The appearance of condensation on the inner walls of the chamber, the growth of a “snow coat” even in No Frost systems, or constant operation of the compressor often indicate a loss tightness. In most cases, the culprit of these problems is a worn-out one, which no longer fits tightly to the body. Refrigerators sealing profile, which no longer fits tightly to the body. Refrigerators Liebherr are famous for their reliability, but rubber elements are subject to natural aging, drying out and deformation under the influence of temperature changes.
Timely replacing the seal allows not only to restore the temperature regime, but also to significantly reduce energy consumption, since the compressor will no longer have to work non-stop. Ignoring the problem leads to accelerated wear of the motor and spoilage of products due to violation of storage conditions. In this article we will look in detail at how to diagnose a malfunction, select the right spare part and install a new magnetic tape without calling a technician.
The replacement process does not require specialized tools, but does require care and precision. An incorrectly installed rubber band can cause the door to warp or create cracks through which cold will escape. Therefore, before starting work owners of Liebherr equipment it is important to carefully study the design of your unit, since fastening methods may differ depending on the series and year of manufacture.
Diagnostics: when the seal needs to be replaced
The first sign of depressurization is visual inspection. If you notice that the rubber edging is moving away from the body in places, has cracks, creases, or has become hard and brittle, then its resource has been exhausted. It is also worth paying attention to the appearance of mold in the folds, which cannot be removed with cleaning agents - this is a direct signal for replacement. Sealing rubber Over time, it loses elasticity and ceases to perform its function.
There is a simple and effective way to check the tightness, known as the “paper test”. Take a regular A4 sheet, open the refrigerator door, place the paper against the opening and close the door. If the sheet can be easily pulled out without resistance, then the clamping force magnetic tape is insufficient. Check around the entire perimeter of the door, especially in the corners and in the middle, where wear is often most noticeable.
⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator door is warped or does not fit well in only one corner, the problem may not be with the rubber band, but with the hinges. Before ordering a new part, make sure that the door geometry is not damaged.
An indirect sign can be the constant noise of the compressor. When warm air enters the chamber, sensors detect an increase in temperature and give a command for enhanced cooling. This leads to the formation of ice on the rear wall and overload of the system. Replacing Liebherr seal in such a situation returns the unit to normal operation.
Choosing a suitable seal for Liebherr
There are many analogues on the spare parts market, but for premium-class appliances it is better to navigate for original components or certified replacements. Seals for Liebherr may differ in cross-sectional profile, method of fastening and the presence of additional elements, such as curtains or magnetic inserts. An incorrectly selected size will result in a loose fit or impossibility of installation.
To find the right part, you need to know the exact model of your refrigerator. It is indicated on the nameplate, which is usually located inside the camera on the side wall or on the base. Look for a code starting with letters CBN, ICB, HC or K. Using this code in the spare parts catalogs you can find the article number of the required sealing profile.
When choosing between the original and the analogue, it is worth considering the material. Original rubber bands Liebherr often have an antibacterial coating and a special shape that ensures easy movement of the door when closing. Cheap analogues may smell like rubber, quickly harden in the cold, or have a weak magnet.
What are the dangers of cheap analogues?
Using low-quality rubber can lead to the seal becoming deformed after a few months, and the tightness problem will return. In addition, some materials can release harmful substances upon contact with products.
Required tools and preparation
Before starting work on replacing the seal, it is necessary to prepare the workplace and tools. You do not need complex power tools; all manipulations are performed manually. The main thing is to ensure good lighting and free access to the refrigerator doors from all sides.
For work you will need:
- 🧰 Hair dryer (construction or household) - to heat the rubber and give it elasticity.
- 🔧 Slotted screwdriver - for carefully bending fasteners or removing them decorative panels.
- 🧼 Soap solution and soft cloth - to degrease the surface before installation.
- ✂️ Stationery knife or scissors - for trimming excess (if necessary).
- 📏 Tape measure - to control dimensions.
