Kitchen redevelopment often requires moving large household appliances in order to optimize space or change the ergonomics of the work area. Beko refrigerators designed with this possibility in mind, allowing you to change the side of the door opening without loss of functionality. The process requires attention to detail, a basic set of tools and a clear understanding of the design of a particular unit.
In this article we will look in detail at how to properly dismantle the panels, rehang the fittings and set up the closing mechanisms. It is important to understand that inaccurate work can lead to damage loops or failure of the seal. Compliance with the sequence of actions ensures that your Beko will work as efficiently as before the intervention.
Before starting any manipulations, you must clear the space around the unit. Make sure you have access to the back wall and sides on all sides. This is critically important for the safety and convenience of performing work on rehanging doors.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
To successfully complete the task, you will need a minimum set of tools, which every home craftsman usually has. The main element will be screwdriver or a set of screwdrivers with different attachments, since fasteners may differ in size. Some models Beko use specific screws that require a Phillips or flat-head bit.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This will protect you from electric shock and prevent accidental starting of the compressor while manipulating wiring or sensors.
In addition to using a power tool, prepare a flat spatula or spatula to carefully remove decorative plugs. Often these elements fit very tightly, and the use of sharp objects can damage the plastic of the case. It is also useful level to check the horizontal position after installation so that the door closes tightly.
☑️ Preparation for work
Determine in advance the place where you will put the removed screws and small parts. The loss of even one small fastener can turn a simple process into a lengthy search for a replacement. Organization of the workspace is the key to quick and high-quality assembly assemblies.
Analysis of the design and removal of the top door
The model range Beko is varied, and door designs may differ. In two-compartment refrigerators, the top door of the refrigerator compartment is always removed first, and then the bottom freezer door. This is due to the fact that the central hinge is often common or supporting for both panels.
Start by removing the top decorative panel if it covers the top hinge mounting bolts. Carefully pry off the plugs with a putty knife. After this you will have access to fastening bolts. Do not unscrew them completely at once, just loosen them so that you can remove the hinge.
Ask an assistant to hold the door, as after unscrewing the hinges it will become loose and heavy. A sharp jerk may damage sealing rubber or hit the floor. Remove the fabric from the bottom pin of the hinge and put it in a safe place, it is best to place it on a soft surface.
Nuances of hinges with a closer
Some modern Beko models have hinges with a mechanical or electronic closer. When dismantling them, be extremely careful with the tension of the springs inside the mechanism. Sudden removal may cause parts to fly apart or cause injury to your fingers. Study the diagram of a specific model before disassembling.
Inspect the removed door for the presence of wires. On models with a display or door indicator, cables pass through the top hinge. They must be carefully disconnected by first photographing or remembering the location contact group.
Removing the bottom door and central hinge
After removing the upper part, we move on to the bottom. The important thing here is to properly release the center hinge, which often bears the weight of the bottom freezer door. Remove the mounting bolts that hold the hinge in place, but do not remove it completely until the door is free.
Gently lift the bottom door to remove it from the bottom support pin. On models No Frost be careful not to damage the air ducts or plastic elements of the cooling system that may pass near the mounting area. Place the door next to the top one.
Now you can completely dismantle the central and lower hinges. Carefully inspect their condition. If metal axles there are signs of corrosion or wear, it is recommended to replace them or lubricate them with a special lubricant before reinstalling them in a new location.
Pay special attention to the plastic bushings and washers, which are often installed between the hinge and the body. Their loss will lead to the door being skewed and a loose fit magnetic seal. Save all small parts in a separate container.
Rehanging the hinges and installing them on the new side
The most critical stage is installing the hinges on the opposite side. On the body of the refrigerator Beko there should already be technological holes closed with plastic plugs. Carefully remove the plugs from the new side and install them on the old, vacated places.
Start installation from the lower support loop. Install it in a new place and securely secure it with bolts. Use torque wrench or just tighten the screws well, but without fanaticism, so as not to strip the threads in the body.
| Fastening element | Thread type | Recommended tightening torque | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top loop | M6 | Medium | Requires precise positioning |
| Central loop | M8 | High | Carries the main load |
| Lower support | M6/M8 | Medium/High | Important for the vertical |
| Door handle | M5 | Low | It is easy to damage the plastic |
Install the bottom door on the bottom hinge, then mount the central hinge by threading the axle through the bottom door. Secure it with bolts. After this, hang the top door. If the model involves connecting wires, carefully pass them through the holes in the loops and connect connectors.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that the wires are not pinched by the metal of the loops and are not stretched. When opening the door, the cable must have a small range of movement, otherwise it may break over time.
Fix the top hinge and tighten all the bolts. Check that all screws are tightened evenly. Misalignment at this stage can lead to the door opening spontaneously or, conversely, too tightly.
Adjusting the position of doors and seals
After assembly, careful adjustment must be made. The door should close tightly around its entire perimeter. Check the operation magnetic seal: it should fit evenly to the body without gaps.
To adjust the height, adjustable supports at the bottom of the refrigerator are often used. By rotating them, you can achieve a strictly horizontal position of the body. If the door warps, loosen the central hinge bolts a little, adjust the position of the door leaf and tighten it again.
In some cases, it may be necessary to warm up the seal with a hairdryer if it deformed during storage or transportation. Warm air will return elasticity to the rubber, and it will take the desired shape, ensuring tightness storage chambers.
Features of models with the No Frost system
Refrigerators Beko with the system No Frost have a more complex door design. There may be channels inside the canvas to circulate cold air. When rehanging, it is important not to damage these channels and the heat-insulating layer.
Pay attention to the plastic plugs at the end of the door. If you are moving the door, you may need to move these plugs to the other side to maintain aesthetics and insulation. New refrigerators often come with spare plugs.
Check the operation of the door sensor. After the rearrangement it should work correctly. If your refrigerator signals that the door is open even though it is closed, the magnet in the door may have moved relative to the sensor in the cabinet. Adjust the position or place a washer.
⚠️ Attention: For models with a door display, a reset or calibration may be required after connection. Refer to the user manual for your specific series Beko.
Do not forget that after rearranging the doors and loading food, the refrigerator will need time (up to 24 hours) to return to operating mode. Do not immediately load the unit with the maximum amount of warm food.
What to do if the door does not hold?
If after installation the door slides or does not lock in the closed position, check the angle of the refrigerator itself. The body should be slightly tilted back. This is adjusted by unscrewing the front support legs.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before hanging the doors?
Yes, this is necessary. Complete defrosting will remove any remaining moisture that could freeze and damage the mechanisms or wiring. In addition, an empty refrigerator is easier and safer to move.
Is it possible to lose the warranty if you move the door yourself?
According to the law, moving the door yourself is not grounds for voiding the warranty if you have not damaged the unit components. However, if problems arise with tightness or hinges, the service center may refuse free repairs.
Where to put the old holes from the hinges?
Plastic plugs are usually included with the refrigerator. Beko . They cover the holes on the side where you hung the door. If the plugs are lost, they can be ordered at the service center or selected by color and size at a hardware store.
Why does the door not close completely after rearrangement?
Most likely, the geometry of the hinges is broken or the refrigerator itself is not level. Check the horizontal position of the housing and, if necessary, tighten the adjusting supports. Also check if anything inside (shelves, food) is in the way.
Is it possible to hang the door on a refrigerator with a built-in handle?
Yes, you can. In such models, the handle is part of the door structure or is attached to special hidden fasteners. The principle of operation is similar, but special care is required when removing decorative panels so as not to break the plastic latches.