Rebuilding a Sub-Zero model 550 refrigerator
Вставка
- Опубліковано 6 вер 2024
- certifiedrefri...
We received a call from a customer in Upper Saddle River, New Jersey. They had just moved into this house just a few days prior. The Sub-Zero model 550 was not keeping the food cold.
The good:
The freezer still worked great.
The unit had new gaskets and door hardware.
The unit was a candidate for a long lasting repair because of its excellent cosmetic shape.
Read more about that at the link below.
www.certifiedr...
The bad:
An original 30 year old fridge compressor.
An original fridge evaporator coil.
Low refrigerant levels.
An overheated machine.
Poorly maintained condenser.
Our options to repair this properly basically came down to replacing the refrigerator sealed system and giving the unit a good mechanical overhaul. The customer was aware of the cost and wait (it’s 2022) for a new appliance and was more than happy to have the unit refurbished as it was a quick, cost effective option for him.
What we replaced:
Refrigerator Compressor
Heat Exchanger
Evaporator
Filter drier
Condenser Fan with blade and hardwares
Thermostat
Drain Heater
Light bulbs
Plumbers Puddy
This worked great, the refrigerator got down to temperature quickly and quietly. We expect it to last well into the future. Rebuilding a good cosmetic shape Sub-Zero saves time and money and is an excellent option for our customers. We specialize in this and are fully equipped to do jobs like this on the spot.
Certified Refrigeration is an small independent appliance business not affiliated with sub-zero inc.
Thank for watching.
-JB
When my frigidaire 36-inch side-by-side dies, I would be happy to demo out the cabinet uppers that go above the existing refrigerator and put in a Sub Zero 550 equivalent.
Glad I found you. After the new year I bought a 650 from 2000. So far so good. Gave it a good cleaning like you showed. I've really enjoyed your content and it's been extremely helpful for this diy guy!
Thanks a lot! I bet you got a steal on that 650! Great machine!
@@subzerorepair $900, no rust or dents. The only issue is someone used bleach to clean the front of it. I think I'm stuck with the stains unfortunately. Anything I should look out for with a 650 of that age?
I sure wish there were someone like you in the Milwaukee area. I am faced with replacing the excellent condition 550 that I have just because I can't find anyone willing to work on it. I wouldn't be so reserved about doing that, but I suspect a new Sub Zero will need to be replaced again in 10 or 15 years.
Sorry man, good luck. They don’t make em like they used to! Feel free to reach out if you need independent advice about repairing it.
@@subzerorepair I'm tempted to keep it in storage until I find someone willing to work on it. But I'll probably make a down payment on a new one tonight.
@@subzerorepair that’s basically how long they last always have been doing it for years. Not sure why people are surprised
Milwaukee Wisconsin,like a couple towns from where they make them?
@@natepeterson7145 they make them near Madison.
I have same model and it needs help. Doesn’t cool well and started making a funky sound (that is not emanating from the fan area above). It’s loudest behind back wall near bottom shelf of fridge. It was cosmic that you are less than 30 mins away from me! (happy dance!)
Wish you were in California
Thank you! Is it very interesting to see what you're soldering? Burner and welding station
John this was excellent. Question for you - I noticed you went with r134a as that model most likely had r12 originally. Did you have to source a different size/model compressor when you replaced it in light for that?
I am having trouble putting the metal covers after replacing the evaporator fan on a 561. After I took it apart - I had to wait a week for the fan to come and I can't remember how to put those 2 metal covers on - can you PLEASE tell me how to do it? thanks much!
About how much was the total repair bill?
is there a solution for the insulation? Subzero says it goes bad and there's no way to replace it.
Surely there's a way to drill a hole and pump in closed cell or similar, no?
Hi, I came across this video and it was quite useful, thank you for helping and putting up videos like this. I have the same refrigerator, and it works great. One of the thermostat has gone bad, the refrigerator side. It is a ranco K52l1010 which seem to be obsolete, it also has two sensors tied to the same location, I was wondering if I can replace it with some other ranco theromstat that is available. Any help is appreciated.
Thanks
Sub zero Part number 4201260, far from obsolete, call your sub zero parts distributor and get an exact replacement.
Overall an excellent job. I'm surprised you didn't flow nitrogen thru the lines when brazing them. I;ve watched numerous videos showing the oxidation inside the copper pipe when brazing without nitrogen flowing. They go as far to call repairman HACKS that don't flow nitrogen. I've seen massive oxidation inside the copper pipe where it was brazed and they cut the pipe open. . One repairman said the oxidation made it to the compressor and turned the oil black. What kind of gas do you braze with? Aren't you concerned about oxidation when brazing without nitrogen flowing? The information I read said the fridge life expectancy could be greatly reduced from oxidation clogging up the system.
Not at all, you are speaking nonsense lol.
@@subzerorepair The use of nitrogen while brazing is critical. It removes atmospheric air from the lineset, which contains moisture and oxygen. The oxygen causes oxidation inside the lineset which is a contaminent and can clog TXVs. Failure to trickle nitrogen through the line set may not cause any immediate problems on new equipment startup, but can cause early failure on metering devices.
