Reversing the door on the refrigerator Biryusa 118 is a necessary procedure if you have changed the layout of the kitchen or found that the standard opening on the right is inconvenient. Many owners are faced with the fact that the equipment does not fit into a narrow passage or the handle interferes with free movement in the room. Fortunately, the design of this domestic refrigerator allows you to change the hinge without calling a specialist, which saves budget and time.
However, the process requires care, since the hinge mechanism it is quite massive, and the doors are heavy. An incorrect sequence of actions can lead to damage to the fasteners or the appearance of backlash. In this article we will analyze each stage in detail, from preparing the tools to the final adjustment of the gaps.
It is worth noting right away that compressor the evaporation system is not affected in this procedure if you are careful. The main thing is to ensure the stability of the unit and have a suitable set of keys on hand. Below is a complete algorithm of actions that will help you complete the job efficiently.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Before you start disassembling, you need to prepare the place where this will happen installation. The refrigerator should be moved away from the wall, allowing access from all sides. It is advisable to cover the floor with cardboard or thick fabric so as not to damage the coating when lowering heavy door panels.
For work you will need a basic home craftsman's kit. Owners Turks 118 are often lucky, since the design does not require specific star keys or rare Torxes. The main emphasis is on physical strength when holding doors and precision when assembling.
Make sure you have:
- 🔧 A set of wrenches (usually 10, 12, 13 mm)
- 🪛 Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
- 🔨 Hammer (sometimes needed to knock out pins)
- 🧤 Gloves (to protect hands from sharp metal edges)
- 🧊 Door support (block or chair)
It is also recommended to empty the door shelves of food. This will not only make the design easier, but will also prevent food spoilage if the process takes longer. Empty shelves are also easier to wipe while they are accessible.
Removing the top cover and top hinge
Work starts from the top of the refrigerator compartment. First you need to remove the decorative cover, if present. On the model Biryusa 118 it can be secured with latches or screws. Carefully pry up the plastic with a flat screwdriver, being careful not to break the latches.
Under the lid there is an upper hinge that holds the refrigerator door. Make sure the door is tightly closed before removing the bolts. If you unscrew the fastenings and the door is not fixed, it may fall on your feet.
⚠️ Attention: The top hinge often experiences maximum loads. Carefully examine its condition. If you see deep gouges or cracks in the metal, it is better to purchase a new part, since overhanging the old one can be dangerous.
Use a wrench to unscrew the bolts securing the top hinge. After this, the loop can be removed. Now the door of the refrigerator compartment is held only on the middle hinge (between the chambers), but it is no longer fixed at the top.
Removing the doors and rearranging the fittings
The next stage is removing the door panels. This is the most crucial moment, requiring the help of a second person. One person should hold the door from below, and the second should unscrew the fastenings of the middle hinge.
After removing the door of the refrigerator compartment, similar actions are carried out with the bottom door of the freezer. The decorative plug is removed, the middle loop is unscrewed, and the canvas is carefully lowered onto the prepared bedding.
Now you need to rearrange handles the plugs. There will be holes on the front side where the handles were previously, and plastic plugs will be on the opposite side. They need to be swapped.
Handles on Biryuse 118 usually attached to screws on the inside of the door. You will have to remove the interior panel or gain access through access holes to remove the fasteners. Then the handles are installed on the new side.
Do not forget to rearrange the opening stops. These are small plastic or metal pins that prevent the door from opening 180 degrees and hitting the wall. They change depending on the side of the hinge.
Installing hinges on the new side
After preparing the door panels, it is necessary to rehang the hinges themselves on the opposite side of the body. In the factory configuration, the holes on the “unnecessary” side are often closed with plastic plugs or sealed.
Carefully remove the plugs from the holes on the left side (if we hang it on the right) or the right side (if we hang it on the left). The hinge bolts will be screwed into these holes. Make sure the threads in the housing are clean and not clogged with paint.
Reinstall the bottom hinge. It is attached to the body of the refrigerator. Then slide the freezer door onto the bottom hinge pin. It is important to get into the holes for attaching the middle loop.
Next, the middle loop is installed. It connects the freezer door and the refrigerator door. The top door leaf is placed on the middle hinge pin. Finally, the upper hinge is fixed.
☑️ Assembly control
Do not tighten the bolts too much yet. First you need to align the doors so that the gaps are the same on all sides. Only after adjustment can the fasteners be finally tightened.
Adjusting gaps and tightness
After assembly, a situation often arises when the doors are skewed or do not fit tightly to the body. This is critical, since the cold will escape through the cracks, and compressor will begin to work without interruption, consuming excess electricity.
Use the level to adjust. The door must be strictly vertical. If there is a skew, loosen the hinge bolts a little and, slightly raising or lowering the edge of the door, achieve a level position.
The tightness of the fit is checked by a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet with the door around the perimeter. It must be pulled out with force. If the sheet falls out or comes out too easily, adjustment is required.
In some cases, the height of the refrigerator legs may need to be adjusted. If the front is slightly higher than the back, the door will close itself under the influence of gravity. This is a useful function for Biryusa 118.
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The door does not close completely | Hinges are skewed or food is getting in the way | Align hinges, check shelves |
| Large gap at top | Wrong height of legs | Tighten front supports |
| Whistling when closing | Drainage hole is clogged | Clean the channel with wire |
| The door opens itself | Tilt the body forward | Increase the tilt angle back |
Typical mistakes and operating tips
A common mistake when reweighing is loss seal. When removing the doors, the rubber may stretch or come off. If this happens, it must be carefully put in place, starting from the corners.
Another problem is overtightening the bolts. The metal of the refrigerator body is not always highly durable. If you overdo it, you can break the thread, which will require restoration using a tap or chemical anchor.
It is also worth paying attention to the condition of the magnetic tape inside the seal. If it is weak, the door will not hold well. In this case, it is better to replace the seal with a new one, rather than try to revive the old one.
Remember that after rearranging the doors, the refrigerator needs time to “settle.” During the first day, do not load the shelves as much as possible and monitor the temperature inside the chambers.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging?
Yes, this is a mandatory requirement. There is refrigerant inside the ducts and evaporator, and there may be water in the drainage system. If you tilt or shake a defrosted refrigerator, liquid may enter the compressor, causing it to fail. Let the equipment stand unfrozen for at least 2-3 hours.
Is it possible to hang the door alone?
Theoretically it is possible, but it is highly not recommended. Doors Turk 118 heavy and bulky. Without an assistant, there is a very high risk of dropping the glass (if any) or damaging the enamel of the case. In addition, it is difficult for one person to hold the door and get into the bolt holes at the same time.
What to do if the holes for the hinges do not match?
On the original cases Turks the holes must match, since they symmetrical. If you see a discrepancy, check to see if you have mixed up the top and bottom hinges, or are using parts from a different model. You cannot drill new holes in the body - this will damage the thermal insulation.
How to remove a dent on a door after rehanging?
If the dent is on the metal part and the paint is not damaged, you can try the straightening method with a suction cup or heating with a hairdryer (carefully). For plastic elements or deep dents with damage to the enamel, putty and painting will be required, or the door will be replaced.
Will the warranty on the refrigerator remain intact?
According to the law, independent maintenance that does not require breaking the seals on the compressor should not void the warranty. However, if you damage the body or hinges in the process, the service center may refuse to repair these components free of charge. Keep receipts and act carefully.