Changing the kitchen layout or simply wanting to refresh the interior often raises the question of changing the door opening side for owners of household appliances. For refrigerators Biryusa this procedure is standard and is provided for by the design of most models, which allows users to adapt the unit to their needs without calling a technician. Independent rehanging saves time and budget, but requires care, accuracy and adherence to a sequence of actions to avoid damage to the enamel or hinge group.
Before starting work, you need to make sure that the chosen installation location allows the door to open freely without touching furniture or walls. It is important to understand that re-hanging doors this is not just a rearrangement of fittings, but a process that affects the tightness of the circuit and the operation of the self-closing system. Incorrect adjustment can lead to a loose fit of the seal and, as a result, increased energy consumption.
In this article we will analyze in detail the process of re-hanging for various series of refrigerators Biryusa, consider the nuances of dismantling plastic plugs and metal hinges. You will learn what tools are needed, how to properly adjust the gaps and what to pay special attention to so that the equipment serves for a long time and properly.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
To successfully complete the task of changing the opening side, you will need a minimum set of tools, which are usually found in every home. The main tool will be open-end wrench or a set of heads, most often of sizes 8, 10 and 13 mm, depending on the specific model and year of manufacture of the refrigerator. You may also need a flat-head and Phillips screwdrivers to work with screws securing handles and decorative elements.
It is extremely important to prepare a flat surface next to the refrigerator, where you can carefully place the removed door. It is recommended to cover the floor with soft material, such as a blanket, cardboard or blanket, to avoid scratching the enamel and protective coating of the door during temporary storage. If the door is heavy or the refrigerator structure is large, it is better to enlist the help of an assistant, since holding the heavy door with one hand and unscrewing the bolts at the same time can be dangerous.
Do not forget to completely empty the door shelves of food and removable elements. This will not only make the structure lighter, but will also prevent glass shelves from falling or eggs from breaking during dismantling. Before starting work, it is better to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply, although this is not strictly necessary for the mechanical part of the work, it will be a good safety practice.
- 🔧 Open-end wrench or socket head (sizes 8-13 mm)
- 🔩 Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers
- 🛡️ Soft bedding (blanket, cardboard) to protect the door
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp edges
⚠️ Attention: Some models of refrigerators Biryusa may have hidden fasteners underneath decorative overlays. Be careful when using the tool so as not to break the plastic clips.
Removing the top hinge and removing the top door
The process starts from the top of the refrigerator compartment. The first step is to remove the decorative plug from the top hinge, which is located on the side opposite the desired opening. Usually it is pryed off with a flat screwdriver or simply removed by hand, if the design allows it. Under the plug you will find mounting bolts that need to be loosened.
After the top hinge bolts are unscrewed, the door is still held in place by the weight and bottom fastening, but the top hinge is no longer secured. Gently lift the door up to remove it from the bottom support, or, if the design allows for it, remove the entire hinge along with the door. Models Biryusa often use a scheme where the upper hinge is removed separately, and the door is left hanging on a temporary support or held by an assistant.
It is important not to drop the door suddenly, as this can damage the lower hinge or deform the body. If the door is equipped with a magnetic lock or closer, be especially gentle. Set the removed top hinge aside for now, without losing the fastening screws.
☑️ Preparing to remove the door
In some modifications with an electronic display on the door, before completely removing the upper part, you will need to carefully disconnect the cable cable. This must be done by remembering or photographing the order in which the connectors are connected, so that during reassembly you do not mix up the contacts.
Removing the bottom door of the freezer compartment
After successfully dismantling the top door of the refrigerator compartment, we move on to the bottom part - the freezer compartment. The principle of operation is similar, but there are some peculiarities associated with the design of the intermediate loop. If in your model Biryusa the middle hinge is common to both doors, it will also need to be removed or moved to the other side.
Unscrew the mounting bolts holding the freezer door. Please note that the weight of this door can be significant due to the compressor or evaporator located at the bottom in some older models, although modern Biryusha the compressor is often located at the rear. However, hold the door confidently.
After removing the door from the lower support sleeve, inspect the condition of the sealing rubber. This is the ideal moment to check its integrity and, if necessary, wash it or treat it with a special product to restore elasticity. Dirt and grease on the seal may prevent a tight seal after rehanging.
- ❄️ Remove all drawers and shelves from the freezer
- 🔓 Unscrew the bottom door mounting bolts
- 👐 Carefully remove the door from the support bushings
- 🧼 Check and clean the sealing rubber
⚠️ Attention: Do not leave the refrigerator with open chambers for a long time, especially in hot weather. This can lead to damage to the internal plastic elements due to temperature changes.
