Changing the opening side of the refrigerator door Beko is a task that many owners of household appliances face when moving or remodeling the kitchen. Often, the standard configuration installed at the factory is inconvenient in a specific room where access to products is limited by furniture or the location of outlets. Fortunately, the design of most modern models provides the ability to reverse hingeswhich allows you to change the opening direction without calling a specialist.
The rehanging process does not require deep engineering knowledge, but requires a basic set of tools and accuracy in actions. Incorrect installation can lead to a loose fit of the seal, a violation of the seal of the chamber and, as a result, increased energy consumption. In this article, we will analyze in detail how to rearrange the door of a Veko refrigerator in order to avoid common mistakes and maintain the warranty on the equipment.
Before starting work, it is important to understand that hinge designs may vary depending on the series and year of manufacture of your unit. Some models have hidden mounting, others have open mountings that require the removal of decorative plugs. In any case, the key factor for success is the sequence of actions and careful attention to small partssuch as washers, bushings and screws.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
For the process to go smoothly, it is necessary to prepare all the tools in advance so as not to be distracted by them searches at the most crucial moment. You will need a Phillips screwdriver (most often PH2), a flathead screwdriver for removing the plugs, and a hex key, the size of which depends on the model Beko. It would be a good idea to have a knife or thin blade on hand that will help you carefully pry off the plastic lids.
Particular attention should be paid to preparing the refrigerator itself. The unit must be completely defrosted, washed and, critically important, disconnected from the power supply. Water can leak out of the system when tilted, and the presence of products will significantly make the structure heavier, increasing the risk of falling or damaging the shelves during manipulations.
Provide yourself with enough free space around the equipment. You will need to freely walk around the refrigerator from all sides, since the door will have to be removed, taken to the side and returned back from the other side of the body. Remove carpets and foreign objects to avoid tripping hazards.
☑️ Preparing for rehanging
Design features of Beko hinges
Refrigerators Beko are distinguished by a reliable, but specific fastening system doors. Unlike some budget brands, they often use a combination system: the top hinge is responsible for the main fastening and attachment, and the bottom one is for positioning and stability. In models with the system No Frost the design may be complicated by the presence of additional air ducts or control cables if an indication panel is located on the door.
It is important to know that on some models the top hinge can be secured with screws under the decorative strip, which also serves as a design element. You need to remove it very carefully so as not to break the plastic latches. The lower support often has an adjustment mechanism that allows you to set the height of the door relative to the body after rehanging.
Nuances of hidden hinges
In some Beko models, the upper hinge is hidden under a plastic cover, which is removed only after loosening the screws. Do not try to tear it off by force, carefully inspect the joints.
If your refrigerator has a two-chamber, the procedure will be different from a single-chamber one. In two-chamber models, first the upper (freezer) door is re-hung, then the middle hinge, and only after that the lower (refrigerator) door. This is due to the fact that the middle hinge is common to both chambers.
Step-by-step instructions: dismantling the top part
We start working from the top of the refrigerator. If you have a model with a top freezer, we work with it first. Locate the decorative cap on the top panel above the door. Carefully pry it up with a flathead screwdriver or knife and remove it. Underneath you will see the top hinge mounting screws.
Using a Phillips or hex screwdriver, remove the screws, but do not remove them completely yet. First, just release the tension. Now you will need an assistant: one person should hold the door firmly so that it does not fall while the second person finally unscrews the fasteners. After removing the screws, carefully lift the door up, removing it from the lower pin support.
Put the removed door in a safe place, it is better to place it on a soft cloth or cardboard so as not to scratch it front surface and do not damage the seal. Now you have access to the top panel of the refrigerator, which may also need to be dismantled or rearranged if the design of your model requires it.
Rehanging the middle and lower hinges
The most difficult stage is working with the middle hinge, especially in two-chamber models. After removing the top door, it is necessary to remove the middle hinge that holds the bottom door of the refrigerator compartment. Unscrew its mounting bolts and remove the hinge itself. Pay attention to its design: it is often asymmetrical, and for the other side you will need to turn it over or use a mirror hole.
The lower door is removed in the same way as the upper one: loosen the fasteners, hold it, remove it from the support. Now turn your attention to the lower support sleeve. In some models Beko it is simply inserted into the hole, in others it is screwed. It must be moved to the opposite side or turned over if the design is symmetrical. Do not lose the washers and plastic bushings - they are critical for the easy movement of the door.
Now we install all the elements in mirror order on the new side. We do not put the upper loop (which was removed first) into place completely yet. First we install the middle hinge on the new side, then we hang the bottom door. It is important to get the pin into the hinge hole. After this, we fasten the upper door and only then fix the upper hinge.
When installing, make sure that all screws are tightened evenly. Excessive force can strip the threads in the metal housing, and weak tightening will cause misalignment. Use a torque screwdriver if possible, or just use moderate force.
