Independent repair of household appliances often begins with the need to access the internal components of the unit. Owners of domestic refrigerators Biryusa often face situations where it is necessary to replace the thermostat, check the wiring or clean the condensate drainage system. However, in order to get to the necessary parts, it is necessary to correctly dismantle the external elements of the case without damaging them.
The process of removing panels may differ for different models, but the general design principles remain similar. Fastening elements they are often hidden under decorative plugs, which requires care and precision when performing the work. Incorrect actions can lead to breakage of plastic latches or damage to the enamel.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for the safe disassembly of brand refrigerator panels Biryusa. You will learn what tools you will need, where to look for hidden screws and how to avoid common mistakes during dismantling.
Preparation for work and necessary tools
Before starting any manipulations with the refrigerator body, you need to prepare a workplace and tools. The main requirement is complete shutdown the unit is connected to the electrical network. This is critically important for your safety, since there are live electrical components inside the case.
To work, you will need a minimum set of tools that every home craftsman can find in his home. The main role will be played Phillips screwdriver, preferably magnetic, so as not to drop the screws in hard-to-reach places. You may also need a flat-head screwdriver with a thin blade to pry up decorative elements.
It is recommended to prepare a container in advance for folding the fasteners. The screws can be of different lengths, and mixing them up during assembly means risking the integrity of the panels. Clear space around the refrigerator so that nothing interferes with walking around the unit on all sides.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to wait until the compressor has completely cooled down if the refrigerator has just been running. Touching hot condenser tubes can cause burns.
It would be a good idea to prepare a soft rag or cardboard to cover the floor. This will protect the floor covering from scratches if tools or parts fall, and will also prevent damage to the lower part of the refrigerator body.
Removing the top cover of the refrigerator
Removing the top panel is the first stage of disassembly, which provides access to the top of the case and often to the attachment points of the side walls. For most models Biryusa this cover is fixed with screws located at the back or front in the upper part.
Carefully inspect the top of the unit. Often the mounting screws are hidden under small plastic plugs or rubber feet, if they are at the end. Carefully pry them out with a flathead screwdriver, being careful not to damage the surface of the plastic.
After unscrewing all visible screws, do not pull the cover sharply upward. It can additionally be held on by latches or guides. Slightly move the cover back or forward to understand the principle of its fixation, and only then carefully lift it.
- 🔧 Check for screws under the decorative strip on the front, if the model suggests its presence.
- 🔍 Inspect the back wall from above - the main fasteners are often hidden there.
- 👐 Use two people if the cover is heavy, so as not to drop it and damage the enamel of the sidewalls.
In some modifications, the top panel is part of a solid structure, and its removal requires preliminary dismantling of the side walls. In this case, do not use force, but proceed to the next step.
Removing side panels and walls
The side panels of refrigerators Biryusa are often attached to the main frame and top cover. After removing the “top”, inspect the perimeter of the sides. The main fasteners here are self-tapping screws located along the perimeter of the rear part and sometimes in the lower front area.
Particular attention should be paid to the lower part of the side panels. There may be screws covered decorative skirting boards or with plastic covers. They must be carefully removed by prying them off with a screwdriver. Be careful: old plastic can be fragile.
If the screws are unscrewed, but the panel does not move, check for hidden latches. They can be located in the middle of the side wall or in the upper part adjacent to the already removed cover. Lightly tapping the inside of the panel with your palm (if there is access) or gently bending the edges will help release them.
| Mounting type | Location | Tool | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screws | Back wall, top | Phillips screwdriver | Often hidden by plugs |
| Latch | Around the perimeter | Flat screwdriver | Requires careful bending |
| Guides | Bottom and top | No tool | You need to move the panel |
When removing the side panel, try to hold it with both hands, controlling the weight. Sudden movement can cause wires to break if controls or sensors are attached to the panel, although in classic models Biryusa the panels are usually solid.
Disassembling the internal control panel
If your goal is to get to the electronics or thermostat, it is often necessary to remove the internal decorative panel located inside the refrigerator compartment or on the door. This unit in models Biryusa can be mounted on latches or screws hidden under the handles.
