The need to change the opening direction of the door of a refrigeration unit often arises when moving, remodeling a kitchen, or purchasing a new model Samsung. As standard, appliances are usually supplied with right-hand opening, which is not always convenient in the conditions of a particular kitchen set. Fortunately, the design of most modern models of the South Korean brand provides for the possibility of reverse installation leaves.
This procedure requires accuracy, a basic set of tools and an understanding of the structure of hinge mechanisms. Incorrect assembly can lead to skewed fabric, loose seal and, as a result, increased energy consumption. In this article, we will analyze in detail the process of rehanging doors on various models Samsung, paying attention to the nuances of dismantling and adjustment.
It is important to understand that modern refrigerators can be equipped with systems No Frost or Multi-Flow, which imposes certain restrictions when working with wiring and sensors. Before starting any manipulations, it is strongly recommended to disconnect the device from the power supply and empty the internal space of food. This will ensure the safety of work and the safety of the contents of the cells.
Necessary tools and preparation of the work area
Quality performance of work directly depends on the preparation of the workplace and the availability of suitable tools. You don't need complex industrial equipment, but using the wrong items can damage the decorative elements of the case. Prepare everything you need in advance so as not to be distracted during the work process.
The main tool will be a wrench, the size of which usually corresponds to the fastening of the hinges (most often 8, 10 or 13 mm). You may also need a Phillips head screwdriver to remove trim caps and plastic pieces. To protect the flooring, it is recommended to lay thick cardboard or soft fabric.
- 🛠️ A set of wrenches or an adjustable wrench to loosen fastening bolts.
- 🔧 Phillips screwdriver for dismantling handles and decorative panels.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges of the metal profile.
- 📦 An assistant for holding a heavy door while removing the hinges.
Particular attention should be paid to the stability of the refrigerator. Before starting work, the device must be positioned strictly horizontally. If the floor is uneven, use the adjustable support feet to keep the cabinet stable. This will prevent the structure from wobbling when unscrewing the fasteners.
⚠️ Attention: Do not attempt to carry out work on a slippery or sloping floor. A heavy door falling may cause injury or damage to the compressor if it hits the housing.
☑️ Preparing to re-hang
Dismantling the upper door and removing the hinges
The process begins with the upper chamber, since it is usually lighter and more accessible. The first step is to remove the decorative plug that hides the top hinge mounting bolts. It can be made in the form of a plastic cover or sticker, which must be carefully pryed off with a knife or flat screwdriver.
After gaining access to the fasteners, do not rush to immediately unscrew the bolts completely. First you just need to loosen them to make sure that the mechanism is movable. Then call an assistant who will hold the door while you finally unscrew the bolts and remove the top hinge.
Immediately place the removed hinge and fasteners in a separate container so as not to lose them. On some models Samsung with the system Space Max the hinges may be recessed deeper, so be careful not to strip the threads. After removing the hinge, the door can be carefully lifted and removed from the lower pin.
If a handle is installed on the door, it can also be removed if the design does not allow you to simply turn the door over. The handle fasteners are often hidden under decorative plugs on the inside of the door. Be careful with plastic elements, as they become brittle in the cold.
What to do if the bolts are rusty?
If the mounting bolts cannot be unscrewed due to corrosion, treat them with a penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40) and leave for 10-15 minutes. Do not use excessive force to avoid stripping the bolt head. As a last resort, you can gently heat the connection with a hairdryer, but avoid overheating the painted surfaces.
Working with the bottom door and lock mechanism
The bottom door of the refrigerator is usually more massive and heavier than the top. When dismantling it, it is critical to securely fix the device body. In some models Samsung the lower hinge is combined with the latch mechanism, which requires special attention during disassembly.
To remove the lower door, you must first remove the middle partition (if it is removable) or gain access to the lower fasteners. Often the mounting holes are covered with plastic plugs that need to be removed. After unscrewing the bolts, the door is removed together with the hinge or separately, depending on the design.
- ❄️ Remove all shelves and drawers from the lower chamber for easier access.
- 🔩 Unscrew the lower support hinge, having previously secured the door.
- 🚪 Carefully put the removed door in a safe place so as not to scratch the enamel.
The door latching mechanism deserves special attention. When changing the opening side, it is necessary to move the latches and mating parts of the lock to the opposite side. To do this, use a special tool or a regular screwdriver included in the delivery kit (often it is attached to the back of the compressor housing).
In models with a display or system Family Hub a cable can pass through the door. In this case, it is necessary to very carefully disconnect the connectors, having first photographed their position. Do not pull the wires sharply to avoid damaging the contacts.
