Remodeling the kitchen or simply inconvenient placement of household appliances The owner is often asked the question of changing the side of the door opening. In refrigerators Samsung, as in many modern models, this procedure is provided for by design, but requires care and adherence to a certain sequence of actions. Improper dismantling can lead to damage to the decorative plugs or even disruption of the geometry of the body.
Before starting work, it is necessary to assess the scope of the upcoming manipulations. Unlike old Soviet models, which required only a screwdriver, modern units Samsung often are equipped with complex fastening systems, opening sensors and built-in displays. Ignoring the features electronic filling may cause failure of the control module.
This article will help you understand the nuances of hanging the door without resorting to the services of paid technicians. We will look at the preparation stages, the specifics of working with different types of hinges and critical points that should not be overlooked. Make sure that your refrigerator model technically supports door reverse, as some budget series have a permanent left hinge.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
High-quality preparation is the key to successful completion of the job without scratches on the floor or chips on the furniture. You will need at least one meter of free space around the refrigerator on all sides. This will provide convenient access to fasteners and allow you to safely lay the unit on its side, if required by the instructions for your specific series.
The set of tools should be assembled in advance so as not to interrupt the process by searching for the required part. Usually a standard DIY kit is sufficient, but some models Samsung may require specific keys. It is recommended to prepare an 8 mm socket wrench, flat and Phillips screwdrivers, as well as masking tape.
☑️ Tools for hanging the door
Be sure to empty the refrigerator compartments of food and remove all shelves and drawers. An empty refrigerator is significantly lighter, reducing the risk of back injury or falling of the unit. In addition, this will prevent the contents of the shelves from spilling out when tilting the case or removing door modules door modules.
Design features and types of Samsung hinges
South Korean brand refrigerators Samsung are divided into several design types, and the rehanging method for them varies. Classic two-compartment top freezer models use a system of three main attachment points: top, middle and bottom hinges. Models No Frost add a complex air duct system that requires care.
Models of the series Side-by-Sidedeserve special attention. They often use a parallel door opening system, where one leaf depends on the other. This may require not just rearranging the hinges, but also moving all the fittings, including handles and stops. Some premium models are equipped with electronic locks or sensors, the wires of which will need to be switched.
It is important to understand the difference between removable and non-removable hinges. If the instructions for your model indicate that the left hinge is a solid part of the body, then full re-hanging is impossible without compromising the integrity of the metal. In such cases, manufacturers often provide alternative solutions, for example, installing stops.
Why can’t you ignore the type of hinges?
Ignoring the type of structure may lead to the fact that you dismantle the door, but will not be able to install it on the other side due to the lack of holes or the specific shape of the canopies. Always check the manual for the specific series.
Dismantling the top part and removing the door
The process begins from the top of the unit, since this is where the main weight of the door leaf is located. First you need to remove the decorative plug that hides the top hinge mounting bolts. Depending on the model Samsung, it can be removed by prying it with a flat-head screwdriver or moving it to the side.
After gaining access to the fasteners, loosen the bolts, but do not unscrew them completely immediately. It is critical to have someone hold the door at this stage as it may fall after the last bolt is removed. If there is no assistant, use supports or place soft pillows in the area of possible fall, although this is less reliable for holding heavy cloth heavy cloth.
Disconnect the electrical connectors if the door is equipped with a display or backlight. The connectors usually have a latch that you need to gently press out with your fingers. Do not pull the wires, act carefully so as not to damage contact group. After disconnecting the wires, you can completely unscrew the bolts of the top hinge and remove the door.
⚠️ Attention: Before disconnecting any electrical components, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Working with live wiring is unacceptable and can lead to a short circuit.
Reweighing the middle and lower loops
The next step is working with the middle loop, which separates the freezer and refrigerator compartments. The algorithm of actions is similar: remove the plug, unscrew the bolts, hold the bottom door. Pay special attention to the hinge axis - it can be pressed into the door or be part of the mechanism itself. In some models Samsung the axis needs to be moved from one end of the door to the other.
To rearrange the axis, it is often necessary to remove the door itself from the support. Place it face down on a soft surface (such as a spread blanket). Find the hole for the axle on the opposite end. If there is a plastic plug there, remove it and install it in the vacated hole at the current end. Carefully knock out or unscrew the metal axis and move it to a new place.
The lower hinge in most cases is hidden under a decorative base or simply covered with a plastic cover near the floor. To access it, you may need to remove the front panel of the refrigerator or simply crawl underneath. Once the door is removed, the bottom hinge is either unscrewed completely and moved to the other side, or (in rare cases) simply moved over.
Assembling the structure on the new side
Assembly is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling, but taking into account the new seats. Start by installing the bottom support on the opposite side of the chassis. Make sure that it fits tightly into the special grooves and without distortions. It is the bottom point that sets the vertical, therefore installation geometry the most important thing here.
