Changing sides opening the door is a common need when moving or remodeling a kitchen space. Refrigerators of the brand Biryusa, being one of the most popular on the domestic market, were initially designed with the possibility of such a conversion. Most modern models are equipped with symmetrical hinges and plugs, which allows the owner to independently change the linkage without calling a specialist.
The process requires accuracy and a minimum set of tools. Important to understandthat the design may vary slightly depending on the year of manufacture and the specific series of the unit. Double-chamber and single-chamber models have their own dismantling features, which must be taken into account before starting work.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for various modifications of equipment. You will learn how to properly prepare a place, what nuances should be taken into account when working with closer mechanisms and how to avoid common mistakes during assembly.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Before you begin disassembling, you need to free up space around the refrigerator. You will need easy access to the unit from all sides, as the doors will be removed and rearranged. It is optimal to move the equipment away from the wall at a distance of at least one meter.
For work you will need a standard home handyman's kit. The main tool will be a wrench or socket, the size of which corresponds to the mounting bolts (most often 8, 10 or 13 mm). Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, and in some cases hex screwdrivers, will also come in handy.
⚠️ Attention: Be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the electrical outlet before starting work. This is critically important, since during dismantling you may accidentally touch the wiring of the sensors or backlight if they are energized.To avoid damaging the floor covering and to make it easier to move the heavy case, place thick cardboard or a special pad under the legs. If decorative plugs for holes were included with the refrigerator, make sure that they are present and not lost.
☑️ Tools for hanging
Completed: 0 / 5Design features of Biryusa refrigerators
Technology Biryusa famous for its maintainability and classic layout. On most models, the upper and lower door hinges are made of durable metal and are bolted to the body. The design allows you to move the hinges to the opposite side using standard holes.
It is worth noting that some models with the No Frost system or electronic control may have additional cables. Opening sensors and backlight wires require special attention when moving door leaves. In such cases, it is often necessary not only to turn the door over, but also to reconnect the connectors.
The differences also concern the type of handles. If your model has handles integrated into the body or a hidden mechanism, the process may take longer. In classic models with protruding handles, the procedure is faster and easier.
📊 What model of Biryusa do you have?Single-chamberDouble-chamberWith No Frost systemWith electronic managementTo understand the scope of work, it is recommended to study the technical data sheet of the product in advance. It may contain a diagram of your specific modification, which will help avoid surprises in the form of hidden fasteners.
Removing the top door of the refrigerator
You should always start the reinstallation process from the top door. This is dictated by the logic of the design: the lower door is a carrier for the upper one in two-chamber models, or they are independent, but it is easier to remove the upper one first. First, remove all shelves and contents from the door to make the structure easier.
Next, you need to remove the top decorative panel if it covers the hinge fastenings. Carefully pry it open with a flathead screwdriver or remove the latches. Before unscrewing the top hinge bolts, it is recommended to fix the door in the open position or ask an assistant to hold it.
⚠️ Attention: Do not leave the door hanging on one bottom hinge (if the design requires this) or hanging without support. The hinges are heavy and the door may fall, damaging the floor or causing a dent.Use a wrench to remove the bolts that secure the top hinge to the refrigerator body. After removing the fasteners, carefully lift the door by removing the axis of the lower hinge (if it is structurally connected) or simply removing the leaf from the supports. Place the door in a safe place on a soft surface.
At this stage, it is important not to lose any washers or gaskets that may be under the hinges. They ensure smooth running and no gaps. Adjusting the gaps in the future it will depend on the correct installation of these elements.
Removing and rearranging the lower door
After removing the upper leaf, we move on to the lower door. In two-chamber models, it is she who holds the upper part, so its dismantling requires greater care. First, remove all drawers and shelves from the bottom door.
Unscrew the bottom hinge fasteners. In some models Biryusa the lower hinge may be hidden by a plastic base, which must first be dismantled. Once the bolts are unscrewed, carefully tilt the refrigerator (again, better with an assistant) and remove the bottom door from the supports.
Now you need to move the hinges to the opposite side. Take the removed parts and move them to the other side of the case. Use the same holes, but on the other side. Please note that there will be free holes on the old side - they will need to be closed with plugs.
When installing doors in a new position, pay attention to symmetry. The door should stand up straight, without distortion. If you notice that the hinge axis does not fit into the hole, do not use force - check that the hinge itself is installed correctly on the body.
Element Action during dismantling Action during installation Important nuance Upper hinge Unscrew the bolts, remove from the door Install on the new side, fix Monitor the position of the washers Lower hinge Remove after dismantling the top door Attach to the new side of the body Check the horizontal installation Door handle Remove (if removable) Install symmetrically Do not overtighten the screws Plugs Remove from new holes Install in old holes Select according color and size Nuances of working with electronics and sensors
Modern models Biryusa are often equipped with door opening sensors, which signal that they are not tightly closed. The wiring of such sensors can run inside the door leaf or along the body. When rehanging, it is important not to damage these cables.
If the wires run inside the door, they may need to be carefully removed and transferred to the channels on the other side. In some cases, the length of the standard wire may not be enough to transfer to the other side - then extension or re-soldering will be required, which is best left to a professional.
Electronic module Control, if it is located in the upper part of the door (for example, a display), also requires careful handling. The connectors of the cables must be disconnected by carefully pulling the plastic connector, and not the wires themselves.
What to do if the sensor wire is short?
If the standard length of the sensor wire does not allow it to be moved to the other side, you can carefully open the door insulation (usually from the bottom or top) and try to release the supply of wire. If there is no reserve, you will need to extend the wire while observing the polarity.
After assembly, be sure to check the operation of the sensors. When the door is open, the indicator on the control panel should light up or sound. If this does not happen, check the integrity of the connections.
Adjusting the position of the doors and checking the tightness
After the doors are hung and secured, you need to make sure that they are installed correctly. The door should close tightly, without gaps, and open with moderate force. If you notice a misalignment, adjustment will be required.
To align the door, you can use the adjusting bolts on the hinges (if they are provided for in the design) or tighten the main fasteners by slightly loosening them. The tightness is also affected by the position of the refrigerator itself - it must stand strictly horizontally.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to forcefully slam a warped door. This may lead to deformation of the seal or damage to the lock. Adjust the position gradually, checking the result after each turn of the bolt.You can check the tightness in a simple way: hold a piece of paper between the door and the body and try to pull it out. The paper should be removed with noticeable force along the entire perimeter. If in some place the paper slides freely, it means that the pressure there is broken.
Make sure that when opening the door it does not hit adjacent furniture or kitchen cabinets. The opening angle of different models Biryusa may be limited by stops, which can also be rearranged if necessary.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do I need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging doors?
It is not necessary to defrost the unit specifically for this procedure, unless you plan to wash it. However, if there is a lot of ice in the freezer, it is better to defrost it so that water does not flow out when the body is tilted during work.
Is it possible to hang the doors on very old Biryusa models?
On models released more than 15-20 years ago, the design may not provide symmetrical holes for hinges. In such cases, it will not be possible to re-hang the doors without drilling new holes and using adapters.
How long does the re-hanging procedure take?
For an experienced user with the necessary tools, the whole process takes from 30 to 60 minutes. If you are doing this for the first time and are faced with wiring nuances or rusty bolts, the time may increase to 1.5-2 hours.
What to do if the door does not hold after rehanging?
Check that all the bolts are tightened completely. If the door is sagging, the threads may be damaged or the hinge itself may be deformed. In this case, you may need to replace the fasteners with longer ones or install a new hinge.