The situation when the standard location of the refrigerator compartment becomes inconvenient is familiar to many owners of household appliances. Most often this happens after moving to a new kitchen or remodeling the room, when the door Beko rests against the wall or interferes with the passage. Fortunately, the design of most modern models provides the possibility of reverse installation hinges, which allows you to change the opening side without calling a specialist.
The rehanging process does not require complex specialized tools and takes from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on experience. However, it is important to understand that the wrong sequence of actions can lead to damage facade panel or failure of the seal. In this article we will analyze in detail the stages of work, focusing on the nuances that are characteristic specifically for refrigerators of the brand Beko.
Before proceeding with dismantling, it is necessary to free up space in front of the equipment. You will need access from all sides to easily walk around the unit and set aside removed parts. Also make sure that the floor is covered with soft material that will protect the coating from scratches in case of accidental fall of the tool.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This is critically important, since during the dismantling process you may accidentally damage the backlight or sensor wires if the device is energized.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
To successfully complete the task of rearranging the door, you will need a basic DIY kit. The main tool will be screwdriver or a set of screwdrivers with different attachments, since the mounting screws may differ in the type of slots. Most models Beko use Phillips screws, but sometimes hexagonal fastening elements are also found.
In addition to a screwdriver, prepare masking tape and a soft rag. The adhesive tape is necessary to fix the door in the open position while dismantling the hinges, which will greatly simplify the work if you are working without an assistant. It would also be a good idea to have a container on hand for folding fasteners so that small parts do not get lost in the process.
Inspect the front of the refrigerator. On some models, the top hinge may be hidden under a decorative plug or plastic cover. Carefully remove these pieces using a thin flathead screwdriver to gain access to the bolts. Do not use excessive force so as not to break plastic fasteners.
Removing the top hinge and Removing the door
The first step is always to work with the upper part of the structure. You will need to loosen the top hinge screws, but do not remove them completely yet. This will maintain the mobility of the assembly and make it easier to remove the fasteners after removing the load. If your model Beko has an intermediate hinge installed (for three-chamber models), you do not need to touch it yet.
After preparing the fasteners, carefully lift the door to remove it from the lower support. At this point, it is best to have an assistant hold the heavy panel. If you are working alone, use masking tape to secure the door in a vertical position, or prop it up with a soft object after placing cardboard.
Completely unscrew the top hinge bolts and remove it from the body. Pay attention to the condition sealing rubber. If there are creases or damage caused by improper closing earlier, this is an excellent time to replace it or restore its shape with hot air.
- 🔧 Prepare a PH2 Phillips screwdriver for the main screws.
- 📏 Check for the presence of a hex key in the kit (often comes with a factory set).
- 🧤 Wear work gloves to avoid cutting your hands on sharp metal edges.
Features of rearranging the lower hinge
The lower hinge is a load-bearing element, so increased requirements are placed on its fastening. On refrigerators Beko it is often secured with bolts that can be tightened with great force. Use a wrench or pliers to strip the threads, but be careful not to strip the bolt head.
After removing the lower support pin or plate, carefully inspect the seat. There should be no rust or dirt. If necessary, clean the surface with a wire brush. This will ensure that the new support fits snugly and the door is positioned correctly.
An important point is to look for alternative mounting holes. The refrigerator body always has symmetrical holes on the opposite side. They can be closed with plastic plugs of the same color as the body, or simply sealed with factory film. Carefully remove the plugs and install them in the free holes on the side where the hinge was removed.
What to do if the screws are rusty?
If the lower hinge fasteners do not give in, apply a penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40) to the threads and leave for 15-20 minutes. This will help soften the oxides and unscrew the bolts without using brute force.
Installing the door on a new side
Now that all the preparatory work has been completed, you can begin installation. Install the lower hinge support into the new holes on the opposite side of the housing. Insert and tighten the mounting bolts, but do not apply maximum force yet - final tightening is done after alignment.
