Changing the kitchen layout or purchasing new furniture often dictates the conditions for the location of household appliances. Owners of Belarusian-made units are often faced with the need to change the direction of opening the door in order to provide convenient access to products. Reversing the door This is a standard procedure provided for by the design of most models, but it requires care and adherence to the sequence of actions.
Many users are afraid to start such work on their own, in the belief that doing so will void the warranty or compromise the seal. In fact, if you act carefully and do not use excessive physical force where it is not necessary, the entire process takes no more than 30-40 minutes. The main thing is to prepare the workplace and free up space around the equipment.
Before taking up the tools, you need to study the features of your specific device. Models Nord may have different designs of hinges and handle fastenings depending on the year of manufacture and series. In this article we will analyze a universal algorithm that is suitable for most single- and double-chamber refrigerators, and also point out the nuances characteristic of different modifications.
Preparation of tools and workspace
The success of the operation depends 90% on quality preparation. You don't need a complex professional tool; a standard home craftsman's kit is enough. However, it is important that the screwdrivers are in good working order, and their tips fit tightly into the slots of the screws so as not to damage the fastener heads. Phillips screwdriver a medium-sized one will become your main assistant in the dismantling process.
In addition to the screwdriver, you may need an open-end wrench or a socket head 8 or 10 mm, depending on the hinge model. Some modifications Nord equipped with plastic plugs, which are convenient to pry off with a flat object, for example, a butter knife or a special spatula. Also, do not forget to prepare a soft cloth or cardboard to cover the floor and not scratch the door covering during work.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This is critically important, since when removing the doors, you can accidentally touch the backlight wires or sensors if they are not de-energized.
Free up space around the refrigerator. You need to ensure access to the unit from all sides, as sometimes it is necessary to tilt the body or walk around it. Remove all food from the door shelves to reduce its weight and avoid heavy objects falling at the most inopportune moment.
☑️ Ready for work
Dismantling the top hinge and removing the sash
The process always starts from the top of the structure, since that is where the main support unit is located. First, remove the top trim panel if your model has one. It can be secured with latches or small screws. Carefully pry up its edge and remove it, opening access to the top hinge.
Next you need to unscrew the mounting bolts holding the hinge. Here it is important to hold the door itself with a second hand or ask an assistant, since after loosening the bolts it may begin to collapse. Do not unscrew all the bolts all the way at once - loosen them, remove the hinge from the seat, and then remove it completely.
After removing the upper hinge, the door is freed and can be carefully lifted and removed from the lower axis. This is the most difficult stage, requiring physical strength, especially if we are talking about a two-compartment refrigerator with a large freezer. It is better to immediately put the removed door in a safe place so that it does not interfere with further work.
Nuances of old models
In some old Nord models, the upper hinge may be welded or have a specific stopper. If you see that the bolts are missing, carefully inspect the structure - you may need to remove the plastic cover on top of the refrigerator itself to gain access to the axle mount.
Repositioning the lower support and handle
When the door is removed, attention turns to the lower part of the case. The lower support sleeve or pin must be moved to the opposite side. To do this, unscrew the plug from the new side (if installed) and screw the support element into the vacated slot. Some models Nord use a universal bushing, which you simply need to turn over or rearrange.
In parallel with rearranging the support, you need to dismantle the handle. If the handle is overhead, it is usually secured with screws on the inside of the door. Remove them and move the handle to a new location, using the holes that were previously covered with plugs. The plugs, in turn, are installed at the old fastening points.
It is important to check the condition of the threaded connections. If you notice scoring or broken threads, it is better to replace the screws with new ones of the same size. Fastening elements are under constant load, and their reliability directly affects the tightness of the door.
| Element | Action when rearrangement | Where to install |
|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Remove and rearrange | On the opposite upper side |
| Lower bushing | Unscrew and screw | Into the lower hole on the other side |
| Door handle | Dismantle | On new holes on the door |
| Plugs | Remove | Into the vacated holes from the handle and hinges |
Installing the door on the new side
Now that all the preparatory steps have been completed, you can begin installation. Lift the door and slide it onto the lower support sleeve. Make sure it sits straight and tight. After this, install the top hinge in a new place, aligning the holes in the body and on the door.
Insert the mounting bolts into the top hinge, but do not tighten them all the way yet. This is necessary in order to be able to adjust the position of the door. If you immediately fix the hinge “tightly,” it may turn out that the door is skewed and does not close tightly. The gap between the seal and the body should be uniform around the entire perimeter.
After preliminary fixation, check the door movement. It should open and close smoothly, without squeaks or jams. If everything goes well, finally tighten the top hinge bolts. Place the decorative panel in place, snapping it until it clicks.
Adjusting a tight fit and tightness
The final step is checking the tightness. After rehanging, additional adjustments are often required. Visually inspect sealing rubber along the perimeter. It should fit evenly to the body without gaps or waves.
Checking the tightness of the fit is carried out using a simple method: close the door on a sheet of paper. If the sheet is pulled out with noticeable force around the entire perimeter, then the seal is in order. If in some places the paper comes out freely, you need to loosen the hinge fasteners and move the door slightly in the desired direction, or place a washer under the hinge.
Also pay attention to the operation of the light switch and the door open sensor. When rearranging the opening side, the mechanical switch (button) sometimes needs to be moved to the corresponding hole on the opposite side of the housing. Magnet-based sensors (reed switches) usually do not require intervention, since they work through the body.
⚠️ Attention: If after adjustment you still observe ice in the corners of the chamber or condensation on the outside, it means that the door does not fit tightly. Do not ignore this, as the compressor will work hard trying to compensate for the loss of cold.
Frequent errors and troubleshooting
In the process of work, beginners often make typical mistakes that can lead to breakdowns. One of the most common is the loss of fasteners. Refrigerator bolts Nord often have a specific thread or length, so losing even one screw can be a problem. We recommend using a magnetic tray or jar to store all the parts.
Another mistake is overtightening the bolts. Excessive force can cause a crack in the metal door eyelet or break the threads in the body, which is made of thin metal. Tighten the bolts tightly, but without fanaticism. If you feel that the metal is starting to deform, stop.
Sometimes users forget about the plugs. Leaving open holes in a visible place not only spoils the appearance, but can also become a place for moisture or dust to enter the structure. Always check that all technological holes are closed with plastic plugs after installation is complete.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before moving the door?
Full defrosting is not a requirement if you are working quickly. However, if there is a lot of ice in the chamber, the weight of the door increases and there is a risk of damaging the shelves if moved carelessly. It is recommended to at least empty the chamber of food.
Is it possible to rearrange the door if the refrigerator is built into the furniture?
This is possible, but much more difficult. You will need to dismantle the front panels of the furniture and, possibly, partially disassemble the kitchen unit to gain access to the sides of the refrigerator. Built-in models often have their own mounting features, described in separate instructions.
What to do if the holes for the new handle do not match?
In 99% of cases, the holes on refrigerator doors Nord are symmetrical and drilled on both sides. If you don't see any holes, check to see if they are covered with factory stickers or a coat of paint. It is highly not recommended to drill new holes yourself.
Will the temperature settings be lost after a shutdown?
Modern models may lose the settings of the electronic control unit during a long shutdown, but the mechanical regulators (knobs inside the chamber) do not change their position. After turning it on, just check the operating mode and, if necessary, adjust it.