Dismantling external panels of refrigeration equipment - this is the first and often the most difficult stage that a home master faces when trying to repair them on his own. Pozis refrigerators they are structurally similar to the Soviet models of the Biryusa and Saratov series, but have their own peculiarities of fastening the body elements, which must be taken into account before starting work. Incorrect application of force or ignoring hidden fasteners can lead to breakage of plastic latches or deformation of the metal.
The main difficulty of the process is that the top cover is often hidden under decorative plastic or secured with screws in hard-to-reach places. Before proceeding with disassembly, it is necessary to completely de-energize the unit, move it away from the wall and free up space around it. DIY Repair requires attention to detail, as some models are equipped with a complex system of air ducts and wiring that can be fixed to a removable panel.
In this guide we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for various modifications, including models with bottom and top freezers camera. You'll learn where to look for hidden bolts, how to safely release clips, and what tools you'll need to complete the task without damaging the enamel. Remember that proper preparation is half the success, and knowledge of the design will save you from unnecessary expenses on calling a specialist.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
For high-quality and safe disassembly of the case, physical strength alone is not enough, you need the right set of tools. A standard household set is often incomplete, so it is worth preparing Phillips and slotted screwdrivers of different sizes, as well as pliers, in advance. Some models may require socket wrenches or sockets, since the fastening bolts may be “recessed” deep into the niches.
Pay special attention to lighting and organization of the workspace. You'll have to work with small parts, screws, and possibly wires that can be easily lost or damaged. It is recommended to cover the floor with a soft cloth or cardboard so that fallen parts are not scratched or lost in the carpet pile.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to unplug the refrigerator and wait until the chambers are completely defrosted, unless otherwise stated in the instructions. Working with wet or live parts is dangerous.
It is also important to have a container on hand for storing fasteners. The bolts from the top cover and rear wall may differ in length and thread diameter, and mixing them up means risking breaking the threads during reassembly.
- 🔧 Phillips screwdriver (PH1, PH2) for the main case screws.
- 🔧 Slotted screwdriver for prying off plugs and plastic clips.
- 🔧 Pliers or pliers for pulling out tight connections.
- 🔧 Flashlight or headlamp for illuminating internal cavities.
- 🔧 Magnetic stand or jars for sorting screws.
☑️ Preparation for disassembly
Design features of Pozis models
Understanding the internal structure of the unit helps to avoid mistakes during dismantling. Pozis refrigerators are available in several configurations: with an upper freezer, with a lower freezer and in a single-chamber version. The design of the body is similar, but the location of the attachment points for the top cover can vary significantly.
In models with a top freezer, the lid is often part of a single unit with the evaporator or blocks access to the thermostat and start relay. In units with a No Frost system (although this is rare for Pozis, a drip system is more common) fans and air ducts can be hidden under the cover. The metal body is usually coated with powder paint, which can easily be scratched if the tool is not handled carefully.
The panels are secured using self-tapping screws and plastic latches-clips. Clips lose elasticity over time and may break if pulled sharply. Therefore, all movements should be smooth, and the effort should be measured. If the panel cannot be removed, it means that you have not found all the fastening points.
| Model type | Location of the cover fasteners | Removal features |
|---|---|---|
| With top freezer | Rear and inside freezer compartment | Requires removal of the evaporator shelf |
| With bottom freezer | Only at the back and on the sides from above | Easier access, fewer hidden screws |
| Single-chamber | Perimeter of the top panel | Removal of the decorative strip is often required |
Removing the top cover: step-by-step algorithm
The process of removing the top cover begins with a visual inspection. Carefully inspect the perimeter of the top panel from all sides: front, back and sides. Manufacturers often hide mounting screws under decorative plugs or plastic covers that need to be carefully pryed off with a thin screwdriver.
First remove all visible screws. If the model is equipped with a decorative panel on the front (above the refrigerator door), it must also be removed. In some cases, the cover is held on by two long bolts that run through the entire depth of the housing from top to bottom. To unscrew them, you may need a screwdriver extension.
After removing all fasteners, do not pull the cover sharply upward. Try moving it back or forward slightly to see if it stays in place. Plastic clips are located around the perimeter and require careful snapping. Move in a circle, gradually releasing the panel.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use a metal tool as a lever, pressing it against the enamel of the refrigerator. This is guaranteed to lead to paint chipping and metal corrosion in the future. Use a plastic spatula or cloth.
