The question of how to change the opening direction of the door often arises when remodeling a kitchen or purchasing a new set. Modern models Samsung with the system No Frost are designed taking into account the possibility of reverse, which allows you to adapt the equipment to a specific space. However, despite its apparent simplicity, this process requires accuracy, a certain set of tools and an understanding of the design of the hinges.
An incorrect sequence of actions can lead to damage to the fittings or a violation of the tightness of the seal. In this article we will analyze in detail the process of rehanging doors for various series of refrigerators, including two- and three-chamber models. You will learn about the intricacies of removing electronic modules and correct adjustment of gaps.
Before starting work, it is important to clear the space around the unit and prepare a flat surface. Many users underestimate the weight of door panels, so having an assistant will not be amiss, especially when working with wide models Side-by-Side or Twin Cooling. Below is a complete algorithm of actions that will help you complete the task yourself.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work on dismantling structural elements, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the electrical network to avoid a short circuit or electric shock.
Preparation for the process requires not only physical readiness, but also the right tools. For most models Samsung you will need a standard kit, which can often be found in your home toolbox. The key is to use the right tools to avoid stripping the threads on the bolts.
You will need the following items to successfully complete the task:
- 🛠️ A set of screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead) for removing decorative caps.
- 🔧 An adjustable wrench or a set of open-end wrenches (usually 8, 10 mm).
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
- 📦 A small container for folding fasteners so that they do not get lost.
Particular attention should be paid to the model of your device, since the design of the hinges may vary. Some series use hex bolts, others use standard nuts. If you have a model with a display on the door, the list of tools may expand due to the need to work with plastic latches.
☑️ Ready for work
The first stage of work is dismantling the upper part of the structure. In refrigerators Samsung the top hinge is often hidden under a decorative cover, which must be carefully removed. You should act without excessive force so as not to break the plastic clips.
After removing the cover, access to the upper hinge fastening bolts becomes available. They must be unscrewed, but not removed completely if the door is not yet secured from below. In models with digital display at this stage, the cable of wires going to the control panel is also disconnected.
It is important to remember the order of disconnecting the wires or photograph the connectors, since the color marking may not be obvious. The cables usually have latches that need to be bent before removing the connector. Sudden movements are unacceptable here, since the wires Samsung are quite thin and sensitive.
Nuances of working with electronics
In some models, the cable can be additionally secured with tape or a plastic clamp. Do not trim them, but carefully cut or unfasten them to preserve the possibility of reusing the fasteners.>
The next step is to remove the door leaf itself. This is the most crucial moment, requiring physical strength and coordination. The door must be lifted to disengage it from the lower bushing and carefully set aside.
After the door is removed, attention turns to the lower part of the unit. There is often a bushing or pin located here, which also needs to be moved to the opposite side. The bottom support design can be integrated into the body or be a removable element.
When rearranging the bottom hinge, make sure that it fits snugly against the body. A loose fit will lead to the door skewing in the future and the seal being compromised. To tighten the bolts, use adjustable wrench, controlling the force so as not to deform the metal.
⚠️ Attention: Do not leave the door hinges dangling on the wires. If you are working with a model where the wires run inside the hinge, you need to temporarily secure them with tape or ask an assistant to hold them.
Installing the door on the new side is done in the reverse order of dismantling. First, the door is placed on the lower pin, then the upper part is aligned. It is critical at this stage to properly align the holes for the mounting bolts.
If the holes do not line up, do not try to force the bolts. Check that the unit is level on the floor and ensure that the lower bushing is installed correctly. Sometimes a slight adjustment of the tilt of the refrigerator itself is required using the front support legs.
The final fixation of the top hinge completes the mechanical part of the work. The bolts are tightened crosswise to distribute pressure evenly. After that, you can return to the electrical part, if your model is equipped with a display.
The most difficult part for many users is working with electronics in models with a panel Digital Inverter. The wires must be routed through new holes in the door body. Often this requires removing the plastic cover from the end of the door.