Place the refrigerator door onto the bottom pin. Make sure it sits straight and doesn't warp. If the model is two-door, install the lower door (refrigerator compartment) first, then the upper door (freezer), if the design involves their independent installation.
Attach the upper hinge to the body and screw in the mounting screws. At this stage, it is important to monitor the gaps between the door and the body. They should be uniform along the entire length. If you notice a misalignment, slightly loosen the screws, align the position of the blade and tighten them again.
| Work stage | Required tool | Key action | Check point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Screwdriver, tape | Fixing the door | Disconnection from the network |
| Removing the top | Phillips screwdriver | Removing the top hinge | Retaining the screws |
| Removing the bottom | Wrench/screwdriver | Removing the support pin | Cleaning holes |
| Installation | Tool set | Installation on a new side | Uniformity of gaps |
☑️ Checklist before final tightening
Adjusting the gaps and tightness
After installing the door in a new location, fine adjustmentis often required. Even a slight deviation of a few millimeters can lead to the refrigerator not closing tightly or, conversely, opening with excessive force. In models Beko adjustment is usually carried out by loosening the screws of the top hinge and moving the door.
Check the operation of the magnetic lock around the entire perimeter. Carry out a test with a sheet of paper: clamp the sheet between the door and the body at different points. It should be pulled out with noticeable resistance. If the paper falls out freely, it means that the seal in this place is broken and the screws need to be tightened.
Pay attention to the opening angle. If the door begins to touch adjacent furniture or elements of the kitchen unit, you may need to adjust the opening limiter (if it is provided for in the design of your model). Also check that the door does not touch the floor when fully opened.
⚠️ Attention: Do not overtighten the hinge screws. Excessive force can deform the metal hinge plate or damage the threads in the refrigerator body, which will lead to difficulties during future maintenance.
Rearranging the handle and decorative elements
The final chord is moving the handle to the new side. In most refrigerators Beko the handles are symmetrical and can be installed either on the left or on the right. To do this, you need to unscrew the fastening screws from the inside of the door (usually they are hidden under the plugs or are located at the end).
Install the removed handle on the opposite side, using the same holes that were previously closed with plugs. Make sure that the fasteners are tightened evenly on both sides so that the handle does not wobble during use. If your model is equipped with hidden handles or an integrated profile, you can skip this step.
Don't forget to move all the decorative plugs and stickers to the free spaces. This will not only give the refrigerator an aesthetic appearance, but will also protect the openings from dust and moisture. After completing assembly, wipe the surface with a soft cloth to remove fingerprints and dust.
In conclusion, it is worth noting that re-hanging the door is a standard procedure provided by the manufacturer. It does not affect the warranty if the unit components were not damaged in the process. The main thing is to act consistently and not ignore the need to level the canvas.
Is it possible to hang the door on a full refrigerator?
Theoretically it is possible, but it is highly not recommended. A full refrigerator is significantly heavier, which increases the risk of the door falling or damaging the shelves. It is better to empty the chamber of food before starting work.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before moving the door?
Yes, this is highly recommended. When defrosted, the internal shelves and drawers are easier to remove, which will reduce the overall weight of the structure and reduce the risk of damage to internal components when tilting or moving the door.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not close completely?
Most likely, the tilt angle of the case is broken. Check the adjustment supports on the bottom of the refrigerator: the front should be slightly raised relative to the back so that the door closes using gravity. Also check if the contents of the shelves are in the way.
Is it possible to lose the warranty if I reposition the door on Beko myself?
According to the rules of most service centers, re-hanging the door yourself is not grounds for voiding the warranty, since this is a user function. However, if the hinges, body or seal are damaged in the process, there will be a charge for repairing this damage.
Do you need to wait after installation before turning it on?
If you did not tilt the refrigerator more than 45 degrees, there is no need to wait. If the unit tilted strongly when manipulating the door, it is recommended to wait 2-4 hours before turning it on, so that the oil in the compressor flows into the crankcase.