The issue of changing the door leaf hinge is relevant for many owners of household appliances when the standard configuration no longer fits into the geometry of the kitchen. The model Biryusa 153 is a popular two-chamber solution, the design of which allows you to change the opening side without the difficult dismantling of the entire body. This procedure is often required when moving, remodeling a room, or simply to create more convenient access to products.
It is important to understand that before starting any manipulations, you need to make sure there is free space for work. Re-hanging is not just a matter of rearranging handles, it is a change in the position of the main supporting loops and reconnection of electrical circuits, if the model is equipped with an indication. Properly performed work guarantees the preservation of the tightness of the chamber and the long service life of the seals.
The process requires care and adherence to the sequence of actions described by the manufacturer. Incorrect installation can lead to misalignment of the sash, which will cause a loose fit and, as a result, ice freezing or failure of the compressor due to frequent starts. Therefore, it is worth preparing the tool in advance and studying the theoretical part.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
To successfully complete the task, you will need a basic set of home craftsman. The main tool will be hex wrench, which often comes with the refrigerator, or a set of open-end wrenches. In some modifications, screws for a Phillips screwdriver may be used, so it is better to have both variations of tools on hand.
In addition, it would not hurt to invite an assistant, since the doors of two-chamber models weigh a lot, and holding them with one hand while simultaneously unscrewing the fasteners is extremely inconvenient and dangerous. It is better to cover the floor at the work site with thick cardboard or a soft blanket to avoid damage to the floor covering or the equipment itself in case of parts falling.
☑️ Checking readiness for work
Make sure that the refrigerator is disconnected from the power supply. This is a critical safety step because you will have to work with the door alarm's electrical contacts. Even a short-term short circuit of live wires can damage the control unit or melt the insulation.
Removing the top door of the refrigerator compartment
The process should always start from the top door, since it is attached to the body independently of the bottom one, but its removal opens access to the main door mechanisms. First, remove the decorative trim that hides the top hinge. Usually it is held on by latches or a small screw that needs to be unscrewed.
After removing the cover, the upper hinge mechanism will open in front of you. Do not rush to completely unscrew the bolts immediately. First you need to lock the door in the open position or ask an assistant to hold it firmly. A sudden break of the hinge can lead to the sash hitting the body or the floor.
⚠️ Attention: Before unscrewing the top hinge, be sure to check whether the wiring harness passes through it. If the wires go inside the loop, you cannot simply pull them - they may break at the base.
Carefully disconnect the wiring connectors if they are routed outside. In the model Biryusa 153 wires often pass through the cavity of the door to a lamp or sensor. Remember or photograph the position of the contacts so that during assembly you do not confuse the polarity or purpose of the wires.
After turning off the electrics, unscrew the fastening bolts of the upper loop. Remove the hinge along with the axle. The upper door can now be carefully lifted and removed from the lower axle, which is part of the intermediate hinge or housing. Place the sash in a safe place, placing soft material under it.
Nuances of removing hinges
In some modifications of Biryusa 153, the axis of the upper hinge can be pressed into the hinge itself, and in others it can be a separate pin. If the axle does not come out easily, do not use excessive force - it may need to be knocked out from the bottom up using a hammer and drift, after lubricating it with penetrating lubricant.
Removing and preparing the main bottom door
The bottom door of the freezer is more massive and heavy. To remove it, you will need to dismantle the middle hinge, which also serves as a support for the upper chamber. As in the previous case, make sure that all wires going to this section are disconnected.
Unscrew the bolts securing the middle hinge to the refrigerator body. It is important to act carefully here, since after removing the fastenings the door will remain hanging only on the lower axis, creating a huge load on the metal. It is best to support the door from below or from the side while unscrewing the last bolt.
Remove the middle hinge and carefully lower the bottom door onto the prepared surface. Now you need to work on the lowest support loop. It is attached to the bottom of the refrigerator and holds the entire structure. It also needs to be dismantled by unscrewing the corresponding bolts.
After removing all the elements, inspect the holes in the body. On the opposite side, where you plan to hang the doors, there should be similar holes closed with plastic plugs. These plugs need to be removed and moved to the vacant places on the working side.
Reversing the door handles and replacing the plugs
One of the most noticeable parts of the procedure is rearranging the handles. In the model Biryusa 153 they are usually hidden (mortise) or overhead, but in any case they require dismantling. On the inside of the door there are screws that hold the handle.
Unscrew the fasteners and remove the handles from both door leaves. Now they need to be turned 180 degrees or moved to symmetrical holes on the other side, depending on the design of a particular modification. Make sure that the latching mechanism matches the mating part of the lock on the body.
