Changes in the layout of the kitchen or features of the placement of household appliances often dictate new requirements for the ergonomics of the space. In such situations, owners think about moving the refrigerator door hinge to the opposite side. For brand equipment Position this procedure is standard and is provided for by the design of most modern models. Correctly performed work allows you to optimize access to products and make the use of the unit more convenient.
However, the rehanging process requires accuracy and adherence to a certain sequence of actions. Incorrect installation can lead to a loose seal, skewed fabric, or even damage to the housing fasteners. In this article, we will analyze in detail how to rearrange the door of a Pozis refrigerator, what tools you will need and what nuances you should pay special attention to when working with various series of this manufacturer.
Before starting work, it is important to make sure that your model really supports reverse installation. Almost all current lines Pozis, including series Smart, Mir and Frost Free, have symmetrical holes for hinges. However, a visual check of the configuration and the presence of plugs on the case will be the first step to successful modernization.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tools
High-quality preparation is the key to successful completion of the work without damaging the equipment. You will need to ensure easy access to the refrigerator from all sides. It is recommended to move the unit at least one meter away from the wall in order to be able to walk around it without obstruction. Empty the shelves and drawers in advance, since the weight of an empty refrigerator is much less, which will make it easier to move and tilt.
To dismantle and then install the hinges, you will need a minimal set of tools. The main working tool will be a screwdriver. Depending on the type of screws used in your model, this may be a Phillips screwdriver PH2 or a flat head screwdriver. Some modern models Posis can be equipped with hexagon screws, so having a set of hex keys will not be superfluous.
You may also need:
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) for loosening screws of various types length.
- 🔩 A wrench or socket of 8 or 10 mm, if the hinges are fastened with bolts.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges and dirt.
- 🧼 Clean rags for wiping the fastening points and removing old lubricants.
It is important that the surface on which the refrigerator will stand during work is smooth and non-slippery. This will prevent the equipment or its elements from accidentally falling at the most inopportune moment. If the floor is slippery, place cardboard or a rubber mat under the legs.
☑️ Preparing for rehanging
Removing the top panel and top hinge
You should always start the rearrangement process from the top of the refrigerator compartment. This is due to design features: the top hinge holds the bulk of the door, and its removal allows you to safely separate the panel from the body. First you need to remove the top decorative panel, if it is present in your model. It is usually secured with latches or several screws.
Carefully pry off the panel with a flat-head screwdriver or use a special groove, if provided. Do not use excessive force to avoid breaking the plastic clips. Removing the cover will give you access to the top hinge. In some models Position under the panel there may be lighting or display wiring.
⚠️ Attention: If you find electrical wires under the top panel, do not pull them sharply under any circumstances. Carefully disconnect the connector, having previously memorized or photographed the connection diagram to avoid problems with the backlight after assembly.
Next we proceed to unscrewing the loop itself. Use the appropriate tool to remove the mounting screws. At this moment, it is advisable to have someone hold the door, since after removing the last screw it may fall. If there is no assistant, you can carefully lift the door with your knee or prop it up, freeing your hands to work with the tool.
After removing the top hinge, the refrigerator door Position is removed with a slight upward movement. Set it aside in a safe place, it is best to place it on a soft surface (for example, on a folded blanket or cardboard) so as not to scratch the enamel or damage the seal.
Removing the middle hinge and freezer door
The next step is to work with the bottom part refrigerator compartment and freezer compartment. If you have a two-compartment refrigerator, you will need to remove the middle hinge that connects the refrigerator and freezer doors. The procedure is similar to removing the top one: unscrew the screws, holding the structure, and remove the element.
After dismantling the middle hinge, the freezer door is removed. It is also removed by moving upward, sliding off the lower pin loop. Be careful: the doors can be heavy, especially if they have built-in additional systems or are made of thick metal.
Now you need to remove the bottom hinge from the refrigerator body. It is she who will be transferred to the opposite side. Unscrew the mounting bolts and remove the hinge. At this stage, you will have the entire set of fasteners in your hands, ready for reinstallation.
Pay special attention to the safety of all screws and pins. It is best to put them in a separate container or magnetic tray so as not to lose small parts. The loss of even one screw can make it impossible to install the door correctly.
Transferring elements to the opposite side
When all the doors and hinges are removed, the most crucial moment comes - transferring elements to the other side. There are symmetrical holes on the refrigerator body Posis and on the doors themselves. Those holes that were used previously must be closed with plastic plugs. Usually they come complete with the refrigerator (in a bag with documents) or are already installed in free places.
