A change in the kitchen layout or simply a desire to optimize the workspace often dictates its own conditions. Reversing the door refrigerator is a standard procedure provided by the engineers of the German brand Bosch for most models. Many equipment owners mistakenly believe that this is a complex engineering task that requires calling a specialist, but with a basic set of tools and care, the process takes no more than an hour.
The main purpose of this operation is to change the direction of opening the door to provide convenient access to shelves and products. It is important to understand that the design of modern units, whether classic Bosch Serie 4 or more advanced Bosch Serie 6implies the presence of hidden fasteners and plugs. Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the device from the power supply and remove everything productsto avoid damage to the compressor or falling contents.
In this material we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions, focusing on the nuances of dismantling handles and adjusting canopies. You will learn how to properly prepare your work area and what tools you will need to complete the task safely. A competent approach will allow you to avoid damage to the paintwork or deformation of the seals.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
High-quality preparation is the key to successful completion of the job without scratches on the floor or chips on the body. You will need a minimum DIY kit, which, as a rule, is already in stock. The main attention should be paid to choosing the correct size of screwdrivers, since using the wrong tool can strip the slots on the screws.
For the job you will need the following tools:
- 🔧 Phillips screwdriver (usually PH2) for the main screws.
- 🪛 Flat-blade slotted screwdriver for removing decorative plugs.
- 🔩 8-10 mm wrench or socket (depending on the hinge model).
- 🧤 Construction gloves to protect hands from sharp edges.
- 📏 Level for checking horizontal position after installation.
Free up space in front of the refrigerator. You need to provide easy access to the device from all sides, including the rear, if the model requires dismantling the rear panel to access the fasteners. Cover the floor with cardboard or thick fabric so that the laid parts do not scratch the floor covering.
☑️ Preparing for rehanging
Removing the top panel and top hinge
The first step is always removing the top cover of the refrigerator compartment, if it is structurally provided for in your model. In some modifications Bosch the top panel is decorative and can be removed by simply sliding it back or up after unscrewing the fixing screws. Be careful not to use excessive force so as not to break the plastic latches.
Once the cover is removed, the top hinge becomes accessible. It is she who holds the main weight of the door leaf. Before unscrewing the fasteners, you must lock the door in the open position or ask an assistant to hold it. Abruptly removing the load can lead to the heavy sash falling and injury to the legs.
Unscrew the screws holding the top hinge and remove it along with the pin. Pay attention to the order of the washers and gaskets - they will need to be installed in the same order, but on the opposite side. If you change the opening side, the old holes on the top panel will need to be closed with plugs that come with the refrigerator.
What to do if the screws are soured?
If the screws do not unscrew, do not use excessive force immediately. Treat them with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and wait 10-15 minutes. This will help dissolve corrosion and make it easier to unscrew without breaking the thread.
Removing door handles and rearranging fittings
One of the most delicate operations is dismantling handles. In models Bosch they are often mounted in a hidden way or have decorative caps that hide the mounting screws. You need to remove the handles before you finally remove the door from the lower hinges to make the structure lighter.
Use a thin slotted screwdriver to carefully pry the plugs. Work slowly to avoid damaging the plastic or metal coating. After removing the fasteners, the handle should easily separate from the canvas. If it fits tightly, rock it slightly from side to side, but do not jerk sharply.
After removing the handles from the “old” side, install them on the “new” side. Make sure the holes line up. In some cases, rehanging requires replacing the handles themselves with symmetrical ones, if the design of the model does not imply versatility. The components for hanging are usually in a bag with documents or attached with tape to the back wall of the unit.
Removing the main door and lower hinges
When the top hinge is freed and the handles are removed, you can begin to remove the door leaf. This is the most crucial moment, requiring physical strength and coordination. The refrigerator door Bosch weighs a lot, especially if it is equipped with a system NoFrost with thick walls and metal inserts.
Remove the door from the lower support pin. To do this, lift it strictly vertically upward. Do not allow distortions to avoid bending the pin or damaging the rubber seal. Place the removed door on a previously prepared soft surface with the outer side facing up so as not to scratch the facade.
Now work on the lower hinges. They need to be moved to the opposite side. Often the lower support has an asymmetrical shape, so simply turning it over won’t work - you need to use the supplied parts or rearrange the existing ones in a mirror order according to the diagram in the instructions. Fasten the hinge on the new side using the same screws.
The table below shows the main types of fastenings found in different series of refrigerators:
| Model type | Fasting the upper hinge | Fixing the lower support | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch Serie 2 | 3 screws for the cover | Adjustable leg | Simple design |
| Bosch Serie 4 | 2 screws + pin | Sleeve in the case | Precise positioning required |
| Bosch Serie 6 | Hidden fasteners | Reinforced bushing | Difficult dismantling of handles |
| Side-by-Side | Multi-point | Double support | Need an assistant |
Installing the door on a new side
After preparing the lower support in a new place, you can install the door back. Insert the bottom pin of the door leaf into the prepared hinge socket. Make sure the door is level and not tilted forward or backward. At this stage, one person should hold the sash while the second prepares the top hinge.
Install the top hinge on the new side. Insert the hinge pin into the corresponding hole on the end of the door. This requires precision: if the holes do not line up perfectly, rock the door slightly or tighten the lower support adjustment screws to change the tilt.
Secure the top hinge with the screws, but do not tighten them all the way yet. Leave a small gap for final adjustment of the door position. Check that the door opens and closes freely and that there is no friction against the body.
⚠️ Attention: When installing the door, watch the water supply hose if your model is equipped with a dispenser or system Home Connect. The hose must have sufficient length for the door to move and must not be bent or strained when opening.
Final adjustment and tightness check
The final stage is fine-tuning the position of the door leaf. The door should close tightly around the entire perimeter, ensuring the chamber is sealed. If you notice gaps or a loose fit, use the adjusting screws on the lower support.
Rotating the screws clockwise usually raises the corresponding corner of the door, counterclockwise lowers it. Achieve a position in which the door, when closed, is in the same plane as the refrigerator body and does not protrude forward.
Check the operation of the magnetic lock and the tightness of the seal. To do this, you can conduct a test with a sheet of paper: clamp the sheet between the door and the body at different points. If the sheet is pulled out with noticeable force around the entire perimeter, the tightness is normal.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to hang the door on a Bosch refrigerator with a water dispenser?
Yes, you can, but it is more difficult. The water supply pipe is usually located in one of the doors. When re-hanging, it may be necessary to extend the hose or reconnect it, if the design allows. In some models, the hose already has a sufficient length inside the housing.
What to do if plugs for old holes are lost?
Plugs can be ordered at the official service center Bosch according to the model number of your refrigerator. As a last resort, the holes can be closed with decorative stickers or silicone plugs of a suitable color, selected at a hardware store.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging?
Complete defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, if there is a lot of ice in the freezer compartment, it is better to defrost the unit in advance so that water does not flow out when tilting or removing the doors, damaging the floor covering.
Why does the door not close completely after rehanging?
Most likely, the tilt angle of the refrigerator itself is broken. For proper closure, the housing must be tilted slightly backwards. Adjust the front legs of the refrigerator by unscrewing them so that the front part rises.