The need to remove the door from the refrigerator Biryusa may arise for various reasons: from a banal lack of space during transportation to a major overhaul of the kitchen unit. Users often encounter a problem when the dimensions of the opening do not allow the unit to be brought in assembled. In such situations dismantling the sash is the only correct solution to safely move the equipment.
Also, dismantling is required for replacement sealing rubberwhich over time loses its elasticity and stops fit tightly to the body. If you notice that the door is not closing well or that ice is forming inside, it may be time to service the hinges or the door itself. The removal process does not require specialized education, but requires care and adherence to the sequence of actions so as not to damage fasteners.
Before starting work, it is important to understand that the design of refrigerators Biryusa, be it models of the 133, 148 or 355, has its own peculiarities in the location of the loops. Unscrewing the bolts in the wrong order can cause a heavy sash to fall and damage the floor or the appliance itself. Therefore the first step should always be to completely disconnect the device from the power supply and clearing the shelves of products.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tools
Quality preparation for work is half the success. You don't need a complex professional tool; a standard home craftsman's kit is enough. Pay special attention to the stability of the refrigerator itself: it should not wobble when you apply force to unscrew the bolts.
To complete the task of removing the door, you will need the following tools:
- 🔧 A set of open-end or socket wrenches (most often sizes 10, 12 or 13 mm).
- 🪛 Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers for removing decorative plugs.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
- 📦 A small container for folding bolts so that they do not get lost.
Free up space around the refrigerator. You need to provide free access to the unit from all sides so that you can walk around it if necessary. Remove all removable shelves, drawers and containers from the door to reduce its weight and eliminate broken glass or plastic.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to unplug the refrigerator and defrost it if there is ice inside. Water can leak out when the case is tilted and damage the wiring or flooring.
If you plan not only to remove the door, but also to overweighing on the other side, make sure in advance that the kit includes plugs for the holes that will remain free. Different models Biryusa equipment may differ, so check the availability of these elements in advance.
Removing the top door of a two-chamber refrigerator
In two-chamber models, such as the popular ones Biryusa 355 or Biryusa 455, the removal process begins from the top sash. This is logical, since the lower door often serves as a support or has a more complex fastening system, which is inconvenient to dismantle while the upper part is in place.
Inspect the top hinge first. It is often covered with a decorative plastic cover. Carefully pry it up with a flathead screwdriver and remove it. Under the plastic you will see bolts securing the hinge to the refrigerator body. Their number can vary from two to three depending on the series.
Next, proceed according to the following algorithm:
- 🔩 Holding the door with one hand or asking an assistant, begin to loosen the bolts of the upper hinge.
- 🚫 Do not unscrew the bolts completely at once - first just loosen them so that the hinge moved, but held the weight.
- 👐 Make sure that the door is level, and only then completely unscrew the fasteners.
After removing the bolts, carefully lift the top door. Models Biryusa often use a top door bottom hinge pin that is inserted into a mate on the bottom door or body. Smoothly pull the door up, releasing the axle. If the door is difficult to remove, do not pull sharply - the hinge may be rusty or the wires are in the way.
Before you finally move the door to the side, inspect the space under the hinge. If you see a connector, carefully disconnect it, remembering the position of the contacts.
Removing the bottom door and working with the bottom hinge
After the top door is removed, you can proceed to the bottom part. In some modifications of refrigerators Biryusa the bottom door is attached not only to the bottom hinge, but also has an intermediate strip between the chambers. This strip can be bolted to the side walls of the case.
The process of dismantling the bottom door has its own characteristics:
- 🔍 Find the bottom hinge, which is usually hidden under a plastic base or decorative trim at the bottom of the refrigerator.
- 🪛 Remove the protective cover by unscrewing the fixing screws or simply pulling the latches (depending on the model).
- ⚙️ Unscrew the bolts holding the lower hinge axis. It is important to hold the door here, since after removing the fasteners it may fall.
Pay special attention to the condition seal at the time of removal. If the rubber is stuck to the frame due to dirt or age, the door may be difficult to open. In this case, do not apply force to the door itself - carefully walk with a spatula or flat-head screwdriver (placing a cloth) along the perimeter to separate the magnetic tape from the metal.
⚠️ Attention: The lower hinge is often susceptible to corrosion due to its proximity to the floor and possible moisture. If the bolts do not unscrew, treat them with a penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40) and wait 10-15 minutes.
After unscrewing the bolts, the lower door is removed by moving up and to the side. If your model Biryusa has a system closer or a complex hinge system, carefully examine the mechanism before complete removal so as not to break the plastic latches.
☑️ Dismantling checklist
Features of door removal in single-chamber models
Single-chamber refrigerators, such as the legendary Biryusa 133 or Biryusa 148, have a simpler design, but also have their own nuances. There is no division into the upper and lower chambers, so the door is removed entirely as a single unit. The weight of such a door can be significant, so the help of a second person here is highly desirable.
These models often use a hidden bottom hinge, which is built into the body. To access it, you may need to remove the decorative panel from below or even dismantle the plinth grille. The fastening bolts in such models are usually more powerful, since they support the weight of the entire sash.
