Changing the side of the door opening is often the only solution when refrigerator no longer fits into the updated kitchen layout. Owners of household appliances Samsung often face the need to reinstall the hinges to make the ergonomics of the space more comfortable. The process requires care, but it can be easily done at home if you have a basic set of tools.
Before you begin dismantling, it is important to understand that the design may differ depending on the model. Single-chamber and double-chamber units have their own mounting nuances loops, and No Frost systems add elements such as air ducts. Incorrect actions can lead to leakage or damage to the case.
In this article we will analyze a detailed algorithm of actions that will help you safely perform weighing. We will look at the preparation, the sequence of removing and installing components, and also pay attention to adjustments, without which the door may not close tightly. Follow the instructions step by step to avoid common mistakes.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
To successfully complete the job, you will need a minimum set tools. Usually a Phillips screwdriver, a wrench (often 8 or 10mm) and a flathead screwdriver are sufficient. Some models Samsung may require the use of hexagons, which are sometimes included with the appliance, but it is better to prepare them in advance.
Free up space in front of the refrigerator. You will need to move the unit away from the wall to allow access from all sides, including the rear where vents or bottom mounts may be located. Make sure that the floor is level and covered with soft material so as not to scratch the coating.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to unplug the refrigerator from the power supply. This is critical for safety as you will be working with metal parts near electrical components.
Prepare a container for small parts in advance. Screws and plugs are very easy to lose, and finding replacements at a hardware store can be difficult due to the specific thread or length. Masking tape will also come in handy to secure the moving parts during dismantling.
☑️ Preparation for rehanging
Design features of different Samsung models
Equipment Samsung is divided into several types based on door design. Classic models with a top freezer compartment have a standard fastening scheme, where the top hinge secures the door of the refrigerator compartment, and the bottom hinge secures the door of the freezer compartment. In such cases turnover is carried out sequentially for each door.
Side-by-Side models, where the freezer and refrigeration chambers are located side by side, have a more complex system. This often requires rearranging not only hinges, but also internal elements such as shelves and containers, which may not be symmetrical. The location of the locks also changes. Before removing the door, carefully disconnect the connector, having previously photographed its position so as not to damage the contacts. handles and castles.
Nuances of models with display
In models with an external display on the door, it is additionally necessary to disconnect the wire loop. Before removing the door, carefully disconnect the connector, first photographing its position so as not to damage the contacts.
Units with the system deserve special attention Door-in-Door. In them, the outer panel also requires dismantling and reinstallation. If you are not confident in your abilities when working with such complex mechanics, it is better to contact specialists, since the risk of damaging thin plastic elements is high.
| Model type | Complexity | Hinge features | Required tools |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic (Top Mount) | Low | Standard upper and lower | Screwdriver, 8mm wrench |
| Side-by-Side | High | Reinforced, central | A set of keys, assistant assistance |
| With display | Medium | Requires disconnecting the cable | Screwdriver, gloves |
| Door-in-Door | High | Multiple fastenings | Full set of tools |
Dismantling the top part and removing the door
We start the process from the top of the unit. The first step is to remove the decorative plug that hides the top hinge fasteners. It can be latched or held on by a screw. Carefully pry it off with a flat-head screwdriver, being careful not to damage the plastic of the case Samsung.
After accessing the fasteners, loosen, but do not completely unscrew the bolts of the upper hinge. You will need an assistant to hold doorso that it does not fall after completely unscrewing the screws. If you are working alone, use stops or wedges to secure the position.
Remove the top hinge and carefully place the door in a safe place. At this stage, for models with a display, you need to disconnect the electrical connector. Pay attention to the connector latch - it must be released before pulling out the contacts. Do not pull the wires, act only on the plastic part of the connector.
⚠️ Attention: The refrigerator door weighs quite a lot and has an offset center of gravity. Do not try to hold it with one hand while you unscrew the last bolts - this may lead to injury or deformation of the panel.
If your model has a middle hinge (for two-chamber refrigerators), it must also be removed. It is usually attached to the side wall of the case. After removing all the intermediate elements, you will have access to the lower part of the structure.
Flipping the bottom loop and rearranging the elements
The bottom loop is often hidden under a decorative base or strip. Remove it to gain access to the fasteners. Unscrew the bolts and remove the hinge on one side of the housing. Now you need to move it to the opposite side.
On the opposite side of the case you will find technological holes closed with plastic plugs. Remove the plugs from the new side of the installation and close the vacated holes on the old side with them. This is important for preservation aesthetics and preventing dust from getting inside.
Install the bottom hinge to a new location and tighten the mounting bolts. Do not tighten them all the way yet - the final fixation is made after installing the door and checking its position. Make sure that the hinge pin points straight up and is positioned vertically.
Some models require rearrangement of the internal stops or door travel stops. Locate the rubber or plastic stop at the bottom of the case and move it to the opposite side. This will prevent the door from hitting the wall when opening.
Installing the door and adjusting the gaps
Now the most important step is hanging the door. Place the bottom of the door onto the bottom hinge pin. Have a helper hold the blade straight while you install the middle (if any) and top hinges. Insert the mounting bolts and tighten them slightly.
The key point is adjustment. The door should close tightly, without distortion. If you notice that one side does not fit tightly, use the adjusting bolts (if provided by the design) or loosen the hinge fasteners and slightly shift its position.
Check the operation of the magnetic seal around the entire perimeter. A sheet of paper sandwiched between the door and the body must be removed with force. If the paper falls out freely, it means that the seal is broken in this place and additional adjustment of the loop height is required.
⚠️ Attention: After installation, do not slam the door. Allow the seal and hinge mechanisms to “settle” in the new position for several hours before active use.
For models with a display, carefully lay the cable cable in the channels provided for this so that it does not get under moving parts and does not fray. Connect the connector until it clicks and install the decorative hinge cover.
Frequent errors and operating recommendations
One of the common mistakes is the loss or confusion of screws of different lengths. The design Samsung often uses fasteners that differ by a few millimeters, but are critical for strength. Lay out the parts in the order in which you removed them.
Another mistake is ignoring the floor level. If the refrigerator is on an uneven surface, even a perfectly folded door will open on its own or not completely fit. Use a building level and adjustable legs of the unit for leveling.
- 🔧 Always check the tightness of all bolts after the first cycle of operation of the refrigerator - vibration of the compressor can loosen fresh connections.
- 🧊 Do not load the door shelves with heavy products immediately after hanging - give the structure time to adapt.
- 🧹 Keep the hinges clean - dust and grease can get into the mechanism, causing jamming.
Remember that tampering with the design yourself may affect the warranty. If your refrigerator is under warranty service, it is better to coordinate the actions with the service center Samsung.
Is it possible to flip the door yourself if the refrigerator is under warranty?
Technically this is possible, but manufacturers often discount traces of unintentional opening of components as a reason for refusal of warranty repair if the breakdown is related to the attachment. It is better to call an official master.
What to do if, after turning over, the door does not close completely?
Most likely, the angle of the body is broken. Try unscrewing the refrigerator's front adjustable feet slightly to create a slight backward tilt. This will help the door close under the influence of gravity.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before hanging it?
Yes, this is a prerequisite. Water may leak out of the drainage system when tilting or removing the doors, and ice in the chambers will complicate access to the fasteners and can damage internal plastic elements.
Where can I get plugs for the holes if they are lost?
Plugs can be ordered from an authorized service center using the catalog number of your model. Temporarily, the holes can be sealed with a decorative sticker in the color of the body to preserve the appearance.