Changing the opening side of the refrigerator door Turkish is often a necessary procedure when remodeling a kitchen or changing the interior design. The Russian manufacturer has provided the option reverse installation for most models, which allows you to adapt the unit to a specific room. Owners are often faced with the need to move the handle and hinges to provide convenient access to products.
The rearrangement process does not require calling a specialist if you have a basic set of tools and attention to detail. However, it is worth remembering that any manipulations with the body require caution so as not to damage the seals or paintwork. In this article we will analyze all stages of work, from preparation to final adjustment of the gaps.
Before you start work, make sure that you know exactly the model of your device. Some older modifications or specific series may have unique design fastenings that require a special approach. Carefully inspect the hinges and the presence of technological holes on the opposite side of the case.
You must immediately empty the refrigerator of food and completely defrost it. Working with a warm unit or the presence of ice in the channels can lead to moisture getting on the electrical contacts or deformation of the plastic during removal.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
For high-quality reinstallation of doors, you will need a minimum set of home craftsman. The main tool will be hex wrench (usually 4 mm or 5 mm), which often comes with the refrigerator, or a set of open-end wrenches. It will also not be superfluous Phillips screwdriver for dismantling handles and decorative plugs.
It is important to prepare a flat surface next to the installation site of the refrigerator. You will have to remove heavy door panels, so having an assistant will greatly facilitate the task and protect you from accidental falling of elements. Place a soft cloth or cardboard under the bottom of the unit to avoid scratching the floor.
Be sure to disconnect the device from the power supply. While we're not covering internal electrical systems, safety should be a priority when working with large appliances. Place all the screws and small parts in a separate container in advance so that they do not get lost during the work.
☑️ Preparing to rehang the doors
Design features of Biryusa doors
Refrigerators Biryusa are distinguished by a reliable but simple design. The doors are mounted on the upper and lower ones metal hinges, which are screwed to the body with bolts. In most models, the upper hinge is fixed with screws under the decorative cover, and the lower one often has an adjustment screw to level the height.
Particular attention should be paid to the system of magnetic latches and pins. When re-hanging, it will be necessary to move thrust pin (the latch) at the bottom of the door to the opposite side. If this is not done, the door will not close tightly or will open by itself.
Door handles also require dismantling. Depending on the model, they may be mounted with screws from the inside or have hidden fasteners. Carefully remove the plugs to gain access to fasteners.
Does the seal need to be changed?
The rubber seal (cuff) does not need to be changed if it is elastic and not damaged. However, when installing on a new side, it may be necessary to warm it up with a hairdryer so that it takes on a new bending shape, since the “memory” of the rubber can pull the door to the old side by opening it. Remove the decorative cover, if present, and unscrew the mounting bolts. At this moment
Dismantling door panels: step-by-step algorithm
Start the process from the top loop. Remove the decorative cover, if present, and unscrew the mounting bolts. At this moment be sure to hold the door with your second hand or call an assistant, since after removing the upper hinge the door leaf will only be held on the lower pin and may fall.
Carefully lift the door to remove it from the lower pin. Set the door aside in a safe place, placing it on a soft surface with the outside facing up. Now repeat the procedure with the second door if you have a two-chamber refrigerator.
After removing the panels, you need to remove the hinges themselves from the body. Unscrew the top and bottom supports on one side and prepare them for installation on the other. Pay attention to the condition of the threads in the holes on the body - they should not be torn off.
⚠️ Attention: Do not apply excessive force when unscrewing jammed bolts. If the fasteners do not budge, apply a little penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40) and wait 10-15 minutes, otherwise you may strip the threads in the metal case.
Now work on the doors. Remove the hinges and handles from them. Find the hole plugs on the opposite end of the door - they need to be unscrewed and installed in their current places to hide the empty holes. The locking pin is moved to the new lower hole.
Installing hinges and hanging doors on the new side
We proceed to installation on the new side. Install the lower hinge on the opposite side of the housing and tighten the mounting bolts. Do not tighten them all the way at once - this will allow you to adjust the position of the door when hanging.
Take the door leaf and carefully slide it onto the lower pin. Make sure that the axle fits exactly into the hole in the bushing. Then install the top hinge, aligning the holes in the frame and on the door. Insert and tighten the top bolts.
After installing both doors, check their movement. They should open smoothly, without creaking or jamming. If the door touches the body or does not fit completely, you will need height adjustment using the lower bolts or tightening the upper support.
Adjusting gaps and checking tightness
The final stage is adjusting the tight fit. The gap between the door and the body must be uniform around the entire perimeter. If you notice that the door moves away more in one corner, use the adjusting screws on the hinges (if the model allows) or tighten the fasteners.
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 locking pin may not be fully installed or the door may have been skewed during installation.
To check the tightness, you can use a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet between the door and the body around the perimeter. It should come out with little effort. If the sheet falls out freely or pulls out too easily, it means seal it does not fit tightly.
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The door does not close all the way | The door is skewed or the contents are in the way | Adjust the height of the hinges, check the shelves |
| Large gap at the bottom of the door | The fasteners of the lower hinge are loose | Tighten the lower fastening bolts |
| The door opens by itself | The thrust pin is not moved | Move the lock to the other side |
| A creaking sound is heard when opening | Lack of lubrication in the hinges | Lubricate the hinge axes with oil |
Frequent errors and precautions
One of the common mistakes is the loss of decorative plugs. When you remove them from one side, they may fly off to the side. It is recommended to immediately screw them into a new place or put them in a separate marked container.
Also, users often forget about the electrical wire if it goes through the door (in some models with a display). In refrigerators Biryusa with classic control there are no wires in the door, but in models with electronic control on the facade, it is necessary to disconnect the connectors extremely carefully.
⚠️ Attention: When working with models that have a display on the door, do not pull the wires under any circumstances. Disconnecting the block must be done strictly by the connector latch, and not by the wires themselves.
Another mistake is ignoring the floor level. If the refrigerator is on an uneven floor, even a perfectly hung door may not behave correctly. Before starting work, make sure that the unit is level using adjustable supports.
What to do if you lose the key?
If you have lost the original hex key, try to pick up an analogue from a motorist's kit or buy a universal key at a hardware store. The main thing is that the edges coincide exactly, otherwise you can lick the head of the bolt.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Is it necessary to completely defrost the refrigerator before rehanging it?
Yes, this is highly desirable. When tilting or removing the doors, water may leak from the freezer compartment. In addition, ice makes the structure heavy and can crumble if it gets into the mechanisms.
Is it possible to rearrange the doors alone, without an assistant?
Theoretically, it is possible, but it is risky. The doors are heavy and bulky. There is a high risk of dropping the canvas on your foot or damaging the enamel of the body on neighboring objects. It’s better to call someone for backup.
Why did the door begin to close worse after rehanging?
Most likely, you did not move the latch (pin) at the bottom of the door to the new side, or the hinges were skewed when tightening. Check the position of the pin and the uniformity of the gaps.
Does overhanging the doors affect the warranty?
According to the law, independent overhanging of the doors provided for by the design is not grounds for voiding the warranty if you have not damaged the parts. However, if complex breakdowns occur, the service may refer to traces of intervention. Save all the details.
Do you need to change the opening side if the kitchen is small?
Yes, in narrow kitchens this is often a necessity. The door should open towards the free space so as not to block the passage or interfere with the opening of neighboring cabinets or windows.