Changes in the layout of the kitchen or the features of the room often dictate their conditions, forcing owners of household appliances to look for ways to optimize space. Brand refrigerators Biryusa, popular due to their reliability and affordability, allow the door leaf to be hung on the opposite side. This procedure allows you to open the unit in the desired direction, making operation more comfortable and ergonomic. However, despite its apparent simplicity, the process requires care and adherence to a clear sequence of actions.
Before starting work, you need to understand that hinge design may differ for different models. In some places it is necessary to completely dismantle the fittings, and in others it is enough to rearrange individual elements. Incorrect actions can lead to damage to decorative plugs or even disruption of the housing geometry. That is why it is important to prepare all the necessary tools in advance and carefully study the features of your device.
In this article we will analyze in detail the process of reinstalling the door, paying attention to specific points characteristic of Russian-made equipment. You'll learn how to avoid common mistakes and ensure a tight seal when the job is complete. Properly performed re-hanging will ensure a long service life of the refrigeration equipment.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
The success of the door re-hanging operation directly depends on the quality of preparation. You do not need complex professional equipment, but having high-quality hand tools is a must. Lack of the necessary screwdriver or wrench in the midst of the process can lead to thread breakage or damage to the fasteners, so assemble everything in advance.
The main tool will be a set of screwdrivers. Most often, refrigerators Turk use cross slots, but in some models flat slots may also be found. You may also need wrenches or sockets if the fastenings are made with hex bolts. To protect the floor covering and the unit itself, it is recommended to use soft rags or cardboard.
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) for removing hinges.
- 🔩 Wrench or socket head (usually 8 or 10 mm) for bolts.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 📦 Container for folding small parts so that they do not get lost.
Pay special attention to lighting. You will have to work in close proximity to the body, where there may be shadows. Good light will allow you to notice small cracks in the plastic or abrasions, which are important not to be aggravated during the installation process. Also make sure that you have free space around the refrigerator for maneuvers.
☑️ Preparing for rehanging
Design features of Biryusa doors
Refrigerators Turk have their own design features that should be taken into account before dismantling. Most models use a classic fastening scheme with two or three hinges (top, middle and bottom). It is important to understand that symmetry of the holes is not always present on the body and door, which requires careful study of the instructions.
In some modifications, especially in older models, handles may not be removable or require a specific approach for dismantling. If the handle is integrated into the blade, the process is simplified. If it is screwed separately, it may have to be moved to the other side or changed to a symmetrical one, if this is provided for in the package.
Nuances of old models
In Biryusa refrigerators of early years of production, the hinges can be welded to the body, and only the mating parts on the door are removable. In such cases, re-weighing is impossible without welding, which requires contacting a service center.
Another important point is the control system. If there is display or a control panel on the door, simple rehanging may not be possible without re-soldering the wires or extending the cables. Standard mechanical models do not have such problems, which makes them ideal candidates for self-service.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that on the opposite side of the case there are indeed technological holes and threaded bushings for installing hinges. In some budget series, the holes may be closed with plugs, but not have threads inside.
Step-by-step instructions: dismantling the door leaf
The process of removing the door must be carried out strictly sequentially to avoid distortions and damage. The first step is always to unplug the refrigerator. This is not only a safety requirement, but also a necessity, since when the door is open, the sensor may trigger or the lamp may burn out.
Dismantling should begin from the top hinge. If you have a two-compartment model, remove the freezer door first. Carefully remove the mounting bolts while holding the door to prevent it from falling. After removing the upper hinge and the intermediate rod (if there is one), the door can be removed from the lower hinge.
For models with one chamber or when removing the main door of a two-chamber refrigerator, the algorithm is similar. Abrupt removal may result in injury or impact with the floor.
- 🚪 Remove all shelves and containers from the door to make the structure lighter.
- 🔌 Unplug the refrigerator and move it away from the wall.
- 🔩 Unscrew the top hinge bolts while holding the door with your free hand.
- 📉 Carefully remove the door from the bottom pin and place it in a safe place.
After dismantling, carefully inspect sealing rubber. It often becomes deformed during long-term use. Now is the time to assess her condition, since after re-weighing, the load on her will change. If the rubber is very worn, it is better to replace it immediately while the door is removed.
