Refrigerators brand Position are deservedly popular due to their reliability and affordable cost, however, even the highest quality equipment requires maintenance over time. One of the most common problems faced by owners of these units is wear or contamination sealing gumlocated around the perimeter of the door. It is this element that is responsible for the tightness of the chamber, keeping the cold inside and not letting heat in from the outside.
If you notice that the door has become worse to fit, condensation has appeared in the corners or ice is freezing, then the first thing you need to check is the condition of the seal. Dirt, grease and mold often accumulate in the folds of the rubber, affecting its elasticity and downforce. In such cases, removing the rubber band becomes a mandatory procedure for high-quality cleaning or completely replacing the element with a new one.
Many users are afraid to start self-repairs for fear of damaging the door or violating the warranty, but the design of refrigerators Pozis is quite simple and logical. In this article, we will look in detail at how to properly and safely remove the seal without damaging the plastic elements and metal parts of the case, in order to return your equipment to perfect tightness.
Diagnostics of the condition of the seal and the causes of wear
Before picking up the tools, you need to objectively assess the current condition of the sealing tape. Rubber seal is subject to constant mechanical stress: daily opening and closing of the door, temperature changes and contact with aggressive environments (acids from products, detergents) gradually destroy the structure of the material. Over time, rubber loses plasticizers, becomes hard and brittle.
Critical wear can be determined visually and tactilely. If, when holding your hand, you feel cracks, creases or a sticky residue that cannot be washed off, then the element requires replacement. It is also worth paying attention to the magnetic tape that is built inside the rubber: if it is weakened or peeled off in places, the door will no longer close tightly, which will lead to increased energy consumption.
⚠️ Attention: If the rubber is simply dirty, but retains its elasticity, it may not have to be removed for replacement. Often it is enough to carry out a deep cleaning with removal for better access to the internal folds.
A frequent cause of failure is poor cleaning. The use of abrasive sponges or aggressive chemicals destroys the top layer of rubber. In models Position with a magnetic seal, it is important to ensure that metal crumbs do not get inside, which can disrupt the magnetic field and reduce the clamping force.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
To successfully carry out work on dismantling the seal, you will not need you will need a sophisticated professional tool. The entire process can be accomplished using a kit that can be found in almost any DIYer's drawer. The main requirement is neatness and cleanliness of your hands so as not to stain the inner surface of the door or the new seal.
You will need the following items:
- 🧤 Cotton gloves - to protect your hands from dirt and prevent tools from slipping.
- 🔧 Flat screwdriver (blade width 3-5 mm) - necessary for prying up the edges of the seal at the fastening points.
- 🧼 Warm soap solution - for preliminary cleaning of the surface and softening the rubber.
- 📏 Ruler or tape measure - for measuring the length of the sides of the door before buying a new rubber band, if replacement is planned.
- 🧴 Silicone grease or talcum powder - for treating a new rubber band before installation (optional, but recommended).
It is important to prepare a flat surface next to the refrigerator where you can put the removed ones details if you suddenly need to unscrew the door itself. Although in most cases, removing the rubber band Posis is done without dismantling the door leaf, the presence of free space around the unit will ensure comfortable work.
Design of fastening the elastic band in Pozis refrigerators
Understanding exactly how the seal is attached is the key to success. Refrigerators Position, as in most modern models, use two main types of fastening: snap into the groove and screw fastening. Determining the type of fastening in your model is the first step that cannot be ignored so as not to damage the plastic.
In most cases (about 80% of models), the dovetail system or simple snap is used. In this option, there is a special protrusion (profile) on the inside of the rubber band, which is tightly inserted into the corresponding groove at the end of the metal door. The rubber is held in place due to its elasticity and profile shape.
However, in some old or specific models Pozis there may be a combined method, where the rubber is additionally fixed with self-tapping screws in the corners or around the perimeter. There is also the option of fastening through a plastic cover, which, in turn, is screwed to the door. In this case, you must first remove the cover.
| Type of fastening | External signs | Difficulty of removal | Required tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grooved (latch) | No visible screws, the rubber fits tightly to the metal | Low | Flat screwdriver |
| Screw | The screw heads are visible under the rubber or in the corners | Medium | Screwdriver (Phillips/flat head) |
| Glue (rarely) | Rubber glued over the entire surface | High | Hair dryer, solvent |
| Through the bar | Rubber inserted into a plastic profile | Medium | Screwdriver for the bar |
How to distinguish a groove from glue?
Carefully bend the edge of the elastic in an inconspicuous place (for example, in the lower corner on the inside). If you see that the rubber is simply inserted into the metal groove, you have a groove mount. If a layer of glue is visible or the rubber stretches behind the metal, heating and careful peeling will be required.
