Two-chamber refrigerators Stinol have proven themselves to be reliable equipment that can serve for decades, however, even time-tested models require maintenance. Most often, owners are faced with a situation where they need to remove the door to deep clean the seals, replace worn rubber bands, or simply for convenient transportation of the unit through a narrow doorway. Correct dismantling avoids damage hinges and displacement of the sash geometry, which is critical for maintaining the tightness of the chamber.
The process of removing doors on models Stinol-101, Stinol-102, Stinol-103 i Stinol-104 has its own constructive features that must be taken into account before starting work. Unlike modern systems with hidden fasteners, open ones are often used here, requiring a certain set of tools and sequence of actions. Ignoring the order of unscrewing can lead to the heavy upper door falling or jamming of the mechanism. hex bolts, requiring a specific set of tools and sequence of actions. Ignoring the unscrewing order may result in the heavy overhead door falling or the mechanism jamming.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the stages of dismantling, paying special attention to the nuances of fixing the hinges and adjusting the gaps. You'll learn what tools you'll need, how to safely lower the sash, and what to do if the fasteners become stuck. Compliance with technology will help you perform the job efficiently and without the risk of damaging enamel coating or the structure of the refrigerator itself.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Before taking active steps, you need to organize a comfortable workspace around the refrigerator. The unit should be moved away from the wall, ensuring free access from all sides, especially to the upper part, where the main ones are located. It is advisable to cover the floor with a soft material, for example, an old blanket or thick cardboard, so that the laid parts are not scratched and the floor surface is not damaged. fastening elements. It is advisable to cover the floor with soft material, for example, an old blanket or thick cardboard, so that the laid parts do not get scratched and the floor surface is not damaged.
To dismantle the doors of two-chamber models Stinol you will need a minimum set of tools, which are usually found in every home. The main working tool will be hex wrench (size 4 mm or 5 mm is often used), since it is with this type of fastener that the manufacturer fixes the hinges. You may also need a flathead screwdriver to carefully remove decorative plugs and plastic covers that hide the bolts.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! Unplug the plug from the socket to eliminate the risk of a short circuit or accidental activation of the compressor while manipulating the housing.
It is recommended to prepare a container in advance for storing screws and bolts so that they do not get lost. Small fasteners tend to unexpectedly roll into inaccessible places, which can stop the entire process indefinitely. If you have an assistant, ask him to secure the heavy top sash while unscrewing the final bolts.
Sequence of dismantling the upper door
Removing the upper door is the first and most critical stage, since it is this door that bears the main load in two-chamber models. On refrigerators Stinol the upper hinge is usually closed with a decorative plastic cover, which must be carefully pryed off with a flat screwdriver or knife and removed. Under it you will find two or three fastening boltsthat hold the door in a vertical position.
Do not rush to unscrew all the bolts completely at once. First, loosen them, checking to see if they are rusted, and only then proceed with complete removal.
☑️ Preparing to remove the top door
After the fasteners of the upper hinge are completely unscrewed, the upper door can be carefully lifted up and removed from the lower pin. The movement must be vertical, without distortions, so as not to damage guide bushings. If the door is difficult to remove, you can slightly rock it from side to side, freeing it from possible sticking of the seal.
Removing the lower door and design features
The lower door of the refrigerator compartment or freezer (depending on the layout of your model Stinol) is removed after dismantling the upper part. The design of the lower hinge may differ: in some models it is integrated into the body, in others it is a separate unit that also requires unscrewing. Often the lower door is connected to the control system or has additional position latches.
When removing the lower leaf, pay attention to the presence of wires if your model has an open door alarm or internal lighting located on the body. Although in classic two-chamber Stinol wires inside doors are rare, it doesn’t hurt to be on the safe side and visually inspect the hinge area before the final jerk. A sharp tug can break thin wires.
⚠️ Attention: Do not place the removed door on the floor flat with the outer side down! The protective enamel coating and decorative panel can be scratched by uneven floors. Always use a backing or place the door on its edge, resting against the wall through a soft pad.
If you plan to simply remove the refrigerator and not carry out repairs, removing the doors will make the task much easier. The dimensions of the unit will be reduced, which will allow it to be carried through standard doorways, where it would otherwise get stuck diagonally. After removing both sashes, make sure that all hinge holes are clean and ready for reassembly.
What to do if the bolts do not come off?
If the fasteners are stuck or rusty, do not use excessive force to do not break the thread. Treat the joint with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and leave for 15-20 minutes. Once the rust has softened, the bolts should go easier. You can also slightly warm up the metal part of the hinge with a hairdryer, but be careful with plastic elements.
