Many owners of brand refrigeration equipment Biryusa are faced with a situation where the standard arrangement of the door leaf becomes inconvenient. Most often this happens when remodeling the kitchen or purchasing new furniture, which limits the space for opening the door. Fortunately, the design of most models of the Russian manufacturer initially provides for the possibility of changing the opening side.
The rehanging process does not require calling a specialist and special technical knowledge if you act carefully and consistently. You will only need a basic set of tools and free time. The main rule Before starting work, completely empty the refrigerator of food and defrost it to avoid damage to the seal and lighten the weight of the structure.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the stages of transferring hinges from one side to the other, paying special attention to the nuances of adjusting the gaps and correct dismantling of fittings. Understanding the mechanism will allow you to do the job efficiently and avoid common mistakes that can lead to a loose door fit.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
Before you begin dismantling, you need to prepare the work area. The refrigerator should be moved away from the wall so that you can freely walk around it on all sides. Make sure the floor is level and clean so that accidentally dropped parts will not be scratched or lost. The lighting should be sufficient, since some fasteners may be hidden in the shadows.
As for tools, working with refrigerators Turk usually does not require complex equipment. The standard set includes screwdrivers of different types and sizes. It is important to choose exactly those bits that match the heads of the screws so as not to strip the threads when unscrewing.
You may also need:
- 🔧 Phillips and flathead screwdrivers (size depends on the model, often PH2)
- 🔑 10 mm wrench or socket (for some top hinge models)
- 🧤 Work gloves (metal edges of shelves and doors may be sharp)
- 📦 Container for storing small screws and plugs
Special attention it is worth paying attention to the condition sealing rubber. If it is very worn or has cracks, it makes sense to replace it at the same time as rehanging it, since access to the fastenings will be open at this moment. Check the equipment of your model in advance, as the set of plugs may differ.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! This is critical for your safety since you will be working with metal elements near electrical components.
Prepare a soft surface on the floor near the refrigerator. You will place the removed door on it so as not to damage its outer covering or internal plastic lining. The absence of scratches after installation is a sign of high-quality work.
Biryusa door hinge design
Refrigerators Biryusa, like most classic models, are equipped with a two- or three-point door fastening system. Understanding how hinges work will help you not get confused during the dismantling process. The design is quite reliable and simple, but has its own characteristics depending on the series of the device.
The upper hinge usually fixes the door in a horizontal plane and is often combined with a bracket for the handle or a decorative trim. The middle hinge (if there is one) serves as the axis of rotation and supports the weight of the door leaf. The lower support takes on the main load and often has an adjustment mechanism to level the height.
Technical features of hinges
The design of Biryusa hinges involves the use of sliding bushings, which can wear out over time. When rehanging, it is recommended to lubricate the rubbing parts with silicone grease to extend service life.
It is important to note that in some models the hinge axis is part of the door body itself, while in others it is a separate removable pin. Closer mechanismif it is provided for in the design, it also requires careful handling. Do not apply excessive force, if the part does not move, it is better to double-check the instructions.
Below is a table describing the main types of fastenings found in refrigerators of this brand:
| Fixing type | Location | Dismantling features | Required tools |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Top of the body | Often hidden under decorative cover | Phillips screwdriver |
| Middle hinge | Between chambers | Requires door support when removing | 10 mm wrench, screwdriver |
| Bottom support | At the bottom of the door/body | Has an adjusting screw | Flat screwdriver |
| Door handle | Side blades | Attached with screws from the inside or outside | Hexagon or screwdriver |
Studying the diagram specifically for your model before starting work will significantly speed up the process. If the technical data sheet is lost, a visual inspection of the fastening elements will tell you what type of connection you are dealing with.
Dismantling the door leaf and removing the fittings
The process of removing the door begins with dismantling the upper fasteners. First you need to remove the decorative trim if it covers the top hinge bolts. Usually it is held on by latches or a small screw that needs to be unscrewed.
After accessing the top hinge bolts, they should be unscrewed, but it is not necessary to remove them completely if the design allows you to simply loosen the fixation. However, to rehang, complete removal is most often required. Important point: you need to hold the door with your second hand or ask an assistant to prevent it from falling after releasing the top fastening.
Then the algorithm of actions is as follows:
- 🚪 Remove the door from the bottom studs (axles) and place it on the prepared surface.
- 🔩 Unscrew the middle hinge (if there is one) and move it to the opposite side using the provided threaded holes.
- 🧲 Move the magnetic plugs or decorative elements to the new places where the hinges used to be.
- 🔧 Remove the lower support sleeve and install it in a new socket on the opposite side of the case.
☑️ Removing the door
When removing the fittings, carefully watch the washers and gaskets. Their sequence during assembly must be maintained, otherwise the door may warp or it will close poorly. Plastic bushings It is better to lubricate it immediately to ensure smooth operation.
If your model is equipped with electric button light switches or display on doors, you must carefully disconnect the cable. Do this carefully, pulling the connector, and not the wires themselves, so as not to damage the contacts.
