Changing the opening side of the refrigerator door is often a necessary procedure when remodeling a kitchen or purchasing a new model that does not fit in dimensions familiar space. Owners of domestic brand equipment Biryusa face this issue regularly, since the design of these units initially allows such manipulations to be carried out without complex engineering interventions. However, despite its apparent simplicity, the process requires care and adherence to a certain sequence of actions so as not to damage the seal or closing mechanism.
The main difficulty is that different series of refrigerators may have differences in the design of hinges and handle fastenings. If in old models everything was solved by rearranging two screws, then modern versions two-chamber refrigerators require dismantling the entire door group. Incorrect assembly can lead to a loose fit of the magnetic tape, which is why the compressor will work with overload, trying to maintain the set temperature.
In this article we will analyze in detail the process of reinstalling doors for various modifications of equipment Biryusa. You will learn what tools you will need, how to properly adjust the gaps and what to pay special attention to so that the result will please you for many years. We will also touch on the nuances of working with plastic elements, which, if handled carelessly, can crack even with minimal force.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Before starting any work on modifying household appliances, you need to ensure comfortable conditions for yourself and prepare all the required tools. Not having the right key at hand can delay a simple process for several hours, and working on a slippery floor increases the risk of a heavy unit falling. To successfully rehang doors, you will need a minimum set of household tools, which most craftsmen have.
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) for dismantling decorative plugs and handles.
- 🔩 Open-end wrenches or sockets of 8 and 10 mm (often used in fastening hinges Biryusa).
- 🧤 Construction gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 📏 A level or ruler to control the horizontal installation of the case.
It is important to clear the space in front of the refrigerator in advance. You will need to tilt the case or lay it completely on its side, so the floor should be. be clean and covered with soft material, such as cardboard or an old blanket. This will prevent scratches on the enamel and floor. It is also recommended to free the door shelves to reduce the overall weight of the structure and avoid glass elements falling out during work.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! Working with electrical appliances under voltage is strictly prohibited by technical regulations! safety.
Dismantling the upper door and removing the handle
The alteration process begins with the upper chamber, since it is the most movable and lightest part of the structure. Turkish the handle is attached directly to the door leaf using screws that are hidden under decorative plugs or located on the inside. plugs with a flat-head screwdriver, being careful not to damage their sharp edges, since they will be needed for installation on the opposite side.
After removing the fasteners, the handle can be removed. If it is stuck due to dried grease or a tight fit, do not use excessive force - it is better to lightly tap it with a wooden mallet. or with the handle of a hammer through a soft fabric. Plastic elements in the cold they become brittle, and a sharp jerk can lead to the formation of a crack that can no longer be hidden.
Next, you need to remove the door itself from the top hinge. In some models, this is enough to unscrew the two screws that hold them in place. hinge, after which the door is removed along with it. In other cases, the decorative hinge cover is first removed, then the fasteners are loosened, and the door is carefully lifted. It is better to perform this operation with an assistant, since even an empty door has significant weight and can fall, damaging the floor or its own corners.
Re-hanging the bottom door and freezer compartment
The bottom part of the refrigerator, whether it is the freezer compartment or the main compartment in single-chamber models, requires a more serious approach due to the presence of a snap mechanism and more massive hinges. It is often at this stage that difficulties arise with access to the mounting bolts. which may be covered by a plinth or decorative panel. Remove the lower panel if it interferes with access to the lower support sleeve of the door.
The removal process is similar to the upper one: unscrew the bolts, hold the door and remove it from the axis. swivel jointIf you notice traces of rust or lack of lubrication, this is ideal. moment to service the mechanism. Clean the metal surfaces from dirt and apply a small amount of lithium grease or graphite grease to ensure smooth operation and no squeaks in the future.
| Model type Biryusa | Bottom hinge fastening | Removal features | Required tools |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-chamber (series 6, 8) | Sleeve in the floor of the case | Requires removal of the base | 10 mm key |
| Double-chamber (classic) | Bracket on the body | Access through the front panel | Phillips screwdriver |
| No Frost (modern) | Hidden fasteners | Hinge cover needs to be dismantled | Set of heads |
| Small-capacity | Through studs | Simple design | Open-end wrench |
When installing the door on a new side, make sure that the hinge axis fits correctly into the mounting hole. A misalignment of even a millimeter can lead to the door opening spontaneously or, conversely, not closing completely. After installation, check that the door is installed vertically relative to the refrigerator body.
