The need to change the direction of opening the refrigerator door unit often occurs when remodeling a kitchen or moving to a new home. The standard factory installation usually involves opening from right to left, which is not always convenient in small apartments or a specific arrangement of furniture. The owner may encounter a situation when the handle rests against the wall or the passage becomes too narrow, creating discomfort when operating household appliances.
Models of the domestic brand Biryusa structurally provide for the possibility of changing the side of the hinge, but the process requires care and adherence to a certain sequence of actions. Improper execution of operations can lead to damage to the hinges, skewing of the canvas or failure of the seal. In this article, we will look in detail at how to rehang the door of the Biryusa refrigerator, based on the technical features of various series of this equipment.
Before starting work, it is important to make sure that your model really supports reverse installation, since some budget options may have asymmetrical holes or monolithic handles. It is also worth considering that in two-chamber models the procedure will be more complicated due to the presence of a melt water drainage system and additional fastenings. Below are detailed instructions that will help you complete the job efficiently and safely.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
To successfully complete the task of changing the side of the hitch, you will need a minimum set of tools that can be found in every home. The main tool will be an open-end wrench, most often 10 mm in size, although some models may require an 8 mm wrench or a Phillips screwdriver. It is also a good idea to have a flat-head screwdriver ready to carefully remove decorative plugs and plastic elements.
It is critically important to ensure a stable position of the unit during operation. Since you will have to exert physical force to hold the heavy door, the refrigerator should stand level and not wobble. If the floor is slippery, place rubber mats under the feet or have someone hold the case on the opposite side.
- 🔧 An open-end wrench (usually 8 or 10 mm) or a set of ratchet sockets.
- 🪛 Phillips and flathead screwdrivers for removing plugs and handles.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧹 Clean rags for wiping surfaces and removing old grease.
Pay special attention freeing up space around equipment. You need room not only in front, but also on the sides so that you can set aside removed parts and move freely around the case. Do not start work if there are easily breakable objects nearby or if the passage is blocked.
Design features of Biryusa refrigerators
Refrigerators Biryusaproduced by the Krasnoyarsk plant are reliable and relatively simple design, which makes them easier to service. However, depending on the year of manufacture and series (for example, classic models or series Cryogen), the location of fasteners may differ. In most cases, a system of upper and lower loops is used, which are swapped or moved to the opposite side.
It is important to understand the difference between single-chamber and double-chamber models. In single-chamber units, the problem is solved by simply rearranging the hinges, while in models with a separate freezer, complexity is added with a central partition and a condensate drainage channel. Some modern models are equipped with hidden hinges or decorative panels that require careful handling.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the electrical outlet! This is a safety requirement, which, if ignored, may result in electric shock or short circuit if the wiring is accidentally damaged.
Read the instructions for your specific model, if available. There may be specific nuances specific only to your modification. If there is no documentation, rely on visual inspection: the presence of threaded holes on the opposite side of the case indicates the possibility of reinstallation.
Step-by-step instructions: single-chamber models
The process of hanging the door on a single-chamber refrigerator is the simplest and takes the least time. First you need to remove the door from its current hinges. To do this, open the door, find the top hinge and unscrew the mounting bolts holding it in place. Be prepared for the fact that the door is heavy, so it is better to perform this operation with two people.
After removing the top hinge, carefully lift the door to disengage it from the bottom axis and set it in a safe place. Next, you need to dismantle the bottom hinge and move it to the opposite side of the case, using the holes pre-provided by the factory. Do not forget to rearrange the stopper, if your model has one.
- 📐 Remove the decorative plugs from the holes on the working side.
- 🔩 Install the upper and lower hinges in new places using standard fasteners.
- 🚪 Hang the door, aligning the lower hole with the hinge axis.
- 🔒 Fix the upper hinge and check the tightness of the seal.
After installation, check the operation closing mechanism. The door should close tightly, without distortions or gaps. If you notice that the seal does not fit evenly, you may need to adjust the height of the refrigerator legs or tighten the bolts of the hinge.
☑️ Check before starting work
Hanging the door in two-chamber refrigerators
Working with two-chamber models requires greater care, since here a central loop and, often, a tube are added to drain melt water from the freezer. First of all, the top door (freezer) is removed, then the middle hinge is dismantled, and only after that the bottom door (refrigerator compartment) is removed.
