Changing the opening side of the refrigerator door is not just a whim, but often a necessary measure when remodeling a kitchen or changing the interior. Owners of equipment Beko often face the fact that the standard arrangement of handles interferes with convenient access to products or does not fit into the ergonomics of the room. Fortunately, the design of most modern models provides for the possibility of dismantling and installing hinges on the opposite side.
The rehanging process refrigerator doors requires care and adherence to the sequence of actions so as not to damage the fittings or decorative elements of the case. Improper dismantling can lead to misalignment of the sash, which subsequently causes problems with tightness and operation of the compressor. Before starting work, it is important to make sure that you have the required minimum set of tools and free space for maneuvers.
In this article we will look in detail at how to perform this procedure yourself without resorting to the services of paid specialists. You will learn about the nuances of removing handles, rearranging pins and adjusting magnetic seal. Following all the steps will allow you to quickly adapt the equipment to your needs.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Before taking active steps, you need to prepare the work area and tools. To work with fastening elements of equipment Beko most often you need a Phillips screwdriver (usually PH2) and, in some models, a hex key. It would also be a good idea to have a flat-head screwdriver on hand to carefully remove decorative plugs.
It is important to free up space around the refrigerator. You will need access not only to the front, but also to the side walls, as well as the ability to approach from behind to work on the lower hinges. Remove all foreign objects, rugs and furniture that may interfere with the movement of heavy equipment.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work on dismantling the housing elements, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This is a safety measure that will prevent the risk of electric shock if the wiring in the door hinges is accidentally damaged (if the model is equipped with a display).
Take care of the safety of the floor covering. When moving the unit to access the rear hinges, the feet may scratch the laminate or linoleum flooring. Place thick cardboard under the legs or use special pads. Also prepare a container for folding the screws so that they do not get lost during the work.
Design features hinges in different Beko models
Technique Beko is produced in various modifications, and the design of the hinge mechanism may differ depending on the series and year of manufacture. In most classic two-chamber models, the top and bottom hinges have symmetrical mounting holes on both sides. However, in some budget or, conversely, premium series, there may be nuances.
For example, in models with a system No Frost and a display on the door, the hinges may have built-in contacts for signal transmission. In such cases, when rehanging, it may be necessary not only to physically rearrange the metal, but also to switch the cable or rearrange the wiring plugs. Ignoring this point will result in the display stopping working.
It is also worth considering the type of pen. If your model has a built-in (hidden) handle or is made in the form of a groove in the body, the process is simplified, since there is no need to dismantle the protruding elements. If the handle is overhead and secured with screws, they will need to be removed and moved to the other side using the holes provided by the manufacturer.
What to do if the holes do not match?
In 99% of cases in Beko cases, the holes for the hinges are symmetrical. If you do not see holes on the other side, carefully inspect the surface: they may be closed with decorative plastic plugs that need to be carefully pryed off with a knife or thin screwdriver. In rare cases (very old or specific models), re-hanging may be impossible without drilling, but for modern technology this is impossible.
Below is a table that helps identify the type of fastening depending on visual signs:
| Model type | Screw location | Availability plugs | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic (RCNE, RCNK) | Hidden under a decorative cover | Available on both sides | Standard circuit, easy outweigh |
| With display (GN, RCNE Advanced) | Visible or under the cover | Yes, plus connectors | Requires caution with wires |
| Built-in series (BCHA, BCNA) | Hidden by furniture panels | Depends on the facade | You need to take into account the fastening of the facade |
Dismantling the top hinge and removing the door
The rehanging process always begins with top of the refrigerator. This is due to the fact that the door rests on the lower hinge, and the upper one only fixes its position. First you need to remove the decorative plug that hides the top hinge mounting bolts. It is usually made of plastic and simply slides into the slots.
Using a Phillips screwdriver or wrench (depending on the model), loosen, but do not completely remove, the screws holding the top hinge in place. The door must be closed at this moment to prevent it from falling. After loosening the fasteners, carefully lift the hinge to remove it from the guide pins and set it aside.
