Brand refrigerators Pole have earned a reputation as reliable and durable equipment, but over time there is a need to change the kitchen configuration or replace worn-out elements. Often, owners are faced with a situation where standard door opening becomes inconvenient due to the layout of the room or the location of the furniture. The solution to this problem is to rehang the door, which allows you to change the direction of opening from left to right or vice versa. Reversing the door is a procedure that can be performed independently, having a minimum set of tools and basic technical skills.
Dismantling process and subsequent installation of the canvas requires care, since the design may differ depending on the specific model of the refrigeration unit. In some modifications Polyus the hinges are hidden by decorative overlays, while in others the fastening mechanism is immediately visible. It is important to understand that an incorrect sequence of actions can lead to damage to the seal or misalignment, which will compromise the tightness of the chamber. It is critically important to completely disconnect the device from the power supply before starting work in order to avoid accidentally turning on the compressor or receiving an electric shock when working with metal elements.
This article presents is a detailed manual describing all stages of working with door hinges and fittings. We will look at the nuances of removing the blade, rearranging the handles and adjusting the gaps to ensure a tight fit. Following the described steps will allow you to successfully adapt the equipment to new operating conditions without calling a technician.
Preparation of tools and workplace
Before you begin disassembling the mechanism, you need to prepare all the required tools so as not to be distracted during the work process. For most refrigerator models Pole you will need a standard DIY kit. The main tool will be a wrench or a set of sockets, since the hinge bolts are usually of a significant size to support the weight of the blade.
You will also need a flathead and Phillips screwdriver to remove decorative plugs and dismantle handles. In some cases, a hex key may be useful if the manufacturer used this type of fastener to adjust the height of the legs or fix the hinges. It would be a good idea to have a soft rag or cardboard on hand so as not to scratch the floor and body of the equipment when removing heavy parts.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that the floor under the refrigerator is level and clean. It is better to temporarily remove the glass shelves inside the chambers to reduce the overall weight of the structure and avoid damage to them when the case is skewed during work.
Organize your workspace so that you have free access to the refrigerator from all sides. If the equipment is located close to the wall, it must be moved at least a meter away. This will ensure ease of manipulation and allow the door to open completely during fitting and adjustment.
☑️ Tools for rehanging
Dismantling the top hinge and removing the door
You should start work from the top hinges, since it is this that holds the main weight of the door suspended. In models Polyus the upper loop is often closed with a decorative plastic cover, which must be carefully pryed off with a knife or flat screwdriver. After removing the plug, you will have access to the mounting bolts, which need to be loosened, but not completely unscrewed yet.
Since the door is heavy, ask someone to hold it or use a stop so that it does not fall on your feet when you finally unscrew the bolts. Once the top hinge fasteners are removed, carefully lift the door up, removing it from the bottom hinge axis. Be careful: there may be an electrical cable running inside that connects the lamp or display to the main control unit.
If your model has a cable, it must be disconnected. To do this, find the connector (usually located at the top of the case or inside the loop channel) and carefully disconnect the contacts by pulling the plastic connector, not the wires. Connectors may be tight, so do not pull sharply so as not to damage the wiring.
Flipping the handle and rearranging the fittings
After the door has been removed and placed on a soft surface with the outer side up, you can begin to rearrange the handle. In refrigerators Pole the handle is often attached to screws on the inside of the panel or has a hidden fixation mechanism. Unscrew the fasteners and remove the handle.
On the opposite side of the door you will find holes closed with plastic plugs. Carefully remove the plugs from the side where the handle will stand and install them in the vacant spaces. This is necessary to preserve the aesthetic appearance and protect the internal cavity of the door from dust and moisture.
Install the handle in a new place using the same screws. If the holes do not match or have different threads, refer to the instructions for your specific model, as the kit may include special adapters or additional fasteners. Make sure the handle fits tightly and does not wobble.
- 🔧 Use a magnetic screwdriver to avoid dropping small screws inside the door structure.
- 🔧 Check the integrity of the threaded holes before tightening new bolts.