The table below will help you navigate the types of fastening for different series:
| Refrigerator series | Top hinge type | Bottom hinge type loops | Presence of wires |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biryusa 133, 148 | Open, 2-3 bolts | Hidden in the housing | No (mechanical thermostat) |
| Turk 355, 455 | Hidden under cover | Open or semi-hidden | Yes (lamp, sensor) |
| Turk 6223 | Integrated | Reinforced | Yes (No Frost) |
| Biryusa 10 | Standard | Standard | No |
When removing the door from a single-chamber refrigerator, it is important not damage insulating layer cases. The metal where the hinges are attached is thin, and if you handle it carelessly with a wrench, you can break the threads or deform the seat. If the thread is broken, the housing will need to be repaired or a repair bushing installed.
After removing the door, it is recommended to immediately clean the ends and fastening points from old grease and dirt. This will extend the service life of the new hinges and ensure a tight fit of the door after reinstallation.
Reversing the door to the other side
Often, removing the door is done with the purpose of rehanging it. This is true when the refrigerator is moved to a new location, and opening in the same direction becomes inconvenient or blocks the passage. The design of most refrigerators Biryusa provides for this possibility.
To rehang, you need to move the hinges to the opposite side of the case. The refrigerator usually comes with plugs for holes that will remain free. If there are no plugs, they can be purchased separately or carefully painted over to prevent moisture from entering.
Main steps for rehanging:
- 🔄 Remove the handles from the door (if they are removable) and move them to the other side using the holes provided.
- ⚙️ Remove the hinges on one side and install them on the opposite side using symmetrical holes.
- 🧵 Route the wires (if any) through the new channels in the housing, if the design allows for this.
When installing the hinges on the new side, it is important to observe the tightening force. Tightening it too loosely will cause the door to sag, while tightening it too tightly can warp the metal or strip the threads. Use a torque wrench if possible, or tighten “all the way” without fanaticism.
What to do if the holes do not line up?
In some older models or when repairing yourself, the holes may not line up perfectly. In this case, you can carefully drill the holes with a drill 1 mm larger, but only if you are confident in your actions. It is better to use repair bushings.
Eliminating sagging and adjusting after installation
After you have removed and installed the door back (or rehanged it), it may be necessary to adjustment. Sagging is a common problem that leads to a loose fit of the seal and, as a result, excessive energy consumption and the formation of ice.
Adjustment is carried out using the same hinge fastening bolts. Loosen them a little, level the door with the body and tighten again. Some models Biryusa are provided with adjusting screws that allow you to change the tilt of the door without completely loosening the fasteners.
How to check the correct installation:
- 🚪 The door should open and close smoothly, without creaks or jamming.
- 🧲 The seal must evenly adhere to the body around the entire perimeter.
- 📏 The gaps between the door and the body must be the same at the top and bottom.
⚠️ Attention: If after adjustment the door still does not close tightly, check the condition sealing rubber. It may need to be replaced or restored to shape using hot water.
To check the tightness, you can use a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet between the door and the body at different points. If the sheet is pulled out easily and without resistance, it means that the tightness in this place is broken and additional adjustment of the hinges is required.
Frequent errors during dismantling and installation
When performing work independently, users often make mistakes that can lead to equipment breakdown. One of the most common is an attempt to remove the door without fixing its position. A heavy sash may move during the process of unscrewing the last bolt and hit the floor or damage the master’s fingers.
Another mistake is the loss of fasteners. Refrigerator hinge bolts Biryusa may have a specific thread or length. Replacing them with ordinary bolts from a hardware store can lead to the fact that the hinge will not fit into the seat or will dangle.
The condition electrical connectorsis also often ignored. Roughly disconnecting the lamp or sensor wires can lead to oxidation of the contacts. In the future, this will cause malfunctions in the electronics or constant burning of the lamp inside the camera.
In conclusion, it is worth noting that regular maintenance of hinges and seals prolongs the life of the refrigerator. Lubricate the hinges once a year and keep the sealing rubber clean. This will help avoid the need for frequent removal and complex adjustment of doors in the future.
Is it necessary to completely defrost the refrigerator before removing the door?
Full defrosting is not necessary for mechanically removing the door, but is highly desirable. Ice can change the weight of the structure, and when tilted, water can flow into the mechanisms. In addition, a warm seal is easier to remove and install than a frozen one.
Is it possible to remove the door alone, without an assistant?
Technically this is possible, especially for small-volume single-chamber models. However, the door is heavy and bulky. Without an assistant, there is a high risk of dropping it, damaging the floor or getting a back injury. For two-chamber models, the help of a second person is required.
What to do if the hinge bolt is rusty and cannot be unscrewed?
Do not use excessive force so as not to tear off the bolt head. Treat the joint with penetrating lubricant (WD-40, kerosene) and leave for 20-30 minutes. You can also gently tap the bolt with a hammer (through the adapter) to destroy the layer of rust.
How to properly store a removed door?
A removed door is best stored in an upright position, leaning against the wall, protecting the front surface with a soft cloth or cardboard. Storing lying down can lead to deformation of the canvas or damage to the internal plastic and shelves if they have not been removed.
Where can I get new bolts for Biryusa hinges if the old ones are lost?
Original spare parts can be ordered at authorized Biryusa service centers or specialized stores of spare parts for household appliances. You can also select analogues in a hardware store by selecting a bolt by diameter, thread pitch and length, having previously measured the old one (if at least one is left).