Refrigerators Liebherr are famous its reliability and thoughtful ergonomics, however, even the highest quality models may need to disassemble the internal space. Owners are often faced with a situation where they need to wash shelves, remove unpleasant odors, or simply move drawers to another level to optimize food storage. The apparent simplicity of the process is sometimes deceptive: German engineering provides specific fastening systems, which can be damaged if handled improperly.
The main difficulty is that fixation mechanisms they may differ in different series of refrigerators. Some places use a classic runner system, while others use modern telescopic guides or hidden clips. A lack of understanding of the operating principle of a particular unit often leads to users using excessive physical force, which is clearly contraindicated for fragile plastic and tempered glass. The correct approach to dismantling guarantees the preservation of the functionality of your unit for many years.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithms of actions for various types of structures found in models Liebherr. You'll learn how to safely remove glass shelves, plastic freezer containers, and special vegetable compartments. Compliance with the sequence of operations will allow you to avoid accidental chips, cracks and breakage of latches, which are consumables and cannot always be replaced separately.
Design features of the internal space of Liebherr
Engineers Liebherr have developed several types of storage systems, each of which has its own installation nuances. The most common is the VarioSpacesystem, which allows you to adjust the height of the shelves or pull out the lower drawers further than usual, freeing up space for large products. Understanding what type your model is is the first step to a successful dismantling. This can usually be determined by carefully examining the side walls of the chamber or the ends of the shelves themselves.
The second important element is the guides. In budget and mid-range models, the drawers are often supported by simple plastic runners, which are simply inserted into grooves on the chamber wall. In more expensive series, such as Comfort or Premium, metal telescopic guides with ball bearings are used. Such systems ensure smooth operation even when fully loaded, but require more delicate handling during removal, as they have complex locking mechanisms.
The materials deserve special attention. The shelves are made of tempered glass, which is highly durable, but extremely sensitive to pinpoint impacts at the end. The plastic of the boxes is usually impact-resistant, but in the cold (in the freezer) it becomes more fragile. Therefore, any manipulations to remove elements are best carried out when the refrigerator has warmed up to room temperature, at least within 10-15 minutes after defrosting.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to forcefully pull out a jammed drawer. If movement is blocked, check that the container is not resting against the chamber ledges or adjacent shelves. Excessive force can break the plastic stop, after which the box will no longer be fixed in a horizontal position.
Preparation for dismantling and safety measures
Before starting the active disassembly phase, it is necessary to prepare the workspace. Safety he plays a key role here, since glass shelves have significant weight and sharp edges. It is recommended to empty the refrigerator of food in order to have full access to the interior space and not risk cans or bottles falling during manipulations with structural elements.
It is also important to provide good lighting. The back of the refrigerator compartment may be dark and you may not notice hidden latches or latches. Using an additional light source, such as a flashlight or lamp, will allow you to visually monitor the process of undocking the guides. This is especially true for models with a bottom freezer, where access to the top drawers may be limited.
For work you may need the following items:
- 🧤 Durable household gloves - to protect your hands from sharp glass edges and cold.
- 🔦 Flashlight - for inspecting fastening mechanisms in depth cameras.
- 🧹 Soft rags - to lay under the parts being removed in case they fall.
- 🪑 Stool or stable surface - for temporary placement of removed shelves.
☑️ Ready to remove drawers
It would be a good idea to determine in advance the place where you will put the removed elements. They should lie on a flat, clean surface so that they do not get dirt or abrasive particles, which can then scratch the glass when they are installed back. If you plan to wash the drawers with hot water, make sure that they have time to warm up to room temperature to avoid thermal shock.
Removing glass shelves in the refrigerator compartment
Glass shelves in refrigerators Liebherr are usually installed on special stops built into the side walls or inserted into guide profiles. Removing them most often does not require tools. It is enough to take the shelf with both hands by the front edge, slightly lift its front part (literally 1-2 centimeters) and pull it towards you. This action disengages the rear latches from engaging the grooves.
In models with the system VarioSpace the process may be a little more complicated. Here the shelf can be part of a composite structure. First you need to remove the restrictive sides, if any, and then dismantle the glass plane itself. Pay attention to the plastic frames: in some modifications the glass is simply inserted into them, while in others it is snapped into place. If the frame interferes with removal, it must also be carefully removed by pressing on the special tabs in the corners.
When working with glass, it is important to follow the following rules:
- 👐 Always hold the shelf with both hands, distributing the weight evenly.
- 📉 Do not place heavy glass elements vertically - they may burst under their own weight. weight.
- 🚫 Avoid sudden movements and impacts on the metal parts of the refrigerator body.
If the shelf is stuck and cannot be removed, check whether it is blocked by food or other interior elements. Sometimes the blockage is caused by growing ice in the grooves if the refrigerator has not been defrosted for a long time. In this case, you must wait for complete defrosting.
What to do if the shelf cracks when removed?
If you find a crack, immediately stop using this shelf. Even microscopic damage in tempered glass under the influence of temperature changes and load from products can lead to complete destruction of the canvas. Replace the item with an original one, ordering it according to the model number of your refrigerator.
