Changing the kitchen layout or simply inconvenient location of the refrigerator often confronts owners with the need to change the direction of door opening. For technology Beko this procedure is quite doable at home if you act carefully and follow the sequence. Rearranging the door allows you to adapt the unit to new conditions without sacrificing functionality and aesthetics.
Modern models Beko, be it classic two-chamber versions or more complex modifications, are designed taking into account the possibility of overhanging. However, do not think that the process is identical for all devices. There are nuances in the design hinge mechanism and location of fasteners that require careful study before starting work. Ignoring these parts can lead to distortion or damage to the coating.
In this article we will look in detail at how to properly dismantle the old ones and install new ones so that your refrigerator works silently and closes tightly. You will learn what tools you will need and what to pay special attention to when making adjustments. Properly performed replacement of the opening side will extend the service life of the seals and the compressor.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Before starting active actions, it is necessary to prepare the appropriate tools. You don't need sophisticated professional equipment, but having quality tools will make the task much easier. The main element will be a set hex wrenches (usually sizes 4, 5 and 6 mm) and a Phillips screwdriver. You may also need an 8mm or 10mm wrench to loosen the locknuts.
It is important to ensure adequate space around the refrigerator. You will need to freely walk around the device from all sides, so it is best to move it at least a meter away from the wall. If there is a slippery surface on the floor, place thick cardboard or a rag under the legs of the refrigerator so that it does not move during operation. Fixing the position the unit is the key to the safety of your hands and the integrity of the equipment.
Do not forget to prepare a container for folding small parts. Bolts, plugs and washers tend to get lost at the most inopportune moment. It is recommended to use a magnetic tray or several small containers labeled for each side. This will avoid confusion during reassembly.
☑️ Preparation for work
Pay attention to the condition of the floor covering. If you're working on laminate or linoleum, make sure the refrigerator legs won't scratch the floor when they move. Sometimes it is useful to have an assistant hold the case while you unscrew the top hinge.
Removing the top hinge and refrigerator door
The process begins from the top of the device, since this is where the main mechanism for holding the refrigerator compartment door is located. First you need to remove the decorative plug if it covers the mounting bolts. In some models Beko this is just a plastic cap, in others it is part of the design that needs to be carefully pryed off with a flat-head screwdriver.
After gaining access to the fasteners, loosen the top hinge bolts, but do not unscrew them completely right away. First, make sure the door is securely latched. Then, if the design requires a middle hinge (on three-door models or No Frost models with a separate freshness zone), the steps may vary. For standard two-chamber models, we work with the main top hinge.
⚠️ Attention: The refrigerator door is heavier than it looks, especially if there are shelves left inside or it is equipped with a heavy seal. Be sure to hold it with your free hand or ask an assistant when you completely unscrew the bolts, otherwise it may fall sharply and damage the floor or get a dent.
When the bolts of the top hinge are unscrewed, carefully remove the hinge itself. The door can now be removed. Lift it strictly vertically upward so that the pin of the lower hinge (or intermediate) comes out of the hole. It is better to immediately put the removed door in a safe place, having previously sealed the protruding parts with masking tape so as not to scratch the body when moving.
At this stage, it is important to check the condition sealing rubber. While the door is removed, inspect it for cracks or creases. If you notice defects, now is the time to order a new rubber band, since after rehanging the old one may not fit so tightly due to a change in the angle of inclination.
Removing the central hinge and freezer compartment
If your refrigerator Beko has the bottom freezer, which also needs to be re-weighed, the process continues by dismantling the middle hinge. It connects the refrigerator and freezer compartments. The principle of operation is similar to the top one: remove the decorative elements, unscrew the fastening bolts.
Pay special attention to the pins and bushings. The design Beko often uses plastic bushings, which can become brittle over time. Operate without sudden jerks. If the fastener is stuck, do not use excessive force - it is better to drop a little penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40) and wait 10-15 minutes. This will save the thread from being torn off.
After removing the middle hinge, the freezer door is freed. Remove it in the same way as the top one - with a vertical movement. Now you have two doors and a freed body on your hands. This is the ideal moment to carry out maintenance: wipe the hinges from old grease and dust, check the threaded connections.
Do not lose the shipping plugs. Included with the refrigerator Beko there are always plastic plugs that close the holes for the hinges on the “unnecessary” side. If you throw them away, the holes will look unsightly, and moisture can get in there.
Flipping the door and installing plugs
The most critical stage is the physical transfer of handles and plugs. Refrigerator doors Beko are often symmetrical, but the holes for the handles may be hidden. On the front side where the handle is currently installed, find the technological holes (usually they are closed with small round plugs).
Carefully remove the plugs from the new front side and move them to the old place. If the handle is bolted to the back of the door, you will have to remove it, move it to the other side and screw the bolts into the new holes. It is important here not to overtighten the fasteners so as not to crack the plastic body handles or the door itself.
What to do if the holes for the handle do not match?
