Many owners of modern household appliances are faced with a situation where the standard arrangement of door leaves becomes inconvenient after moving or remodeling the kitchen. Refrigerators Samsung are famous for their ergonomics, but the factory configuration often involves opening from right to left, which does not always fit into the interior. The solution to this problem is the re-hanging procedure, which can be done independently, having a basic set of tools and a clear understanding of the sequence of actions.
Before starting work, it is important to realize that the process requires care, since the doors are heavy and equipped with complex fittings. Incorrect assembly can lead to a loose seal or damage to the sensors responsible for turning on the light and controlling the display. In this article, we will analyze each stage in detail so that you can change the opening side without calling a technician.
Unlike old Soviet models, modern units Samsung have hidden hinges and integrated control systems that require careful handling. You won't need fancy, specialized equipment, but having someone to help you hold the heavy items will be a huge advantage. The main thing is to take your time and strictly follow the order of dismantling and reinstallation.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tools
The success of the entire operation depends 80% on quality preparation. Before you pick up a screwdriver, you need to clear the space around the refrigeration unit. You will need access from all sides to be able to move freely and place the removed parts on the floor. Remove carpets to avoid snagging, and make sure there is sufficient lighting in the room.
As for tools, the list here is minimal, but required. You will need a Phillips screwdriver, a wrench (usually 8 or 10mm, depending on the model) and possibly a hex wrench. It will not be superfluous to prepare a soft cloth or cardboard on which you will place the dismantled elements, so as not to scratch the floor or the equipment itself.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! This is critically important, since you will be working with the wiring of sensors and displays located on the doors.
It is also worth taking care of a container for storing fasteners in advance. The bolts and screws are small and very easy to lose during the process. If you have a magnetic tray or several signature jars, use them - it will save you time during the reassembly phase.
- 🔧 Medium sized Phillips screwdriver for case screws.
- 🔩 8/10mm wrench or socket for hinges.
- 📦 Container for sorting bolts and plugs.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
Dismantling the upper part and removing the refrigerator door
The process always starts with the upper door, since it is less loaded and has a simpler fastening design in most models. First you need to remove the decorative trim that hides the top hinge. Usually it is held on by latches or one screw that needs to be unscrewed.
After removing the cover, you will see the main hinge mounting bolt. It needs to be unscrewed, but do not rush to remove the loop itself right away. At this point, you will need a helper to hold the door firmly so that it does not fall on your feet and damage the bottom joint. Carefully lift the door up, moving it out of the lower pin, and set it aside in a safe place.
It is important to pay attention to the wires if your model Samsung the display or door opening indicators are located on the facade. The wires can run inside the door or through the top hinge. They need to be carefully disconnected, remembering or photographing the location of the connectors. Cables very fragile, you cannot pull them.
Removing the bottom door and main hinge
After the upper part is dismantled, we move on to the bottom door of the freezer. Here the design may differ depending on whether your refrigerator is a two-chamber refrigerator or a model Side-by-Side. In classic two-chamber models, you need to remove the middle partition or bar that separates the chambers.
The main lower hinge, which holds the entire structure, is attached to the refrigerator body with several bolts. After unscrewing them, remove the loop. Now you can release the lower door. Proceed with the same caution: lift the blade up to remove it from the guides and move it to the side. If you have a model No Frost, check whether the air duct system interferes with removal.
At this stage, the refrigerator body remains completely free from the doors. This is the ideal moment to wipe the ends and mounting points from dust and dirt that may have accumulated over years of use. A clean surface will ensure a tighter fit of the new seals and no distortions.
☑️ Check before reinstallation
Rearranging the fastening elements to the opposite side
The most crucial moment is moving the fittings. On the opposite side of the refrigerator body Samsung there should already be technological holes closed with plastic plugs. Remove them carefully. If there are plug bolts at the site of future fastenings, unscrew them.
Take the removed hinges and install them in new places. The upper loop is placed on the upper end on the other side, the lower one - downwards, respectively. Just insert the bolts for now, without tightening them all the way, in order to be able to adjust. Make sure that the holes for the wires also line up with the new side of the installation.
