Changing the opening side of the refrigerator door is not just a whim, but often a necessary measure to optimize the kitchen space. If you purchased two-chamber refrigerator Biryusabut that the standard arrangement of the handles interferes with the passage or access to the countertop, there is only one solution - to rehang the doors. Manufacturers of household appliances, including the Russian brand Biryusa, provide this possibility in the design of most models, but the process itself requires care and adherence to the sequence of actions.
The main difficulty is that which reversing doors on two-chamber models affects not only the external hinges, but also the fastening system between the freezer and refrigerator compartments. Incorrect assembly can lead to a loose fit of the seal, misalignment of the flaps and, as a result, failure of the compressor due to constant operation. In this article, we will look in detail at how to change the hinge on a refrigerator Biryusato avoid common mistakes and maintain the warranty on the unit.
Before starting work, it is critical to make sure that your model really supports reversible hanging. In some budget modifications of Biryusa, holes for hinges can be drilled only on one side, which makes rehanging impossible without professional intervention and drilling new metal. If there are holes on both sides of the case, you can safely begin preparing the tools and workplace.
The process requires accuracy, since the doors of modern refrigerators are quite heavy and have fragile decorative elements. Sealing rubber and plastic plugs can be damaged if handled carelessly, so it is better to carry out all manipulations with an assistant. Below we will look at a complete algorithm of actions that will help you cope with the task in 30-40 minutes.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Quality preparation is half the success of any repair operation. To hang doors on two-chamber refrigerator Biryusa you will need a minimum set of tools, which are usually found in every home. However, it is important to use exactly those tools that will not damage the paintwork and plastic decor of the unit.
First of all, take care of protecting the floor. Doors and metal elements can scratch linoleum or laminate flooring if they are accidentally dropped or placed vertically. Cover the work area with thick cardboard, an old blanket or a soft carpet. Also make sure that you have enough free space around the refrigerator for maneuvers.
- 🔧 Flat-head screwdriver (blade width 3-5 mm) for removing plugs.
- 🔩 Set of open-end or socket wrenches (sizes 8, 10, 13 mm are most often required).
- 🔌 Hex key (usually 4 or 5 mm) for adjusting the support legs.
- 🧤 Construction gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
Particular attention should be paid fasteners. Some models Biryusa use bolts of different lengths for the upper and lower hinges. In order not to confuse them during the assembly process, it is recommended that immediately after unscrewing, put the bolts in separate containers marked "top","bottom","left side","right side".
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly not recommended to use a hammer a power tool (screwdriver with an impact mechanism) for tightening the hinge bolts. This can lead to stripped threads in the soft metal of the case or cracks in the plastic bushings.
Be sure to completely defrost the refrigerator before starting work. Although the re-hanging procedure itself does not require disconnecting from the network for a long time, the presence of water inside the chambers or frozen ice will make the structure heavier and may stain the floor when the unit is tilted. Disconnect the device from the power supply and let it stand with the doors open for at least a couple of hours.
Door layout and location of fasteners
Understanding the design helps to avoid fatal mistakes. A two-chamber refrigerator Biryusa consists of two independent but interconnected sections: the upper (freezer) and the lower (refrigeration). Each section has its own door, which is attached to the body through a system of hinges and bushings.
The key element is central hinge, which connects the two chambers. It is this that most often raises questions when rehanging, since it requires the dismantling of both doors simultaneously or sequentially in strict order. On the side of the body, on the side opposite from the current hinge, you will find hidden holes, closed with decorative plugs.
For clarity, consider the typical arrangement of elements on a two-chamber model:
| Element | Location (standard) | Function | Fixation type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top hinge | Upper right corner | Fixing the top door | Bolts for hexagon/key |
| Middle hinge | Between chambers | Separation of chambers, axis of rotation | Sleeve + bolt at the end |
| Bottom hinge | Bottom right corner | Lower door support | Adjustable support |
| Handles | Side or mortise | Opening | Hidden screws/latches |
It is important to note that in some models Biryusa with hidden hinges, the upper axis may be built into the body, and only the lower part of the hinge is removable. Carefully inspect the top cover of the refrigerator: if there is a decorative panel there, you may have to carefully pry it off with a flat-head screwdriver.
It is also worth mentioning magnetic locks or mechanical fasteners, which may be located on the opposite side. When rehanging, they will also have to be rearranged so that the door can be closed and held in the closed position.
Step-by-step instructions: dismantling the freezer door
We begin the immediate analysis. The first step is always to remove the top door (freezer). This is due to a design feature: the lower door often serves as a support or has common fastening elements with the upper one through the middle hinge.
Remove all decorative plugs from the upper hinge on the side where it is currently installed. Usually these are plastic circles that can be easily pryed off with a knife or flat-head screwdriver. Set them aside so you don't lose them. Now you need loosen the fastening bolts the upper hinge, but do not remove them completely so that the door does not fall.
☑️ Dismantling the upper door
Ask an assistant hold the door until you finally remove the bolts. Carefully lift the door up, removing it from the lower bushing of the middle hinge. If it is installed on the door handle and it interferes or has an asymmetrical shape, it must also be dismantled. On models Turquoise handles are often attached from the inside or have hidden screws under decorative overlays.
After removing the top door, we move on to the middle hinge. This is where the axle is located on which the bottom door fits. Unscrew the bolt securing the middle hinge in the housing. Remove the hinge itself and the metal sleeve. The top of the lower door is now free.
