Changing the opening side of the refrigerator door is a procedure that many appliance owners encounter Bosch when moving or remodeling their kitchen. The standard factory configuration assumes right-hand opening, which is not always convenient in a particular room. Fortunately, the engineers of the German brand have provided the possibility of reverse, allowing you to change the position of the blade to the opposite without calling a specialist.
This process is technically simple, but requires accuracy, the presence of a basic set of tools and strict adherence to the sequence of actions. Incorrect installation can lead to misalignment of the sash, disruption of the seal and, as a consequence, increased load on compressor. In this article, we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for various series of refrigerators so that you can do the job efficiently and safely.
Before you begin dismantling, you need to make sure that you have free space for maneuvers. It is also important to understand that hinge design may vary slightly depending on the year and model of your unit. Carefully studying the instructions will help you avoid mistakes that are difficult to correct after the fact.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
High-quality preparation is the key to successful completion of the job. You don't need complex professional tools, but using the wrong tools may damage the fasteners or decorative caps. Gather everything you need in advance so as not to interrupt the search process.
The main tool will be hex wrench (usually 5 mm in size) or a Phillips screwdriver, depending on the type of screws used in your model. Some series Bosch Serie 4 or Serie 6 may require an 8 or 10 mm socket wrench. Also prepare a soft rag to place under the removed parts, and a container for small fasteners.
☑️ Ready to work
Be sure to free up space in front of the refrigerator. The door must open completely so that nothing interferes with its removal. If the model has a system NoFrostmake sure that the unit is unplugged at least 15-20 minutes before starting work so that the electronics have time to complete cycles.
⚠️ Attention: Do not attempt to work on the door while there is heavy food inside the refrigerator. This can lead to injury or damage to the shelves if the structure tilts sharply.
Removing the top panel and fixing the position
The first step is always removing the top cover of the refrigerator compartment. This is necessary to gain access to the upper hinges. In most models Bosch the cover is held on by two or four screws, which can be hidden under decorative plugs or rubber stops.
Carefully pry up the plugs with a flat screwdriver, being careful not to scratch the plastic. After unscrewing the fasteners, the cover is usually moved back and removed upwards. Below it you will see the top loop and, possibly, wires going to the display or backlight on the door.
What to do if the wires are short?
If the display connection cables are stretched, do not forcibly disconnect them. In some models, it is enough to simply carefully bend the hinge without breaking the chain, but if the length does not allow it, it is better to disconnect the connector by first photographing the connection diagram.
It is important to fix the position of the door before removing the hinge. Have a helper hold the sash or use wedges/stops to keep it from moving under its own weight. This is critical for maintaining the geometry seal and preventing impacts on the body.
Removing the door and rearranging the hinges
After releasing the top hinge, you can begin to dismantle it. Unscrew the bolts holding the hinge to the body and carefully remove it. The door can now be separated from the lower support. Be careful: the doors of modern refrigerators are quite heavy due to the multi-layer insulation structure.
Put the removed door in a safe place, it is best to place it on a soft surface with the face up. Next, you need to move the lower support (if it is removable) and the handle to the opposite side. In models with integrated handles, this step may be absent or require rearrangement of decorative elements.
Install the bottom hinge to a new location using the holes provided by the factory. Screw in the fastener, but do not tighten it all the way yet - this will allow you to make fine adjustments later. Do not install the top hinge yet; it will be needed at the final stage.
⚠️ Attention: When rearranging the handle on the doors of some models, it may be necessary to replace the internal bushings or plugs. Do not lose these small parts, as without them the handle will dangle.
Installing the door on the new side and installing the upper hinge
Now the most crucial moment is installing the door on the new lower support. Align the holes in the end of the door with the bushings on the bottom hinge. Make sure that the door is level and fits tightly to the body along its entire length.
Install the top hinge on the new side of the body. Insert the bolts and start tightening them. At this stage, it is important not to overtighten the fasteners, as adjustment will be required. If your model Bosch has automatic door closing, make sure that the mechanism is activated correctly.
Check the operation of the closing mechanism. The door should open freely, without creaking or jamming, and when released in the half-open position (approximately 30-40 degrees), it should either remain in place or move smoothly to the end, depending on the settings closer.
Adjusting gaps and tightness
After installing the door, there is often a need for adjustment. If the door is skewed or does not fit tightly, food may spoil and ice will form on the walls. Adjustment is carried out by loosening the mounting bolts of the upper and lower hinges and moving the blade.
Use a level to check the vertical installation. The gap between the door and the body must be the same over the entire height. If the door fits tighter at the bottom than at the top, you need to slightly loosen the bottom hinge and tighten the top one, or vice versa.
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution method |
|---|---|---|
| The door does not close all the way | Distortion of the body or floor | Adjusting the support legs of the refrigerator |
| Gap in the upper part | The upper loop is loosely tightened | Loosen and move the loop closer to the body |
| Friction on the body | The lower bushing is installed incorrectly | Check the alignment of the lower support |
| Weak seal fit | Rubber deformation during storage | Warm up with a hairdryer or let it straighten for 24 hours |
Pay special attention to the magnetic seal. It should be adjacent to the body around the entire perimeter without breaks. If you notice that the door is moving away in some place, try slightly heating this area with a hairdryer (without overheating!) and pressing so that the rubber regains its shape.
Common mistakes and ways to eliminate them
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when hanging doors. One of the most common is the loss or confusion of fasteners. The screws for the left and right sides may have different lengths or threads, and (switching them around) can damage the threads in the case.
Another mistake is ignoring the wires. In models with a display on the door (for example Bosch KGN series), it is important not to forget to switch the wiring harness or extend it, if the design allows for this. In some cases, re-soldering or the use of adapters included in the kit are required.
Also, users often forget to remove the shipping bolts or plugs on the opposite side where the door will now open. This may result in the door hitting the stopper and damaging the handle or glass.
⚠️ Attention: The design of the hinges and the presence of openings for hanging may vary depending on the specific modification. If you don't see any openings on the other side, your model may not have a reverse door. Check the official manual.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before hanging the door?
Full defrosting is not necessary unless you planning to wash interior surfaces. However, it is recommended to remove all products and shelves to lighten the structure and avoid objects falling when the unit is tilted.
Is it possible to reverse the door on a Bosch Side-by-Side refrigerator?
In most Side-by-Side models, reversing the doors is impossible or extremely difficult due to the complex fastening system and the presence of ice makers in the door leaf. For such units, it is better to contact an authorized service.
What to do if, after rehanging, there is an extra set of holes left?
Plastic plugs are often included with the refrigerator to mask unused holes. If they are lost, you can order them separately or use decorative stickers in the color of the case.
How long does the rehanging procedure take?
For an experienced user, the process takes from 20 to 40 minutes. For the first time, taking into account studying the instructions and searching for tools, it is worth setting aside about an hour.
Will the warranty remain valid after re-hanging it yourself?
According to the law, independent repairs or modifications that do not result in damage do not void the warranty. However, if you damage the door or hinges in the process, the service center may refuse to provide free repairs. Proceed with caution.