The need to change the direction of opening doors in the refrigerator Samsung often arises when moving to a new apartment or after remodeling the kitchen, when the standard configuration interferes with convenient access to products. Owners of models with a display Family Hub or a regular screen on the door are often afraid to start working on their own for fear of damaging the complex electronic control system. However, if you strictly follow the factory instructions and observe safety precautions, the rehanging procedure is quite within the capabilities of one person with a basic set of tools.
Modern two- and three-chamber refrigerators of the South Korean brand are designed taking into account the possibility of reverse installation, but the presence of a display makes adjustments to the algorithm of actions. The main difficulty is to carefully disconnect the cables that power the screen and touchpad without damaging the contacts. Incorrect handling of the wiring can lead to inoperability of the display or even failure of the control board, so it is important to take the time and carefully study the design of the fastening points before starting work.
In this article we will analyze in detail all stages of the process, paying special attention to the nuances of working with electronics and mechanical fasteners. You will learn what tools are needed, how to properly remove the old hinges and install them on the opposite side of the case. We will also look at typical mistakes that beginners make and give recommendations for adjusting the position of the doors after completion of installation for a perfect fit of the seals.
Preparation of tools and workplace
Before starting any manipulations with household appliances, you need to provide yourself with comfortable working conditions and prepare all the required tools. Refrigerator is The device is large and heavy, so the space around it must be free so that you can walk around the unit from all sides. It is recommended to remove all foreign objects, carpets and slippery surfaces from the floor, as you will have to bend over a lot and possibly move the device itself.
To perform the work, you will need a standard home handyman's kit, which most men have. The main tool will be a set hex keys (usually in sizes 3, 4 and 5 mm), since this is the type of fastener most often used by the manufacturer Samsung. You also cannot do without a Phillips screwdriver (PH2) for removing decorative plugs and, in some cases, a 10 or 12 mm open-end wrench for adjusting the supports.
- 🔧 A set of hex keys is the main tool for removing hinges.
- 🪛 Phillips screwdriver - for working with screws of decorative panels and fasteners.
- 🧤 Work gloves - will protect your hands from sharp metal edges and dirt.
- 🧱 Wooden block or stand - for temporarily fixing the door in a vertical position.
Pay special attention to preparing the surface on which you will lay the removed parts. It is better to put all screws, plugs and hinges themselves in a separate container so as not to lose them in the process. If you have a magnetic tool tray, this is ideal, as small metal parts will not scatter across the floor. Also prepare a soft cloth or cardboard to place the removed door on if you decide to dismantle it completely.
Design features of refrigerators with a display
Models Samsungequipped with a display on the front panel are structurally different from conventional versions in the presence of additional communications. Doors pass through the top hinge or directly through the body loops, transmitting a video signal and electricity to the screen. This makes the re-hanging procedure more delicate, since it requires a mandatory shutdown of the power and careful work with the connectors.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to try to disconnect the connectors of the loops under voltage. Even after unplugging the plug from the socket, it is recommended to wait 2-3 minutes so that the residual voltage in the capacitors of the control board has time to discharge.
The design of the loops in such models often provides special channels for laying wires. When moving the door to the other side, you will not only have to rearrange the metal brackets, but also correctly lay the wiring in the new grooves. In some cases, it is necessary to rearrange the plugs in the housing holes through which cables did not previously pass.
Can the display be damaged when removing the door?
Yes, there is a risk. If you jerk the door sharply or do not disconnect the cable, you can break the contacts or break the screen matrix. Samsung displays are sensitive to mechanical pressure in the corners, so you only need to grab the door by the ends or special technological protrusions.
It is important to understand that the weight of a door with a display is much higher than that of a regular solid door. This creates additional stress on the hinges, so when reinstalling, you need to pay special attention to tightening the mounting bolts. Insufficient fixation can lead to misalignment and subsequent sagging, which is especially critical for heavy structures with electronics.
Removing the top hinge and disconnecting the electronics
The process begins from the top of the refrigerator, since this is where the main load-bearing loop and communications entry points are located. The first step is to remove the decorative trim that hides the fasteners. It is usually secured with latches or one or two Phillips screws. Be careful not to break the plastic clips.
After removing the trim, you will see the bolts holding the top hinge. Before unscrewing them, be sure to have an assistant hold the refrigerator door. The weight of the door is heavy and it may fall, damaging the floor or the lower part of the frame. After unscrewing the bolts with a hex wrench, carefully lift the hinge. At this moment, access to the connectors will open.
☑️ Procedure for disconnecting the cables
Display cable connectors can have different types of latches. The most common option is where you need to bend the plastic tab up or to the side. Never pull on the wires themselves - this will lead to their breakage at the base of the connector. Grasp the hard plastic housing of the connector with your fingers and, rocking it from side to side, carefully remove it from the mating part. After disconnecting all cables, the door can be completely removed from the bottom hinge and stored in a safe place.
