Changing the kitchen layout or simply wanting to improve the ergonomics of the workspace often requires changing the direction of opening the refrigerator door. Equipment owners Beko often face the need to move the attachment to the opposite side in order to provide convenient access to products. Modern models of refrigeration units of this brand, as a rule, are designed taking into account the possibility of reversible installation, which allows you to perform the procedure yourself without calling a specialist.
The process of rehanging is not a complex engineering task, but it requires care, accuracy and a minimum set of tools. An incorrect sequence of actions can lead to damage to decorative elements or a violation of the tightness of the circuit. It is important to understand that the design of hinges for different series Beko may differ, so before starting work it is worth visually assessing the type of fastening.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions necessary for the safe dismantling and installation of door leaves on the other side. You will learn about the nuances of adjusting gaps and the features of transferring fittings. Compliance with technology will extend the service life of your equipment and avoid distortions in the future.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
Before you begin physical intervention in the design of the unit, it is necessary to properly prepare the work area. A refrigerator is a heavy piece of equipment, and its stability is critical to your safety. Free up space around the appliance by removing rugs and foreign objects that may interfere with access to the lower part of the case.
To complete the task, you will need a standard DIY kit. The main tool will be screwdriver or a set of screwdrivers with different tips (phillips and flat). You may also need a wrench if the fastening bolts have a hex head, or a special wrench for furniture.
- 🛠️ Phillips screwdriver (PH2) for medium-sized screws.
- 🔧 Flat-head screwdriver for carefully removing decorative plugs.
- 🔑 8-10 mm wrench or socket for the main bolts.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
Be sure to empty the door shelves of food and remove all removable elements to reduce the weight of the structure. This will not only make the work easier, but will also prevent heavy objects from accidentally falling during the dismantling process. Make sure the floor is level and clean.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! Unplug the cord from the socket to eliminate the risk of electric shock if you accidentally damage the wiring in the doorway.
Removing the top panel and top hinge
The remodeling process begins from the top of the refrigerator. In most models Beko the top cover (top) is attached to the body using screws, which can be hidden under decorative plugs or rubber feet. Carefully pry up the plugs with a flathead screwdriver to gain access to the fasteners.
Once the screws are removed, remove the top panel. It can be held quite tightly, so sometimes a slight rocking from side to side is required. Under the panel you will see the top hinge to which the refrigerator door is attached. This is where the main stage of work begins.
Do not remove the loop completely right away. Loosen the mounting bolts first, but leave them in the holes to prevent the door from falling. Have a helper hold the door or use a stop. Then unscrew the bolts completely and remove the hinge along with the door.
Nuances of the design of the top cover
In some Beko models, the top cover can be secured with latches. Do not use excessive force. If the cover cannot be removed after unscrewing all visible screws, check for hidden fasteners on the front or back of the top.
The door should be placed in a safe place, leaning against the wall, after placing a soft cloth or cardboard so as not to scratch the front surface. Now you have access to the internal elements of the upper part of the opening.
Removing the refrigerator door
By removing the top hinge, you have actually freed the top door. However, in order to move the hinge, it is often necessary to remove the middle hinge (if the refrigerator is a two-chamber one) in order to gain access to the mounting holes on the opposite side. In some models middle hinge it is a single unit covering both doors.
If the design involves separate hinges, then after removing the upper part it is necessary to dismantle the middle support. To do this, you need to hold the bottom door of the freezer, as it may become unstable. Unscrew the bolts securing the middle hinge to the refrigerator body.
Now you can remove the refrigerator door. Carefully lift it, moving the axle out of the lower mounting hole (or freeing it from the middle loop). Set the door aside. Now attention turns to preparing the case for a new installation.
☑️ Ready for rehanging
It is important not to lose small parts, such as washers, bushings and the screws themselves. Lay them out on the table in order of removal. This will help avoid confusion during assembly, since the length of fasteners for different units may differ.
Transfer of fittings elements to the other side
The most critical stage is the transfer of technical holes and fittings. On the opposite side of the refrigerator body Beko usually there are already factory holes closed with plastic plugs. You will need to remove these plugs and install them in place of the old holes to maintain the aesthetic appearance.
Remove the metal bushings and pins from the old seats using a screwdriver or pliers. Carefully, without distortion, press them into the prepared holes on the new side. Make sure that the bushings fit tightly and do not protrude beyond the body.
