Replacement compressor - this is one of the most complex and responsible operations in the repair of household appliances, requiring not only theoretical knowledge, but also practical skills. If you are looking for a way to remove a compressor from a refrigerator, video instructions will be your best assistant, but text support will help you understand the physics of the process and avoid critical mistakes.
The main difficulty is that the system is sealed and under pressure, and the unit itself is attached to the frame using special dampers that cannot be damaged. Improper dismantling can lead to depressurization of the circuit, moisture entering the system, or even fire when working with an open flame.
In this guide, we will examine in detail each stage: from preparing tools to the final disconnection of the unit. You will learn what nuances need to be taken into account when working with motor-compressors different brands, such as Indesit, Atlant or Beko, and why rush is unacceptable here.
Necessary tools and measures safety
Before starting work, it is necessary to prepare a specialized tool, since it will not be possible to perform high-quality dismantling with ordinary household appliances. You will need a gas torch with a cylinder (usually propane-butane mixture or MAPP gas), a pipe cutter, pliers and a set of wrenches.
Particular attention should be paid to personal protective equipment, since the work involves high temperatures and potentially hazardous substances. Be sure to use heat-resistant gloves, safety glasses and a respirator to protect your respiratory system from possible smoke when insulation or refrigerant residue burns.
You will also need a container to catch any oil that may leak from the old unit, and sealant or special caps to close the pipes after removal. It is important to ensure good ventilation in the room where repairs will be carried out, since refrigerant vapors are heavier than air and can displace oxygen.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to cut through copper tubes with wire cutters or metal scissors before unsoldering them. This leads to the formation of copper shavings, which get inside the system and will inevitably damage the new compressor after several months of operation.
Preparing the refrigerator for dismantling the unit
The initial stage of work requires completely de-energizing the device and moving it to a place convenient for work. Take the refrigerator out into the middle of the room or into the garage, where there is enough space to walk around the body, and let it stand for several hours to allow the oil to drain into the compressor crankcase.
Remove the rear protective panel that covers the engine compartment by unscrewing the mounting screws. In some models, such as refrigerators LG or Samsung, access may be limited by plastic covers that require careful handling to avoid breaking the latches.
Inspect the area around the compressor and remove any foreign objects that may interfere with operation. If dust or cobwebs have accumulated on the unit, carefully remove them with a dry cloth, being careful not to touch electrical contacts and wires.
☑️ Preparation for dismantling
Draining the oil and turning off the electrical equipment
Before cutting or soldering tubes, it is necessary to drain the oil from the old compressor so that it does not spill onto the floor or inside the housing insulation when the unit is tilted. To do this, cut the filling tube (usually it is the thinnest and located on the side or back) and allow the contents to drain into the prepared container.
After draining the liquid, proceed to disconnect the electrical part. Remove the plastic casing covering the start and safety relay and carefully disconnect the wire connectors. Remember or take a photo of the connection diagram so that when installing new equipment you do not mix up the contacts.
Unscrew the screws securing the relay to the compressor housing and remove them along with the starting capacitor, if it is located separately. Be careful, as old wires may be brittle, and the insulation on them may be cracked from time and heat.
If you are working with an inverter compressor, the shutdown circuit may differ in the presence of an additional electronic control unit. In cases such as Electrolux or Bosch, it is recommended to first remove the terminal block with the power wires.
Technology for desoldering copper tubes
The most crucial moment is disconnecting the copper lines from the discharge and suction pipes of the compressor. Heat the soldering area with a gas torch evenly, moving the flame around the tube until the solder becomes soft and begins to melt.
When the solder melts, carefully pull the tube up with pliers, being careful not to apply excessive force so as not to deform the pipe itself or the condenser grille. If the tube does not come off, heating must be continued, but do not overheat the copper to red heat, so as not to oxidize the metal.
Solder the second tube in the same way.
⚠️ Attention: When heating copper tubes, keep a fire extinguisher or a bucket of water nearby. The insulation of wires running near the soldering area can easily ignite from an accidental spark or contact with hot metal.
In some cases, especially in older models, the tubes may be welded or heavily oxidized. Then more intense heating and the use of flux are required to improve the quality of soldering and subsequent dismantling.
Removing the compressor from the frame
The compressor is attached to the metal frame of the refrigerator using four shock-absorbing supports, which can be made in the form of rubber washers or springs. Your task is to free the unit from these fasteners without damaging them, since they dampen vibrations during operation.
Depending on the design, you may need to bend the metal brackets holding the compressor legs, or unscrew the bolts passing through the rubber dampers. Models Indesit and Ariston often use bolted connections, which rust over time and require treatment with penetrating lubricant.