Pay special attention to the handles. In some models, they are asymmetrical, and to rearrange them you need to turn them over or move the mounting screws from one side to the other. If the handles are cast and symmetrical, you can skip this step. Check the package contents: sometimes the instructions indicate a special Adapter for changing sides, which comes with the refrigerator.
| Element | Action when rearranging | Important nuance |
|---|---|---|
| Top loop | Transfer to the opposite upper end | Follow the hole for the wire |
| Bottom loop | Transfer to the lower end | Check the height of the pin |
| Plugs | Install in the old places of the hinges | Do not lose the rubber seals |
| Sensors | Reconnect cables | Do not mix up the polarity |
Installing the doors in the reverse order
Installation begins strictly from the bottom door (freezer compartment). Hang the canvas on the bottom loop, falling into the guides. After this, install the middle bar or partition, if provided by the design of your model. Now you can tighten the bolts of the lower hinge, but without fanaticism for now, leaving minimal play for final adjustment.
Next we move on to the upper door. Lift it and put it on the middle axle (or directly on the top loop, if the design allows it). The most difficult moment is getting into the holes for fastening the top hinge, since the door is heavy and can move. Here again you will need the help of a second person.
After both doors are in place, check their movement. They should open smoothly, without creaking or jamming. If everything is in order, you can finally tighten all the bolts with a wrench. Make sure that the gap between the doors (in two-chamber models) is uniform along the entire length.
What to do if the holes do not match?
If you did everything correctly, the holes should match perfectly. If there is a discrepancy of a few millimeters, check whether the refrigerator itself is level on the floor. Often, housing misalignment interferes with installation. Use a building level to check.
Connecting electrical and checking sensors
Let's return to the electrical part. Carefully pull the sensor cables through the new holes in the hinges or housing. Connect the connectors based on the photos or markings you took earlier. It is important that the wires are not stretched and do not fall into the area of movement of the hinges, otherwise they may break when opening.
After connecting, turn on the refrigerator. Check the operation of the indicators on the display (if there is one on the door). Open and close each door in turn - the light inside should come on and off. If the open door alarm lights up, it means magnetic sensor it is working correctly.
⚠️ Attention: If after assembly the door indicator is constantly on, even when it is closed, it is possible that the magnet in the door does not match the reed switch on the body. In this case, it may be necessary to adjust the door position or replace the sensor.
In models with a display Samsung sometimes an error reset or calibration is required after reconnecting the cables. If the screen does not light up, double-check the tightness of the connectors. Often the problem lies precisely in a connector that is not fully inserted.
Final adjustment and elimination of distortions
Even with careful installation, a situation may arise when the doors do not fit tightly or one is higher than the other. To fix this, use the adjustment screws, which are often located on the lower front of the refrigerator or directly on the hinges. By twisting them, you can change the tilt of the door back and forth or left and right.
Check the tightness of the seal around the entire perimeter. To do this, you can use a sheet of paper: hold it with a closed door and try to pull it out. It should be removed with noticeable force. If the paper falls out freely, it means that the door does not fit tightly in this place and requires tightening the hinge.
Let the refrigerator stand in the off state for a couple of hours after all manipulations, so that the seals “straighten” and accept new form. Only after this can you load products. Correctly performed re-weighing will extend the life of the compressor, which will not have to work in increased mode due to loss of cold.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before rearranging the doors?
It is not necessary to defrost the unit specifically to change the side of the doors, unless you plan to carry out general cleaning at the same time. However, a refrigerator that is completely filled with food will be too heavy and food may fall out when tilted. It is better to free the cameras at least partially.
Is it possible to rearrange the door on a Samsung Side-by-Side refrigerator alone?
Theoretically it is possible, but it is highly not recommended. The doors of the models Side-by-Side are very heavy and wide. The risk of dropping them, damaging the floor or getting injured is very high. For such models, a second person or professional help is definitely needed.
What to do if there is an extra wire left after the rearrangement?
In some universal models, the length of the wires is designed for both sides. If after connecting there is an excess section of cable left, carefully roll it up and secure it with a tie inside the door cavity or behind the panel so that it does not dangle or touch moving parts.
Is the warranty respected after re-hanging the doors yourself?
According to the rules of most service centers, re-hanging the doors yourself will not void the warranty on the compressor and electronic board if you did not damage them in the process. However, if you break the loop or break the cable, this case will not be covered under warranty. Be extremely careful.