not tightly secured with bolts or screws. They are held in place by a system of grooves, latches and guides. The key point is to pre-cool the plastic, since at room temperature it becomes more flexible, and in frost it becomes brittle. Therefore, if you have just defrosted the unit, let it warm up to room temperature to avoid cracks.
In this guide we will analyze in detail the algorithms of action for different types of containers found in the lines Side-by-Side, French Door and classic two-chamber models. You will learn where to look for hidden fasteners and how to apply the correct force. This will allow you to safely perform maintenance and extend the life of your equipment.
Preparation for dismantling internal elements
You should begin work by fully preparing the workspace and the device itself. Free the camera from products that may interfere with access to the mounts or fall out if moved carelessly. Temperature conditions plays a critical role: cold plastic becomes brittle, so it is recommended to unplug the device and wait 15-20 minutes.
You will need a clean, a soft surface next to the refrigerator where you can immediately put the removed parts. Cover the table or floor with a towel to prevent scratches on the glossy surfaces of the drawers. Also prepare a dry rag to wipe the guides from condensation.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to pick out plastic elements with a knife or screwdriver. A sharp tool will leave deep grooves in which bacteria will subsequently multiply, and can also split the body of the part.
Check the presence of specific fastening elements in your model. Some series Samsung use additional stoppers for deep trays, which must first be unlocked. Carefully inspect the side walls of the chamber for unusual protrusions or buttons.
☑️ Preparation for disassembly
Removing glass shelves and frames
Glass shelves are often the first obstacle to the lower drawers. In refrigerators Samsung they are usually installed in special grooves on the side walls or on pull-out guides. To remove such a shelf, you need to lift its front edge a few degrees and pull it towards you.
If the shelf is installed in deep guides, the algorithm may differ. First, the guide itself extends, then the glass is removed. Sliding mechanism sometimes it has a latch in the form of a tongue that needs to be pressed or pulled out. Be careful: the glass is heavy, and it is better to remove it with two people if you have a large-volume model.
Frames for glass shelves are often made of transparent plastic and can have complex geometry. They are worn on top or snapped around the perimeter. When removing the frame, it is important to evenly distribute the force across all corners so as not to break the corner joints.
Removing vegetable containers and trays
Bottom drawers intended for vegetables and fruits are usually the largest elements of the interior. In classic models, they simply slide out along the guides until they stop. However, in modern systems Twin Cooling Plus or No Frost the design may be more complex.
To completely remove the drawer, pull it out to the maximum position. Then lift the front up slightly to disengage the rear skids from the rails. Plastic runners should come out of the grooves easily. If resistance is felt, check to see if the box is resting against the limiting projections.
In some models Samsung with a system Flex Zone or variable temperature, the drawers may have additional partitions or covers. The cover often needs to be removed separately by unlatching the rear latches. Do this carefully, holding the cover with both hands.
| Element type | Location | Mounting type | Removal feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glass shelf | Middle tier | Grooves in the walls | Forward tilt and traction |
| Vegetable box | Lower tier | Guide runners | Lifting the front part |
| Meat tray | Top tier | Pull-out frame | Removing from the frame separately |
| Door shelf | On the door | Latches on the bottom | Lifting up with force |
Removing door shelves and bottles
Refrigerator door elements Samsung attached to the inner wall of the door using plastic latches. These latches are usually located on the bottom of the shelf holder. To remove the shelf, you need to grab it with your hands on both sides and pull it up sharply but in a controlled manner.
Sometimes the plastic latches can be tight. In this case, it is recommended to slightly rock the shelf from side to side, while lifting it. Fixation mechanism designed for frequent use, but aging of the plastic can make it more rigid.
Bottle holders located at the bottom of the door often have a custom design. They can be retracted or removed entirely. Pay attention to the side edges: there may be hidden unlock buttons.
Working with guides and telescopic systems
In premium models of refrigerators Samsung full extension telescopic guides are used. They ensure smooth operation even when the box is fully loaded. Disassembling such systems requires a special approach, since there are metal and plastic components.
To remove the drawer from the telescopic guides, you often need to activate a special locking lever, which is located inside the side channel of the guide. This lever can be black or blue. By pressing it, you will release the box and it will easily be removed from the rail.
⚠️ Attention: The metal hinges of the telescopic systems are lubricated with a special food-grade lubricant. Do not wipe it completely when cleaning, otherwise the mechanism will begin to creak and jam.
If the guide is plastic and integrated into the body of the drawer, inspect it for cracks. Often the breakdown occurs precisely at the junction of the runner with the bottom of the box. When replacing a part, it is important to choose the original part number, since the geometry of different models is different. Samsung different.
What to do if the plastic guide is broken?
If the plastic drawer slide is cracked, do not try to glue it with superglue - in the cold the glue will become brittle and the drawer will return will fall. It is better to order a new part by catalog number or use a temporary solution made of food-grade stainless wire to hold the drawer in a horizontal position.
Cleaning and servicing removed parts
After successful dismantling of all elements, the cleaning stage begins. Plastic drawers and glass shelves can be washed in warm water using a mild detergent. Abrasive sponges Do not use them, as they leave micro-scratches in which dirt accumulates.
Pay special attention to the corners of the drawers and the places where the guides are attached. This is where mold or sticky residue often forms. Use a soft brush for hard-to-reach areas. After washing, rinse the parts thoroughly and allow them to dry completely before reassembling.
Assemble in reverse order. Make sure that all latches click into place. The boxes should move smoothly, without distortion. If you notice any binding, check that the slides are seated correctly in the guides.
Can the drawers be washed in the dishwasher?
Most plastic drawers refrigerators Samsung are made of polystyrene or ABS plastic. Although they are heat resistant, high temperatures in the dishwasher (especially when drying) can cause the plastic to warp or discolor. The manufacturer usually recommends hand washing with warm water.
What to do if the drawer cannot be removed and is stuck?
If the drawer cannot be removed, do not use excessive force. Check to see if the contents or adjacent shelves are blocking it. Sometimes the cause is ice frozen on the guides. In this case, you need to defrost the refrigerator for several hours. Also check for locking mechanisms specific to your model.
Where can I find the part number for a replacement drawer?
The Part Number is usually located on the inside of the drawer itself, often on the bottom or back wall. It looks like a combination of letters and numbers (for example, DA97-XXXXX). The number can also be found in the operating instructions or on the official support website for your refrigerator model.
How to lubricate the guides after cleaning?
To lubricate the refrigerator drawer guides, use only food-grade silicone lubricants. They are safe for contact with food, odorless and retain their properties at low temperatures. Ordinary machine oils cannot be used.