Brand refrigerators Biryusa are famous for their reliability and simplicity of design, which has made them popular for decades. However, when changing the layout of the kitchen or moving, it often becomes necessary to change the direction in which the door leaf opens. The model Biryusa 151 technically allows you to perform this operation at home, without the help of professional craftsmen.
The process of rehanging requires care and the presence of a minimum set of tools, since the doors have significant weight. An incorrect sequence of actions can lead to damage to plastic elements or disruption of the housing geometry. It is important to prepare the workspace in advance and empty the unit of products to ensure unobstructed access from all sides.
In this article we will analyze in detail the technical nuances of dismantling and installing hinges, and will also pay attention to adjusting the tight fit of the seal. Compliance with technology ensures that after completion of the work, the refrigerator will function as efficiently as before the intervention.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Before starting active actions, it is necessary to collect all the tools so as not to interrupt the process of searching for the desired item. The main tool will be a 10 mm wrench or socket, since this is the size of the fastener used in most units Turk 151. You will also need a flathead and Phillips screwdriver to work with decorative plugs and screws.
Since refrigerator doors are quite heavy, it is highly recommended to enlist the help of a second person. An assistant will hold the canvas while unscrewing the hinges, which will prevent the metal from falling and possible injury to the legs or damage to the floor covering.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any disassembly work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! This is critical for safety, as you will be working in close proximity to electrical components and wiring.
Free up space around the unit in advance by moving it at least one meter away from the wall. This will provide convenient access to the ends and rear of the case, where additional fasteners or stops can be located.
Hangment diagram and design features of model 151
Refrigerators of the series Biryusa have a classic two-chamber or single-chamber design with an upper freezer. In model 151, the hinges are arranged as standard: top, middle (dividing) and bottom. To rehang, it is necessary to free the threaded holes on the opposite side of the case.
The design of the doors assumes the presence of technological holes closed with plastic plugs. It is to these places that the main load-bearing elements of the canopy will be transferred. It is important to understand that asymmetry the location of handles and opening limiters may require additional manipulations.
In some modifications, the door opening limiter is made in the form of a plastic pin or screw that is screwed into the end of the body. When changing the opening side, this element also moves to the opposite side so that the door does not swing open too wide and damage the furniture.
Examine the ends of the body on both sides carefully. You should see symmetrical holes, some of which are occupied by fasteners, and others are closed with plugs. Make sure that on the new side of the hinge installation the threads in the holes are intact and not torn offas this is the main point of failure during careless installation.
Removing the top door and freezer cameras
We begin the disassembly process from the top of the unit. The first step is to remove the decorative caps from the top panel of the refrigerator using a flat-head screwdriver. Under them are hidden the bolts that secure the upper hinge.
After loosening the fasteners, there is no need to completely remove the upper hinge yet. Simply move it to the side to free access to the door. Ask an assistant to firmly grasp the freezer door and lift it, removing it from the axis of the lower hinge (which in this case is the top hinge for this door, but is structurally part of the middle hinge of the body).
Carefully set the removed door aside, preferably on a soft surface, so as not to scratch the enamel or deform the seal. Now you can completely unscrew the top hinge and remove it from the body, moving the plugs into the vacated holes.
Nuances of storing removed parts
Put all the removed bolts and hinges in a separate container so that they do not get lost. It is recommended to photograph the assembly order before complete disassembly, so that during reassembly there will be no confusion with the length of the screws.
Removing the main door panel
The next step is dismantling the main, lower door of the refrigerator compartment. Here it is important to correctly release the middle loop, which simultaneously holds the bottom of the freezer and the top of the main chamber. Unscrew the bolts securing the middle hinge to the body.
Remove the middle hinge along with the axle. The refrigerator compartment door is now free at the bottom and top. Carefully remove it from the lower support sleeve. Be careful: the weight of this door is significantly greater than that of the top one.
After removing the door, inspect sealing rubber. If it is dirty, wipe it with a soft cloth. Also check the condition of the bushings and washers that can be installed on the hinge axes - they will need to be moved to the new side.
Installing hinges on the new side
Now we move on to installation on the opposite side. Install the lower support sleeve into the corresponding hole in the new location. Place the main door on this bushing, having previously leveled it horizontally.
Install the middle hinge so that its axis fits into the door hole, and the plate itself rests on the end of the body. Secure the hinge with the bolts, but do not tighten them all the way “tight” yet, leaving a small gap for adjustment.
Repeat similar actions with the upper door. Place it on the axis of the middle hinge, install the top hinge on top and secure it with bolts to the top panel of the case. Make sure that all plugs are replaced in their new places, covering the old holes.
☑️ Assembly checklist
Adjusting gaps and tightness
After installing the doors, you need to check the quality of their fit. The gap between the seal and the housing should be minimal around the entire perimeter. If you notice any leaks, you may need to adjust the height of the hinges.
To adjust the height, it is often enough to slightly loosen the middle or bottom hinge mounting bolts and, by raising or lowering the door, achieve the ideal position. Some models Biryusa are provided with adjusting washers under the hinges.
Check the operation closer or magnetic lock. The door should close on its own when opened at an angle of about 30-45 degrees. If the door does not hold or, on the contrary, opens too tightly, check whether it is warped during installation.
| Element | Problem | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | The door is skewed to the side | Loosen the bolts, align, tighten |
| Middle hinge | Large gap at top/bottom | Height adjustment axles or washers |
| Lower support | Creak when opening | Lubricate the bushing with lithium grease |
| Sealant | Does not fit corner | Warm with a hairdryer and straighten |
Common mistakes and their elimination
One of the common mistakes is overtightening the bolts, which can lead to deformation of the threads in the thin metal of the body or the hinge itself. Tighten the fasteners with moderate force, using thread locker if necessary.
Also, people often forget to reset the door opening stop. As a result, the door swings open 180 degrees and can damage the wall or adjacent furniture. Check for the presence of a plastic stop at the end of the body on the new side.
⚠️ Attention: If after rehanging the door does not close tightly, do not try to forcefully slam it. This may damage the mechanism or plastic. Check if anything is interfering with the seal (for example, a shelf or product packaging).
Another important point is the installation level of the refrigerator itself. If the floor is uneven, even a perfectly hung door may open by itself or not close completely. Use a building level to check the horizontal position of the body.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Is it necessary defrost the refrigerator before re-hanging the doors?
Yes, this is highly desirable. First, an empty refrigerator is easier to move and tilt. Secondly, the ice in the evaporator can shift and damage the tubes when the position of the unit changes. Thirdly, water can flow if it is skewed.
Is it possible to rehang the doors by one person?
Technically possible, but very risky. The doors are heavy and slippery. There is a high probability of dropping the door on your foot or breaking the floor. If there is no assistant, use special suction cups for glass or stands, but it is better to wait for help.
What to do if the holes on the new side do not match?
In the factory, the holes on Biryusa 151 should be symmetrical. If the holes do not match, you may not have original hinges from a different model or modification. Check the markings of the parts.
How long can you not turn on the refrigerator after rehanging it?
If you just changed the doors without tilting the refrigerator more than 40 degrees, you can turn it on immediately. If the unit was tilted or lying down strongly, let the oil drain into the compressor for 2-4 hours before starting.