- 🔧 Make sure the plugs are flush with surface and do not protrude.
Adjusting the bottom hinge and installing the door
The next step is to move the bottom hinge to the opposite side. To do this, unscrew the fastening bolts holding the hinge and remove it. Find the corresponding holes on the opposite side of the case. In some models Pole the holes may be closed with factory plugs that need to be removed.
Install the bottom hinge in a new location and secure with bolts. Now you can begin installing the door. Insert the bottom hinge pin into the corresponding hole on the door and carefully lower the door leaf. Align the top hinge holes on the body and the door.
Insert the top hinge bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet. This will allow for preliminary adjustment of the door position. Make sure that the gaps between the door and the body are uniform around the entire perimeter.
What to do if the holes do not match?
If the holes in the top hinge do not line up with the matching holes on the body, check that the bottom hinge is installed correctly. Sometimes slight adjustment of the height of the legs of the refrigerator is required to level out the skew of the case.
Connecting the electrical and checking the seal
If your refrigerator is equipped with indicators or a lamp, now you need to reconnect the electrical connector. Insert the plug into the mating part until you hear a characteristic click. Make sure that the wires are not pinched in loops or have kinks that could lead to a short circuit.
Pay special attention to the condition sealing rubber. When rehanging the door, it could become deformed or displaced. Carefully inspect the magnetic seal around its entire perimeter. If you notice creases or a loose fit, try heating the problem areas with a hair dryer at low temperature and straightening them with your fingers.
⚠️ Attention: If the seal is severely damaged or has lost elasticity, it must be replaced. A loose fit will result in the compressor constantly turning on and ice formation.
After checking the electrical and seal, finally tighten all the top hinge bolts. Install decorative caps on the hinges and holes where the handle was moved from. Turn on the refrigerator and check the operation of the lighting and the tightness of the closure.
Table of problems and solutions
During the rehanging process, various difficulties may arise related to the operating features of a particular model Pole. Below is a table that will help diagnose and fix the most common problems.
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The door does not fit tight | The hinges are distorted or the seal is dirty | Adjust the height of the legs, clean the rubber |
| The door creaks when opening | Lack of lubrication in the hinges | Lubricate the hinges with technical petroleum jelly or oil |
| The lamp inside does not light | The connector is not connected or the lamp is burned out | Check the wire connection, replace the lamp |
| The door itself opens | Tilting the body back or a weak magnet | Unscrew the front legs to tilt back |
Final adjustment and check of work
The final stage is checking the quality of the work performed. The door should open freely, without effort, and close tightly with a slight push. If the door opens by itself, you need to change the angle of the entire refrigerator. To do this, unscrew the front adjustable feet so that the housing tilts slightly back.
Check the tightness using a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet with the door in different places around the perimeter. If the paper comes out easily, it means that the seal does not fit in this place. In this case, additional adjustment of the hinges or replacement of the seal is required.
Make sure that all decorative elements are in place and do not interfere with the opening of drawers and shelves. Leave the refrigerator turned off for 15-20 minutes after transportation or active work so that the refrigerant stabilizes before loading food.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging the door?
It is not necessary to specifically defrost the unit, but if there is a lot of ice inside, it can complicate the job and create a risk of moisture getting on the electrical contacts. It is better to carry out the procedure when the chamber is empty and dry.
Is it possible to rehang the door if the refrigerator is built into the furniture?
Yes, but this will require dismantling the furniture facades. You will need full access to the sides and top of the refrigerator. Make sure that after rehanging the handle will not rest against the elements of the kitchen unit.
What to do if the hinge bolts are lost?
Do not use random bolts, as the threads may not match or the metal will be too soft. Contact a service center or fastener store with a sample hole to select one similar in strength class and size.
Why does the door not close completely after rehanging?
Most often the reason is incorrect adjustment of the height of the refrigerator legs. The body should be tilted back so that gravity helps the door slam shut. Also check if anything inside the chamber is in the way (shelf, bottle).