Adam. Quoted from Adam. I am not speaking nonsense. i' just relayed what I have read about brazing copper.
Sir that's why you use the. Vacuum an at the end of cleaning the system you do sweep charge the freon itself cleans out the lines then you proceed to adjust the pressure with the gages
@@joseaguilar402 The vacuum pump won't pull out the flakes of carbon that the torch makes. Watched a bunch of videos and I was shocked at how bad the carbon was flaking off the inside of the pipe when they cut it open. Look up videos about why to use nitrogen when brazing copper refridgeration lines. You can use nitrogen flowing while brazing and prevent the carbon from forming.
Yes that was the problem. No nitrogen..big problem
Great job.
Thanks!
What is the ballpark cost of a rebuild like this on this exact model? Also about how long should it take? Im in Pittsburgh and it's 180 just for them to come out and 50 per 15minutes after that plus parts. Seems kind of insane. I wish someone would just quote me on the job.
I've heard a full closed system replacement is around 2500-3000?
Does anybody know a knowledgeable repair man in Los Angeles like this person?. Appreciate that
I have a model 650 where the freezer is not cooling, is it repairable?
Of course it is.
Pretty sure I bent ALL the fins on my condenser. I can't see/get my arms in there to straighten. I'm literally trying to sell my house in a month and dont want to spend money to fix this! Any chance I can remove it fix in place with a trick? Thanks!
Great job 👏
I have the same model with same issue. Freezer is great but fridge is not cooling well anymore. Could you do this same rebuild? I’m in central NJ
Of course Ralph, just give us a call for information or to book an appointment. 8002002306 -john
Nicely done, great video.
Hi John, I have BI 36 O/U unit and the control panel does not display anything. Its erratic, sometimes the lights come on but nothing showing in the control panel. Other times it just dark and also turns off the lights to the interior of the fridge. I've seen people replace the control board but find it hard to believe that such a minor problem requires such an expensive fix. Your thoughts? thank you
What is your company called. Got a guy in Philadelphia wanting me to put a full rebuild kit in a 550. Honestly rather not but don’t know anyone local who wants to do it
Oxygen and propane?
What's the cost to rebuild SUBZERO. I have 690 could it be rebuild at the video it looked same as mine 600 series
What are the part numbers for items? For example I want to install a heater for the drain tube in my 550 like you show. Would like to know part number so I can order it. Thank you for the video!
Can you give me an approximate cost for repair you did in video. Thank you.
What about the condenser
BOTH (?) compressors? 🤔
Nice vid! 👍👏
Great job, thank you, can you give pricing for part and service? Can you come to CA!
We are in New Jersey, you feel like flying me out?
Seriously though, what I cost of a full sealed system for that model fridge? I'm having identical issues, just curious what kind of pricing I can expect. Thanks again.
@@subzerorepair I'm wondering if you can recommend anyone in Los Angeles? Great video!
I’m in Queens (Rockaway Beach) NY… Do you service this area? I have a Subzero 500 series from 1995. Freezer works well, refrigerator temp sits around 45 degrees.
Just a little too far for us jersey folk, we barely make it in to Brooklyn on slow days, Rockaway would just be too far for us. Look up a company called sterling service group, I think they are independent and have a whole lot of sub zero experience
That vintage is similar to mine. They are known to have issues with leaky refrigerator evaporators. That was certainly the issie with mine. The freezer has worked perfectly (for 26 years) until the temperature control started failing intermittently. I replaced the thermostats (temperature controls) on both freezer and refrigerator and the freezer defrost heater thermostat at the same time since electrical relays are wear components.
Excellent video do you sell the replacement parts? I have a 1992 550 looking to rebuild
No, you will need to contact your regional parts distributor, which can be found online at subzero.com or by calling the manufacturer at 8002227820
Great video we have same unit but has rust around the gaskets is there any way to fix a rusting piece of metal between the bottom of the fridge gasket and top of the freezer drawr
Where are you located?
ua-cam.com/video/P2w1oMnwA_c/v-deo.html
Hi John, I have the exact same product and it's the same vintage. I would like to get someone to rebuild it as you have done for these folks. Any suggestions as to where I can find someone to do this in the Seattle area? Or, you are welcome to come visit!!!
I do want to go to the Boeing museum…..
What is the model number for that charging cylinder? Or where can I buy one?
They are long gone my friend.
is this comparable to a sealed system repair on a 532 model?
Exact.
Unfortunately, I'm in Southern Calif, but I also have an older Sub-Zero 550. How much do you think it would cost to do the same rebuild, more or less, in our area? Do you have any contacts here who could handle it? Thanks
California always pays more
My Sub-Zero 550 was built in 1991. Which sealed system parts do you think are essential to replace when one does a restore/refresh as you did in this video? Thanks
How long does a rebuild like this take? Thinking of doing this instead of purchasing a new unit
About a day
This job took me 90 minutes.
Thanks for the video.can you help someone that's trying to be factory trained technician for sub- zero
Like a service manager .
Thank you in advance.
Where are you located?
Bergen County, NJ
Pennsylvania
How do I hire you ?
Be in New York, New Jersey or Connecticut and call us at 800-200-2306
nice job !!!!!