If the plugs were not included, they can be carefully removed from the unused holes on the opposite side by prying them with a thin needle or knife. Install plugs into the holes that will now become inactive. This is important for aesthetics and protecting the interior from dust.
Now install the bottom hinge in a new place. Insert the hinge pin into the hole provided for it and tighten the mounting bolts securely. Make sure the loop fits snugly and does not wobble. The stability of the entire structure depends on this.
Next, we install the freezer door. Thread it onto the bottom pin of the new loop. Then we move on to installing the middle loop. It is important to position the refrigerator door correctly here. Align the holes on the door with the holes on the middle hinge and screw it to the body.
For models with a system No Frost or electronic control, do not forget to pass the wires through the appropriate channels in the hinges, if provided for by the design. The wires must lie freely, without tension, so that when opening the door they are not damaged.
| Element | Action | Nuance |
|---|---|---|
| Plugs | Move to used holes | May require effort for installation |
| Bottom hinge | Screw on the new side | Base for installing the freezer |
| Middle hinge | Install after hanging the doors | It is important not to overtighten the screws |
| Upper hinge | Mounted last | Fixes the position of the refrigerator compartment |
What to do if the holes do not match?
In rare cases, if there is a manufacturing defect or case deformation, the holes may not line up perfectly. Do not attempt to drill new holes! Try loosening the screws of adjacent hinges to obtain a small amount of play for adjustment. If the problem is serious, contact the service center.
Installing the top hinge and adjusting the doors
The final stage of mechanical assembly is installing the top hinge. Place the refrigerator door on the middle hinge, line up the top holes, and screw the top hinge to the frame. At this stage, the door is already fixed, but requires mandatory adjustment.
Adjusting the position of the doors is a critical process. The door should open freely, but at the same time fit tightly to the body around the entire perimeter. If the door is warped, the cold will escape and the compressor will work harder. To adjust, loosen the screws that secure the hinges (without unscrewing them completely) and lightly align the position of the blade.
Check the tightness using a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet between the seal and the body in different places. It should be pulled out with force. If the sheet falls out or comes out too easily, additional adjustment is required.
⚠️ Attention: When adjusting, do not overtighten the screws. This can lead to deformation of the threads in the metal body or to the door jamming in the closed position.
After mechanical adjustment, check the operation of the magnetic latches and tightness. Make sure that when you close the door, it does not bounce back, but sticks tightly. If the model is equipped with an automatic closing system or closers, check their correct operation.
Features of models with the No Frost system and electronics
Owners Refrigerators Position with a system No Frost or series models Smart with electronic control should be especially careful. Such units often use additional wiring running through the loops. When rehanging, it is important not to damage these cables and to lay them correctly.
In some models, the wires are long enough to simply move them to the other side. In other cases, you may need to carefully unplug the connectors and reconnect them, following the color code. Always check that the wires are not pinched by the metal parts of the hinges.
You should also pay attention to the door opening sensors. After repositioning, make sure that the magnet that activates the sensor is at the correct distance from the sensor. If the door “does not see” closing, the light will be on constantly, and the compressor may work intermittently.
- 🔌 Check the integrity of the wire insulation before assembly.
- 🧲 Make sure that the magnets in the door and the sensors on the body are aligned.
- ❄️ Check the operation of the fans after switch on (for No Frost).
If after assembly you find that the backlight does not light up or the display does not work, check the wire connections at the top of the refrigerator. Often the problem lies in a connector that is not fully inserted.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do I need to defrost the refrigerator before rearranging the doors?
Yes, this is highly desirable. Defrosting will remove excess moisture that may accumulate inside and make the unit lighter. In addition, you will be able to simultaneously clean the internal surfaces while access to them is open.
Is it possible to lose the warranty if I move the door myself?
According to the law, moving the door yourself does not void the warranty if the unit components are not damaged in the process. However, if you damage wiring or strip threads, there will be a cost to repair those specific damages. Keep all removed parts.
What to do if, after rearranging, the door does not close tightly?
Most likely, the hinges need to be adjusted. Loosen the mounting screws and try moving the door up, down, or to the sides. Also check whether the contents of the shelves or the seal itself are in the way (a new seal can be hard and take time to develop).
Is it possible to rearrange the door on a single-chamber Pozis refrigerator?
Yes, on most single-chamber models Pozis (for example, RD-145, Sh-102) also provides for the possibility of an advantage. The procedure is similar, but simpler, since there is only one door and two hinges (upper and lower).