Installing hinges and hanging the door
Installing the door on the new side begins with installing the lower support sleeve. Insert it into the prepared hole on the opposite side of the refrigerator body. Make sure it fits snug and straight. This is the basis on which the entire structure will rest.
Then you need to install the middle hinge (if the model is two-chamber) on the new side. Secure it with bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet. This will allow you to further adjust the position of the door for a perfect fit. Gaps between the door and the body should be uniform along the entire length.
Now you can hang the door leaf. Insert the lower door axis into the support sleeve, and move the upper part to the place where the upper hinge is attached. Have an assistant hold the door while you insert the top fastener.
After installing all the hinges in new places, check the door for free movement. It should open and close without creaking or jamming. If you hear a grinding noise, there may be a forgotten screw somewhere or a gasket installed incorrectly.
The final step in this step is to tighten all the bolts. Do this evenly, alternating tightening the upper and lower fasteners to avoid metal distortion.
Adjusting gaps and tightness
Correct adjustment is the key to efficient operation of the refrigerator. If the door does not fit tightly, warm air will enter the chamber, which will lead to increased energy consumption and the formation of ice. The main adjustment tool is the lower support sleeve, which often has a threaded connection.
To change the height of the door position, use a wrench or an adjusting screw (depending on the model). By rotating the support, you can raise or lower the corner of the door. Ideal gap between the body and the door there should be about 2-3 mm around the entire perimeter.
It is also worth paying attention to the magnetic seal. After rehanging, it may not fit along the entire length. To fix this, you can heat the seal with a hairdryer (without overheating!) and straighten it, or place a thin strip of cardboard under it in places where the fit is loose.
Checking the quality of the adjustment:
- 📄 Take a sheet of paper and clamp it with the door around the perimeter. It must be removed with force.
- 👀 Visually assess the line of junction of the door and the body - it should be smooth.
- 👐 Run your hand along the seal - there should be no sharp changes or cracks.
⚠️ Attention: Do not allow skewed door, in which it does not close until it clicks. This will lead to rapid breakdown of the compressor due to constant wear and tear.
If adjustment with screws does not help, the door leaf itself or the hinges may have become deformed. In this case, more complex repairs or replacement of parts may be required.
Moving the handle and decorative elements
The last stage of work is moving the handle and installing plugs on the vacated holes. In refrigerators Turk the handle can be fastened with screws from the outside or from the inside of the door leaf. Carefully inspect the mounting location.
If the screws are on the outside, simply unscrew them and move the handle to the new side using symmetrical holes. If the fastening is hidden, you may need to remove the inner plastic door panel. Do this carefully so as not to break the plastic latches.
Plastic plugs must be installed in the places where the hinges and handle were previously attached. They come with the refrigerator and are usually stored in a bag with documents or attached to the inner wall of the chamber. If the plugs are lost, the holes can be carefully sealed with furniture stickers in the color of the cabinet.
Do not forget to also rearrange the shelves on the door if their configuration is asymmetrical. In some models, shelves have latches that work only when the door is in a certain position.
Frequent errors and ways to eliminate them
Even with instructions, beginners often make mistakes that affect the operation of the equipment. One of the most common is insufficient tightening of the middle hinge bolts. This leads to the fact that the upper part of the door sags over time and ceases to close tightly.
Another mistake is the loss or confusion of washers and bushings when rearranging. If you install the parts in the wrong order, the door axle may jam or, conversely, dangle. Carefully follow the sequence of elements.
Electrics are also often forgotten. If your model has an indication on the door, a forgotten or incorrectly connected cable will result in the refrigerator not “seeing” the door closing, and the light will be on constantly, heating the chamber.
Ways to solve problems:
- 🛠 If the door creaks, lubricate the hinges with silicone grease.
- ❄️ If ice forms, check the tightness of the seal.
- 🚪 If the door does not stay open, check the angle of the body (it should be slightly tilted back).
If after all the manipulations the problem persists, it makes sense to contact a specialist. It may be necessary to replace worn hinges or straighten the geometry of the case.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging it?
Yes, this is highly recommended. Ice in the chamber increases the weight of the door and can damage the seal when tilted. In addition, water may flow when the position of the unit changes.
Is it possible to turn the door over if there is a display on it?
In most models Biryusa with a display on the door, this is possible, but requires caution when disconnecting the cables. The length of the wires usually allows you to move the door, but you need to act carefully.
What to do if the holes for the hinges do not match?
In the original Biryusa refrigerators, the holes for hanging are provided structurally and must match. If they do not match, check whether you are using the right holes (sometimes there are several pairs of them) or whether the side of the hinge installation is reversed.
How often should you check the tightness of the fit after rehanging?
It is recommended to check the door 24 hours after installation, when the seal “sits” in a new place. In the future, a scheduled inspection once every six months is sufficient.
Will the warranty remain valid after independent re-hanging?
According to the law, independent repairs or modernization (which includes re-hanging) will not void the warranty if you have not damaged the internal components. However, if you strip the threads or break the glass, it will be considered a warranty issue. Be careful.