Rearranging handles and decorative elements
One of the most noticeable parts of the process is the relocation of handles. Refrigerator cases Biryusa usually have technological holes for handles on both sides, closed with plastic plugs. You need to unscrew the handles from the current holes and install them in the holes on the opposite side.
The decorative plugs that previously covered the empty holes now need to be moved to the place of the former handle fastenings. They are often conical in shape and are simply inserted into the holes until they click into place. If the plugs are lost or damaged, you can order new ones or use a neat temporary plug, although the aesthetics will suffer.
In models with integrated (hidden) handles, the procedure is simplified - you don’t need to rearrange anything, just make sure that the profile of the handle will not interfere with opening from the new side. If the handle is asymmetrical, make sure it fits the new side, although the manufacturer usually makes them universal or symmetrical.
Check that the handles are screwed securely. They should not wobble, since they bear the main load when opening and closing the refrigerator. Weak fastening can lead to tearing out the threads in the metal over time.
Installation of hinges and installation of doors on the new side
Now we move on to assembly on the new side. Install the lower support sleeve or hinge into the corresponding holes on the body on the selected side. Secure it with the bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet - this will allow you to fine-tune the position of the door later.
Install the freezer door on the lower support. This requires precision: you need to hit the hinge pin with the hole in the door. After installing the bottom door, mount the middle hinge (if it is provided for in the design and was removed) and install the top door of the refrigerator compartment. The top hinge is installed last.
When installing the top hinge, it is important to correctly align all the holes. Insert the bolts and start tightening them. At this stage, the doors should already be hanging in place, but their position may not be ideal.
| Stage | Action | Important nuance |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Installing the bottom hinge | Not tighten the bolts to the end |
| 2 | Installation of the lower door | Align the hole with the pin |
| 3 | Installation of the middle hinge | Control the gap between the doors |
| 4 | Installation of the upper door and hinges | Check the operation of the latches |
If your model Biryusa is equipped with the No Frost system, make sure that when rehanging the air ducts are not pinched if they passed through the door structure (although this is rare for this brand, more often the channels are in the body).
Adjusting the position of doors and gaps
The final and, perhaps, the most important stage is adjustment. Once all the bolts are installed, the doors may warp or not fit tightly to the frame. To correct this, loosen the hinges and, slightly moving the door left and right or up and down, achieve a uniform gap around the entire perimeter.
Pay special attention to the tight fit of the seal. The door should close easily, but with a characteristic clap, indicating tightness. If the door does not fit tightly, try tilting the refrigerator body back a little by tightening the front adjustable supports. This will help the door close under the influence of gravity.
Check the operation of the magnetic latches and closers. If the door begins to open too tightly or, conversely, opens spontaneously, it means that the angle of inclination or the tension of the hinges is incorrect. In models with electronics, check whether the cable wires are twisted.
⚠️ Attention: The characteristics and design of the loops may vary depending on the specific series Biryusa. If you feel strong metal resistance when tightening, do not use excessive force - you may have aligned the holes incorrectly.
After final adjustment, tightly tighten all mounting bolts. Check all connections again to make sure that nothing is loose.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to reverse the doors on a Biryusa refrigerator with an electronic display?
Yes, it is possible, but extra care is required. Before removing the door, you must disconnect the connectors of the wires going to the display and control buttons. When reinstalling, it is important to connect the cables correctly, observing polarity and order, otherwise the display may not work or show an error.
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging the doors?
Full defrosting is not necessary for the mechanical procedure, since we do not touch the cooling system directly. However, if there is a lot of ice in the freezer, the door may become heavier, and if not handled carefully, the ice may crumble. It is recommended to at least empty the chambers of food.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not close tightly?
First of all, check the adjustment of the support legs of the refrigerator - the front part should be raised relative to the back. Also make sure that the food on the shelves does not interfere with the closure, and that the seal is clean and elastic. If the problem persists, the position of the hinges may need to be adjusted.
Will the warranty still be valid after re-hanging the doors yourself?
According to the legislation and rules of most manufacturers, independent re-hanging of doors, as provided for by the design, is not grounds for voiding the warranty if the unit components were not damaged in the process. However, if you damage the case or hinges, this case will not be covered under warranty.
Where should you put the plugs from the holes if they don’t fit?
The refrigerator usually comes with universal plugs or they are already installed in the right places. If the old plugs do not fit the shape or size of the new holes, check the instructions - sometimes you need to turn the plug over or use complete parts from the repair kit. Biryusa Usually there are universal plugs or they are already installed in the right places. If the old plugs do not fit the shape or size of the new holes, check the instructions - sometimes you need to turn the plug over to the other side or use complete parts from the repair kit.