Re-hanging the bottom hinge and rearranging the pins
Bottom hinge on refrigerators Samsung often combined with the axis of rotation or has a separate attachment to the bottom of the housing. After removing the door, it is necessary to dismantle this unit. Unlike the top hinge, there are usually no electronics here, but there may be stops or travel stops that will also need to be rearranged.
The key point is the rearrangement support pin (axis) on which the door fits. On many models this pin is screwed into the bottom hinge. You need to unscrew it on one side and screw it into a symmetrical hole on the other side. Please note that the thread may be coated with a locking compound, so significant force will have to be applied.
| Element | Action when rearranging | Nuance |
|---|---|---|
| Upper loop | Remove, move to the other side | Disconnect cables before removal |
| Bottom loop | Remove, move the axis of rotation | Requires force to unscrew axes |
| Plugs | Move to the vacated holes | Needed for aesthetics and dust protection |
| Supports (legs) | Height adjustment | To ensure backward tilt |
After rearranging the lower hinge and pin, check the reliability of their fixation. They should fit tightly, without play. If your refrigerator came with special bushings or gaskets for the other side, install them now. All unused holes on the body from which the elements were unscrewed must be closed with plastic plugs included in the kit or removed from the opposite side.
Installing the door and connecting the display cables
Installing the door in a new location is the most critical stage that requires coordination of actions. First, slide the bottom hole of the door hinge onto the previously installed support pin. Make sure the door is vertical and fits snugly against the frame at the bottom. Only after this can you begin installing the top loop.
When installing the top loop, you first need to thread and connect the cables. The wires must be laid through the provided channels so that when the door is closed they do not get pinched or rub against the metal. Connect the connectors until you hear a click, making sure the pins are in the correct orientation. Then carefully lay the wires in the hinge niche.
Now you can install the metal plate of the upper hinge itself. Align the holes and tighten the bolts by hand to check alignment. Do not tighten them all the way straight away - first you need to align the position of the door. Make sure that the gaps between the door and the body are the same throughout the entire height, and that the door itself is not skewed.
⚠️ Attention: If, after connecting the cables, the display does not light up when you turn on the refrigerator, do not panic. Check the tightness of the connectors. Often the problem lies in the fact that the connector is not pressed until the characteristic click of the latch.
Adjusting the position and checking the tightness
The final stage of the work is to accurately adjust the position of the doors. Even with careful installation, the need for (fine tuning) often arises. To do this, use adjusting screws on the hinges or change the height of the front supports of the refrigerator. The purpose of the adjustment is to ensure a tight fit of the seal around the entire perimeter.
Checking the tightness can be done in a simple way. Take a sheet of A4 paper, clamp it with the door so that half of the sheet hangs out. Try to pull out the sheet. It should come out with noticeable effort. If the paper slides freely or, on the contrary, breaks with a sharp jerk, you need to tighten the hinge screws or the height of the legs.
It is also worth paying attention to the automatic closing. The refrigerator door Samsung should close on its own under its own weight when opened to approximately 30-45 degrees. If this does not happen, try unscrewing the front adjustment feet slightly while lifting the front of the unit. This will create the necessary slope back.
Common mistakes and troubleshooting
Despite the apparent simplicity, when hanging doors, mistakes are often made that can cost you time and nerves. One of the most common is lost or mixed up mounting screws. The upper and lower hinge bolts may differ in thread length and diameter. Installing a long screw in a short hole can lead to breaking the case or jamming the mechanism.
Another problem is twisting of the cables. If you do not pay attention to the position of the wires during installation, they may become twisted into a bundle. If you regularly open and close the door, such a harness will quickly fray or break, which will lead to the disappearance of the image on the display. Always visually check the free movement of the cables.
If after assembly you find that the door is warped, do not try to fix it by force, slamming on the corners. The metal of refrigerator doors is thin and can easily dent. Use the adjusting screws of the hinges: by loosening or tightening them, you can move the door in the desired direction with an accuracy of a millimeter.
What should you do if, after moving it, the refrigerator begins to make more noise?
Increased noise may be due to the fact that the doors do not fit tightly, and the compressor runs longer, trying to gain temperature. Also check that the door does not hit the frame or floor when opening. If there are no gaps, it is possible that the condenser or other elements were touched at the back during installation, but this is rare when working only with doors.
Is it possible to rearrange the door without an assistant?
Theoretically, it is possible if you use special stands for the lower part of the door with a height equal to the distance from the floor to the lower hinge. However, the risk of dropping a heavy door with a display is very high. It is highly recommended to have a second person for insurance and support.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before moving it?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you are working quickly. However, if there is a lot of food inside, the center of gravity will shift and the door will become more difficult to hold. It is better to free the shelves as much as possible in order to reduce the weight of the structure and the risk of spilling products when tilted.
Does rearranging the doors affect the warranty?
According to the rules of most service centers, re-hanging the doors yourself is not grounds for voiding the warranty if the unit components were not damaged in the process. However, if you break the loop or tear the cable, repairing these damages will cost a fee.