Step-by-step instructions: how to remove the seal
The process of removing the rubber requires consistency and moderate effort. You should not pull the material sharply, as the old rubber may tear, leaving pieces inside the groove, which will complicate the installation of the new element. It is best to start work from the top corner of the door, since from there it is more convenient to control the process along the entire length.
Perform the steps in the following order:
- Thoroughly wipe the junction of the rubber band and the door with a damp cloth to remove dust and grease that may interfere with the view and sliding of the tool.
- Take a flat-head screwdriver and carefully pry up the edge of the seal in the upper corner. Try not to damage the rubber itself if you plan to reuse it, and not to scratch the metal of the door.
- Pull the bent section towards you and to the side (away from the door) to release the profile from the groove. It is enough to free 5-10 centimeters.
- Next, use your hands: grab the freed area and smoothly pull along the perimeter, gradually releasing the tape from the groove. Movements should be confident, but without jerking.
- Having reached the corner, change the direction of movement, going around the turn. If the rubber is tight, use the screwdriver again to help the profile come out of the groove.
☑️ Algorithm for removing the rubber
If you are faced with a screw fastening, you first need to unscrew all visible screws. They can be hidden under decorative plugs or located directly under the bent edge of the rubber. After removing the fasteners, the rubber is removed in the same way - by simply pulling it off.
⚠️ Attention: When working with a screwdriver, be extremely careful. A slipped tool can easily pierce the thin metal of the door or damage the internal contour of the thermal insulation, which will lead to serious problems with maintaining cold.
Cleaning the groove and preparing the surface for installation
After the old rubber is removed, a depressing picture opens: a huge amount of dirt, mold and oxides This cannot be left, as the new rubber band will not lie flat, and microbes will continue to multiply, spoiling food and air in the refrigerator.
To clean, use a soft brush (or a toothbrush) and a solution of warm water with laundry soap or a weak solution of vinegar. Carefully walk around the entire perimeter of the groove, removing dirt from deep within. If there are traces of rust, they can be carefully removed with a cotton swab dipped in a special rust converter, but make sure that the chemical does not get on the plastic.
After wet cleaning, be sure to wipe the surface dry with a paper towel or dry rag. Moisture in the groove can cause the metal underneath the new rubber to corrode. It is also recommended to degrease the surface with alcohol or glass cleaner to ensure better adhesion if the new rubber involves an adhesive base (although Position this is rare).
Nuances of installing a new seal
Installing a new rubber band is the reverse of removal, but has its own characteristics. New tires are often hard and may have creases from packaging. Before installation, it is recommended to warm it with a hairdryer (not too hot air) or soak it in warm water for 10-15 minutes. This will make the material more elastic and comfortable to work with.
Start installation from the top corner, inserting the profile into the groove. Make sure that the lip of the elastic is oriented correctly in relation to the groove. After tucking the corner, gradually press the tape along the perimeter, moving from the center to the edges or evenly on all sides. Use your thumb to press the profile firmly inward.
In corners where the turning radius is small, the rubber must be carefully straightened to avoid wrinkles. If after installation you see that the elastic band is bristling or does not fit tightly, it may not have seated completely. Walk around the perimeter again, tightening problem areas.
After installation, the refrigerator door Pozis may close tighter than usual. This is normal for a new rubber band. Let it “get in” for 2-3 days. If the door closes with great difficulty and constantly bounces, the seal may be too thick or installed incorrectly.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to restore an old elastic band if it has simply lost its elasticity?
Temporary restoration is possible. Try removing the seal and soaking it in hot water (not boiling water) for 20-30 minutes to restore softness. Treatment with silicone oil also helps. However, if there are cracks or breaks, it will not be possible to restore the tightness - a replacement is needed.
Where can I find the original rubber band for the Pozis refrigerator?
It is best to look for original spare parts in authorized service centers Pozis or order using the catalog number of your refrigerator model (indicated on sticker inside the camera). Also suitable are universal seals that can be cut to size, but they may be inferior in profile quality.
What to do if after replacing the door still does not fit?
Check whether the profile is inserted correctly around the entire perimeter. If everything is fine with the rubber, the refrigerator itself may be warped (adjust the legs) or the door hinges may be loose. In rare cases, it is necessary to adjust the position of the door relative to the body.
How often should the seal be changed?
The average service life of a high-quality seal is 5-7 years. However, with intensive use or improper care (aggressive chemistry), it may fail earlier. Check the condition of the rubber band every time you do a general cleaning of the refrigerator.