The situation when Stinol refrigerator after purchase it turns out to be inconvenient due to the direction of door opening occurs quite often. Manufacturers often install doors by default on the right side, which does not always correspond to the layout of a particular kitchen. Fortunately, the design of most models of this brand provides the possibility of reweighingwhich allows you to adapt the equipment to suit you.
The process of changing the opening side does not require calling a specialist if you have a basic set of tools and an understanding of the sequence of actions. The main thing is to act carefully so as not to damage facade or the loops, and strictly follow the order of operations. In this article we will analyze all the nuances that will help you do the job efficiently.
Before proceeding with dismantling, you need to make sure that the unit is disconnected from the network and completely defrosted. This is critically important, since water can get into the electrical contacts, and ice can damage the seal during manipulation. It is also worth freeing up space around the equipment in order to have access from all sides.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
To successfully complete the task, you will need a minimum set of tools that any home craftsman will have. The main tool will be screwdriver or a Phillips screwdriver, since most fasteners have a corresponding slot. In some cases, especially for older models, you may need an 8 or 10 mm wrench.
In addition to the main tool, prepare a container for storing screws so that they do not get lost. It is also highly advisable to have an assistant, since the refrigerator door is a heavy and bulky element that is dangerous to remove alone. If you work alone, make sure that the floor is covered with a soft material, such as a blanket or thick cardboard.
It is important to check the packaging: in some modern Stinol models, plugs for the holes are already included, while in others they will need to be rearranged from the back. Make sure you have a soft rag on hand for wiping surfaces and possibly silicone grease for hinges.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Working with live electrical appliances is strictly prohibited by safety rules.
Removing the top panel and top hinge
We start the process from the top of the unit. On many models of Stinol refrigerators, the top cover (if it is removable) is fixed with screws or latches. You will need to carefully remove it to gain access to the top hinge mount. In some modifications, the cover simply moves back after loosening the front clamps.
Next we move on to the top hinge. It supports the weight of the door, so hold the door with your free hand or have an assistant hold it in the closed position. Unscrew the screws securing the hinge to the body, but do not remove the hinge completely yet if the design requires first removing the handle.
If on your model the handle is built into the door or attached through the top, it also needs to be removed or loosened. Often the handle is held in place by screws hidden under decorative caps. Carefully pry them off with a flat screwdriver so as not to scratch the coating facade.
Removing the door and rearranging the handles
Once the top hinge is freed, you can begin to remove the door. Lift the door up to remove it from the bottom support sleeve and carefully set it aside on the prepared soft surface. Be careful: cables run inside the door if you have a model with a display or system No Frost with indication.
Now let's move the handles. On most Stinol models, the handles are symmetrical or have a universal mount. You need to unscrew the mounting screws on one side and tighten them on the other. Pay attention to the holes: if they are closed with plugs on the new side, remove them and move them to the old place.
In some cases, the handles may be made of plastic, which becomes brittle over time. Do not use excessive force to avoid breaking the fastening lugs. If the screws are rusty, pre-treat them with a penetrating lubricant like WD-40 and let sit for a few minutes.
- 🔧 Check the integrity of the threads in the handle holes before installation.
- 🚪 Make sure the caps on the old holes are tight and do not protrude.
- 🧼 Wipe the handle installation area from dust and grease traces before the final tightening.
Working with the lower support and hinge
The lower part of the door rests on a special bushing or pin, which also needs to be rearranged. Remove the bottom trim panel of the plinth (if equipped) to access the bottom hinge. It can be attached with screws to the floor of the refrigerator or to the front panel.
Unscrew the bottom hinge and move it to the opposite side of the case. Pay attention to the design: sometimes it is necessary to turn the loop itself over or use mirrored holes. The refrigerator often comes with a second set of mounting holes, closed with plastic plugs.
If in your model the lower support is made in the form of a plastic sleeve, it must be carefully knocked out or removed from the old socket and pressed into a new one. Make sure that the plug fits tightly and does not wobble, otherwise the door will be skewed.
