Changing the direction of opening the refrigerator door is one of the most popular procedures when remodeling a kitchen or changing the installation location of household appliances. For equipment owners Beko this process often becomes a salvation when the standard configuration interferes with convenient access to products or does not fit into the design project of the room. Fortunately, most of the models of this brand, from compact single-chamber devices to large ones Side-by-Side, are initially designed with the ability to be outweighed.
Before you begin the active phase of work, you must be clearly aware that you are dealing with a dirty mechanism that requires careful handling. An incorrect sequence of actions can lead to damage to the decorative panels, loss of seal tightness, or even breakdown hinges. In this article, we will analyze in detail how to safely and effectively change the opening side, minimizing risks.
The main difficulty lies in the variety of design solutions: in some models the hinges are hidden under decorative plugs, in others they are open and require a specific tool. Understanding your model type Beko is the first step to success. You should not rely on intuition; it is better to carefully study the design before picking up a screwdriver.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tools
Quality preparation is 90% of the success of any repair operation. You will need not only a set of tools, but also free space around the unit. Make sure that the refrigerator is unplugged, as accidental damage to wiring or sensors while handling the door can be dangerous. Move the device away from the wall, providing access from all sides.
To work with equipment Beko most often you need a basic set of a home handyman, but there are also specific requirements. For example, some screws can be tight, so having a reliable screwdriver is critical. It is also worth preparing a soft mat so as not to scratch the floor or the door itself when temporarily dismantling it.
- 🛠️ A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) is the main tool for removing fasteners.
- 🔧 Socket wrench or 8 mm socket - often used for bolts loops.
- 📏 Construction level - necessary to check the horizon after installation.
- 🧤 Work gloves - will protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
⚠️ Attention: Never use a percussion tool (perforator, hammer) to knock out soured bolts on the refrigerator body. The thin metal of the body Beko is easy to deform, which will lead to a violation of the geometry of the door.
☑️ Tools for rehanging
Pay special attention to the fastening elements. New refrigerators Beko are often supplied with special plugs and additional screws specifically for hanging. If you purchased a used device or lost a bag of small things, you may have to purchase specific decorative covers that are suitable only for your series.
Analysis of the design and type of hinges of your refrigerator
The design of hinges for different models Beko may differ significantly. There are models with top and bottom hinges that can be swapped, and there are options that use a universal hinge that only requires rearranging the fasteners. It is important to determine whether your unit is a type No Frost or a classic drip system, as this affects the presence of additional elements such as door opening sensors.
In models with a system Multi Air Flow or a complex ventilation system, air ducts may pass through the door. In such cases, a simple rearrangement of the hinges is impossible without dismantling the internal panels and reconnecting the corrugation. This is a more complex process that requires care not to damage fragile plastic air ducts.
Features of Side-by-Side hinges
In Side-by-Side refrigerators, the procedure is more complicated, since it is often necessary to remove the central partition or use a special adapter. In some Beko models, the doors do not require reversing at all due to the built-in display or complex locking system.
It is also worth paying attention to the presence of magnetic latches or mechanical locks Child Lock. If the lock mechanism is asymmetrical, it will also have to be rebuilt. In most modern models Beko the lock is symmetrical, but in budget series it may be necessary to manually rearrange the latch tongue inside the end of the door.
| Model type Beko | Difficulty of re-hanging | Is dismantling necessary air ducts | Fastening features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single chamber (RCNK) | Low | No | Standard bolts, easily accessible |
| Double-chamber (RCNE) | Average | Often required | Hidden hinges, skill required |
| Side-by-Side | High | Yes, definitely | Heavy doors, you need an assistant |
| Built-in series | High | Depends on the facade | Specific furniture slides |
If you find that your the model belongs to the complex category (for example, built-in or Side-by-Side), it is recommended to find an assembly diagram in advance specifically for your serial number. Universal tips may not take into account the nuances of fastening furniture facades, which often come complete with built-in appliances.
Dismantling the top part and removing the door
The process always starts from top to bottom. The first step is to remove the top decorative panel, if present. In models Beko it is often held on by plastic latches or hidden screws under the plugs. Proceed with caution: plastic becomes brittle in the cold, so if the refrigerator has just been defrosted, let it warm up to room temperature.
After accessing the top hinge, do not rush to unscrew it completely. The refrigerator door is heavy, and when you unscrew the last screw, it may fall on your foot or damage the floor covering. It is best to prop the door or have an assistant secure it in the upright position. Unscrew the top hinge bolts and carefully remove it.
Now you can remove the door itself. Lift it up to free it from the bottom pin and set it aside in a safe place. Place the door on a prepared soft surface (cardboard, blanket) with the outer side facing up to avoid scratching the glossy finish or glass. At this stage, the lower hinge is already visible, which also needs to be dismantled.
⚠️ Attention: When removing the door, watch the wires going to the display or light bulb. If the wires do not disconnect, do not pull the door far - disconnect the connectors carefully, remembering their position.
After removing the door, inspect the end for the presence of rubber stops or stops. They also need to be moved to the opposite side, if the design allows for this. Often these small parts are forgotten to be moved, which is why the door then does not close tightly or knocks on the body when opening.
Reversing the bottom hinge and installing it on a new side
The bottom hinge of refrigerators Beko is usually secured with more powerful bolts, since it experiences the main load from the weight of the door. To dismantle it, you may need a wrench with a crank. After removing the hinge on one side, find symmetrical holes on the opposite side of the case. They are usually closed with plastic plugs.
Carefully remove the plugs from the new side of the installation and move them into the empty holes on the old side. This is an important aesthetic point that cannot be ignored. Install the bottom hinge in its new location, but do not tighten the bolts “all the way” yet. Leave a small gap to be able to adjust the position of the door during final assembly.
- 🔄 Move the pin (rotation axis) into the new hole of the lower hinge if the structure is removable.
- 🔩 Check the presence of all washers and bushings - they should not get lost during relocation.
- 🧹