Carefully lift the compressor to remove it from its supports and remove it from its niche. The weight of the unit can reach 10-12 kg, so perform this operation with an assistant or make sure that you hold the tool and the motor itself securely.
What to do if the supports are broken?
If the rubber bushings or springs are destroyed during dismantling, they must be replaced with new ones. The use of metal washers or pads will lead to strong vibration and noise of the refrigerator during operation, and may also cause the soldering of the tubes to fail over time.
After removal, inspect the condition of the frame and, if necessary, clean it of rust and dirt. Also check the integrity of the condenser grid, which often suffers when a heavy unit is inaccurately dismantled.
Comparative table of fastening types
Different manufacturers use different motor fixation systems, and knowledge of these features helps to quickly remove the compressor from the refrigerator. Below are the main types of fastenings that you may encounter.
| Type of fastening | Description | Tool | Risk of damage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rubber pads | The unit rests on 4 rubber supports | Wrench, screwdriver | Low |
| Spring hangers | The compressor hangs on springs inside the frame | Pliers | Medium (spring dismount) |
| Bolted connection | Studs are threaded through the legs and frame | Wrench | Thread breakage |
| Welded lugs | Found in older models | Glinder/Hacksaw | High (requires welding) |
When working with spring hangers, be especially careful, as the spring may come off sharply and hit your hand or damage adjacent elements of the refrigerator. Fix the unit with one hand and release the fastenings with the other.
If you are faced with welded eyes, which is typical for very old equipment, dismantling is only possible using a grinder or a hacksaw. In this case, when installing a new compressor, you will have to weld new fasteners or use universal repair kits.
Common mistakes when removing the motor
One of the common mistakes is trying to remove the compressor without first draining the oil or unsoldering the tubes. This leads to the fact that when the unit is tilted, the oil spreads across the floor, and the copper tubes, which are not completely sealed, break at the base.
Many craftsmen neglect eye protection, believing that sparks will fly to the side and not in the face. However, when fighting off old rust or accidentally slipping the tool, metal fragments fly chaotically and can seriously damage the cornea.
Another mistake is using open fire near the plastic elements of the body without protection. Plastic melts instantly, and it is almost impossible to restore the geometry of the rear wall of the refrigerator after such damage without replacing the panel.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to remove the compressor while there is pressure in the system. Even if it seems to you that all the freon has come out, check it by lightly biting the filling tube. A sudden release of gas under pressure can injure your eyes or cause frostbite on your fingers.
Do not ignore the condition of electrical wires: if the insulation on them is broken, be sure to replace sections or re-insulate them before connecting new equipment. The old wiring may not withstand the starting currents of the new motor.
Preparing the site for the new unit
After the old compressor is removed, it is necessary to prepare the site for installing new equipment. Thoroughly clean the frame of dirt, oil and rust using a wire brush and solvent.
Check the condition of the shock-absorbing supports: if they have lost their elasticity or are deformed, it is better to replace them. New supports will ensure quiet operation of the refrigerator and extend the life of the compressor by reducing vibration load.
Make sure that the lengths of the new compressor tubes (if any) or solder joints correspond to the distances to the condenser and evaporator. If necessary, prepare adapters or extension copper tubes of the required diameter.
It is also important to check the grounding condition of the housing, since the compressor is a powerful electrical appliance, and a voltage breakdown on the housing can be dangerous for the user. If insulation faults are detected, restore the metal contact of the frame with the ground wire.
Is it possible to use a compressor of a different power?
Using a compressor with a power that differs from the original by more than 10-15% is not recommended. This can lead to incorrect operation of the thermostat, overload of the condenser, or insufficient cooling of the chambers.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it necessary to evacuate the system after removing the compressor?
Yes, evacuating the system before charging with freon is a mandatory step. This is necessary to remove air and moisture that got inside during dismantling. The presence of moisture in the system will lead to the formation of ice plugs and corrosion of internal parts.
Is it possible to remove the compressor without a burner?
Theoretically, you can use special wire cutters to cut copper tubes, but this is not recommended at all. The cut area will be flattened, and it will be very difficult to weld it back properly. In addition, there is a high risk of chips getting into the system. A torch is the only correct tool.
How long does it take to replace a compressor?
For an experienced technician, the process of dismantling the old and installing a new unit takes about 40-60 minutes. However, together with evacuation of the system and charging with refrigerant, the complete repair procedure takes from 1.5 to 2 hours.
What to do with used oil?
Used oil from the compressor contains decomposition products and impurities, so it should not be poured down the drain or onto the ground. Collect the oil in a sealed container and take it to a collection point for hazardous waste or used technical fluids.