Changing the side of the refrigerator door opening is not just a whim, but often a necessity dictated by a new kitchen layout or ergonomic features. Equipment owners Biryusa often face the question of whether it is possible to change the linkage themselves without calling a technician. The answer is clear: yes, it’s quite possible to do it yourself if you follow a certain algorithm and take your time.
Unlike many modern models with complex electronics in the doors, classic refrigerators Biryusa are designed quite simply. The reweighing mechanism is provided here by the manufacturer, which is confirmed by the presence of plugs on the opposite side of the case. However, the process requires care, since the door leaf weighs a lot, and the risk of dropping it or damaging the enamel is quite high.
Before proceeding with dismantling, it is necessary to prepare the workspace. You will need a clear area in front of the refrigerator to place the removed parts. It is also important to have all the necessary tools at hand so as not to be distracted by searching for them in the midst of work. In this article we will analyze each stage in detail, from preparation to final adjustment.
Preparation of tools and workplace
The success of the operation depends 80% on quality preparation. You should not start working “by eye”, relying on chance. To hang the refrigerator door Biryusa you will need a standard DIY kit, which most men have. If you live alone, it is strongly recommended to call an assistant, since holding a heavy door and unscrewing the bolts at the same time is extremely inconvenient and dangerous.
The main list of tools includes wrenches (usually 10 and 8), flat and Phillips screwdrivers, as well as a construction knife or spatula for working with plugs. Sometimes pliers may be needed if the hinges are stuck or rusty. It is better to immediately put all fasteners in a separate container so as not to lose small washers or bushings.
- 🛠️ Wrenches (sizes 8, 10, sometimes 13 mm depending on the model).
- 🪛 Screwdrivers: flat (wide and narrow) and Phillips (PH2).
- 🔪 Construction knife or thin spatula for removing decorative plugs.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
Pay special attention to lighting. You should not work in the twilight, as you may not notice a crack in the metal or install the gasket incorrectly. Clear the space in front of the refrigerator by at least one and a half meters in advance. This will allow you to conveniently maneuver the door and place it on the prepared surface without scratching the floor or the equipment itself.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to unplug the refrigerator from the power supply! Unplug the plug from the socket. This is necessary not only for your safety, but also to ensure that the compressor cools down and the oil flows into the crankcase, which will make it easier to move the unit.
Dismantling the top part and removing the door
The process begins from the top of the refrigerator. This is where the main hinge is attached, holding the weight of the door leaf. First you need to remove the top cover (if there is one) or the decorative plug covering the mounting bolts. In models Biryusa these plugs are often simply inserted into the holes and can be easily removed using a knife or thin screwdriver.
After freeing access to the fasteners, do not rush to immediately unscrew the bolts completely. Loosen them, but leave them a little twisted so that the door does not fall on your feet at the most inopportune moment. Have a helper hold the door while you finally unscrew the top hinge. Now you can carefully remove the door from the bottom pin and put it in a safe place, placing it on a soft cloth or cardboard.
☑️ Preparation for dismantling
At this stage, it is important not to lose the intermediate bushings or washers that may be on the hinge axis. Inspect the removed part: if there are traces of corrosion or burrs on it, it is better to immediately clean them with sandpaper. This will ensure the door moves smoothly after reinstallation. Also check the condition of the rubber seals - when removing the door, they can easily be damaged by the body protrusions if you act carelessly.
The removed door must be positioned correctly. Place it outside down on a pre-spread blanket or several layers of cardboard. This will prevent scratches on the glossy surface and protect the floor from damage. Now you have access to the bottom of the door and the corresponding holes for reinstallation.
Rearranging fasteners and plugs
The most crucial moment is moving the fittings to the opposite side. On the refrigerator body Biryusa, as a rule, there are already technological holes on the back side, closed with plastic plugs. Your task is to carefully remove these plugs from the “working” side and install them on the “new” side, closing the vacated holes.
To remove the plugs, use a thin screwdriver tip or a knife. Be careful not to scratch the enamel around the hole. If the plugs are very tight, you can slightly warm them with a hairdryer (without overheating the plastic) to make them softer. After rearranging the plugs, it is necessary to move the loop (or pin) itself from one side to the other. In some models the hinges are symmetrical, in others they have a strictly defined orientation, so carefully study their design before installation.
| Element | Action when rearranging | Nuances for the model Turquoise |
|---|---|---|
| Top loop | Transferred to the opposite side | Often has a pin inserted into the body |
| Bottom support | Twisted at the bottom doors | May require removal of decorative panel |
| Plugs | Change places (from left to right) | They sit tightly, require careful removal |
| Door handle | Remains in place (if built-in) | On older models it may require turning over |
Do not forget about the bottom of the door. There may also be a strike plate or pin located there. It must be unscrewed on one side and screwed into the corresponding hole on the other. It is better to first wipe the threaded connections from dust and dirt. If the thread is “licked” or the bolt is tight, do not use excessive force - it is better to use a penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40) and wait 10-15 minutes.
