The situation when, after purchasing a new refrigerator, it turns out that it does not fit to the designated place due to the direction the door opens, familiar to many owners. Fortunately, most models Samsung are designed with this possibility in mind and allow you to change the side of the hitch without calling a technician. The process requires accuracy, a minimum set of tools and a clear understanding of the sequence of actions so as not to damage the hinges or the door itself.
Before you begin, you need to make sure that your specific unit really supports reverse installation. In some budget or specialized models, the body design may be asymmetrical, making overhanging impossible. If technical documentation or inspection of the case confirms the possibility of rearrangement, you can safely begin preparing the workspace.
Free up the area around the refrigerator to ensure access from all sides. You will need a flat surface for temporary placement of the removed elements and, preferably, an assistant, since the door leaves of modern models are quite heavy. Do not ignore safety precautions: disconnect the device from the power supply before starting any manipulations.
Necessary tools and preparation
The success of the operation directly depends on the quality of preparation. You don't need any sophisticated professional tools, but using the wrong items can result in stripped bolt edges or scratches on decorative panels. The main tool will be hex key (usually 4 mm or 5 mm), which often comes with the refrigerator, or a set of screwdrivers.
In addition to the keys, prepare a soft substrate, such as a blanket or thick cardboard, on which you will place the removed door. This will prevent damage to both the floor covering and the interior of the door. A container for folding fasteners will also be useful so that not a single screw is lost during the work process.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to remove all shelves, drawers and containers from the door. This will significantly reduce the weight of the structure and eliminate the risk of glass shelves falling out when tilted.
Check if you have painting tape. It is necessary to fix the moving parts of the door while unscrewing the hinges, which is especially important if you work alone. The tape will also help protect glossy surfaces from accidental scratches with a tool.
☑️ Preparing for rehanging
Removing the top panel and handle
The first step is always to remove the top cover of the refrigerator compartment, if it is present in your model. In refrigerators Samsung with a top freezer, this step may differ, but the general principle remains similar. Carefully pry up the decorative plug covering the mounting bolts and unscrew them.
Particular attention should be paid to dismantling the handle. Depending on the model, it may be secured with screws from the inside or have a hidden fastening mechanism. If the screws are located outside, they are often covered with decorative covers that must be carefully removed without damaging them.
When working with fasteners, try not to use excessive force so as not to strip the threads. If the screw does not budge, make sure that you are using the correct size tool. Phillips screwdriver It should fit snugly in the screw head, preventing slipping.
After removing the handle and top cover, access to the top hinge will open. It is she who holds the main load, so you need to act confidently. Don’t be afraid to damage the plastic if you use the right force and tool.
Removing the door leaf
The most crucial moment is the direct removal of the door from the bottom hinge. Before this stage, you should have completely freed the top hinge from the fasteners. Have a helper hold the door firmly while you remove the top hinge bolts.
Once the top hinge is loose, carefully lift the door up, removing it from the bottom hinge pin. Sudden movements should not be made, as the mechanism may contain plastic bushings that can be easily damaged when jerked. The weight of the empty door of a standard two-chamber refrigerator ranges from 15 to 25 kg.
Put the removed panel on a previously prepared soft surface with the outer side down. Be careful with the pipes leading to the system No Frostif they pass inside the door. In modern models Samsung wiring and tubes usually have sufficient length, but it’s not worth the risk.
| Mounting type | Tool | Dismantling nuance |
|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | 5mm hex | Requires door support |
| Bottom hinge | 4mm hex | Fixed in the body |
| Door handle | Phillips screwdriver | Hidden screws under the plugs |
| Stoppers | Pliers | Located at the end of the door |
What to do if the door is jammed?
If the door cannot be removed from the bottom hinge, do not use force. Check that all top hinge screws are completely removed. Sometimes it is necessary to slightly rock the door from side to side to release a rusted or tight pin.
Rearranging fittings and stoppers
After the door is removed, it is necessary to rearrange the fittings to the opposite side. This primarily concerns strikers and locking mechanisms. At the end of the door and on the body of the refrigerator you will find plastic plugs in unused holes.
Carefully remove these plugs and move them to the vacant spaces on the other side. This is important to maintain an aesthetic appearance and protect internal components from dust. Metal stops and pins must also be rearranged according to the instructions for your model.
Pay special attention latch mechanism. In some models it needs to be turned over or moved to the other side of the door end. To do this, you may need to remove the inner door panel, which is done by unscrewing several screws around the perimeter.
⚠️ Attention: Do not mix up the installation side of the locking pin. If you install it incorrectly, the refrigerator door will not close tightly, which will lead to ice freezing and increased load on the compressor.
If your model has the ability to rearrange the handle, now is the time to do this. Unscrew the fasteners on one side and secure the handle on the opposite side, using the same holes, but on the other side, or special symmetrical holes.
Installing a door on a new side
The process of installing a door on a new side is a mirror image of dismantling, but has its own characteristics. First of all, you need to install the bottom hinge in a new place. Make sure it fits snugly against the body and is secured with the bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet.
Then, with the help of an assistant, slide the door onto the bottom hinge pin. Make sure that the hole in the door aligns exactly with the axis. After this, the upper hinge is installed. Insert the upper hinge into the grooves of the door and body, and then tighten the fastening bolts.
The final stage of installation is adjusting the position. The door should close tightly and evenly around its entire perimeter. If you notice any misalignment, loosen the top hinge bolts and move the door slightly to achieve the ideal position.
Tighten the bolts consistently and evenly to avoid misalignment of the hinge. Make sure there are no gaps between the door and the body through which cold air can escape. Check the operation magnetic seal along the entire length.
Adjusting and checking operation
After installing all the elements, it is necessary to carry out a thorough check. Open and close the door several times, making sure that the movement is smooth and nothing touches the body. Pay special attention to automatic closing: when opened less than 45 degrees, a working door should close on its own.
If the door does not fit tightly, you may need to adjust the height of the refrigerator legs. Tilting the body back helps the door close naturally under the influence of gravity. Use adjustable supports at the bottom of the front of the unit.
Plug in the refrigerator and leave it empty for several hours. Check if there is any extraneous noise during operation and if condensation appears on the seal. This indicates proper tightness after re-hanging.
⚠️ Attention: If after moving the door a gap has formed between the seal and the body, try warming the problem area with a hairdryer (without overheating!) and press the door tightly for 10-15 minutes.
In some models Samsung Electronically controlled models may require an error reset or door sensor calibration, although most mechanical models do not require this. If the open door indicator is on on the display, check the seal.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to rearrange the door on a Samsung Side-by-Side refrigerator?
In most Side-by-Side models, rearranging doors is impossible due to the complex design and presence built-in water and ice supply systems. However, in some premium models this option is provided, but requires calling a certified specialist.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, if there is a lot of ice in the freezer, it is better to defrost the unit in advance so that water does not flow when tilted and does not damage the electrician.
What to do if the plugs for the holes are lost?
The plugs can be ordered at the service center or you can temporarily close the holes with pieces of electrical tape in the color of the case to prevent dust from getting in there. Plastic dowels of the appropriate size will also be suitable.
Is the warranty honored after re-hanging the door yourself?
Re-hanging the door yourself, as a rule, does not void the warranty on the compressor and electronics, unless you damage the parts in the process. However, if problems arise with tightness or hinges, the service may refuse free repairs.