The key point is to work with water drainage channel. In some models, the tube is simply inserted into the hole, in others it is secured with a clamp. When rearranging, it is important not to damage this element and correctly install it in the new hole on the opposite side. Often this requires removing the decorative hinge cover.
| Work stage | Action | Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Preparation | Removing shelves and releasing doors | Reduces weight and risk of glass breakage |
| 2. Upper door | Removing the upper hinge and removing the door | Requires the help of a second person |
| 3. Middle part | Transfer of the central loop and tube | It is important not to bend the water drainage tube |
| 4. Bottom door | Removing and reversing the bottom door | Similar to single-chamber models |
When installing doors in a new location, make sure that the hinge axes fit exactly into the holes. Don't make excessive efforts; if something doesn't work, it's better to check the alignment again. After assembling all the elements, make sure that the gap between the doors (at the junction) is uniform across the entire width.
Adjusting and setting the seal
After the doors are hung, an obligatory step is to check the tightness. Rubber seal could be deformed during operation, and when changing the opening side, the load on it changes. If the door does not close tightly, the cold will escape and the compressor will work without stopping.
There is a simple way to check: clamp a sheet of paper between the door and the body in different places around the perimeter. If the sheet is removed easily and without resistance, it means that the seal does not fit in this place. In this case, warm the rubber with a hairdryer (carefully, without overheating) or place a thin strip of rubber under the profile in a problem area.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use aggressive chemicals or solvents to “stick” the seal! This can destroy the structure of the rubber, and it will lose its elasticity, ceasing to perform its function.
Also check the angle of inclination of the refrigerator itself. For the doors to close properly, the body must be tilted slightly backwards. This is adjusted by twisting the front legs. If the door is vertical or tilted forward, it will open by itself.
Common mistakes and ways to eliminate them
In the process of self-repair, beginners often make common mistakes that can negate all efforts. One of the most common is the loss of fasteners. Bolts from different hinges may differ in length and thread, so it is recommended to lay them out in the order of removal or use a magnetic tray.
Another mistake is ignoring the water drainage tube. By forgetting to rearrange or installing this element incorrectly, you risk getting a puddle of water on the floor after a few hours of operation of the refrigerator. Make sure that the tube is inserted all the way and has no kinks.
- ❌ Door skew: occurs when the top hinge bolts are unevenly tightened.
- ❌ Gap between the doors: result of incorrect installation of the central hinge or stoppers.
- ❌ Creaking: lack of lubrication on the rubbing elements of the hinges after assembly.
If you notice that after rehanging the refrigerator began to work louder or vibrations appeared, check whether the body is touching the wall or furniture. Sometimes changing the opening direction changes the plan dimensions, and the unit can come close to the source of vibration.
When is it better to contact a specialist
Despite the apparent simplicity, there are situations when independent repairs can be risky. If your refrigerator Biryusa belongs to a series No Frost with a complex system of air ducts passing through the door, it is better not to take risks. Inept intervention can disrupt air circulation, which will lead to the formation of ice and damage to the system.
Also, the help of a specialist is necessary if you find that the holes on the body do not match the holes on the door, or if the threads in the body are broken. In such cases, professional tools and skills are required to restore threaded connections or replace hinges with non-standard ones.
⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator is under warranty service, re-hanging the doors yourself may result in denial of warranty repairs in the event of a breakdown. Read the terms of the warranty card before starting work.
In other cases, having basic skills and following the instructions, you will be able to complete the task in 30-40 minutes. The main thing is to take your time and act consistently, checking each stage.
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before hanging the door?
Yes, this is highly desirable. First, an empty refrigerator is lighter, reducing the risk of dropping it or damaging the floor. Secondly, the ice in the freezer can crumble when tilted and clog the water drainage system. Thirdly, the glass shelves can crack due to changes in temperature or pressure if they are not removed.
Is it possible to rehang the door if the instructions are lost?
Yes, you can. The design of Biryusa refrigerators is standardized. Find holes on the opposite side of the case covered with plastic plugs - these are places for future installation of hinges. Act logically: what you removed on one side, fasten the same thing on the other, maintaining symmetry.
Why, after rehanging, does the door not hold and opens on its own?
Most likely, the angle of the body is broken. For self-closing, the refrigerator must be tilted backwards. Unscrew the front leveling feet to raise the front of the unit. Also check if anything is preventing the seal from fitting tightly to the body.
Is the process different for Biryusa models with a freezer at the bottom?
The principle is the same, but the procedure is reversed: first remove the lower door (freezer), then the upper one. Pay special attention to the length of the cables or tubes if they go through the door - make sure that when rearranging their length is enough for the new position.