Refrigerators of the brand Biryusa are deservedly considered one of the most reliable and durable units in the post-Soviet space. However, even the most durable equipment requires attention over time, be it routine defrosting, seal replacement, or more serious compressor repairs. Owners are often faced with the need to gain access to the internal components of the freezer, not knowing where to start and what tools will be needed.
Disassembling the freezer compartment is a process that requires accuracy and understanding of the structure of a particular unit. The design of Soviet and modern models may differ significantly, especially in the methods of fastening the door and access to the evaporator. Incorrect actions can lead to damage to the pipelines or loss of system tightness.
In this article we will look in detail at the stages of dismantling the main elements of the freezer. You'll learn how to safely remove the door, gain access to the compressor, and diagnose internal components. Following the sequence of actions will allow you to avoid common mistakes and perform the job efficiently.
Preparation for disassembly and safety measures
Before starting any work with electrical appliances, you must strictly follow the electrical safety rules. The first and most important step — completely disconnect the refrigerator from the electrical network. It is not enough to simply turn off the button; you must unplug the plug from the socket to eliminate the risk of electric shock or short circuit if the wiring is accidentally damaged.
Prepare the workspace. You will need enough space around the unit to move freely. Gather the necessary tools in advance so as not to interrupt the process of searching for a screwdriver or key. To work with refrigerators Turk usually a standard set is required:
- 🔧 Set of screwdrivers (phillips and flathead of different sizes)
- 🔑 Adjustable wrench or set of open-end wrenches
- 🧤 Protective gloves for working with sharp edges
- 🧹 A rag and a container to collect possible water
If you plan to work with the cooling system, make sure the room is well ventilated. Although modern refrigerants are less toxic than older freons, the concentration of gases in a confined space is undesirable. It is also worth laying soft material or cardboard on the floor so as not to scratch the coating when laying the removed parts.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting disassembly, make sure that the refrigerator is completely defrosted. The presence of ice inside the tubes or on the evaporator can lead to their rupture due to mechanical impact.
☑️ Preparation for dismantling
Removing the freezer door
Removing the door is often the first step required for deep cleaning, replacing the seal or transporting the refrigerator through narrow doorway. In different models Biryusa the fastening mechanism may differ, but the general principle remains similar. The door is held on hinges, which are attached to the unit body with bolts.
Start by opening the door and inspecting the top hinge. In some modifications it is closed with a decorative plastic plug, which must be carefully pryed off with a knife or flat screwdriver. The fastening bolts are hidden under it. It is important to secure the door in the open position so that it does not fall on your feet when you unscrew the fasteners.
Use an open-end wrench or a socket of a suitable size to unscrew the top hinge bolts. After removing them, carefully lift the door, removing it from the bottom hinge. If the door is heavy, have a helper help you. The lower hinge may require separate dismantling if you plan to completely remove the door module.
When reinstalling, pay attention to the condition of the sealing rubber. If it has creases or cracks, it is at this moment that it is better to replace it. A loose door seal will lead to the constant formation of ice and increased load on the compressor.
Access to internal components and evaporator
To access the evaporator and the rear wall of the freezer in most models Biryusa requires removal of the internal panels. In older models with an open evaporator (grid on the back wall), access to it is free, but in modern versions it can be hidden by a plastic box or panel.
If your model is equipped with a No Frost system or semi-automatic defrosting, fans and sensors may be located inside. Plastic panels attached on latches and screws. Proceed with caution: the plastic becomes brittle over time and may crack if pressed hard. Unsnap the latches around the perimeter, gradually releasing the panel.
After removing the panel, you will gain access to the evaporator. This is a key element of the system where the refrigerant boils and heat is removed. There should be no mechanical damage on its surface. If you notice traces of oil or hear a hissing sound, there may be a freon leak. Visual inspection reveals obvious defects such as bulging tubes or corrosion.
Under the evaporatorOn the evaporatorBehind the rear panel| Element | Location | Function | Symptoms of malfunction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evaporator | Inside the freezer (rear wall) | Air cooling | Ice, lack of cold |
| Defrost heating element | Ice melting | Increasing "coat" | |
| Temperature sensor | Control cycle | Incorrect operation | |
| Fan | Air circulation | Noise, slight cold |
When cleaning the evaporator, it is strictly forbidden to use sharp objects (knives, screwdrivers) for chipping ice. The aluminum evaporator tubes are very thin, and it is easy to puncture them. A puncture in the evaporator tube will lead to the immediate release of all refrigerant and the entry of moisture and air into the system, which requires expensive professional repairs with evacuation.
Disassembling the compressor compartment
The compressor compartment in refrigerators Biryusa is traditionally located in the lower rear part of the case. To access it, you must turn the unit over or access it from the rear by removing the protective cover (if equipped). In some older models, access to the compressor is through the bottom panel on the front or side.