Removing freezer drawers
The freezer requires a special approach due to low temperatures and the design features of the drawers. In refrigerators Liebherr with the system NoFrost the drawers often have a complex shape and are mounted on telescopic guides. To remove such a drawer, you need to pull it out all the way. On the side walls of the drawer or on the guides themselves, you will find plastic latches (tongues) that need to be pressed or bent at the same time on both sides.
After unlocking the latches, the drawer should be lifted up and pulled towards you. Some older or simpler models simply slide the drawers into slots without additional latches. In this case, they must be pulled out carefully, avoiding distortion, so that the lower edge does not catch on the underlying drawer or the bottom of the chamber. Plastic becomes less elastic at low temperatures, so all movements must be smooth.
Typical problems when removing freezer drawers:
- ❄️ Freezing - if the drawer does not slide out, it may have frozen to the bottom or walls due to moisture.
- 🔒 Blocking ice - an ice crust in the guides can mechanically impede movement.
- 📉 Distortion - an attempt to pull out a drawer that is not fully extended from the guides can lead to breakage of the plastic runners.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to use sharp objects (knives, screwdrivers) to break off the ice blocking the drawer. You may damage the evaporator located behind the plastic wall, resulting in a refrigerant leak and costly repairs.
If the drawer is frozen, give the refrigerator time to thaw or use a hair dryer in warm (not hot!) air mode, directing the flow to the joints of the drawer and body. After the ice has melted, the mechanism will unlock itself.
Specifics of removing the drawers of the VarioSpace system
The system VarioSpace is a unique development Liebherr, which allows you to pull out the bottom drawer of the refrigerator compartment under the top shelf, significantly increasing useful volume. The design of such boxes often includes additional plastic frames and dividers. Removing such a drawer requires understanding its dual nature: it is both a storage container and part of a sliding system.
To dismantle it, you must completely pull out the drawer. Then find the fixing elements on the side walls. Unlike conventional drawers, this may require synchronous pressing of two buttons or levers located towards the back of the sides. After unlocking, the drawer is removed by moving up and forward. If the system uses glass inserts or dividers, it is better to remove them first, following the instructions for glass shelves.
The table below will help compare the type of fastening with the dismantling steps:
| Type of fastening | Location of the lock | Action for removal | Risk of breakage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skid (simple) | Absent | Pull out and lift | Low (in the absence of ice) |
| Telescopic | On the side of the drawer | Press the tab and pull | Middle (plastic lock) |
| VarioSpace | Hidden / Side | Synchronous unlocking | High (with a jerk) |
| Glass shelf | Stops in the wall | Lift and remove | High (broken glass) |
Care, cleaning and assembly after dismantling
After you have managed to remove the drawers and shelves, the stage of cleaning them begins. Warm water with the addition of a mild detergent is ideal for washing plastic and glass. Abrasive powders Hard brushes cannot be used, as they will leave micro-scratches in which bacteria and dirt will accumulate, and will also worsen the appearance of transparent elements.
Dry all parts thoroughly before installing them back. Moisture inside the enclosed space of the refrigerator will cause excess condensation and ice to form. Assembly is carried out in the reverse order: first install the guides (if they were removed), then the shelves, and lastly the drawers. When installing the drawers, make sure that they fit into the grooves and snap into place with a characteristic klik sound.
Checking for correct installation:
- ✅ The drawer should slide out smoothly, without jerking or jamming.
- ✅ The glass shelf should lie flat, without distortions and play.
- ✅ All latches must be closed and in working position.
If after assembly you notice that the drawer warps or falls out when pulled out, it means it is installed incorrectly. Do not leave the refrigerator in this condition as this may cause food to fall and damage the interior. Double-check the alignment of the guides and grooves.
Can Liebherr drawers be washed in the dishwasher?
Most plastic drawers and glass shelves Liebherr can be washed in the dishwasher at a temperature not exceeding 40-45°C. However, manufacturers often recommend hand washing to avoid possible clouding of the plastic from aggressive detergents or deformation of thin elements at high drying temperatures. Always check the markings on the product itself.
What to do if the plastic drawer lock is broken?
If the locking tab is broken, the drawer will no longer stay on the guides and will fall out. In this case, you need to order a new spare part. It is not recommended to repair plastic with glue, since in the cold the glue loses its properties and the structure will fall apart again, which can lead to spoilage of food.
Why does the freezer drawer not slide out all the way?
Most often the reason is icing of the guides or the bottom of the chamber. Also check to see if the top shelf or food items lying on it are obstructing the slide-out. In models with the NoFrost system, sometimes the cause is a malfunction of the defrost, which causes an excessive amount of ice to freeze.
How to remove a glass shelf if it does not rise?
In some models, the shelves have stops that prevent them from accidentally falling out. Try moving the shelf forward or backward slightly - sometimes this will release the stopper. If the shelf still does not rise, it may be installed in a special slide, and you just need to pull it out horizontally without lifting it.