Dismantling door panels is a standard procedure necessary when moving The dimensions of the unit do not allow it to be carried through a doorway, or when replacing the rubber seal. Owners of household appliances Biryusa often face the need to carry out this operation themselves, not wanting to overpay the craftsmen. The process is not overly complicated, but it requires accuracy and adherence to a certain algorithm of actions.
Modern models of refrigerators Biryusa may have different hinge designs, which affects the sequence of actions. Before starting work, it is important to clear the space around the unit and prepare the necessary tools. Ignoring the preparatory stage can lead to damage to the floor covering or the refrigerator itself.
In this article we will look in detail at how to properly remove the doors of the Biryusa refrigeratorwithout damaging the fasteners and maintaining the warranty. You will learn about the nuances of working with different types of hinges and get answers to common questions that arise during the disassembly process.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
To successfully dismantle doors, you will need a minimum set of tools that can be found in every home. The main element is a screwdriver, but its type depends on the design of your refrigerator. Most often, PH2 size Phillips screwdrivers or flat slotted screwdrivers are used.
It would also be a good idea to prepare masking tape or wide adhesive tape. They will be needed to fix the doors in the closed position while unscrewing the hinges, which will protect you from the heavy door falling. In some cases, a hex wrench may be required if the hinges are secured with socket bolts.
Be sure to clear shelves and door baskets of food. This will not only lighten the weight of the structure, but also prevent contamination of the floor in the event of an unexpected opening of the doors. If you are planning a relocation, measure the door openings in advance to ensure removal is feasible.
It is important to understand that the weight of the freezer door or main compartment can be significant. Therefore, it is better to do the work together, especially when it comes to wide models. One person holds the door, and the second is engaged in unscrewing the fasteners.
Design features of Biryusa refrigerator hinges
Refrigerators Biryusa are equipped with two main types of hinges: open and hidden. Open hinges are located on the outside of the case and are visible to the naked eye. Hidden hinges are located under decorative plugs or in the upper part of the body, which gives the unit a more aesthetic appearance.
Models with the No Frost system often have a more complex design, where an electrical cable passes through the door. In such cases, you must be extremely careful not to damage the wiring when removing the blade. The cable is usually connected through a connector, which must be carefully disconnected.
Fastening elements may vary in length and diameter depending on the year of manufacture of the model. Some hinges are secured with locking nuts that require loosening first. Other designs involve the use of self-tapping screws screwed directly into the body.
Why do hinges rust?
Rust on hinges often occurs due to condensation that accumulates in the lower part of the refrigerator. Regular wiping of the seal and bottom panel prevents metal corrosion.
Understanding the type of your structure allows you to choose the right dismantling strategy. If you are unsure of the type of hinges, carefully inspect the top and bottom of the door leaf. The presence of decorative overlays will indicate a hidden type of fastening.
Step-by-step instructions: how to remove the top door
The process of removing the top door begins with dismantling the decorative elements, if present. Remove the cap from the top hinge by prying it off with a flathead screwdriver. Underneath it are hidden mounting bolts that must be unscrewed counterclockwise.
After removing the fasteners, the upper door must be lifted up to release the lower hinge. Be prepared for the door to be heavy. It is best if one person holds the door by the handle and end, and the second controls the process.
If the refrigerator model has an air duct or electrical connector in the upper part, they must be disconnected before completely removing the door. The connectors usually have a latch that must be pressed before pulling out the plug.
☑️ Door removal algorithm
After removing the door, it is recommended to immediately seal the end of the body with masking tape so that dust does not get inside the thermal insulation. It is also worth inspecting the seal for damage that could be hidden when closed.
Removing the bottom door and freezer compartment
Removing the bottom door, which is most often the door of the freezer, has its own characteristics. The first step is to remove the top door, if it is not already removed, in order to gain access to the lower fasteners without interfering with your work.
The lower hinges are often hidden under a decorative plinth or grille at the bottom of the refrigerator. Carefully remove this panel by pulling it towards you or unscrewing the fixing screws. Under the panel you will see the base on which the door rests.
Unscrew the bolts securing the bottom hinge to the refrigerator body. After this, the door can be removed by lifting it up. If the hinges have adjusting washers, put them in a separate container so as not to lose them during reassembly.
⚠️ Attention: When removing the bottom door, watch the position of the refrigerator. Removing one of the doors shifts the center of gravity and the unit may tip over. Ask an assistant to hold the body.
Some models Biryusa have an intermediate jumper between the cameras. If you remove the doors to expand the internal space (for example, to put a large pan), the jumper can also be removed by unscrewing the bolts on the side.
Nuances of removing doors in models with 4 doors (Side-by-Side)
Four-door refrigerators Biryusa (Side-by-Side) require a special approach due to the large weight and dimensions of the door panels. Here it is critical to follow the removal sequence so as not to upset the balance of the entire device.
