Dismantling the door leaf on refrigeration equipment is a procedure that may be required in several critical situations: if it is necessary to transport the unit through a narrow doorway, to replace a worn seal or to carry out deep cleaning of the internal grooves. The model Stinol 116 is a classic representative of two-chamber refrigerators, where the design of the hinges and hinges has its own characteristic features that require a careful approach. Improper dismantling can lead to damage fastening elements or deformation of the leaf itself, so it is important to follow the sequence of actions.
Before starting work, it is necessary to prepare the workspace, since the removed door has significant weight and dimensions. You will need a free area next to the unit, where you can carefully place the dismantled part, after covering the floor with soft material. Failure to prepare the area can result in you dropping a heavy structure, damaging the floor or breaking the glass of a shelf if it has not been removed first.
The main difficulty of the process is maintaining the weight of the canvas while unscrewing the bolts, so it is highly recommended that you work together. If there is no assistant, you will have to improvise with supports, but the risk of skewing and slipping of the tool in this case increases many times over. In this article, we will analyze all the steps in detail so that you can safely complete the task and, if necessary, turn the hinge over to the other side.
⚠️ Attention: Before any manipulation of electrical components or loops, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the electrical outlet to avoid electric shock or short circuit.
Required tools and worker training places
High-quality preparation of tools is the key to the success and safety of the work being carried out. For the model Stinol 116 you do not need complex industrial equipment; a standard home craftsman's kit is enough. However, it is important to make sure that all tools are in good condition, especially the cutting edges of screwdrivers and bits, so as not to tear off bolt heads that may have become stuck over years of use.
You will need the following items for effective dismantling:
- 🛠️ A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) for removing decorative plugs and working with screws.
- 🔧 10 mm wrench or socket (this size is most often used for Stinol hinges).
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges and grease.
- 📦 Capacity for folding small parts, so that the bolts do not get lost in the carpet or grass.
Particular attention should be paid to the condition fastening bolts. If the refrigerator has been in the kitchen for a long time, the threaded connections may have oxidized or become covered with a layer of dirt. In this case, before unscrewing, it is recommended to treat the joints with a penetrating lubricant such as WD-40 and give it time to work. This will greatly facilitate the process and reduce the risk of breaking the bolt inside the thread.
It is also important to ensure good lighting of the working area. Shadows falling on the hinges can hide small locking elements or cracks in the metal, which are critical to notice before the active disassembly phase begins. In poor light, it is easy to make a mistake by applying force in the wrong direction.
☑️ Preparation for dismantling
Design features of doors Stinol 116
Refrigerators of the brand Stinol, including model 116, have a classic design with an upper and lower hinge, as well as an intermediate axis for the upper door leaf. Understanding the mechanism of the hitch will help you avoid mistakes that beginners often make when first contacting such equipment. The top door is usually attached to the top crossbar of the housing, and the bottom rests on a pin mounted into the bottom of the chamber.
The key element is a system of closers magnetic locks that ensure a tight fit. Some modifications of this model may have a “No Frost” system with air ducts running through the loop zone. If your modification has electrical wiring running through the loop (for a display or open door indication), you must be extremely careful not to damage cable channel.
It is worth noting that the geometry of the case is data-i="75">implies the possibility of reversing the doors on the opposite side. For this purpose, the housing has symmetrical holes closed with plastic plugs. The hinge mechanism allows you to dismantle them without complicated adjustments, if you do not violate the procedure. However, if the mechanism is skewed, the door may open on its own or, conversely, require excessive effort. Stinol 116 suggests the possibility of reversing the doors on the opposite side. For this purpose, the housing has symmetrical holes closed with plastic plugs. The hinge mechanism allows you to dismantle them without complicated adjustments, if you do not violate the procedure. However, if the mechanism is skewed, the door may open on its own or, conversely, require excessive force.
Sealant design
The sealing gum on Stinol 116 is held in a special groove around the perimeter of the door. It is removable, but during prolonged use it can “stick” to the metal. It must be removed carefully, starting from the corner, so as not to tear the elastic material.
Step-by-step instructions: removing the upper door
The dismantling process always begins with the upper door leaf, since it blocks access to the lower elements and creates the main load on the structure. First you need to completely empty the door of its contents: remove all shelves, bottles and containers. This will not only make the design easier, but will also prevent glass breakage or food spillage when the door is skewed.
The following is the algorithm of actions:
- 🔩 Remove the decorative plastic trim covering the top hinge. Usually it is held on by latches or one screw.
- 🔌 If there are wires going to the control panel or lamp, carefully disconnect the connectors, remembering their position.
- 🔧 Using a 10 mm wrench, loosen, but do not completely unscrew the bolts securing the top hinge to the body.
- 🤲 While holding the door, completely unscrew the bolts and remove the upper hinge group.
After removing the upper hinge, the door still rests on the intermediate axis (if it is structurally provided for your modification) or simply hangs. Gently lift the door leaf upward to remove it from the lower support shaft. The movement should be vertical, without jerking to the sides, so as not to damage the guide bushings guide bushings.
If the door is difficult to remove, the grease on the axle may have dried out. In this case, you can slightly rock the door from side to side, helping yourself by lightly tapping on the axis (not on the metal of the door!) through the wooden spacer. The main thing is not to use excessive force, which can lead to deformation of the metal.