Adjusting hinges and eliminating distortions
Often doors are dismantled not for transportation, but to eliminate the problem of a loose fit. Over time, under the weight of food and frequent opening hinges they may weaken or become deformed, causing a gap to form between the seal and the body. This leads to loss of cold, the formation of ice and increased load on the compressor.
Adjustment is carried out by placing washers or changing the position of the mounting holes, if the design allows play. In models Stinol often it is enough to simply tighten the bolts more or, conversely, loosen them and level the door using a construction bubble level. Make sure that the gap around the entire perimeter is the same and is approximately 2-3 millimeters.
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution method |
|---|---|---|
| The door does not fit underneath | Loosening the lower hinge | Tighten the fasteners or add a washer |
| Shift the door to the side | Warp the upper hinge | Loosen the bolts and level them |
| It is difficult to close the door | The geometry of the body is broken | Check the level of the refrigerator |
| Sagging of the sash | Wear of hinge bushings | Replace the plastic bushings with new ones |
After adjustment, be sure to check the operation of the door for spontaneous closing. If you tilt the open sash 30-40 degrees, it should return to the closed position under the influence of the magnetic seal and the correct tilt of the body. If this does not happen, additional adjustment is required refrigerator legs.
Replacing sealing rubber with the door removed
A door removed from its hinges is an ideal condition for replacement sealing rubber. An old, weathered or torn magnetic edging ceases to perform its function, allowing warm air to pass into the chamber. On models Stinol the seal is usually attached in a special groove around the perimeter of the door or pressed against a plastic strip.
To replace, you must carefully remove the old seal, starting from one of the corners. This should be done without sudden jerks, so as not to damage the plastic door profile. Before installation, it is recommended to warm up the new seal with a hairdryer or soak it in warm water so that it becomes more elastic and fits easily into the groove. You cannot stretch the rubber - this will disrupt its magnetic properties.
Installation is carried out around the perimeter, carefully pressing the edge of the seal into the seat. Pay special attention to the corners - folds most often form there, which prevent a tight fit. After installing the new rubber, the door can be put back in place, but the final tightness check should be carried out no earlier than a day later, when the material takes its final shape.
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics and design of seals may vary depending on the year of manufacture of the model. When purchasing new tires, check the article number with the manufacturer's catalog or consult with the spare parts seller, indicating the exact modification of your Stinol.
Assembling and installing doors back
The process of installing doors in place is performed in the reverse order of dismantling them. First, the lower sash is hung (if it was removed separately), aligned and fixed. Then the upper door is installed. It is important to get the pin of the lower hinge into the mating hole and at the same time align the holes of the upper fastening.
When tightening the bolts, do not immediately tighten them “all the way”. First, tighten all the screws, make sure that the door is level, the gaps are the same, and only then make the final tightening hex key. This will avoid distortion, which may occur if one of the bolts is tightened more than the others.
After installation, check the operation of the magnetic lock around the entire perimeter. Pass a sheet of paper between the seal and the housing in the closed state: it should be removed with noticeable force. If the paper slides out freely, it means that the tightness in this place is broken and re-adjustment of the hinges or checking the quality of installation seal.
☑️ Final check after assembly is required
Is it possible to remove the refrigerator door Stinol alone?
Theoretically this is possible, but it is highly not recommended, especially for the upper door. It is heavy and has a shifted center of gravity. Without the insurance of a second person, there is a high risk of dropping the sash on your feet, damaging the floor, or getting a back injury. It is better to call an assistant, even if it only takes 2-3 minutes.
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before removing the doors?
Complete defrosting is not a prerequisite for mechanically removing the hinges, but it is highly desirable. Ice in the chamber increases the weight of the unit, and water may leak when tilting the housing to access the legs. In addition, a warm seal is easier to remove and install than a frozen one.
What to do if you lose a hex key?
Standard hinged bolts Stinol often have a 4 or 5 mm wrench head. If the original key is lost, you can try using a matching hex key from a bicycle or furniture set. The main thing is that the tool sits tightly in the hole, otherwise you can lick off the edges of the bolt.
Why does the door slam or close poorly after installation?
Most likely, the adjustment of the tilt of the body is broken. To close properly, the refrigerator must be tilted slightly backwards. Adjust the front legs by twisting them until the front is 1-2 cm higher than the back. Also check if the shelf or food is touching the seal.