Modern kitchen dictates its own rules of ergonomics, and often the standard arrangement of household appliances no longer meets the requirements of comfort. The situation when Beko refrigerator you have to open it with your left hand, interferes with the passage or does not fit into the new kitchen set, is found everywhere. Fortunately, most models of this brand, from compact two-chamber devices to massive Side-by-Door systems, are initially designed taking into account the possibility of reversing doors on the opposite side.
The process of changing the opening side requires accuracy, a certain set of tools and understanding of the design hinge groups. An incorrect sequence of actions can lead to damage to the decorative panels or failure of the seal. In this guide, we will examine the technical nuances specific to the equipment Beko, including the features of dismantling the handles and adjusting the closing mechanism.
Before starting any manipulations, you need to make sure that you have sufficient space for maneuver around the unit. Rearranging the door is not just a mechanical action, but a complex of works on transferring accessories, which is best done together, especially if we are talking about heavy models with the system No Frost. Compliance with the technology will preserve the warranty and extend the service life of the sealing rubber.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tools
The success of the operation re-hanging directly depends on the quality of preparation. You don't need complex industrial equipment, but using the wrong tools can cause stripped threads or scratches on the body. The main requirement is the presence of a stable surface next to the refrigerator for temporary storage of the removed parts and the door panels themselves.
To work with the fastening elements of the model Beko most often you need a medium-sized Phillips screwdriver (PH2) and a hex key, which is usually included in the package. If the original key is lost, a standard metric hex set will do. It is also strongly recommended to prepare a soft rag or cardboard to cover the floor and not damage the floor covering when lowering heavy doors.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! Remove the plug from the socket and allow the compressor to cool for 15-20 minutes to avoid burns or short circuits if the wiring is accidentally damaged.
Pay special attention to the lighting of the work area. You'll have to look inside the hinge holes and look for hidden plugs, so dim light can be a problem. Make sure there is free space nearby where you can put the removed door without scratching its front surface.
Dismantling the top hinge and removing the top door
The process begins from the top of the unit, since it is the top hinge that often bears the weight of the entire structure or serves as a support for the top sash in two-chamber models. First you need to remove the decorative plug hiding the mounting bolts. In models Beko it is usually simply removed by hand or carefully pryed off with a flat-head screwdriver.
Once you have access to the fasteners, use a hex key or wrench (usually 8 or 10 mm) to remove the top hinge bolts. Don't pull them all the way out at once—loosen enough so that the hinge can be removed, but don't lose the washers. If your model is equipped with middle loop with a lock, it will also need to be released, but it is too early to remove the loop itself.
The next stage requires the help of a second person. One person should hold the top door, preventing it from falling, while the second person finally unscrews the bolts and removes the hinge. After this, the upper sash is carefully removed from the axis and placed in a safe place. At this stage, it is important not to damage capillary tubeif it passes through the body or hinge, although in modern models Beko this is rare.
Removing the lower door and central hinge
After the upper part is released, the turn comes to the main, lower door. Depending on the design of your model Beko, the central hinge may be secured with a locking screw or pin. Find this element - it is often located on the side of the axial hole or in front under the plastic cover.
Unscrew the central hinge mounting bolts. As before, support the door from below to take the weight off the fasteners. Carefully remove the hinge along with the axle. If the axle is stuck in the case due to old grease or corrosion, don't use brute force—it's best to lightly heat the metal with a hairdryer or use a penetrating lubricant such as WD-40, although this is rarely needed on new refrigerators.
After removing the bottom door, inspect the inside of it. It is here, on the reverse side, that there are technological holes for installing the handle and hinges on the other side. Often these holes are closed with plastic plugs. They must be removed and rearranged on the front side to maintain an aesthetic appearance. In some models handle may be monolithic or require disassembly, so proceed with caution.
| Element | Fastening type | Tool | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top hinge | Bolts (2-3 pcs) | Hex / 8mm key | Often hidden by a decorative cover |
| Central hinge | Bolts + Stopper | Phillips screwdriver | Requires door fixation when removing |
| Bottom support | Sleeve / Stud | Pliers | May require bushing replacement |
| Door handle | Inside screws | Phillips screwdriver | Access through technological holes |
Flipping door handles and rearranging plugs
The most labor-intensive step for many models Beko is moving the handles. In most cases, the handles are attached with screws to the inside of the door. You need to find holes on the inner surface of the sash (where there is currently no handle) that are closed with plugs. Carefully pry them up and remove them.