What to do if the holes do not match?
In some rare cases, especially on very old Biryusa models, the holes may not be through or have different carving Carefully inspect the inside of the refrigerator wall through the mounting hole. If there is no thread, your model may not allow for re-hanging without drilling new holes, which is strictly not recommended to be done yourself due to the risk of damaging the thermal insulation and freon system.
Installing the door on a new side
After all the fasteners have been transferred, you can begin installation. This step is best done together. One person holds the door upright, aligning the bottom hole of the door with the installed pin on the refrigerator body. The second one controls the upper part at this moment, preparing to fix the hinge.
Carefully lower the door onto the lower axis. Make sure it sits straight and tight. Now you need to put the top hinge on the end of the door and the body, aligning the holes. Insert the bolts and start tightening them. Do not tighten the upper hinge bolts all the way right away! Leave them a little play so that you can adjust the position of the door relative to the body.
- 🚪 Align the bottom hole of the door with the support pin.
- 🔩 Put on the top hinge and tighten the fastening bolts.
- 📏 Check the vertical installation of the door visually and using a level.
- 🔧 Tighten the bolts completely only after successfully checking the gaps.
Why is it important not to tighten the bolts right away? The fact is that during final assembly the door may be skewed, and then it will either not fit tightly to the body or touch it when opening. By leaving the bolts slightly loose, you can wiggle the door to achieve the ideal position and only then record the result. This is a key point for the quality operation of the mechanism.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that when installing the door you do not pinch or twist the rubber seal. If the seal is deformed, the refrigerator will not be airtight, which will lead to continuous operation of the compressor and the formation of ice.
Adjusting the position and tightness of the fit
The final stage is adjustment. Even if the door visually stands straight, there may be nuances with the tightness of the fit. Open the door 45 degrees and release. It should pull smoothly but confidently towards closure under the action of the seal magnets. If the door “does not want” to close on its own or, on the contrary, slams too sharply, tilt adjustment is required.
To adjust the tilt, changing the height of the front legs of the refrigerator is often used. By twisting them, you change the angle of inclination of the entire body back, which facilitates the natural closing of the door under the influence of gravity. You can also slightly loosen the top bolts and move the door left-right or up-down, achieving a uniform gap around the entire perimeter.
Check the door operation when open. It should not open too wide on its own (more than 90 degrees), unless your model has a special limiter. Make sure that when closing, light does not shine anywhere through the gaps between the door and the body. You can do a simple test with a sheet of paper: hold the sheet in a door and try to pull it out. If the sheet is held tightly around the entire perimeter, tightness is ensured.
Common mistakes and operating tips
Often beginners make mistakes that negate all the work. The most common is ignoring the cleaning of the seal and sealing areas before installation. Dust and crumbs can break the seal. They also often forget to lubricate the rubbing parts of the hinges (if provided for by the design) with a special lubricant that does not leave marks, for example, silicone.
Another mistake is the use of inappropriate tools. Do not try to unscrew the bolts with pliers if they are intended for a key. This will break the edges, and then removing the fasteners will turn into real torture. If the bolt does not fit, it is better to drip with lubricant and wait rather than tear off the thread.
After rearranging, let the refrigerator stand alone for at least 2-3 hours before turning it on. This is necessary so that the refrigerant and oil in the compressor calm down after shaking and moving. Only after this can you connect the device to the network and load products.
In operation after rehanging, watch the first cycles of work. If you hear a strange squeaking sound or see that the door has become less able to close, it may be worth re-checking the adjustment of the legs or the condition of the seal. A correctly hung door will serve for years without causing problems.
Is it possible to rearrange the door on a Biryusa two-chamber refrigerator?
Yes, on most Biryusa two-chamber models (where the freezer is on top or bottom), rearrangement is possible. However, the process will be more difficult, since both doors will have to be removed. The procedure is similar: first remove the upper door, then the lower one. It is important not to confuse the loops and follow the sequence of actions for each compartment.
What to do if the plugs for the holes are lost?
Plugs are consumables. If you've lost or broken your old ones, don't leave the holes open (this will ruin the insulation). You can order a set of plugs at the Biryusa service center or simply seal the holes with decorative stickers or pieces of plastic to match the body, placing them on glue.
Do you need to change the seal when moving the door?
The seal itself does not need to be changed if it is intact and elastic. However, if you notice that after rearrangement it has become deformed or has lost its magnetic properties, replacement would be advisable. The new seal will provide better tightness and energy efficiency.
Why did the door begin to open on its own after the rearrangement?
Most likely, the angle of the refrigerator is broken. Make sure the front legs are twisted out so that the body is slightly tilted back. If the legs are twisted equally or the front legs are twisted too tightly, the door will open under the influence of gravity. Also check if the door is touching the floor or rug.