Removing the lower door and accessing the mechanisms
After the upper part has been successfully dismantled, access to the lower door and internal mechanisms opens. The bottom door in the model Stinol 116 often has its own fastening features associated with the presence of a freezer or freshness zone. It is also important to be careful here, since the weight of the lower door can be significant due to a thicker layer of insulation or the presence of drawers.
To remove the lower door you must:
- Remove all drawers and trays from the freezer.
- Unscrew the fastening bolts of the lower hinge that holds the door.
- Remove the hinge itself and carefully set the door aside.
In some cases, it is necessary to dismantle the central cross member if it interferes with access to the insides or if you plan to change the location of the doors. This strip is bolted to the side walls of the housing. When removing it, access is created to the internal space between the walls, where condensation or dust can accumulate.
Pay attention to the condition thrust bushings and the pins. If rust or deep gouges are visible on them, it is better to replace them or thoroughly clean and lubricate them before reassembling them. Ignoring this point may result in the door sagging and not sealing tightly within a short time after installation.
| Element | Type of fastening | Tool | Nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | M6 bolts | 10 mm key | Requires door support |
| Bottom hinge | M6 bolts | 10 mm key | Often hidden by decor |
| Decorative overlay | Latch/Screw | Flat screwdriver | Frittle plastic |
| Support sleeve | Interference fit | Pliers | May require lubrication |
Replacing the seal and servicing the hinges
A removed door is an ideal opportunity to inspect the condition of the sealing rubber. The energy efficiency of your Stinol 116depends on its integrity. If the rubber has lost its elasticity, is cracked or has tears, the cold will go away and the compressor will work without stopping. Replacing the seal on a removed door is much faster and better than on an installed refrigerator.
The replacement process includes carefully pulling the old profile out of the groove along the entire perimeter. Before installation, it is recommended to warm the new seal in warm water (about 50-60 degrees) so that it becomes softer and fits easier into the groove. Insert the rubber starting from the corners, carefully straightening the folds with your fingers.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use sharp metal objects to push the seal into the groove, so as not to damage its structure. Use a blunt plastic spatula or just gloved fingers.
In parallel with replacing the rubber, the hinges should be serviced. Old grease mixed with dust and metal shavings must be completely removed with solvent or Galosh gasoline. After cleaning, apply a new low temperature resistant lubricant, such as lithium grease or specialized silicone. This will ensure smooth movement of the door and no squeaks in the future.
Also check the condition of the magnets built into the seal or door. If the magnetic force is weakened, the door will not stay closed properly. In rare cases, it is necessary to replace the magnetic inserts themselves, but most often it is enough to simply correctly install a new dense seal, which will provide the necessary pressure.
Assembly and adjustment after installation
Reassembly is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling, but with the addition of an adjustment step. After installing the doors in place and fixing the hinges, do not rush to tighten the bolts “all the way” right away. First, attach them so that there remains the possibility of (micro-adjustment) of the position of the canvas.
Main stages of the final adjustment:
- 📏 Check the horizontal installation of the refrigerator itself using a building level. Adjust the legs of the body to ensure that they tilt back for self-closing.
- 🚪 Make sure that the doors close tightly and tightly around the entire perimeter.
- 🔩 Tighten the hinge mounting bolts completely only after checking the operation.
If the door is skewed, you can put thin washers for hinges or adjust the height of the support legs. The gap between the doors (if there are two) should be uniform from top to bottom. Incorrect adjustment will result in one of the doors touching the other or the body, which will cause rapid wear of the seal.
After final assembly, plug in the refrigerator and leave it empty for 2-3 hours. During this time, evaluate the operation of the system: is there any extraneous noise when opening, does the magnet hold tightly, does condensation appear inside. Only after making sure that the door is working properly can you load the products.
What to do if the door does not close?
If after installation the door does not fit tightly, check whether the seal is wrapped inward, whether the shelves are installed correctly and whether anything in the chamber is in the way. Also check that the refrigerator is installed horizontally.
Can the Stinol 116 door be removed by one person?
Technically this is possible, but it is not recommended at all. The door is heavy and cumbersome; holding it with one hand and simultaneously unscrewing the bolts with the other is an almost impossible task without the risk of dropping the structure or damaging the floor. If you don’t have an assistant, use wooden blocks or boxes as a temporary stand under the door while unscrewing the bottom hinge.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before removing the door?
Full defrosting is not necessary for mechanical removal of the hinges, but is highly advisable if you plan to replace the seal or clean it. Ice may prevent the seal from sealing properly when inspected after assembly. In addition, warm water will help soften the old seal for easier removal.
Where do the holes go if I hang the door on the other side?
The refrigerator usually comes with plastic plugs. If you rehang the door, the old holes on one side are closed with plugs, and on the new side hidden holes are opened (if they were closed with factory plugs) or the existing threaded bushings are used. Stinol 116 Usually there are plastic plugs. If you are rehanging the door, plug the old holes on one side and open the hidden holes on the new side (if they were plugged from the factory) or use the existing threaded bushings.
How do you know that the hinge needs to be replaced and not just lubricated?
If after thorough cleaning and lubrication the door still creaks, sticks or play (wobbles) in a vertical position even with the bolts tightened, which means that the metal of the hinge is deformed or the axles are critically worn. In this case, the entire hinge assembly must be replaced.