If the lid is being removed along with internal components (for example, the evaporator shelf in the freezer), proceed with extreme caution. There may be backlight or sensor wires inside that are easy to break with sudden movement.
What to do if the cover cannot be removed?
If, after unscrewing all the screws, the cover does not give in, check whether it is glued with factory sealant (rarely, but it happens during repairs) or whether it is jammed due to the skew of the case. Light tapping with your palm may help, but don't overdo it. Also check if the cable duct at the back does not interfere with removal.
Removing the rear wall and accessing the compressor
Often the need to remove the top cover is associated with repairing the compressor or replacing the start relay, access to which is located from the rear. The back wall of refrigerators Position is usually metal and is secured with many screws around the perimeter.
To remove the back panel, you need to unscrew all the screws. Please note that in the lower part, where compressoris located, there may be additional fastenings for the protective casing. It is not always necessary to completely remove the back wall; sometimes it is enough to bend it to gain access to the desired unit.
When working in the compressor area, be extremely careful with copper tubes. They are thin-walled and easily pinched or burst with careless movement. Any deformation of the tubes can lead to freon leakage and costly repairs.
- 🔩 Unscrew all the screws around the perimeter of the rear wall.
- 🔩 Remove the protective cardboard or plastic compressor casing (if any).
- 🔩 Move the wall to the side, controlling the position of the wires and tubes.
- 🔩 If necessary, remove the starting relay by gently rocking it from side to side.
Typical errors and precautions
The most common mistake during disassembly is the loss of fasteners. Small screws can roll under the refrigerator or into floor crevices. To avoid this, use a magnetic screwdriver or immediately put the fasteners in a container with a lid.
Another mistake is using excessive force. If something does not unscrew or cannot be removed, it means that you are missing some kind of fixing element. force will not help here, but will only lead to breakage of the plastic fastening ears or breakage of the thread.
It is also important not to forget about safety. The compressor can store residual voltage, and the capacitors in the electrical circuit can store charge. Before touching the internal electrical components, make sure that the unit is unplugged for at least 10-15 minutes.
Assembly and performance check
After completing repair work or cleaning, it is necessary to reassemble in the reverse order. Make sure that all wires are laid in their channels and are not pinched by the housing. Incorrect wiring can lead to chafing and short circuits when the compressor vibrates.
When installing the top cover, first tighten all the screws without tightening them all the way. This will align the panel and avoid distortions. Only after all the holes match can you tighten the fasteners evenly.
The final stage is checking the functionality. Plug in the refrigerator and listen to the compressor. There should be no extraneous knocks, body vibrations or humming. Check the tightness of the doors and the operation of the internal lighting.
⚠️ Attention: If after assembly the refrigerator makes unusual sounds or does not turn on, immediately unplug it and check the correct connection of all connectors and the position of the panels.
High-quality assembly guarantees a long service life of the unit after repair. Do not ignore any screw, even if it seems that the structure is holding together fine without it. The lack of fasteners will lead to increased vibration and noise during operation.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to remove the cover of the Pozis refrigerator without removing the door?
In most models Posis the top cover can be removed without dismantling doors. However, if access to the screws is blocked by an open door or the hinges are in the way, it may be necessary to temporarily remove the door leaf. This depends on the specific modification and year of manufacture.
What screws are needed if the original ones are lost during disassembly?
Usually standard metal screws with a countersunk head with a diameter of 3.5-4 mm and a length of 10-16 mm are used. It is important that the screw head does not protrude above the surface of the cover and does not interfere with the tight fit of the panels.
Why is there a lot of noise after assembly?
The noise may arise due to the fact that the cover or back wall does not fit tightly and vibrates along with the body. It may also be caused by the condenser tubes touching metal parts of the housing. Check the tightness of the screws and the position of the tubes.
Is it necessary to drain the freon before removing the cover?
No, you do not need to drain the freon to remove the outer cover or rear wall. These works are carried out on a sealed circuit. Intervention in the refrigerant circulation system is required only when replacing the compressor or repairing pipelines, which is a task for professionals.