Now you need to rearrange the handle if it is asymmetrical or has a specific fastening. In most modern models, the handles are symmetrical, but may require tightening the mounting screws on the inside of the door. Use long Phillips screwdriver to access the screws through the technological holes.
| Element | Action | Tool | Nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper loop | Shift to the other side | Key/Screwdriver | Check pin length |
| Medium hinge | Dismantling and installation mirrored | Wrench | Keep an eye on the bushings |
| Plugs | Replacement | Flat screwdriver | Do not damage the plastic |
| Door stop | Reposition to the bottom corner | Screwdriver | Important for tightness |
Do not forget about door stop (clamp), which is usually located in the lower corner of the opening. It also needs to be moved to the opposite side, otherwise the door will not close tightly in the extreme position. To do this, you may need to remove the bottom plinth of the refrigerator.
⚠️ Attention: When rearranging the plastic plugs, proceed carefully. The plastic on older refrigerators can be brittle. If the plug is broken, order a new one from the manufacturer, otherwise moisture and dust will get inside the case.
Installing the bottom freezer door
Installation begins with the bottom door (freezer compartment). Install the bottom support hinge (or move the existing one) to the new location, aligning the holes with the body. Secure it with the bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet, so that micro-adjustments of the position remain possible.
Insert the axis of the lower hinge into the seat on the freezer door. Lift the door and place it on the pin. Make sure the door is level and not tilting back or forward. If the design includes intermediate bushings, install them according to the assembly diagram.
After installing the lower door, check that it moves easily. It should not rub against the body of the refrigerator. If friction is observed, it will be necessary to adjust the hinge height or the position of the stoppers.
Tighten the lower hinge mounting bolts. Now the lower part of the structure is fixed and ready for installation of the upper level. Make sure that the gap between the door and the body is approximately the same around the entire perimeter.
Mounting the top door and final assembly
It's time to install the top door of the refrigerator compartment. Align the holes on the bottom of the top door with the top of the bottom hinge (or middle support). Insert the pin or axle. Proceed carefully, as the top door is usually heavier and larger.
Install the top hinge on the refrigerator lid (or directly on the body if the lid is already installed). Align the hinge holes with the holes on the end of the top door. Screw in the mounting bolts, securing the door in the closed position.
Now you can finally tighten all the bolts. Start with the top loop, then check the middle and bottom. Make sure all connections are secure. Return the top decorative panel (top) to its place and secure it with screws.
Check the work magnetic seal. The door should fit tightly around the entire perimeter of the body. If in any place you can see a gap through which the cold can escape, you will need to additionally adjust the height of the hinges or check that the refrigerator itself is installed evenly on the floor.
Adjusting gaps and eliminating distortions
After assembly, a situation often arises when the doors are skewed or one of them protrudes relative to the other. To eliminate this defect, the hinge design Beko provides an adjustment system. Usually it consists of loosening the fastening bolts and moving the hinge up and down or left and right.
If the door is skewed diagonally, try placing a thin washer under one side of the hinge or, conversely, removing the existing one. Also make sure that the refrigerator itself is strictly horizontal. Use a building level to check.
- 📏 Adjust the height of the legs of the refrigerator to level the body.
- 🔩 Loosen the hinge bolts gradually, checking the result after each turn.
- 👀 Move 2-3 meters away to visually assess symmetry.
A frequent problem is the top door not closing tightly. This may be due to the loop being too low. Raise it by placing adjusting washers. If the door, on the contrary, opens by itself, the refrigerator may be tilted too far forward - adjust the front support legs.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use excessive force when tightening the hinge bolts. The aluminum case or plastic inserts may not withstand the tension and crack. Use moderate force.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to rearrange the door on a Beko refrigerator without removing the top cover?
In most models this is not possible. The top cover blocks access to the top hinge mounting holes. Its removal is a mandatory step for safe dismantling and rehanging.
What to do if the holes on the new side do not match?
The factory holes should match perfectly. If this does not happen, check that the inner bushings are installed correctly and that the left and right sides are not mixed up when dismantling. You cannot drill new holes in the body.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before moving the door?
Complete defrosting is not required, but it is necessary to empty the shelves of food and remove them. This will reduce the weight of the structure and prevent food from spilling out when the doors are tilted during operation.
Why does the door not close completely after moving?
Most likely, you forgot to move the lower door stopper (latch) to the opposite side or incorrectly adjusted the tilt of the refrigerator itself. Also check if anything is interfering with the seal.