Redesigning the kitchen or simply the desire to change the ergonomics of the space often leads owners of household appliances to the need to change the direction of door opening. For refrigerators Biryusawhich have proven themselves to be reliable and repairable units for decades, this procedure is standard and quite doable at home. Correctly performed rehanging will not only improve access to products, but will also extend the life of seals, which can become deformed if used incorrectly.
This process requires accuracy, the availability of a basic set of tools and an understanding of the design of the hinges. Hanging doors is not just a rearrangement of handles, but a complex operation for dismantling and installing fittings on both sides of the housing. Mistakes at the preparation stage can lead to distortion of the canvas or damage to the enamel, so it is important to act consistently and without haste.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for various models Biryusa, pay attention to the nuances of adjustment and answer frequently asked questions. You will learn how to prepare equipment, what tools will be needed and what to pay special attention to so that the result of the work will please you for many years.
Preparation for work and necessary tools
Before starting any manipulations with refrigeration equipment, it is necessary to ensure safe working conditions. First of all, the unit should be completely defrosted, disconnected from the power supply and freed from food. Thawed refrigerator it is easier to move, which is critical, since you will need access to both sides of the case. It is also recommended to cover the floor around the equipment with soft material or cardboard to avoid scratches when installing removed parts.
To perform the work, you will need a minimum kit for a home handyman. The basis is a set of screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead), wrenches or sockets (most often 8, 10 mm), as well as pliers. Some models may require hex keys. It wouldn’t hurt to have a container on hand for folding fasteners so as not to lose small screws.
☑️ Ready to rehang
Pay special attention to the condition of the fasteners. If the refrigerator has been in use for a long time, the threads may be dirty or oxidized. Prepare a penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40) in advance, which will help remove stuck bolts without using excessive force, which could damage the enamel coating.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to forcefully unscrew a rusted bolt if it does not give way. Treat it with lubricant and wait 10–15 minutes, otherwise there is a high risk of tearing off the cap or damaging the threads in the body.
Removing the top panel and hinge
The process begins from the top of the refrigerator. In models Biryusa the top cover is often attached to the body with screws located on the front or side. After unscrewing them, the panel must be carefully moved back and removed. Under it you will find the upper hinge of the refrigerator door.
The next step is to loosen the fasteners of the upper hinge. Do not remove the bolts completely at once. First just loosen them so the door can move but still hold. Then carefully lift the door off the bottom axis and place it in a safe place. Now you can completely unscrew the top hinge and remove it along with the decorative plugs.
It is important to remember the order in which the parts are removed. Hinge design may differ depending on the year of manufacture of the model. Somewhere one common axis is used, and somewhere - separate fasteners for the left and right sides. Fold the parts in the order in which you removed them, or make notes with a marker on the masking tape.
Nuances of fastening the top panel
In some modifications of Biryusa, the top panel can be additionally fixed with plastic latches. If the screws are removed but the panel does not come off, do not force it. Run a thin plastic putty knife or card along the joint to release the latches without damaging the plastic.
After removing the hinge, inspect it for play or wear. If you plan to rehang the door because it did not close well, perhaps the problem lies precisely in the wear of the hinge mechanism, and not in the opening direction.
Removing the refrigerator door
The refrigerator door is the largest and heaviest element that requires careful handling. After removal from the lower axle, it must be laid on the prepared surface with the inside facing up. Protect sealing rubber from creases and damage from sharp corners of tools.
At this stage, the handle is rearranged if the design of your model Biryusa suggests its presence on the door leaf. The handle is usually secured with screws from the inside. By unscrewing them, you can dismantle the handle and move the plugs to the opposite side, where there were previously hidden holes.
Inspect the end part of the door. The mating parts of the hinges or bushings are located there. In some cases, it is necessary to move the pins or bushings to the opposite side. This is done using a hammer and a drift (or a suitable rod). Using light blows, knock out the element and press it into a symmetrical hole on the other side.
- 🔧 Use a soft drift or wooden block to avoid damaging the metal when knocking out the pins.
- 🔧 Lubricate the bushings before installing them in a new place with lithium grease to reduce friction.
- 🔧 Check the tightness of the bushings: they should not dangle, but they should not protrude beyond the plane of the door.
If your model is equipped with an open door alarm, do not forget to move the magnet or sensor (reed switch) to the new side. Usually, special grooves or holes are provided for this in the end of the door and the body.
Working with the bottom door of the freezer
In two-chamber refrigerators Biryusa the process is repeated for the bottom door, but has its own characteristics. Often the lower door is connected to the upper door through a rod system or has its own independent hinge. First, the decorative panel hiding the lower hinge is removed.