Next you need to unscrew the screws holding the current handle. After removing the handle, through holes will remain in its place. They need to be closed with the same plugs that you just took out from the opposite side. Now try the handle on the new holes. In some modifications of refrigerators, it may be necessary to turn the handle itself mirrored if it is asymmetrical.
Secure the handle to the new location using the same screws. Make sure that they are tightened tightly, but not fanatically, so as not to damage the plastic or threads in the metal of the door. If your model is equipped with a built-in display or control buttons on the door, this step may be more difficult: you may have to reconnect the cables by moving the control board.
⚠️ Attention: If there is an electronic display or control panel on the Beko refrigerator door, make sure that the length of the cable allows you to move it to the other side. In some models, the wires are too short, and to fully transfer the panel, you may need to order an extension from the service center.
☑️ Ready to flip
Installing hinges on the new side
Now that the doors are prepared, we proceed to installing the fittings on the opposite side of the body. Start by installing the bottom support sleeve or stud into the base of the refrigerator. Often, the refrigerator comes with a special mounting pin for the opposite side, which needs to be screwed into the prepared hole. Beko There is a special mounting pin for the opposite side, which must be screwed into the prepared hole.
Install the bottom door into place by sliding it onto the bottom axis. Next, mount the center hinge by inserting the pin into the top hole of the bottom door and bolting the hinge to the refrigerator body. It is important here not to tighten the bolts right away - leave a little play for later adjustment of the sash position.
Repeat the procedure for the top door. Install the top hinge and tighten the bolts. Make sure that all axles fit into their seats exactly. If you feel strong resistance, do not press - check the alignment of the holes. Incorrect installation can result in the door not closing tightly or, conversely, closing too tightly.
What to do if the holes do not match?
If the holes on the body and the door do not match after rearrangement, check to see if you mixed up the left and right sides when installing the hinges. It is also possible that the kit included separate bushings for the left and right sides, which needed to be swapped.
Adjusting the position of the doors and checking the tightness
The final stage is adjustment. After installing all the elements, the doors may hang crookedly or not fit tightly to the body. In refrigerators Beko height adjustment is usually carried out by tightening the bottom support or special adjustment screws on the middle hinge.
Use a building level to check the horizontalness of the upper edge of the door. If the door is skewed, loosen the hinge mounting bolts, straighten the door and tighten the bolts again. Check the tightness seal along the entire perimeter. There should be no gaps.
Do a 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 is pulled out too easily or, conversely, breaks, additional adjustment of the height or depth of the door is required. A correctly adjusted door should close on its own when opened at an angle of about 30-45 degrees thanks to magnets and slope.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do I need to wait after moving the door before turning on the refrigerator?
Yes, it is recommended to wait 2-4 hours before turning on for the first time. This is necessary so that the refrigerant (freon) and compressor oil, which could be agitated when tilting and moving the unit, completely drain back into the compressor. Turning on a “hot” refrigerator can shorten the service life of the motor.
Is it possible to move the door yourself if the refrigerator is still under warranty?
Formally, moving the door yourself does not void the warranty on the compressor and electronics, since this is provided for by the design. However, if in the process you break the thread, break the glass or damage the seal, this damage will not be considered a warranty claim. Proceed with caution.
What to do if, after rearranging, the door begins to close tightly?
Most likely, you tightened the hinge bolts too much or incorrectly set the tilt level of the refrigerator itself. Try loosening the hinges a little and leveling the body with the adjustable legs so that the refrigerator leans slightly back - this will ensure automatic closing.
Where to put the old plugs from the holes?
Do not throw them away. Save the plugs and any removed screws in a bag and tape it to the inside of the refrigerator compartment or to the technical data sheet. If you decide to return everything back or move to an apartment with a different layout, these small details will be extremely necessary.