Adjusting gaps and tightness
After the doors are installed in a new location, you need to check their operation. The door should open smoothly, without creaking or jamming, and when released, it should be able to close automatically using a magnetic seal. If the door does not close tightly or, conversely, too tightly, height adjustment is required height adjustment.
The lower support sleeve is used for adjustment. By rotating it clockwise, you raise the door, counterclockwise, you lower it. You need to raise the door until it begins to touch the body when closing, and then lower it slightly to provide the necessary clearance. A correctly adjusted door should fit tightly to the body along the entire perimeter.
⚠️ Attention: If after adjustment there is a gap in one of the corners, the refrigerator body itself may be skewed. Check the horizontal installation of the unit using a building level and adjust the front legs.
Also check the operation of the magnetic tape. Run a sheet of paper between the door and the body around the entire perimeter. The paper should be pulled out with force. If in some place it slides freely, it means that the seal is broken there, and additional tightening of the hinges or replacement of the seal will be required.
Typical errors and methods for eliminating them
A common mistake when doing DIY repairs is to ignore the plastic plugs. After rehanging, there are open holes on the old side. Refrigerators Beko usually come with special plugs or decorative stickers that need to be moved to new places. If you lose them, the appearance of the equipment will deteriorate, and moisture may get into the holes.
Another problem is tightening the screws. The aluminum body of the refrigerator has a soft thread. If you use too much force, you can strip the threads, making it impossible to attach the hinge without using repair sleeves or a chemical anchor. Tighten the screws all the way, but without fanaticism.
What to do if you lose a washer?
If during assembly you lose a specific washer or bushing, do not use random ones. Contact a service center or find an analogue in a fastener store, as an unsuitable size will disrupt the opening geometry.
Do not forget about the cables. If your refrigerator door has control buttons or a display, when rehanging it, you must carefully move the wiring harness inside the case so that they do not twist or get pinched by the hinge mechanism. This requires special care.
Table problems when outweighing
To quickly diagnose difficulties that have arisen, use the following table. It will help determine the cause of the malfunction and the method for eliminating it.
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The door does not close completely | Incorrect height of the bottom supports | Lower the door by rotating the lower bushing |
| Strong skew of the door | Uneven tightening of the hinge screws | Loosen the screws, align the door, tighten again |
| The door creaks | Lack of lubrication or misalignment | Lubricate the hinges with silicone grease, check the level |
| Gap in the upper part | Wear of the upper seal or hinge | Check the integrity of the hinge, if necessary, replace the seal |
| The light does not come on when opening | The wire of the button or the lamp itself is pinched | Check the integrity of the wiring inside the door |
Using this table will allow you to quickly identify the problem without resorting to complex diagnostics. Remember that most problems can be solved by simple adjustments and not by replacing parts.
⚠️ Attention: Hinge design may vary depending on the specific model and year of manufacture. Always check the official user manual (operation manual), if you have one, as there may be specific nuances for your series Beko.
Final recommendations and checking the result
After completing all work, let the refrigerator stand in the off state for at least 30-60 minutes. This is necessary if the unit was tilted strongly during operation: the compressor oil must drain back into the crankcase. Only after this can you turn on the equipment to the network and load products.
On the first day of work, carefully monitor the temperature in the chambers. If the refrigerator operates normally, does not hum louder than usual and the doors close tightly, the operation was successful. Regularly check the condition of the seal in the first weeks, as the new position may require time to “grind in.”
Now you know how to rearrange the Veko refrigerator door, and you can safely get to work. Accuracy, having the right tools and following the instructions guarantee an excellent result and comfortable use of the equipment in new conditions.
Do you need to call a specialist to rehang the door?
In most cases, calling a specialist is not required. The process takes 20-40 minutes and can be done by anyone with basic skills. A technician is needed only if the hinges are rusty, broken, or the design of your model requires complex intervention in the electronics system.
What to do if the screws cannot be unscrewed?
If the screws are “stuck,” do not use excessive force so as not to tear off the splines. Try adding a little WD-40 or a special rust remover, wait 10-15 minutes, and then carefully try again. You can slightly heat the joint with a hairdryer, but be careful not to melt the plastic.
Is it possible to hang the door on a refrigerator with a display?
Yes, you can, but it is more difficult. You will have to carefully disconnect the wire connectors going to the control panel on the door, run the harness through the top of the body and connect again. Be sure to photograph the connection diagram before disconnecting.
Why did a gap appear after re-hanging?
Most likely, you incorrectly set the door height using the lower adjusting sleeve. The cause may also be deformation of the case or wear of the magnetic seal. Try adjusting the height again.
Will the warranty still apply after re-hanging it yourself?
Re-hanging the door itself is not a reason to void the warranty if you have not damaged the equipment in the process. However, if you break the hinge or the housing, it will not be covered under warranty. Proceed carefully.