How to remove the tray in a Bosch refrigerator: step-by-step instructions
The need to remove the tray in the refrigerator Bosch most often occurs during routine maintenance, cleaning the drainage system or fixing leaks. In modern models with the system No Frost this element is hidden behind the rear panel of the freezer, which requires careful dismantling of the internal parts. Incorrect actions can damage fragile plastic or break the seal of the evaporator, so it is important to follow the sequence of operations.
Unlike old drip models, where the tray is simply removed from below, here you will need to partially disassemble the freezer compartment. The process takes from 20 to 40 minutes and requires a minimum set of tools. Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the unit from the power supply to avoid short circuits if it comes into contact with condensation or residual moisture.
Design features and location of the tray
B refrigerators Bosch the condensate collection tray (evaporation tank) is located at the bottom of the freezer, directly under the evaporator unit. It serves to collect moisture generated during defrosting, which then evaporates naturally due to the heat from the compressor. Access to it is blocked by a rear wall made of plastic and a layer of thermal insulation.
The design may vary depending on the series Classixx, VitaFresh or Side-by-Side. In some models, the tray is secured with latches, in others it is secured with screws. It is important to understand that the tray itself is often made of thin plastic, which becomes brittle in the cold. Any sudden movement or use of force can lead to cracks.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to bend the plastic clips without first warming up if the refrigerator has just been running. Plastic breaks instantly at low temperatures.
The water drainage system includes not only the container itself, but also a drainage hose that connects the tray to the compressor area. When removing the pan, it is necessary to ensure the integrity of this connection. Often, it is at the junction of the hose and the tray that blockages or ice plugs form that require cleaning.
📊 What problem did you encounter when removing the tray?
Ice plug
The mount is broken
I can’t find it screws
The pallet cracked when removed
Necessary tools and preparation
For high-quality dismantling, you will need a standard home craftsman's kit. The main tool will be a Phillips screwdriver, preferably with a magnetic tip, so as not to drop small screws deep into the case. You may also need a flat-head screwdriver or a plastic spatula to unclip the clips.
🔧 Phillips screwdriver (size PH2) for unscrewing the screws.
🧊 Hair dryer (construction or household) for defrosting the ice around the fasteners.
🧽 A container for water and rags to remove melted condensation.
🔦 A flashlight for illuminating hard-to-reach places behind the back panel.
Preparing the refrigerator takes longer than the removal process itself. The unit must be completely defrosted. If ice remains inside the chambers, it will interfere with the removal of the panels and may damage the tray when removed. The minimum defrosting time is 12–24 hours, but using a hair dryer can shorten this process.
Empty the freezer of food, shelves and drawers. You need full access to the back wall. Remove any drawer slides if they interfere with access to the back panel fasteners. Often the screws are hidden under decorative plugs or stickers.
Step-by-step instructions for dismantling
The process of removing the tray in the refrigerator Bosch requires sequential steps. First, remove the back panel of the freezer. It is secured with several screws around the perimeter and possibly in the central part. After unscrewing all visible fasteners, the panel must be carefully pulled back.
The panel may be stuck with ice. In this case, you cannot pull it with force. Use a hair dryer to warm up the plastic joints. Warm air will soften the ice crust and the panel will come off without effort. Under the panel you will see the evaporator and the tray itself, located below.
☑️ Dismantling checklist
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The pallet is usually mounted on guides or clamps. In models with the system SuperFrost it can be connected to the defrost heating element. Before removing, inspect the drain tube connection. If it is stiff, you may have to loosen the clamp or carefully remove it from the pipe.
Remove the tray smoothly, slightly rocking it from side to side. If resistance is felt, check to see if the edge is caught on insulation or wiring. In some modifications, the tray consists of two parts: an upper bowl and a lower collector. Make sure you remove the exact part that requires servicing.
⚠️ Attention: When removing the rear panel, be careful with the temperature sensor and fan wires. Do not pull the panel sharply, so as not to break the connections.