The wires are carefully threaded through the channels, avoiding kinks and pinching. After connecting the cable to the control board, check whether the display lights up. If the screen does not light up, check the tightness of the connector.
In some cases, it may be necessary to rearrange the plugs on the opposite side of the door to hide the holes from the old fittings. These plugs usually come with the refrigerator or are already installed on the free side.
For clarity, let's compare the features of hanging doors in different types of refrigerators Samsung:
| Model type | Hinge location | Presence of electronics | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic two-chamber | Top and bottom | Often absent | Low |
| Model with display | Top and bottom | Cable in the upper loop | Medium |
| Multi-Door (4 doors) | Several levels | Depends on the series | High |
| Side-by-Side | Full circuit | Complex wiring | Very high |
After installing all the elements, it is necessary to check the quality of fit of the seal around the entire perimeter. The door should close tightly, without gaps, but also without excessive force. If you notice any leaks, additional height adjustment support legs will be required.
Checking operation includes a leak test. You can use a sheet of paper: clamp it between the door and the body in different places. If the paper is removed with force along its entire length, it means that the seal is working correctly.
It is also worth paying attention to the operation of the closers, if they are provided for in the design. The door must be brought to its end on its own at the last stage of closing. If this does not happen, the refrigerator may not be level.
Often after re-hanging, users are faced with the fact that the door warps and it does not fit tightly at the top or bottom. This can be solved by adjusting the height of the front supports. By twisting them, you can change the tilt of the entire body.
If the misalignment remains, check that the upper hinge bolts are not overtightened. Loosening the fastener half a turn sometimes allows the door to fall into place under the influence of gravity. After this, the bolts are tightened again.
In models with the system Space Max the walls are thinner, and the risk of deformation of the housing if improperly tightened is higher. Use a torque wrench if possible, or act very carefully, relying on tactile sensations.
⚠️ Attention: If after all the manipulations the door still does not close tightly, the seal may have been deformed during transportation. Try heating it with a hairdryer at a low temperature or pouring boiling water at the bend.
In three-chamber models or refrigerators with an additional chamber Flex Zone the process is complicated by the presence of intermediate loops. They also need to be rearranged, observing the order in which the doors are removed.
The top door is removed first, then the middle one, and only then the bottom one. Installation is carried out in the reverse order: first the bottom, then the middle and finally the top. It is important not to confuse the length of the fastening bolts for different levels.
Pay special attention to the central partition if it has its own fastening elements. In some cases, complete disassembly of the internal lining is required, which is not recommended to be done without experience.
After completion of work, the refrigerator should stand in an upright position for at least 2-3 hours before turning it on, especially if it is working very hard tilted. This is necessary for the oil to drain into the compressor.
The first start-up is best done without loading products to allow the unit to reach the desired temperature and check the stability of the new door configuration. Make sure that the door does not open on its own due to an incorrect angle.
Regularly check the condition of the seal in the first weeks after relocation. If you notice that it has begun to move away or crack, perhaps an error was made in the tension during installation.
Is it possible to rearrange the door on a Samsung refrigerator with a display yourself?
Yes, this is possible, but it requires increased caution when working with cables. The main thing is not to damage the thin wires and connect the connectors correctly. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to call a specialist.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not close completely?
Most likely, the angle of the body is broken. Try unscrewing the front leveling feet to raise the front of the refrigerator. This will ensure that the door closes naturally under its own weight.
Are special tools needed for the Side-by-Side model?
Wide models often require the help of a second person due to the heavy weight of the doors. The tools are standard, but you may need a longer bit or wrench to access deep holes in the hinges.
Will the warranty still apply if you re-hang the doors yourself?
The re-hanging process itself will not void the warranty unless you damage the frame, strip threads, or break electronic components. However, if a breakdown occurs related to the door, the service may refuse free repairs.