First, remove the temperature control knobs. They can be simply removed by hand or require unscrewing a locking screw, which is located on the side or under a removable cap on the handle. After dismantling the handles, access to the panel fastening screws will open.
⚠️ Attention: The plastic inside the refrigerator compartment becomes very fragile in the cold. If the unit is not defrosted, the risk of breaking the panel fastenings increases many times over.
Carefully unscrew the exposed screws. The control panel can be connected to the main unit by wires. Don't jerk it too hard. Inspect the connections and, if necessary, disconnect the connectors, having previously noted their location or photographed them.
What to do if the panel is cracked?
If during dismantling you heard a crunching sound and saw a crack, do not despair. For temporary repairs, you can use epoxy glue or special plastic for repairing bumpers. However, it is better to order a new lining from the manufacturer, since a crack can break the tightness of the thermal insulation.
Features of disassembling the refrigerator door
The refrigerator door Biryusa is a complex structure consisting of external and internal plastic boxes, between which there is insulation. It is rarely necessary to completely disassemble it, usually to replace the seal or handle.
Handle fastening depends on the model. In older models, the handle may be screwed through through screws from the inside of the door. In newer ones, the screws can be hidden under decorative trims at the end of the door or under the handle itself. Use screwdriver extensionif the screws are deep.
If you need to remove the inner plastic door trim (mold), know that it is often held in place by multiple latches around the perimeter. It is better to start unsnapping from the bottom corner, using a plastic card or a thin spatula so as not to scratch the plastic.
- 🚪 When removing the door, be sure to hold it with your other hand so that it does not fall on your feet.
- 🧊 The rubber seal may interfere with access to the screws - bend its edges with your finger.
- 📸 Take a photo of the fastening diagram before disassembling, so that during assembly you don’t have to guess where which screw is.
After removing all the fasteners, the inner panel is carefully separated from the metal body of the door. Inside you will see a layer of polyurethane foam. Try not to damage it, as this is the main heat insulator.
Assembly and performance testing
After carrying out the necessary repairs or replacing parts, the assembly stage begins. It is done in reverse order. It is important not to mix up screws of different lengths, so as not to break through the wall of the refrigerator or damage the plastic panel.
First of all, internal elements are installed and electrical connectors are connected. Make sure that the wires are not pinched by the housing and are in the channels provided for them. Then the side and top panels are put in place.
☑️ Assembly checklist
When tightening the screws, do not use excessive force. The plastic breaks easily when overstretched. Screw them all the way, but without fanaticism. Pay special attention to the tight fit of the panels - there should be no gaps or protrusions anywhere.
⚠️ Attention: Do not plug in the refrigerator immediately if the compressor or start relay has been replaced. For other work, a delay is not required, but make sure that all tools are removed.
The final stage will be to check the geometry of the doors and the tightness of the seals. If the door was disassembled when it was disassembled, the hinges may need to be adjusted. After turning on the unit, listen for new vibrations that could arise due to a loose panel.
Do you need to completely defrost the refrigerator before removing the panels?
Full defrosting is not necessary to remove the outer panels (top and side), if you do not touch the door and interior. However, if you are removing internal plastic lining or a door, it is better to wait until it defrosts so that water does not get on the electrics and soak the insulation.
Is it possible to remove the panel if the screw is rusty?
If the screw is rusty, do not try to unscrew it by force - you will tear off the cap. Treat it with penetrating lubricant and wait 15-20 minutes. If this does not help, you can gently warm the area around the screw (not the screw itself) with a hairdryer to expand the metal, or try to loosen it by slightly twisting and unscrewing.
Where can I find a disassembly diagram for my Biryusa model?
Exact diagrams (explosion diagrams) for specific models can often be found in service manuals on the manufacturer’s website or on specialized forums for repairing household appliances. Enter the model (for example, Biryusa 133) into the search engine along with the word “diagram” or “catalog number.”
What to do if there is an extra part left after assembly?
If there is a part left after assembly, it means the process is broken. Carefully check that all latches are closed and that you did not forget to install any element inside the case before the final tightening of the screws. In rare cases, the factory shipping bracket may turn out to be superfluous and should have been thrown away immediately.