⚠️ Attention: When removing the middle hinge, be careful - a temperature sensor wire may pass inside the end of the door (if the model is equipped with an electronic display on the door). If there is a wire, you need to carefully disconnect it through a special connector, having first photographed the connection diagram.
Now you can remove the bottom door. While holding it, unscrew the bolts of the lower support hinge. Remove the door and set it aside. At this point, the dismantling stage is completed. All removed metal parts (hinges, bushings, axles) will need to be moved to the opposite side.
Installing doors on the opposite side
The assembly process on the new side is a mirror image of dismantling, but has its own nuances. Start by preparing the holes on the left side of the frame (if the door was originally on the right). Remove the plastic plugs from the working holes and install them in the vacated right holes to maintain an aesthetic appearance.
Install the lower support loop in a new location. Insert the bottom door (of the refrigerator compartment) into it and secure it with bolts. Do not tighten the bolts “all the way” right away - leave a small gap for later. position adjustment. The door should be level, without distortions.
Next, install the middle hinge. Insert the metal sleeve into the end of the bottom door, put a hinge on top and screw it to the refrigerator body. Now you can put the upper door (freezer) back in place. Place it on the axis of the middle hinge and secure it with the top hinge cover.
- 🔨 Make sure that all threaded connections are tightened evenly.
- 🚪 Check the freedom of movement of the doors - they should not touch the body.
- 🧲 Test the operation of the magnetic latches or latches.
If on your model Turkish the handles are rearranged or have a universal mount, install them now. In some cases, the handles need to be turned 180 degrees to maintain the opening ergonomics.
Tighten all bolts completely. Check the vertical installation of the doors using a building level. If the refrigerator is not level, adjust the height of the front legs of the body.
Adjusting the position and eliminating distortions
After installation, a situation often arises when the door hangs crookedly or does not fit tightly to the body. This is normal, since when rearranging loops it is difficult to immediately get into the ideal position. Adjustment is carried out by loosening the fastening bolts and slightly moving the door.
If the door is skewed vertically (one corner is higher than the other), it is necessary to loosen the bolts of the upper or middle hinge and, by raising or lowering the desired angle, achieve a straight line. To control, use a level or simply visually assess the gap between the door and the body along the entire length.
The problem of a loose fit is often solved by adjusting the height of the front supports of the refrigerator. The refrigerator should stand with a slight tilt back. This ensures that the door closes spontaneously when it is opened less than 90 degrees. If the tilt is not sufficient, unscrew the front adjustable feet.
Also check the condition sealing rubber. When re-hanging, it could shift or become deformed. If you notice creases, try heating the rubber with a hairdryer (not too hot) and straighten it with your hand. After cooling, it will take the desired shape.
In models with electronics, make sure that when closing the door, the microswitch (if any) is pressed correctly. This is important for controlling the light and fan.
Typical errors and ways to eliminate them
Even following the instructions, you can make mistakes that will affect the work Biryusa refrigerator. One of the most common problems is mixed up bolts. If you screw a long bolt into a short hole, it can rest against the inner wall or even damage the cooling circuit, which will lead to freon leakage.
Another common mistake is ignoring the body tilt adjustment. Users think that if the door is on its hinges, then everything is ready. But without the correct tilt back, the door will constantly open on its own, releasing the cold and forcing the compressor to work harder.
Table of common problems and solutions:
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The door does not close | Improper tilt of the refrigerator | Unscrew the front legs |
| Strong skew | The hinges are not fully tightened | Loosen and set to level |
| Crack in the corner | Deformation of the seal | Warm with a hairdryer and straighten |
| Creak when opening | Friction of metal on metal | Lubricate the hinges with silicone |
If you notice that after rehanging the refrigerator began to freeze worse, check the tightness of the seal around the entire perimeter. A test with a sheet of paper (clamped in different places of a closed door, it should be pulled out with force) will help identify weak points.
What to do if the bolts do not fit the threads?
Sometimes non-standard bolts are used during factory assembly. If your relatives do not fit on the new side (a rare defect), try to carefully select an analogue from the metric series, but do not use bolts of a larger diameter so as not to break the threads in the case.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to rehang the door on the Biryusa refrigerator yourself without losing the warranty?
According to the legislation and rules of most service centers, re-hanging the doors yourself is not a basis for refusal of warranty serviceif the unit components were not damaged in the process (threads were torn off, plastic was broken, the circuit was damaged). However, if you doubt your abilities, it is better to call a technician from an authorized center.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging it?
Yes, this is a mandatory requirement. The presence of ice inside will make the structure heavier, which is dangerous when removing the doors. In addition, water may leak into service openings or onto the floor. Let the unit stand unfrozen for at least 2-3 hours.
What to do if there are no holes for hinges on the new side?
This means that your model Biryusa does not support reversible hinge (one-sided opening). It is strictly forbidden to drill new holes yourself - this will damage the thermal insulation and, possibly, the cooling circuit. In this case, re-hanging is impossible.
How to transfer a magnetic lock to the other side?
Usually the magnetic lock (latch) on the opposite door has symmetrical holes. You need to unscrew it from its current location and screw it into the mirror holes on the other side. If the holes are closed with plugs, remove them.
Why did the door begin to open on its own?
Most likely, the balance of the refrigerator's tilt is off. When re-hanging, you may have accidentally screwed the front legs in too far. Unscrew them so that the front of the refrigerator is slightly higher than the back. This will create a gravitational moment for closing.