The need to change the direction of opening the refrigerator door often arises when remodeling the kitchen or purchasing new furniture. Models Biryusa 118 are distinguished by a reliable design, but require a careful approach when dismantling the hinged elements. Correct execution of the procedure guarantees the safety of the seals and the long service life of the mechanisms.
The rehanging process does not require complex specialized equipment, however, knowledge of the nuances of the design hinge units is critically important. Errors at the dismantling stage can lead to damage to the decorative panels or failure of the chamber's seal. Carefully study the sequence of actions before starting work.
Preparation of the workplace and tools
Before starting work, it is necessary to clear the space around the refrigeration unit. Make sure the floor is clean and dry to prevent equipment from slipping or falling. The model Biryusa 118 will require access from all sides, since some of the operations are performed from behind the case.
You will need a basic home craftsman's kit. The main tool will be an open-end wrench or a 10 mm socket, as well as a flat and Phillips screwdriver. It will not be superfluous to prepare masking tape for fixing moving parts and soft rags.
☑️ Preparation for rehanging the door
It is important to determine in advance the type of handles on your model. In some modifications handles they can be integrated into the body or have hidden fasteners. If the handle is removable, it is better to dismantle it immediately so that it does not interfere with access to the upper hinges.
Removing the upper hinge and door
The first step is always removing the upper hinge. The refrigerator door is heavy, so have someone support it or use a support. Unscrew the screws securing the top hinge to the refrigerator body using the prepared key.
After loosening the fasteners, carefully remove the hinge. Pay attention to the presence of plastic washers or bushings - they should not be lost, they will be needed during reassembly. The door is now supported only by the lower hinge, which in this model usually does not require dismantling for rehanging.
⚠️ Attention: When removing the door, keep an eye on the refrigerant supply pipe if it passes through the upper hinge. The model Biryusa 118 often uses a perimeter heating system, and careless movement can damage the wire insulation.
Put the removed door in a safe place, having previously sealed the ends of the seal with tape so that it does not deform. Now you have access to the end holes for the screws that will need to be moved to the other side.
Moving the mounting holes to the opposite side side
At the end of the door and on the body of the refrigerator you will see plugs for holes that are not currently in use. They must be removed and moved to the vacant places on the current side. This will provide an aesthetic appearance and protection from dust.
To remove the plastic plugs, it is convenient to use a thin awl or a flat-head screwdriver. Be careful not to scratch the enamel. If there are no plugs, the holes can be closed with pieces of white sealant or special stickers included in the kit.
Now you need to free the threaded holes on the opposite end. They are often closed with factory plugs. In some cases, it is necessary to carefully drill or break out the jumpers if the design implies versatility, but Biryusa 118 the holes are usually already ready and closed decoratively.
What to do if the holes do not match?
In rare cases, if available due to manufacturing defects or modifications, the holes may be misaligned. Then you will need to use adapter plates or drill new holes in the door, after first removing the inner plastic panel so as not to damage the insulation.
Make sure that all screws fit freely into the new seats. If the thread is clogged with factory grease or paint, carefully go through it with a tap or simply clean it with a drill manually, without an electric drill.
Installing the door on a new side
After preparing all the holes, you can begin installation. Place the door on the lower support hinge. Make sure it lies flat in place and is not skewed. Now you need to fix the top hinge on the other side of the case.
Insert the screws into the top holes and start tightening them by hand so as not to strip the threads. Then use a wrench for final tightening. Do not use excessive force - the metal of the hinges is strong enough, but the aluminum alloys of the body may not withstand tightening.
| Element | Action | Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Repositioning to the other side | 10 mm key |
| Door handles | Removal and reinstallation | Phillips screwdriver |
| Plugs | Transfer to vacant places | Awl/Needle |
| Lower support | Checking fixation | Pliers |
If your model provides for the installation of a second handle (for double compartment versions or freezer compartments), install it now. Models with one door are typical for Biryusa 118 , but the principle of symmetrical fastening is preserved.
Adjusting gaps and tightness
After installing the door, you need to check the geometry of its fit. The gaps between the door and the body must be uniform around the entire perimeter. If you notice a misalignment, it can be eliminated by adjusting the height of the lower support legs of the refrigerator.
Rotating the adjusting screws on the legs allows you to raise or lower the corresponding corner of the unit. This affects the angle of inclination of the entire body and, consequently, the work magnetic seal. The door should close tightly, but without excessive force.
Check the operation of stoppers or closers, if they are included in the design. In budget models, the role of the closer is often played by the natural tilt of the body back, which forces the door to close under its own weight.
Tightness check and testing
The final stage is to check the tightness of the chamber. Take a sheet of A4 paper, clamp it with the refrigerator door and try to pull it out. The sheet should be removed with noticeable force along the entire length of the seal.
If the paper slips freely in places, it means that the seal is not tight. Try slightly warming the problem area with a hairdryer (without overheating the plastic) and press the door until it cools. This will help straighten out the deformed areas of the rubber.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use sharp objects to check the tightness. The test with paper is safe for sealing rubber and will not damage its structure.
Plug in the refrigerator and leave it running without load for 2-3 hours. Check for condensation on the outside of the door or in the corners of the chamber. The absence of moisture and a stable temperature will confirm the success of the work performed.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it necessary to drain the freon before hanging the door?
No, it is not necessary to drain the refrigerant. The piping system in the model Biryusa 118 is protected, and the re-hanging procedure affects only mechanical hinged elements. However, be careful not to damage the tubes going to the heating circuit.
Is it possible to turn the door over if the refrigerator is built into the furniture?
This is possible, but requires complete removal of the refrigerator from the niche. You will need free space to rotate the body and remove the doors. Built-in appliances often have additional mounting strips that will also need to be rearranged.
What to do if the screws are rusty and won’t come off?
Use a penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40). Apply it to the thread and leave for 15-20 minutes. If this does not help, gently heat the screw head with a soldering iron to expand the metal and destroy the corrosion, but be careful with plastic.
Why did the door begin to close tightly after rehanging?
Most likely, the angle of the refrigerator is broken. Adjust the front legs so that the body is slightly tilted back. Also check if the door is touching the shelves or the contents inside the chamber.