The algorithm is similar: loosen the fasteners, remove the door from the axis, dismantle the hinge. The key difference may be the presence of an intermediate hinge between the chambers if the design does not allow the upper door to be removed independently. In such cases, the sequence of actions is strictly regulated by the manufacturer.
When working with the bottom door, pay special attention central axis. It bears the main load when opening. If traces of wear or rust are visible on the axle, it is better to replace it or thoroughly clean and lubricate it. This will ensure smooth running and no squeaks in the future.
⚠️ Attention: In two-chamber models with a common central hinge, the order in which the doors are removed is critically important. The top door is always removed first, then the central hinge, and only after that the bottom one. Violation of the order will lead to the impossibility of dismantling.
Installation of hinges on the new side
After preparing all the elements, we proceed to installation. On the opposite side of the refrigerator body Turk there should be technological holes closed with plastic plugs. Remove them carefully. If the holes have threads, make sure they are clean.
Install the bottom hinge (or center hinge, depending on the stage) to the new location. Insert the bottom axle and slide the door onto it. Only after making sure that the door is seated tightly and evenly can you tighten the fastening bolts. Tightening the bolts This is done crosswise to avoid skewing the hinge relative to the plane of the body.
The top loop is installed last. Align the holes in the door and body, insert the fasteners and tighten them by hand. Full tightening is carried out after preliminary checking the operation of the opening mechanism.
| Work stage | Required tool | Key point |
|---|---|---|
| Removing the top cover | Screwdriver cross | Do not lose the cover screws |
| Removing the door | Spanner wrench (8-10 mm) | Hold the door while unscrewing the hinge |
| Rearranging bushing | Hammer, drift | Do not damage the enamel of the door end |
| Installation on a new side | Set of keys | Adjusting gaps after installation |
When installing, make sure that the wires (if there is a backlight or sensors) are not pinched between the body and the loop. Special channels or cutouts in the hinges are often provided for wiring.
Adjusting gaps and final assembly
After all the doors are installed in new places, it is necessary to make final adjustments. The door should close tightly, but without excessive force. The gap between the door and the body along the entire perimeter should be uniform.
The door height is adjusted using adjusting screws on the lower hinge (if the design provides) or by placing washers. By rotating the adjusting bolt, you can raise or lower the corner of the door, achieving a perfect fit of the seal.
Do not forget to install all the decorative plugs in the places where there were holes for the hinges. This will not only improve the appearance of the refrigerator Biryusa, but will also protect the metal from corrosion. Plastic plugs are usually simply snapped on or glued in.
You can turn on the refrigerator only after it has stood in an upright position for at least 2-4 hours (if it was transported lying down or tilted strongly). This is necessary for oil to drain into the compressor.
Common problems and their solutions
Even with careful work, difficulties may arise. One of the common problems is that the door does not fully adhere to the body. This may be caused by improper installation of the seal or a misaligned hinge. Try to loosen the hinge fastener and tighten it again, under the pressure of the door.
Another problem is creaking when opening. Most likely, dust has gotten into the hinges or the grease has dried out. Disassemble the loop again, clean the rubbing parts and apply a new portion special lubricant for refrigerators. Regular machine oil may be too liquid and leak.
⚠️ Attention: The design and location of the mounting holes may vary depending on the specific series and year of manufacture of the Biryusa refrigerator. Always check the technical documentation if the standard diagram is not suitable.
If the door is skewed so that one corner protrudes more than the other, the height of the refrigerator legs will need to be adjusted. By twisting the front support legs, you can change the slope of the entire body, which often helps to align the closing line.
What to do if the plug is lost?
If the plastic plug for the hole is lost, do not leave the hole open. It can be temporarily sealed with a piece of black electrical tape or painted over with a corrector to prevent moisture and dust from getting inside the case.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to completely defrost the refrigerator before rehanging it?
Yes, this is a mandatory requirement. Water from melted ice may contact electrical contacts or leak onto the floor. In addition, a defrosted unit is easier to tilt and move.
Is it possible to hang the door if the refrigerator is built into the kitchen unit?
This is extremely difficult and often impossible without removing the refrigerator itself from the niche. To rehang, you need free access from all sides, including top and bottom. You will have to remove the unit from the furniture.
Why did the door begin to close on its own after rehanging?
This is normal physics. Refrigerator doors have inclined axes or special mechanisms in the hinges that create a self-closing effect. When rehanging, it is important to maintain the correct angle of inclination of the axis.
Where to get new hinges if the old ones are broken during dismantling?
Original spare parts for Turks can be ordered at authorized service centers or found on specialized websites of spare parts for household appliances, indicating the exact model of your refrigerator.