Inside the compartment you will see a black cylindrical or pear-shaped motor-compressor, a capacitor (coil) and a start-up relay. Start relay is a small box, placed on the compressor contacts. It is this that often fails, causing a humming noise and the inability to start the engine. To replace it, simply remove the cover and disconnect the wires, having previously memorized the connection diagram.
When inspecting the compressor, pay attention to the condition of the tubes. They should not have traces of rust or oil stains. Oil on the tubes is a sure sign of a microcrack or poor-quality factory soldering. If you plan to remove the compressor itself, you will need to bleed off the remaining freon (in a workshop) and cut through the copper tubes.
Replacing a compressor is a complex procedure that requires soldering pipes and filling the system with refrigerant. At home, without special equipment (a vacuum pump and a refueling scale), it is almost impossible to perform this operation efficiently. Therefore, disassembling the compartment is most often carried out to replace the relay, thermostat or clean the condenser from dust.
Replacing the thermostat and electrics
The thermostat (thermostat) is responsible for maintaining the set temperature in the freezer. In refrigerators Biryusa it is usually located inside the chamber (in a plastic casing) or outside in the upper part of the case. To replace it, you will need to remove the regulator knob and the decorative trim.
If the thermostat is inside, carefully pry up the plastic case. Under it you will see a bellows tube (capillary), which goes deep into the evaporator. Main task - remove this tube without damaging it and install a new one. The length of the capillary and sensitivity must correspond to the original model.
The electrical circuit of the refrigerator is relatively simple, but requires care. All wire connections must be reliably insulated. Use cambrics or high-quality electrical tape. Oxidized contacts should be cleaned. Often the cause of equipment failure is not the breakdown of parts, but poor contact in the grounding or power circuit.
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics of thermostats may vary depending on the year of manufacture of the model. When purchasing a new part, check the markings on the body of the old element.
Assembly and initial startup
After repair work or deep cleaning, the assembly stage begins. Proceed in reverse order: reinstall the interior panels, secure the evaporator (if it was removed), and hang the door. Make sure that all fasteners are tightened, but without excessive force, so as not to strip the threads in the plastic parts.
Pay special attention to the door seal. After installation, check the tightness around the entire perimeter. There is a simple test with a sheet of paper: press the sheet between the door and the body at different points. If the sheet is pulled out with force, the seal is good. If it falls out freely, the hinges need to be adjusted or the seal needs to be replaced.
How to check the tightness without a sheet of paper?
You can use a flashlight. Place the turned on flashlight inside a closed refrigerator in a dark room. If light breaks through the cracks, the seal is broken.
The first start after repair (especially if the cooling system was affected) should be done with caution. If you have replaced the compressor or tubes, first test the system for leaks with nitrogen. If only mechanical cleaning or electrical replacement was carried out, plug in the refrigerator and let it run idle for 2-3 hours before loading food.
Typical errors during disassembly
Inexperienced craftsmen often make mistakes that complicate repairs or lead to new breakdowns. One of the most common is the use of force where you just need to find hidden fasteners. Plastic in old refrigerators Biryusa becomes very brittle, and one wrong movement can split an important part of the case.
Another mistake is ignoring the markings of the wires. When disconnecting connectors, many people forget to mark which wire went where. As a result, when assembling, you have to guess or look for electrical diagrams, which takes a lot of time. Always label or take photos of the connections before disconnecting.
The drainage hole is also often forgotten. When washing the freezer, water can clog the drain, and during subsequent use it will freeze, forming an ice plug. This will cause condensation to start flowing into the chamber or onto the floor. Clean the drainage with soft wire or a brush before final assembly.
Is it possible to disassemble the Biryusa refrigerator alone?
You can physically remove the door or get the compressor alone, especially if the model is not two-chamber and not gigantic in size. However, to safely move the case and install heavy elements, it is better to enlist the help of a second person to avoid back injuries or damage to the floor.
Do you need to bleed the freon before disassembling?
If you do not plan to solder the pipes or change the compressor, you do not need to bleed the freon. No access to the gas system is required to replace a thermostat, relay, fan or seal. Interfering with the refrigerant circuit requires a license and equipment.
Where can I find an electrical wiring diagram?
The diagram is usually pasted on the inside wall of the refrigerator, on the back wall of the case, or in the operating instructions. If the sticker is erased, the diagram for a specific model Biryusa can be found on the Internet using the technical data sheet or model number.
What to do if the plastic latch breaks?
If the plastic latch breaks off during disassembly panels, don't despair. You can use epoxy glue for plastic or carefully drill a hole and secure the part with a small self-tapping screw, after heating the plastic with a hairdryer for elasticity.