Now that the top clamp is removed, you can begin to remove the door itself. It is better to perform this operation with an assistant, since refrigerator doors Beko, especially with the system No Frost, have an impressive weight. Grasp the door with both hands (top and bottom or handle and bottom) and gently lift it, removing it from the bottom hinge. Place the removed sash on a prepared soft surface (for example, on a blanket or cardboard) with the outer side up.
☑️ Removing the top part
Rearranging the bottom hinge and pins
After the door removed, attention switches to the main supporting structure - the lower loop. In some models it is rigidly fixed to the body, in others it is a removable element. If the hinge is removable, it must be dismantled by unscrewing the fastening bolts and moved to the opposite side using symmetrical holes.
The key point is to move the support pin (axis) on which the door is placed. In the factory version, the pin is installed on one side. You need to unscrew it from the current side and screw it into the prepared threaded hole on the other side. This often requires a hex wrench. Make sure that the pin is screwed in all the way and secured, as it will bear the entire weight of the door.
Do not forget about the plastic bushings or washers that may be located under the hinge or on the pin. They provide a smooth ride and prevent metal-to-metal friction. Move them to a new place in the same sequence in which they were removed. The loss of these elements can lead to creaking and rapid wear of the mechanism.
⚠️ Attention: When screwing in the lower hinge pin, do not use excessive force. If the pin does not fit, check to see if you have the wrong side or if there is any foreign matter in the threads. Broken threads in the refrigerator body are a serious problem that requires complex repairs.
Installing the door on a new side
When the lower hinge and support pin are installed in a new place, you can begin installing the door. Lift the sash and carefully slide its bottom hole onto the installed pin. Make sure that the door sits evenly and fits tightly to the body along the entire plane.
Now you need to install the top hinge on the new side. Align the hinge holes with the holes in the refrigerator body and the holes in the end of the door. Insert the machine screws, but do not fully tighten them yet. This will allow you to adjust the position of the door if it is misaligned.
After preliminary fixing the top hinge, check the operation of the door. It should open and close smoothly, without jamming. If everything is in order, finally tighten all the top and bottom hinge screws. Make sure that decorative plugs are installed in the vacated holes on the old side to hide the empty grooves.
Adjustment and checking tightness
The final stage is to check the tightness of the fit sealing rubber along the entire perimeter. After rehanging, the door could stand with a slight distortion. To check, use a simple sheet of paper: clamp it between the door and the body in different places and try to pull it out. If the paper comes out easily or, on the contrary, breaks, adjustment is required.
Adjustment is carried out by loosening the screws securing the hinges and changing the position of the door in the vertical or horizontal plane. Also, many models Beko have adjustable support legs at the front. By twisting or unscrewing the front legs, you can change the tilt of the entire refrigerator, which often helps the door close on its own under the influence of gravity.
After mechanical adjustment, let the refrigerator stand in the off state for about 30-40 minutes. This is necessary if you have tilted the unit too much or if refrigerant may have leaked from the system (although this is unlikely if it is properly weighted and not tilted more than 40 degrees). Then turn on the equipment and check the tightness of the fit already on a cold refrigerator.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do you need to turn the door handle over?
Yes, in most models where the handle is a separate element, it must be removed and secured on the other side. For this, symmetrical holes and a set of screws are provided, which often comes with the equipment or is already screwed into unused holes.
What to do if, after rehanging, there is a gap between the door and the body?
The presence of a gap indicates misalignment. Try loosening the top hinge screws and, pressing the door against the body, tighten them again. Also check that the refrigerator is level on the floor - use a building level. Adjusting the front legs often solves the problem of a loose fit.
Is it possible to hang the door if the refrigerator has a built-in display?
Yes, it is possible, but the procedure becomes more complicated. You will need to carefully disconnect the cable of wires coming from the display, remove the loop, move the wires through the top of the case (often there are special channels for this) and reconnect them. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to call a specialist so as not to damage the electronics.
Where to put the old plugs from the previous side?
Decorative plugs that covered the holes for the hinges on the “new” side (where you are moving the door) usually need to be removed and installed on the “old” side, where there are now empty holes. They have a standard size and simply snap into the grooves.