Changing the kitchen layout or simply the desire to optimize the workspace often dictates new requirements for the location of household appliances. In such situations, it becomes necessary to change the direction of opening the refrigerator door Biryusato ensure convenient access to products and not block the passage. Fortunately, the design of most models of this popular Russian brand provides the possibility of reverse openingwhich allows owners to independently perform this procedure without calling a specialist.
The process of hanging the door does not require deep engineering knowledge, but it does involve working with heavy elements and metal parts that require care. Errors at the dismantling stage can lead to damage to the housing coating or, worse, to deformation of the housing itself. That is why it is important to strictly follow the algorithm of actions, prepare the necessary tools and take into account the design features of your specific model of the refrigeration unit. door leaves. That is why it is important to strictly follow the algorithm of actions, prepare the necessary tools and take into account the design features of your specific model of refrigeration unit.
In this article we will analyze in detail all stages of work, from preparing the tool to the final adjustment of the gaps. You will learn how to properly dismantle the fittings, rearrange the handles and hinges, and also avoid common mistakes that inexperienced craftsmen make when faced with a similar task for the first time.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
Before starting any manipulations with the refrigerator body, you need to make sure that you have a full set of tools at hand. The absence of even one key element, such as a suitable screwdriver or hexagon, can stop the process halfway or lead to stripping of the threads in the mounting holes. To work with models Biryusa most often you need a standard home craftsman's kit, but it is better to prepare it in advance.
Free up space in front of the refrigerator to have easy access to it from all sides. It is advisable to cover the floor with cardboard or thick fabric, as heavy parts may accidentally fall and damage the floor covering or break. It is also recommended to enlist the help of a second person to hold the door while unscrewing the hinges to relieve the strain on your wrist and prevent distortion.
You will need the following tools:
- 🛠️ A set of screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips) for removing handles and plastic plugs.
- 🔧 Wrench or socket 8, 10 mm (depending on the model) for hinge bolts.
- 📏 Level or tape measure to control the horizontal installation after rehanging.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
Removing the upper door and handle
The first step is always removing the upper door, since it has a more complex design hinges and is often equipped with an automatic closing mechanism. Start by dismantling the handle: in most models Turk it is attached to screws hidden under decorative plugs or directly in the holes of the handle. Carefully pry off the plugs with a flat-head screwdriver, being careful not to scratch the enamel.
After removing the handle, you need to release the upper loop from the fasteners. Here Ask an assistant to hold the door firmly while you unscrew the bolts top hinge. Do not try to hold the door with one hand while working with the key - this is a direct path to injury or damage to the equipment.
After removing the top door, put it in a safe place, having previously covered it with a soft cloth. Now notice the plastic plug that covered the hinge hole on the opposite side of the case. It must be removed and moved to the place where the hinge was just in order to preserve the aesthetic appearance of the refrigerator.
☑️ Safe dismantling
Re-hanging the bottom door and freezer compartment
The lower part of the refrigerator compartment or freezer compartment (depending on the configuration of your model) is dismantled according to a similar principle, but has its own characteristics. In two-chamber models, it is often found middle hinge, which connects the upper and lower doors. It must be loosened, but it is not necessary to remove it completely if the design allows you to simply rearrange the axis of rotation.
Remove the bottom door by unscrewing the corresponding fasteners. Carefully inspect the pins and bushings: they should not show signs of corrosion or severe wear. If you notice burrs on the metal shaft, they can be carefully sanded down with fine sandpaper to ensure smooth movement of the door after assembly. It is better to remove dirt and old grease with a clean rag.
⚠️ Attention: When removing the lower door, make sure that the plastic stops or shelf guides have not fallen out of it. These small parts are easy to lose, and without them, operating the camera will become impossible.
On the free side of the case, it is also necessary to rearrange the plugs and decorative elements. If your model Biryusa has the ability to move the handle to the other side, now is the time to perform this operation. To do this, you may need to remove the inner panel of the door or unscrew the fasteners from the back side.
Scheme for installing hinges on the new side
Installing hinges on the new side is a critical moment that determines how tightly the refrigerator will close and whether distortions will occur. Included with most modern models Biryusa there are already threaded holes on both sides of the case. Your task is to correctly orient the hinges, since they often have an asymmetrical shape and are not universal “left-right.”