It is also important to prepare the seal itself. If the new rubber band has been lying rolled up or in the cold, it must be preheated. Place it in warm water (about 50-60 degrees) or gently warm it with a hairdryer. This will make the material soft and convenient for installation, preventing breakage of the plastic fastening elements.
☑️ Preparation for replacement
Removing the old seal
The process of removing the old seal depends on the type of fastening that is used in your models Liebherr. In modern refrigerators, fastening is most often found in a groove or with self-tapping screws hidden under rubber. First, carefully inspect the perimeter of the door to understand the design.
If the seal is inserted into a plastic profile, which, in turn, is screwed to the door, you need to act carefully. Pull the edge of the elastic and find the heads of the screws. Carefully unscrew them, holding the profile so that it does not fall. If the rubber is simply inserted into the groove, start pulling it from the corner, gradually freeing it along the entire perimeter.
After removing the old tape, you must thoroughly clean the seat. Remove any remaining adhesive, dirt and grease using a soapy solution. The surface must be perfectly clean and dry, otherwise the new seal will not fit smoothly or will not fit tightly. Inspect the plastic profile for cracks.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use aggressive solvents (acetone, gasoline) to clean the plastic, as they can damage the structure of the door material or the profile itself. Use only mild detergents.
Installing a new seal: step-by-step instructions
Installing a new seal is the most critical step. Start at the top corner of the door. If using profile fastening, secure the corners first, then gradually press or screw in the middle portions of the sides. It is important not to stretch the rubber, but to lay it evenly around the perimeter.
In models Liebherr with fastening into a groove (tuck), work also begins from the top corner. Insert the protruding part of the profile into the groove on the door and press until it clicks. Move around the perimeter, fixing the rubber in small sections (10-15 cm). In the corners, additional effort or careful straightening of folds may be required.
After installation around the entire perimeter, check the tightness of the fit. The rubber should sit smoothly, without waves or gaps. If an accordion has formed somewhere, this area needs to be carefully straightened, slightly pulling the rubber to the sides. Make sure that the entire length of the magnetic tape is inside the rubber casing.
The table below will help you understand the types of fastenings typical for different series of refrigerators:
| Mounting type | Description | Tool | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pinch into the groove | Rubber is inserted into the groove on the door | No / Screwdriver | Low |
| Screws under the elastic band | The fastening is hidden, you need to bend the edge | Screwdriver | Medium |
| Adhesive connection | Rarely, requires special glue | Glue, degreaser | High |
| Profile fasteners | Rubber on a plastic frame | Screwdriver | Medium |
Finishing and checking the result
After installing the new seal, do not immediately load the refrigerator with food. Give the rubber time to straighten and take its working shape. To speed up this process, you can use a hair dryer: gently heat the rubber around the entire perimeter, especially in the bends and corners. Warm air will make the material elastic, and it will fit better into the grooves.
Close the refrigerator door and leave it alone for 2-3 hours. This is necessary so that the rubber itself cools down in the straightened state. If you immediately close the door on a cold seal, creases may remain on it from adhering to the body. magnetic tape “grabbed” with the metal of the body, and the rubber itself cooled down in a straightened state. If you immediately close the door on a cold seal, there may be creases on it from adhering to the body.
After time, repeat the test with a sheet of paper. Now the sheet should be pulled out with noticeable effort along the entire perimeter. Also visually assess the line of contact: it should be uniform, without visible breaks or cracks. If everything is done correctly, the refrigerator will start to work more quietly, and the ice will disappear.
How often do you need to change the seal?
The average service life of a high-quality seal is 5-7 years. However, with active use, frequent opening of the door or the use of aggressive chemicals during cleaning, this period can be reduced to 3 years. Check the condition of the rubber regularly.
Is it possible to restore the old seal?
Temporary restoration is possible if the rubber is simply deformed, but not cracked. It can be removed, soaked in hot water, straightened and put back. However, this is a temporary measure; a full replacement will still be required.
Why does new rubber smell?
New rubber products often have a specific smell, which is the norm. It wears off within a few days or weeks of use. If the smell is too strong and does not go away, it is possible that low-quality material was used.