Installing the door on a new side
Now that all the elements are prepared, you can install the door in its rightful place, but on the other side. Insert the bottom axle or bushing into the prepared socket and place the door on top. Make sure that the holes in the top hinge coincide with the matching holes on the refrigerator body.
Holding the door, put the top hinge in place and tighten the mounting screws. Do not tighten them all the way straight away. First you need to achieve the correct position of the door so that it hangs evenly and closes tightly around the entire perimeter.
Check the operation magnetic seal. The door must fit against the body without gaps. If you notice any misalignment, slightly loosen the top hinge screws and adjust the position, then tighten the fasteners completely. Make sure that the door opens and closes smoothly, without creaking or jamming.
⚠️ Attention: Do not overtighten the hinge screws. This can lead to deformation of the metal or breakage of the thread, which will make further adjustment impossible.
Connecting wires and sensors (for models with a display)
If your Stinol refrigerator is equipped with an external display or an indication system, the wires of which pass through a loop assembly, the work becomes more complicated. In such models, the wires often run inside the hollow axis of the top hinge.
When reversing the door, you must carefully disconnect the wire connectors. They are usually found under the top cap or inside a hollow hinge. Disconnect them smoothly, holding the plastic housing of the connector, and not the wires themselves.
The wires must be moved so that they pass through the loop on the new side. Make sure that when opening and closing the door, the wires are not pulled or pinched by the mechanism. After installation, connect the connectors and check the operation of the display before final assembly of the panels.
What to do if the wires are too short?
In rare cases, the length of the standard wires may not be enough to overhang. In such a situation, you cannot simply increase them by twisting. It is necessary to contact the service center to replace the wiring harness with an extended one designed for the left side.
Adjustment and leak testing
The final stage is checking the quality of the installation. The door should close on its own when opened at an angle of about 30-45 degrees thanks to the magnetic clutch and the slight tilt of the body back. If the door slams or, conversely, does not fit completely, adjustment is required.
In modern models, adjustment is carried out by tilting the entire refrigerator using the front support legs. By unscrewing or tightening them, you change the angle of inclination of the unit. This affects the force of gravity acting on the door.
Check the tightness of the seal using a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet between the door and the body in different places around the perimeter. If the sheet is pulled out with noticeable effort, the seal is good. If the sheet falls out or is pulled out too easily, in this place seal does not fit.
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The door does not close tightly | The hinges are distorted or the seal is dirty | Adjust the hinge screws, wash the seal |
| Strong creaking when opening | Lack of lubrication or the hinge is overtightened | Lubricate the hinges, loosen the fasteners |
| The gap between the door and the body | Incorrect installation of the bushing | Check the fit of the lower support bushing |
| The door opens itself | The body is tilted too far back | Tighten the front legs, level the refrigerator |
After all the manipulations, let the refrigerator stand turned off for about 30 minutes if you actively moved the unit or changed its position in space. This is necessary to stabilize the refrigerant in the system. Then turn on the device and check its operation in normal mode.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do I need to call a technician to hang the door Stinol?
In most cases, calling a specialist is not required. The design of Stinol refrigerators allows you to perform this operation yourself in 30-40 minutes. However, if you have a Side-by-Side model or a French door, or you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to entrust the work to professionals so as not to damage expensive parts.
Is it possible to rehang a door if there are no holes in the body on the other side?
If there are no symmetrical holes for hinges on the refrigerator body, then this particular model is not provides for re-hanging doors. An attempt to drill new holes may damage the thermal insulation layer and break the tightness of the circuit, which will lead to failure of the equipment.
What to do if, after rearranging, the door does not close tightly?
First of all, check whether something is preventing the closing (shelves, products). Then make sure the refrigerator is level. If the problem is with the hinges, try loosening the top hinge, pressing the door firmly, and retightening the screws. Also check the cleanliness of the magnetic seal.
Will the warranty remain valid after re-hanging the door yourself?
According to the law, the consumer has the right to independently service the equipment if this does not require opening sealed circuits (for example, freon). Hanging the door does not compromise the integrity of the cooling systems. However, if in the process you break a handle or hinge, the warranty case will not apply to these elements.