When installing the top hinge in a new location, make sure that the hinge pin fits exactly into the door hole. Start tightening the bolts by hand to make sure all the holes line up. Only after you are sure that the part is perfectly level, you can start tightening. Use torque wrench or simply act with moderate force so as not to strip the threads in the aluminum case.
Below is a table of typical installation problems and how to solve them:
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The door does not close completely | Incorrect angle of the hinges | Loosen the fasteners and level the position |
| A creaking sound is heard when opening | Lack of lubrication or misalignment | Lubricate the hinges and check the tightness of the bolts |
| A large gap has formed | Wear of the seal or deformation | Check integrity of the seal and adjustment |
| The door is skewed down | Weak fasteners of the lower hinge | Tighten the bolts of the lower support |
What to do if the holes do not match?
If If you find that the threaded holes on the body do not line up with the holes on the hinge when re-hanging, do not drill new holes! This could mean that you have the hinge oriented incorrectly (upside down) or that you are using fasteners from a different model. Some older Biryusa models required the use of special adapter bushings, which could get lost. Carefully read the instructions for your specific model.
Adjusting gaps and tightness
After all the doors are installed in new places, it is necessary to carry out a thorough adjustment. Even a slight deviation of a few millimeters can cause the refrigerator to leak. This, in turn, will cause continuous operation of the compressor, increased energy consumption and the formation of ice inside the chamber.
Check the tightness sealing rubber along the entire perimeter. To do this, you can use a simple sheet of paper: clamp it between the door and the body in different places and try to pull it out. The paper should be pulled out with noticeable force. If in some place it falls out freely, it means that a gap has formed there that needs to be eliminated.
The height of the doors is adjusted using the support legs at the bottom of the refrigerator. By rotating them clockwise or counterclockwise, you can raise or lower the corresponding corner of the body, achieving an ideal horizontal position. Also, adjustment screws are often provided on the hinges themselves, allowing you to (adjust) the position of the canvas in the plane.
Typical errors and ways to eliminate them
In the process of turning a door, beginners often make mistakes that can cost time and nerves. One of the most common is the loss or confusion of fasteners. The bolts for the top and bottom hinges may differ in length and thread. If you screw a long bolt into a short hole, you can pierce the wall of the refrigerator or damage the internal circuit.
Another common mistake is ignoring the condition of the seal. When dismantling, the rubber profile may stretch or deform. If, after installing the door in a new place, you see that it does not fit tightly, try warming the seal with a hairdryer (not too hot air) and straighten it, giving it its original shape.
⚠️ Attention: Never use aggressive chemical solvents or WD-40 in its pure form to lubricate the hinges, unless recommended by the manufacturer. These substances can destroy the plastic bushings or wash away the factory grease, after which the hinges will begin to creak even more.
If after all the manipulations the door continues to slam or open by itself, check the angle of the entire refrigerator cabinet. The door should open under the influence of gravity only at an opening angle of more than 45-50 degrees, and in the closed position it should tend to close. Adjusting the front supports helps adjust this parameter.
Frequent questions and answers (FAQ)
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before hanging the door?
Yes, this is highly desirable. First, an empty refrigerator is lighter and easier to tilt or move to access the back. Secondly, when tilted and distorted, compressor oil may leak out of the system if there is a lot of liquid refrigerant in the tubes, although modern models are more resistant to this. It’s better to play it safe and let the equipment stand unplugged for several hours.
Is it possible to reverse the door on a Biryusa refrigerator with the No Frost system?
In most models with the system No Frost you can reverse the door, but there is a nuance. Air ducts are often located in the door itself, and they are connected by flexible corrugated hoses. When re-hanging, you need to make sure that the length of these hoses is enough to connect on the other side, otherwise you will have to dismantle and move part of the air ducts, which greatly complicates the task.
What to do if, after re-hanging, a strong creaking appears?
A creaking usually indicates metal-to-metal friction or a lack of lubrication. Check whether the door touches the body when opening. If there are no gaps, try dripping some silicone grease into the hinge area. If the creaking does not stop, the hinge may be installed skewed, and it needs to be loosened and reinstalled.
Will the warranty still apply after re-hanging the door yourself?
According to the legislation and rules of most service centers, re-hanging the door yourself is not a basis for voiding the warrantyif no mechanical damage was caused in the process (scratches, dents, broken threads). However, if you doubt your abilities, it is better to call an official technician to maintain peace of mind.