⚠️ Attention: When working on electrical components inside the door, make sure that the refrigerator is completely de-energized. A short circuit in the display cable can damage the control board.
Rearranging fasteners and plugs
The most critical stage is the transfer of all fasteners to the opposite side. There are symmetrical technological openings on the refrigerator body and on the ends of the doors. Those holes that were previously used now need to be closed with plugs, and those that were closed must be used.
The plugs (plastic or rubber) are removed from the used holes using a thin blade or needle. They are then installed in the holes on the new opening side. It is important that the plugs fit tightly and do not protrude beyond the surface, otherwise the door will not close tightly.
If the refrigerator model allows for rearranging the handle, find threaded holes on the back of the door. They are usually covered with decorative stickers or plastic inserts. Carefully remove them, install the handle and secure with bolts from the inside.
There are also seats for metal hinges and pins on the other side. Make sure all holes line up. In some cases, it may be necessary to turn the hinge itself over or use special adapters included in the kit.
| Design element | Action when changing sides | Installation features |
|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Move to the opposite corner | Make sure the pin and hole match |
| Lower support | Dismantle and install mirrored | Requires precise alignment before tightening |
| Plugs | Move to free holes | Must be flush with the surface |
| Door handle | Twist to the other side | Use holes with reverse side |
Assembling the structure and adjusting the gaps
Assembly is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. The bottom door is installed first. It is put on the lower pin of the hinge and secured with the upper fasteners, but do not tighten the bolts until they stop. This is necessary for subsequent adjustment of the position of the canvas.
Then the upper door is installed. It is important to correctly align the axes of rotation. After hanging the doors, check their movement: they should open and close freely, without creaking or jamming. If the door touches the body, it is necessary to loosen the fastenings and move the leaf slightly.
Adjusting the gaps is a critical step to ensure tightness. The door should fit equally around the entire perimeter of the body. To check, use a sheet of paper: clamp it between the door and the body at different points. If the paper is removed with the same force along the entire perimeter, the adjustment is correct.
Final tightening of the bolts is carried out only after you are sure of the correct positioning. Use torque wrench or act carefully so as not to overtighten the threads. Excessive force can deform the metal and disrupt the geometry of the door.
Tightness check and testing work
After completion of installation, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive check. Visually inspect the perimeter of the door: the rubber seal should evenly touch the body. There should be no visible gaps or areas where the elastic is turned outward.
Plug in the refrigerator and let it run for about 30-40 minutes. During this time, the compressor should gain speed, and the temperature in the chambers will begin to decrease. Listen to the operation of the unit: the appearance of new noises or vibrations may indicate a misalignment of the door.
- 👁️ Visually check the tightness of the magnetic seal.
- 🌡️ Make sure that after an hour of operation it is cold inside and the outside walls do not overheat.
- 🔊 Listen to the absence of extraneous sounds of friction or air whistling.
If you notice that the door opens on its own or, conversely, closes too tightly, you will need to readjust the hinges. In models with digital control check whether the temperature settings have been lost due to a temporary power outage.
⚠️ Attention: If, after rehanging the door, the refrigerator begins to work longer than usual or frost appears on the walls, then the seal is broken. Re-check the seal fit.
How to check the tightness without tools?
Take a thin sheet of paper or a banknote. Swipe it around the entire perimeter of the closed door. In places where the paper slips too easily or, on the contrary, gets stuck tightly, adjusting the height of the hinge is required.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to rearrange the door on a Samsung refrigerator with a display?
Yes, on most models with a display this is possible. However, special care is required when disconnecting wire loops. Be sure to turn off the power and carefully remove the connectors without pulling on the wires. After rearranging, check the operation of the display.
Do I need to wait after installation before turning it on?
If the refrigerator was just standing upright, 2-3 hours are enough to stabilize the oil in the compressor. If, when rearranging the doors, the unit was tilted strongly (more than 40 degrees), it is recommended to wait 4-6 hours before the first start.
What to do if the holes for the hinges do not match?
In the original designs Samsung all holes are symmetrical. If they do not match, you may be using the wrong hinges from a different model or have installed the wrong side. Check the markings of the parts.
Will the warranty remain valid after re-hanging the doors?
Re-hanging the doors yourself, as a rule, does not void the warranty if you have not damaged the components or broken the seals on the compressor. However, if problems arise with tightness, the service center may refuse free repairs.
Where to put the old plugs and bolts?
Save the entire set of fasteners and plugs in the original packaging or signed package. They may be needed if you decide to return the door to its original position or when moving, to secure the doors with tape.