Cleaning and maintaining the drain system
After removing the pan, access to the drainage hole opens. This is where dirt, mold and food debris most often accumulate and enter the system with air. To clean, use a soft brush or a long flexible cable. Rinse the channel with warm water and a mild detergent.
The tray itself also requires careful washing. A slimy coating often forms at its bottom, which is a source of unpleasant odor. Soak the element in warm water with a solution of soda or citric acid. This will help dissolve fatty deposits and disinfect the surface.
Pay attention to the condition of the defrost heater if it is located in the tray area. There should be no heavy ice deposits or corrosion. If the heating element is damaged, the system No Frost will not work correctly, and ice will begin to accumulate again, blocking the drain.
What to do if the drainage hole is tightly clogged?
If the brush does not help, you can use a medical bulb with hot water. Fill up with hot water (not boiling water!) and inject under pressure into the hole. The water pressure will break through the ice or grease plug. Repeat the procedure several times.
Check the integrity of the drain tube going to the compressor. It should not have cracks or creases. If the tube comes off or is damaged, it must be reattached or replaced. The tightness of this unit is critical to prevent water leaks onto the floor.
Table of problems and solutions
During the maintenance process, you may encounter various difficulties. Below is a table that will help you quickly identify the problem and find a way to fix it without calling a technician.
Problem
Possible cause
Solution
The tray cannot be removed
Freezing with ice or hooked on the wiring
Warm up with a hairdryer, check the extraction path with a flashlight
Water flows onto the floor
Clogged drainage or dislodged tube
Clean the drain, check the connection of the hose to the pan
Crack in the plastic
Fragility of the material in the cold
Seal with waterproof sealant or replace the part
Unpleasant odor
Mold deposits in the tray
Wash with a solution of soda and vinegar, dry
If you find a crack on the pallet, do not rush to buy a new one. Minor damage can be repaired using food grade plastics or low temperature resistant epoxy glue. However, if the crack runs through the bottom or is long, it is better to order an original spare part by model number Bosch.
Regular prevention can avoid most problems. It is enough to check the condition of the drainage system once every 6–12 months and, if necessary, flush it. This will extend the life of the compressor and maintain the efficiency of the cooling system.
Assembly and performance testing
Installation of the pallet is carried out in the reverse order. Make sure the tray fits into place evenly and tightly. The drainage tube must be pushed onto the pipe until it stops. If you use a clamp, tighten it, but not too much, so as not to pinch the plastic.
When installing the rear panel, make sure that the sensor and fan wires do not get under the edge of the plastic and are not pinched. Carefully place them in the designated grooves. Tighten all the screws, but do not overtighten them, so as not to break the threads in the plastic holes.
After assembly, turn on the refrigerator. Let it run for 15 to 20 minutes, then check the drip tray area and bottom of the refrigerator for leaks. Make sure the fan is running and there are no unusual sounds. If everything went well, you can load the products.
What should you do if, after assembly, the refrigerator starts to hum loudly?
Most likely, you have laid the wires incorrectly or the back panel is touching the fan. Also check to see if the compressor has moved during your manipulations (although this is rare when removing the pan). Disassemble the assembly again and make sure that nothing vibrates against the body.
Can the tray be washed in the dishwasher?
Not recommended. The high temperature of the dishwasher can deform the thin plastic, causing the tray to no longer fit snugly into the body. It is better to use a hand wash in warm water with mild detergents.
How often should you clean the tray in the No Frost system?
Manufacturers recommend preventive cleaning once a year. However, if you have pets or store food without packaging, you should check the condition of the tray every 6 months.
Why is there always some water in the tray?
In a working refrigerator, the water in the tray does not stay long - it evaporates. If the water is constantly standing, it means that the evaporation process is disrupted (the heating element of the pan is faulty or it heats too weakly) or the drainage hole is clogged, and the water does not have time to drain.
Where can I find the model number to order spare parts?
The model number (E-Nr) is indicated on a sticker inside the refrigerator compartment on the side wall or on plinth strip from the bottom front. It is by this code that you need to look for compatible parts.