Adjusting gaps and installing seals
After physically re-hanging the doors, the most important stage begins - adjustment. The correct the gap between the door body ensures the tightness of the chamber and saves energy. If the door is skewed, the magnetic tape will not fit tightly around the entire perimeter, which will lead to the formation of ice and increased load. on the compressor. Adjustment is carried out by tightening the hinge fastening bolts.
Inspect the condition of the rubber seal. If it is used for a long time in one position, it may become deformed or “remember” its fit. After rehanging, it is recommended to wipe the seal with warm water and a mild detergent to restore elasticity. there are creases on the seal, they can be carefully straightened with a hairdryer, heating the rubber to a warm state, but without overheating it.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use aggressive chemicals or solvents to clean the seal, as they can destroy the structure of the rubber and lead to loss of tightness.
To check the quality of the fit, use a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet between the door and the body at different points around the perimeter. If the sheet is removed easily and without resistance, then the seal is broken in this place and additional adjustment of the hinge or replacement of the seal is required. In some cases, it is necessary to heat the deformed areas of the seal with a hairdryer to restore its shape.
☑️ Checking the quality of the installation
Rearrangement of plugs and final assembly
The final stage is the installation of decorative elements in new places. The opened holes on the old side are closed with plastic plugs, which were included in the kit or were dismantled at the beginning of work. If the plugs are lost or damaged, the holes can be sealed with pieces of self-adhesive film in the color of the case to prevent moisture and dust from entering the structure.
Make sure that all screws are tightened with the necessary force, but not overtightened. Excessive force may strip the threads in the metal housing or burst the plastic hinge insert, requiring the purchase of a new replacement part. Check the operation of the door latches (if they are provided by the model), they should snap into place clearly and securely hold the position.
After assembly, let the refrigerator stand in the off state for about 2-4 hours, especially if you carried out work at low temperatures or actively used a hairdryer. This is necessary to stabilize the thermal expansion of materials and refrigerant. Only after this can you turn on the unit and load products.
What to do if the door creaks after hanging?
If after installation you hear a creaking sound, check the lubrication in the hinges. It often happens that the old lubricant has dried out or been washed away. Disassemble the hinge, clean it of dirt and apply a new portion of graphite or silicone lubricant. A squeak can also be produced by a seal rubbing against the body - in this case, treating the rubber with talcum powder or a special silicone lubricant for rubber will help.
Common mistakes and ways to eliminate them
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when hanging doors, not to mention beginners. One of the most common problems is loose closure due to a forgotten tool or debris caught under the loop. Always ensure that the mating surfaces are clean before final tightening of bolts. They also often forget to rearrange the door travel stops, if there are any in a particular model Biryusa.
Another mistake is ignoring the floor level. If the refrigerator is standing on an uneven surface, gravity will constantly pull the door in one direction, which over time will lead to deformation of the hinges and a leak. Use the adjustable support legs to align the case strictly horizontally.
In rare cases, it may be necessary to replace the hinges themselves if the old ones are worn out or damaged. In this case, it is recommended to contact authorized service centers or order original spare parts using the catalog number specified in the instructions for your model. The use of non-original parts can lead to rapid failure of the opening mechanism.
Is it possible to remake the door on the Biryusa refrigerator without an assistant?
Theoretically, this is possible, especially for single-chamber or small-volume models. However, for double-compartment refrigerators, it is highly recommended to involve a second person. The door is heavy and bulky, holding it with one hand and at the same time getting bolts into the holes is extremely difficult and dangerous.
Is it necessary to drain the freon before hanging the doors?
No, there is no need to drain the refrigerant. The process of re-hanging the doors does not affect the freon circulation system and sealed tubes. You are working only with the mechanical elements of fastening and hanging the door leaf.
Why does not the door stay open after rehanging?
This may be due to the tilt of the refrigerator itself. For the closing mechanism to work properly, the housing must be tilted slightly backwards (the top part is further from the wall than the bottom). Adjust the front legs by twisting them to create the required slope.
Where can I get new plugs if the old ones are lost?
Plugs can be ordered at service centers for spare parts for Biryusa refrigerators. They are also often sold in online stores of spare parts for household appliances. As a last resort, the holes can be carefully sealed with caulk in the color of the body or tape.
Does re-hanging the doors affect the warranty?
According to consumer protection laws, DIY repairs or modifications that do not result in failure should not void the warranty. However, if you strip a thread or break a hinge in the process, that particular assembly will not be covered under warranty. Proceed carefully.