Dismantling the freezer compartment in brand refrigerators Biryusa is a procedure that sooner or later owners of equipment in need of repair, deep cleaning or replacement of seals face. Most often, the need to remove this unit occurs when the thermostat, evaporator fails, or when it is necessary to replace the compressor. The process requires caution, since the design of old and new models may differ significantly.
Before starting any work critically important make sure that the unit is completely disconnected from the power supply. Biryusa refrigerators, especially the Soviet and early post-Soviet period of production, are quite massive and heavy freezer compartment. Careless handling can lead to damage to the tubes or injuries, so it is worth preparing the workplace and tools in advance.
In this article we will analyze in detail all stages of dismantling, paying attention to the nuances of fastening and electrical connections. You will learn how to properly disconnect the cables, remove the door and dismantle the camera itself without unnecessary damage to the case. The correct approach to disassembly will save you time and nerves during subsequent assembly.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, make sure that there is no food left in the freezer and the unit itself is defrosted. The presence of ice inside the tubes can complicate dismantling and lead to depressurization of the system if accidentally bent.
Preparation of tools and workplace
The success of the freezer removal operation directly depends on the quality of preparation. You will need not only a basic set of screwdrivers, but also specific tools for working with metal elements of the case Turk. Clear the space around the refrigerator in advance to have access to it from all sides.
For work you will need the following tools:
- 🔧 A set of Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers of different sizes for case screws.
- 🔩 Wrenches or heads (usually 8, 10 mm) for fastening bolts.
- ✂️ Side cutters or wire cutters for carefully cutting through old clamps (if they are not removable).
- 🧤 Protective gloves, since there may be sharp metal edges inside.
Particular attention take lighting. Refrigerator interiors are often poorly lit, and the risk of losing a small screw or damaging wiring in the dark is very high. If you work in a garage or workshop, use a portable lamp.
☑️ Preparation for dismantling
Removing the freezer door
The first step is always removing the door. In models Turk it is mounted on powerful hinges, which can be hidden with decorative plugs. Remove all shelves and drawers from the freezer to make the structure lighter.
Find the hinge attachment points. They are usually located at the top and bottom of the door leaf. In some modifications, the top hinge is hidden under a plastic cover, which must be carefully pryed off with a flat screwdriver. Unscrew the bolts, holding the door so that it does not fall.
After removing the bolts, the door must be removed from the lower pins. It is better to do this together, as the weight of the metal is significant. If the hinges are rusty, treat them with a penetrating lubricant and give it time to work before applying force. Rusty bolts - a common problem with old refrigerators.
Removing the top cover and accessing the insides
To get to the fastenings of the freezer itself, it is often necessary to dismantle the top cover of the refrigerator. In classic models Biryusa it is fixed with several screws around the perimeter and sometimes with latches.
Unscrew all visible screws. Be careful: there may be lighting or thermostat wiring running under the cover. Do not tear off the lid suddenly. Carefully lift it, inspect the interior and disconnect the connectors if they interfere with complete removal.
After removing the cover, access to top of the evaporator and the fastening elements of the freezer will open. This is where the main points of fixation of the freezer body to the outer casing of the refrigerator are most often located.
| Element | Type of fastening | Tool | Nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Door hinge | M6/M8 bolts | 10mm key / Screwdriver | Requires door support |
| Top cover | Screws / Latches | Phillips screwdriver | Careful with the wiring |
| Mounting the camera | Screws / Brackets | Set of heads | Access after removing the cover |
| Thermoregulator | Nut / Clip | Flat screwdriver | Remember the order of the wires |
Disconnecting electrical components
The freezer compartment Turks is inextricably linked with the electrical system. Before physical removal, you must disconnect the thermostat, defrost sensors (in models with No Frost or drip system) and the lighting lamp.
Find the control unit or the wire connection. Usually these are twists covered with insulating tape or plastic blocks. If there are twists, they need to be carefully separated by first photographing or sketching the connection diagram. Color marking Wires in old refrigerators may not meet modern standards.
The thermostat is often attached to the inner wall or brought out. Carefully remove its sensing tube from its seat in the evaporator. Do not use excessive force so as not to damage the thin capillary tube of the sensor.
What to do if the wires are mixed up?
If you did not have time to photograph the circuit, look for the markings on the thermostat itself or use a multimeter in dial mode. Contact closure usually occurs when the temperature drops.
Dismantling the freezer body
This is the most critical stage. The freezer cabinet in refrigerators Biryusa can be built-in (soldered into the body) or removable. In most cases, for repairs it is necessary to remove the removable metal box.
Unscrew all the mounting screws that hold the camera inside the outer case. There can be from 4 to 8 pieces located around the perimeter. After this, the camera should extend. However, it often sticks or is held on by the remains of the mounting foam and sealant.
Gently loosen the camera, moving it from side to side. Do not use a metal crowbar to avoid damaging the outer enamel layer of the refrigerator. If the camera does not work, check that all fasteners and cables are disconnected. Sometimes the compressor tube gets in the way.
⚠️ Attention: The refrigeration circuit tubes are made of soft copper. Excessive bending or squeezing when removing the freezer will cause the tube to bend and leak freon. Work slowly.
Working with the compressor and tubes
In some cases, to completely remove the freezer, it is necessary to disconnect the compressor or significantly displace it. The compressor Biryusa is fixed to the frame using shock-absorbing rubber washers and bolts.
If desoldering of tubes is required, use only a gas torch with solder. Open flame it is dangerous near plastic elements and wire insulation. Be sure to purge the system with nitrogen before sealing to avoid oxidation inside.
When reinstalling, pay attention to the distance between the compressor and the walls of the refrigerator. It must comply with the instructions for the specific model to ensure proper ventilation and the absence of vibration noise.
Common mistakes during disassembly
Beginners often make mistakes that lead to higher repair costs. One of the most common is an attempt to remove the freezer by force without noticing the hidden fastener or latch. This leads to deformation of the metal.
Another mistake is ignoring the markings of the wires. During assembly, it turns out that the thermostat is not connected correctly, and the refrigerator does not turn on or operates without stopping. The third problem is the loss of fasteners, since the screws in older models may be non-standard.
Do not forget that after installing the freezer in place, refrigerant chargingmay be required. If you opened the circuit, simply installing a camera will not cause the refrigerator to freeze. The system must be evacuated and charged with freon.
⚠️ Attention: If you do not have the skills to work with a refrigeration circuit and a vacuum tool, after mechanically installing the chamber, contact a professional for gas charging.
FAQ: Often asked questions
Is it possible to remove the freezer without draining the freon?
It is possible to mechanically remove the metal box of the freezer itself without breaking the tightness of the tubes only if the design allows it (removable evaporator). However, in most cases, to fully repair or replace the chamber, depressurization of the circuit is required.
Where can I find a wiring diagram for Biryusa?
The diagram is often pasted on the inner wall of the refrigerator, under the plastic cover of the thermostat or on the back wall next to the compressor. If the sticker is lost, look for documentation for the specific model number on the Internet.
Why does the refrigerator hum loudly after assembly?
You may have poorly tightened the compressor or freezer mounting bolts, and resonance has occurred. The reason may also be the tubes touching each other or the walls of the housing. Check the gaps.
Is it necessary to change the seal when removing the door?
It is advisable. With repeated removal and installation, the old seal Turks may lose elasticity or become deformed, which will lead to a loose fit and freezing of ice.
How long does complete disassembly take?
For an experienced craftsman, the process takes 30-40 minutes. For a beginner, taking into account the search for tools and caution, this can take up to 1.5–2 hours. Take your time to avoid damaging fragile elements.