Then the bottom door (main chamber) is hung. Align the holes in the door with the installed bottom hinge. Insert the middle hinge pin into the corresponding slot on the upper end of the lower door. Now you can install the middle hinge itself. Tighten the bolts sufficiently firmly, but without fanaticism, so as not to strip the threads in the metal casing. The top door (freezer) is installed last. Pass the electrical cables through the channels provided in the hinges so that they are not pinched when opening. Connect the connectors until you hear a click, make sure the connection is correct (usually the connectors have different shapes or colors, which eliminates mistakes). Fix the upper hinge with bolts and close with decorative plugs. metal case.
The top door (freezer) is installed last. Pass the electrical cables through the channels provided in the hinges so that they are not pinched when opening. Connect the connectors until you hear a click, make sure the connection is correct (usually the connectors have different shapes or colors, which eliminates mistakes). Secure the top hinge with bolts and close with decorative plugs.
The table below will help systematize the procedure for different units:
| Structural element | Action during dismantling | Action during installation | Important nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Remove the plug, loosen the bolts | Tighten the bolts, close with the plug | Careful with the display wires |
| Middle hinge | Remove from the axle, unscrew from the body | Install on the new side, insert axis | Check the door movement before tightening |
| Bottom support | Unscrew completely | Screw into a symmetrical hole | Keep an eye on the floor level |
| Door axis | Knock out or unscrew | Install in the end hole | Do not lose the retaining ring |
Adjusting gaps and checking operation
After installing doors in a new location, the need for adjustment often arises. The doors may not fit tightly or, conversely, touch the body. To adjust the height, adjustable feet are used at the bottom of the refrigerator. By rotating them clockwise or counterclockwise, you can achieve an ideal horizontal position tilt back for automatic closing.
Check the tightness of the seal around the entire perimeter. If a gap has formed in some place through which the cold escapes, the loop may be tightened unevenly. Loosen the middle hinge fastener half a turn, press the door closer to the body and tighten the bolts again. Also make sure that nothing interferes with the movement of the door seal.
The final test includes checking the operation of the sensors. Open the door - after 1-2 minutes a beep should sound (if the function is activated in the menu). Close the door - the light inside should go out and the display (if any) should go into standby mode. If the refrigerator makes strange noises or the door closes with a slam, check to see if the wires inside the hinges are twisted.
⚠️ Attention: Specifications and the location of the mounting holes may vary depending on the year of manufacture and the specific series of the refrigerator. Always check the manufacturer's official documentation for your model.
Common errors and expert advice
One of the most common mistakes is the loss of small plastic plugs. When you take them out from one side, they often fly off to the side and get lost in the grass (if you are working in the country) or roll under the cabinet. To avoid this, immediately glue them onto masking tape next to the corresponding holes or put them in a container with cells for small fittings.
Another mistake is overtightening the bolts. The aluminum alloys used in some hinges or the plastic frame of the refrigerator may not withstand excessive force. Use a torque wrench if you have one, or rely on tactile sensations: the bolt should be tightened tightly, but without cracking or deforming the metal. Excessive force can lead to deformation seat.
Do not forget about cleanliness. While the doors are removed, this is an excellent opportunity to wipe the ends of the body and the doors themselves from dust and adhering dirt, which is usually hidden under seals and hinges. Use a soft cloth and a neutral detergent, avoiding abrasives that can scratch the glossy surface. Samsung.
What should you do if the door is sagging after rehanging?
If you notice sagging, try loosening the middle hinge fasteners, manually lifting the door to the ideal level, and retightening the bolts. If this does not help, check the adjusting screws on the hinge itself (if they are provided for in the design).
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging the doors?
Yes, this is highly desirable. While you can technically work with the unit running, defrosting will allow you to tilt the refrigerator without fear of water leaking from the drainage system or the compressor moving. In addition, empty chambers are easier to transport and manipulate doors.
Is it possible to damage the compressor when tilting the refrigerator?
There is a risk if you tilt a working refrigerator too much (more than 40 degrees) or shake it. Oil from the compressor may enter the cooling circuit. After any transportation or strong tilts, it is recommended to let the refrigerator stand in an upright position for 2-4 hours before turning it on.
What to do if the holes for the hinges do not fit?
If the holes do not match, perhaps your model is not designed to be completely re-hung, or you are using components from another modification. In some cases, there are hidden holes in the housing, closed with plugs. Carefully inspect the end of the door and the body for hidden technological holes.
What to do with the display if the wires are short?
In rare cases, the wires may be stretched. Make sure the cable is routed through the center loop channel correctly. If the length is absolutely not enough, you may need to extend the cable, but this is a complex procedure that requires soldering and knowledge of electronics. It is better to contact the service.
Do you need to change the direction of the handles?
In most modern models Samsung the handles are integrated into the body or are symmetrical. However, if you have a model with separate overhead handles, they will also need to be dismantled and rearranged to the other side using symmetrical holes.