In some budget BEKO models, the holes for the handle may only be on one side. In this case, it will not be possible to completely rearrange the handle. However, there are universal overhead handles or push-to-open opening systems that solve this problem.
Check the symmetry of the installation. The handle should be positioned strictly in the center or according to the original design of the model. Incorrect installation can lead to the door opening skewed, creating extra stress on the hinges.
Also, do not forget about the decorative panels. If there is a decorative strip at the end of the door, it also needs to be rearranged. It is usually held on with latches or double-sided tape. Be careful not to damage the paintwork when dismantling.
Installing hinges on the new side
Now we move on to assembly on the new side. Carefully inspect the end of the refrigerator body. There should be threaded holes sealed with shipping plugs. Unscrew them and insert them into the holes on the side where the hinges were previously. This is a mandatory step to maintain its presentation and protect against corrosion.
Install the bottom loop (or the middle one, if we are assembling from the bottom up) to a new place. Insert the freezer door pin into it. Hang the door and check that it rotates freely. Do not tighten the bolts “all the way” right away - leave a small gap for later adjustment of the gap.
Then install the middle hinge (if your model has one) and hang the refrigerator door. The top hinge is installed last. It is she who fixes the entire structure. When installing, make sure that all washers and gaskets are returned to their places in the correct sequence.
For ease of understanding the sequence of installation of parts, refer to the table below. It will help not to confuse the fastening elements for different models Beko.
| Part type | Installation location | Installation features | Tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom hinge | Case base | Fixes the door pin | 10 mm key |
| Middle hinge | Chamber jumper | Requires precise positioning | 5 mm hexagon |
| Top hinge | Refrigerator lid | Adjusts the door pressure | 6 mm hexagon |
| Decorative plug | Door/body end | Hides mounting holes | No tools |
Adjusting the position of the doors and eliminating distortions
After final assembly, a situation often arises when the door hangs crookedly or does not fit tightly to the body. This is normal as new holes may vary slightly in depth or angle. To correct it, use adjusting screw, which is usually located on the middle or upper hinge.
By rotating the adjusting bolt clockwise, you raise the corner of the door, counterclockwise, you lower it. Make sure that the gap between the door and the body is the same along its entire length. Ideally, a sheet of paper clamped between the door and the seal should be pulled out with the same force along the entire perimeter.
⚠️ Attention: If after adjusting the door still does not close tightly, check the level of the floor under the refrigerator. The legs of the unit must be unscrewed so that the body is slightly tilted backwards. This ensures gravity closure.
Lubricate the hinges with a small amount of silicone grease. This will eliminate squeaks and ensure smooth running. Do not use machine oil or grease - they can thicken in the cold or leak, staining food.
Common mistakes and ways to eliminate them
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when re-hanging doors. One of the most common is the loss or confusion of washers and bushings. In the design Beko each washer has its own thickness and purpose. Installing a thicker washer in the wrong place where it should be will lead to a misalignment of the axis of rotation.
Another mistake is ignoring the condition of the seal. When the door is turned over, the old, “tired” seal may lose its seal on the new side due to a change in the pressure vector. If you notice that after installation, condensation or ice forms in the corner of the door, it means that the sealing rubber needs to be replaced sealing gum.
Also, users often forget to check the horizontal installation of the refrigerator itself after all the manipulations. A shifted unit may not rest on the floor with all four legs, which will cause vibration and noise when the compressor operates.
If you encounter a situation where the screws do not turn, do not use force. The metal of the hinges can be soft and you can easily tear off the edges. It is better to use a penetrating liquid and give it time to work. As a last resort, you can gently heat the bolt with a hairdryer, but be careful with plastic parts nearby.
Why does the door squeak after rehanging?
The creaking can occur due to metal-on-metal friction if the factory lubricant has dried out, or due to misalignment when the hinge axis touches the body. Try applying graphite lubricant or a little paraffin to the rubbing surfaces.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before hanging the doors?
Yes, this is highly advisable. First, an empty refrigerator is easier to move and tilt. Second, water from melted ice can leak into the hinge mechanisms or onto the floor, creating a slip hazard. Allow the unit to dry completely before starting work.
Is it possible to rearrange the door if the refrigerator is built into the kitchen unit?
This is possible, but requires dismantling the facades and, possibly, part of the kitchen furniture. You need to make sure there is enough clearance on the new side to allow the door to open 90 degrees or more. Built-in equipment often has limitations on the opening radius.
What should I do if I lost the instructions for my BEKO model?
Don’t worry. The principle of the loop design is Beko standardized. Find the “Support” or “Instructions” section on the manufacturer’s website, enter the model (it is indicated on the sticker inside the refrigerator) and download the diagram. There will be a section "Reversing the door".
Does reversing the door affect the warranty?
Reversing the door yourself will usually not void the compressor and electrical warranty unless you damage the housing or wiring in the process. However, if you strip a thread or break a hinge, that particular assembly will not be covered under warranty. Proceed carefully.