The dismantling should begin from the upper doors, regardless of whether they are freezers or refrigerators. Removal occurs according to a similar algorithm: removing the plugs, unscrewing the bolts, disconnecting communications and lifting the canvas.
Pay special attention to the door closing system. Side-by-Side models often use closers or magnetic locks, which can create additional resistance. Do not use excessive force to avoid breaking the plastic elements of the mechanism.
| Model type | Number of doors | Difficulty of removal | An assistant is needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic | 2 (top/bottom) | Low | Desirable |
| With freezer below | 2 (top/bottom) | Average | Required |
| Side-by-Side | 4 | High | Required (2 people) |
| Atlant-Biryusa | 2 | Average | Desirable |
When working with wide doors, make sure you have enough space to store them after removal. Place them face up on a soft surface to avoid scratching the glass or plastic.
Re-hanging doors to the other side
Often, doors are removed with the aim of re-hanging them on the opposite side. This is relevant when remodeling the kitchen or changing the arrangement of furniture. The design of refrigerators Biryusa allows you to perform this operation, but requires spare holes in the case.
To rehang, you will need plugs for the old holes and, possibly, new hinges, if the configuration of your refrigerator provides for this. In some models, the hinges are universal and suitable for any side, while in others, elements need to be replaced.
The process includes moving the hinges to the opposite side of the case and installing the handles in the new holes. Don't forget to rearrange the stoppers and opening limiters, if your model has them.
After installing the doors on the new side, you must check the tightness of the seal. If the door does not close tightly, you may need to adjust the height of the refrigerator legs or the position of the hinges.
Common mistakes and precautions
One of the most common mistakes is trying to remove the door without first fixing it. This leads to the fact that when the last bolt is unscrewed, the door falls on the feet or the floor, receiving dents or chips.
Another mistake is the loss of adjusting washers. These thin metal plates are responsible for the correct position of the door relative to the body. Without them, the door may warp or not close tightly.
Do not use impact tools such as a hammer or impact drill to loosen stuck bolts. Vibration can damage the compressor or other internal components of the refrigerator. It is better to use a penetrating lubricant, such as WD-40, and wait 10-15 minutes.
⚠️ Attention: If you find that the threads in the housing are stripped or damaged, do not try to tighten the bolt by force. This can lead to destruction of the refrigerator wall and leakage of refrigerant.
It is also important not to overdo it with force when tightening the bolts back. Excessive tightening can lead to deformation of the metal hinge or a crack in the plastic fastening element.
Reassembly and performance check
After you have completed all the necessary manipulations (transportation, replacement of the seal), the doors must be installed in place. Assembly is carried out in the reverse order: first install the lower door, then the upper one.
Insert the lower hinge into the mounting hole, align the holes in the door and the body, then tighten the bolts. Do not tighten them completely at once, first tighten all the elements so that you can correct the position.
After installing the upper door, check the horizontal position of the doors. The gaps between the doors and the body must be uniform along the entire length. If the door is skewed, use adjusting washers or tighten the legs of the refrigerator.
How to check the tightness?
Insert a sheet of paper between the door and the body in several places. If the sheet is pulled out with force, the seal is good. If it falls out, adjustment is needed.
The final step is to check the operation of the refrigerator. Plug in the unit and make sure it reaches temperature. Listen to see if there is any extraneous noise from the vibration of the doors when the compressor is running.
Is it possible to remove the doors without disconnecting the refrigerator from the mains?
Technically, you can remove the doors with the compressor running, but this is not recommended. Firstly, an open door will lead to rapid defrosting and overload of the motor. Secondly, when moving the unit for ease of operation, there is a risk of damaging the tubes or wiring. It is better to turn off the device a few hours before work.
What to do if the bolts on the hinges are rusty?
If the bolts are covered with rust and cannot be unscrewed, treat them with a rust remover (for example, WD-40) and leave for 20-30 minutes. Then try to carefully rip them off with a key. Do not use excessive force to avoid breaking the bolt head. If the cap comes off, you will have to drill out the remains or call a technician.
Do you need to drain the oil from the compressor before removing the doors?
No, you do not need to drain oil or freon from the system to remove the doors. This procedure only applies to the doors and does not affect the refrigeration circuit. However, during transportation, it is recommended to transport the refrigerator in an upright position or, if this is not possible, then in compliance with the tilt rules so that oil does not get into the circuit.
Why does the door slam or close poorly after installation?
Most often, the reason lies in improper installation of the seal or misalignment of the door. Check if the refrigerator is level (adjust the legs). Make sure that the sealing rubber is not curled anywhere and that it fits snugly against the body. Also, the problem may be that the drainage hole is clogged, due to which the water does not drain out and interferes with closing.