- 🔧 Remove the decorative plugs from the holes for the handles on the new side of the opening.
- 🔧 Install the plugs in the holes vacated after removing the handles.
- 🔧 Check that the plugs sat tightly and did not protrude beyond the plane of the door.
- 🔧 Make sure that the lock mechanism is not blocked and moves freely.
Pay special attention to the condition of the threaded connections. If the screws are old and oxidized, it is best to replace them with new ones of similar size to ensure a secure fit. A loose handle will play and quickly become unusable.
Installing hinges and hanging doors on a new side
Assembly is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling, but on the opposite side of the body. Start by installing the bottom support hinge. Insert it into the prepared holes on the bottom of the refrigerator and tighten the bolts. Do not tighten them completely yet to allow adjustment.
Install the bottom freezer door onto the bottom hinge pin. Have an assistant hold it vertically. Place the middle hinge on the door axle and align the holes with the refrigerator body. Insert the bolts and lightly tighten them.
Now it’s the turn of the top door. Install it on the middle hinge axis. Make sure that the alarm wires are not pinched and pass freely through the channels. Place the top hinge, align the holes and screw in the bolts.
| Work stage | Key action | Required tool | Important nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Disconnection from the network | No | Safety first |
| Dismantling | Removing the top door | Hexagon, screwdriver | Don't forget about the wires |
| Transfer | Rearranging the plugs | Knife or awl | Save all the plugs |
| Installation | Installing hinges | Open-end wrench | Do not tighten all the way immediately |
| Adjustment | Alignment of gaps | Adjusting bolts | Checking tightness |
Adjusting gaps and checking tightness
After All doors are installed in their new positions, final adjustments need to be made. If you simply tighten all the bolts “tightly,” it may turn out that the doors are skewed and do not fit tightly around the entire perimeter. This will lead to loss of cold.
Close the doors and visually assess the gaps between the body and the seal. They should be uniform along the entire length. If in any part the door moves away, slightly loosen the bolts of the corresponding hinge and swing the door in the desired direction, then tighten the fasteners again.
⚠️ Attention: The design of the hinges may include adjusting screws. Do not overtighten them, as you can break the threads in the aluminum hinge body or deform the metal of the door.
To check the tightness, use a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet with the door around the perimeter. It should be removed with noticeable force. If the paper falls out on its own or comes out too easily, it means that the seal does not fit in this place, and additional adjustment of the hinge height is required.
Also check the operation of the door switch (alarm). When the door is open, the light should be on (if there is a lamp) and the signal should sound (if the model is equipped with a sound alert). If the alarm does not work, check the connection of the connectors that you disconnected at the beginning.
Possible problems and ways to eliminate them
Unforeseen difficulties may arise during the work. For example, the wires may be too short for the new configuration. In this case, you cannot tighten them. It is necessary to carefully unravel the bundle inside the insulation (if possible) or reconnect the contacts closer to the beginning of the wire, if the design allows.
Another common problem is that the door opens on its own or slams when closing. This is a sign that the refrigerator is not level. The tilt of the body should be slightly backward so that the door tends to close under the influence of gravity. Adjust the height of the front support legs of the refrigerator.
- 🛠 The door creaks - lubricate the rubbing parts of the hinges with edible oil or special lubricant.
- 🛠 The door does not stay open - check the tilt angle of the refrigerator back.
- 🛠 If cracks form, check if anything is interfering with the seal (for example, packaging or a shelf).
If after all the manipulations you notice that the seal is deformed (which often happens when used for a long time in one position), you can try to restore it. To do this, use a hairdryer: gently heat the deformed area and straighten it with your fingers, pressing it against the cold metal to fix the shape.
Is it possible to hang the door yourself without experience?
Yes, this is possible if you strictly follow the instructions and have basic skills in working with the tool. The main thing is to take your time and enlist the help of a second person to hold heavy doors.
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging it?
It is desirable, but not necessarily completely. However, if there is a lot of ice in the freezer, the door may jam or ice may begin to leak when the cabinet is tilted. It is better to carry out the procedure after complete defrosting.
What to do if the holes for the hinges do not fit?
In the factory, all holes are already drilled. If you do not find holes on the desired side, check to see if they are covered with decorative inserts. It is strictly forbidden to drill new holes in the case - this will violate the thermal insulation and warranty.
Will the warranty remain valid after re-hanging?
According to the law, re-hanging the door yourself does not void the warranty if the refrigerator components were not damaged in the process. However, if you break the thread or break the glass of the shelf, this will not be a warranty case.
How often can you rehang the doors?
Technically there are no restrictions, but each dismantling wears out the threaded connections and seals. It is not recommended to do this more than once every few years unless absolutely necessary.