Re-hanging handles and fittings
The most time-consuming part of the process is often rearranging the handles. In refrigerators Turk they can be fastened with screws from the inside of the panel or have a through fastening. You will need to find hidden holes, which are often covered with decorative plugs.
Tread carefully so as not to scratch the surface of the door. If the plugs are tight, pry them off with a thin knife or flat-head screwdriver, after wrapping the tip with cloth. After removing the old handle, the holes on the front side need to be closed with new plugs, which are usually included in the kit or remain from the previous installation.
Installing the handle on the new side is done in the reverse order. Important do not overtighten the fasteners, especially if the door is made of thin metal or plastic. Excessive force can lead to deformation of the seat or breakage of the handle itself.
| Element | Action | Tool | Nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper handle | Removal and installation | Phillips screwdriver | Hidden screws |
| Bottom handle | Removal and installation | Phillips screwdriver | Bottom access |
| Plugs | Repositioning | Thin knife | Do not lose |
| Fasteners | Save | Magnet | Do not lose thread |
If your model provides the ability to install a handle with different sides but the holes do not line up perfectly, careful drilling or the use of adapter sleeves may be required. However, for most modern models Biryusa this is not required, since the holes are duplicated on both sides.
Installing the door on the new side
Installing the door in a new location begins with installing the bottom hinge. Unlike the top hinge, the bottom hinge often has a pin on which the door fits. Make sure the pin is positioned vertically and securely in place. If the design allows, lubricate the rubbing elements of the hinges with a small amount of graphite grease.
Then hang the door leaf on the lower pin and align it. Now you can begin installing the top hinge. The important thing here is to get the bolts into the holes. Do not tighten the bolts all the way straight away. First, tighten them so that the door has a slight backlash for final adjustment.
The final stage is adjusting the gaps. The door should close tightly, without distortion. If you notice that one side does not fit tightly, you can slightly loosen the middle or bottom hinge and move the door in the desired direction. Once the ideal position is achieved, tighten all the bolts completely.
⚠️ Attention: When tightening the top hinge bolts, make sure that the door does not drop below the body level. This may cause the door to hit the bottom of the refrigerator when opening.
Check the operation of the magnetic lock. The door should close on its own when opened approximately 30-45 degrees. If this does not happen, the tilt of the entire refrigerator may need to be adjusted using the front support legs.
Checking the tightness and adjusting the tilt
After installing the door, it is critical to check the tightness of the seal around the entire perimeter. To do this, you can use a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet between the door and the body in different places and try to pull it out. If the paper pulls out too easily, it means that the seal does not fit tightly in this place.
If leaks are detected, try warming the problem area of the seal with a hairdryer (without overheating the plastic) and press it firmly with your hand. This often helps the rubber straighten out and take the desired shape. Also check whether the products on the shelves do not interfere with the door closing tightly.
- 📄 Carry out a test with a sheet of paper around the entire perimeter of the door.
- 🌡️ If necessary, heat the seal to restore its shape.
- 📐 Adjust the height of the front supports for the correct tilt back.
- ❄️ Turn on the refrigerator and check operation after 2-3 hours.
Don't forget about the tilt setting. The door should have a tendency to close itself. To do this, twist the front legs of the refrigerator so that the front is slightly higher than the back. This ensures proper flow of oil into the compressor and ease of operation.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to reverse the door if there is a display?
In most cases, it is impossible to independently re-hang a door with an electronic control module without re-soldering the wires. The cables usually have a fixed length and are located on one side. The intervention of a service center specialist is required.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not close tightly?
Check the adjustment of the support legs - the refrigerator should be tilted back. Also make sure that the shelves do not interfere with closing. If the problem is in the seal, try warming it up or replacing it.
Do you need to wait before turning on the refrigerator after hanging it?
No special waiting time is required if you did not tilt the refrigerator more than 45 degrees and did not transport it. If the refrigerator was just standing, you can turn it on immediately after checking the tightness of the door.
Where can I get new plugs for the holes if the old ones are lost?
Plugs can be ordered from service centers that repair household appliances, or you can find universal analogues in hardware stores. Sometimes plugs from other equipment of a similar color are suitable.
Will re-hanging affect the warranty?
If you damage the mounting holes or break the handle during the process of re-hanging yourself, this may result in a denial of warranty service. Proceed with caution and save all removed parts.