Changing the opening side of the door of refrigeration equipment Biryusa often becomes a necessity when moving to a new kitchen or after a major redevelopment of the premises. The standard factory configuration assumes right-hand opening, which is not always convenient in a narrow corridor or a specific arrangement of furniture. Reinstalling hinges is a procedure that can be done independently if you are careful and have a basic set of tools at hand.
Before starting work, it is important to understand that the design of different models may differ significantly. While older units require minimal intervention, modern versions with the system No Frost have a more complex mounting architecture. Improper dismantling can lead to damage to the decorative panels or loss of sealing. Therefore, it is extremely important to act consistently, without exerting excessive physical effort where there is no direct need for it.
In this article we will analyze in detail the process of rearranging doors on various modifications of refrigerators Biryusa. You will learn about the nuances of working with electronics, how to adjust gaps and typical mistakes that beginners make. Properly performed work will not only optimize the space, but also extend the service life of the sealing rubber.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
To perform the task efficiently, you will need to collect a certain set of tools in advance, so as not to interrupt the process by searching for the right screwdriver. The main tool will be wrench (most often 8 or 10 mm) and a Phillips screwdriver. In some cases, especially when working with models where the hinges are closed with decorative plugs, you may need a flat screwdriver or a knife to carefully remove plastic elements.
Be sure to prepare a flat surface next to the refrigerator where you can temporarily put the removed parts. It is better to cover the floor with soft cloth or cardboard so as not to scratch the coating of the door or body during dismantling. It would also be a good idea to have a container on hand for storing screws, as they tend to get lost at the most inopportune moment.
- 🛠️ Set of wrenches or heads (8, 10, 13 mm)
- 🪛 Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges
- 🧼 Clean rags for wiping surfaces
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This is critical for safety, especially if the model is equipped with an electronic display or system No Frostwhere wires may pass in close proximity to the loops.
The lighting in the work area should be sufficient so that you can clearly see small parts of the fastener. If the refrigerator was located against the wall, it must be moved away, providing free access from all sides. This will allow you to move freely around the unit and not miss a single structural element.
Dismantling the top hinge and preparing to remove the door
The process begins with dismantling the top hinge, which is the main load-bearing element of the structure. On most models Biryusa it is closed with a plastic plug, which must be carefully pryed off with a flat-head screwdriver. Hidden under the plastic are the fastening bolts, which hold the entire door structure in a vertical position.
After the bolts of the upper hinge are loosened, but not yet completely unscrewed, it is necessary to fix the door. It is best to have a helper hold it to prevent it from falling. If you are working alone, you can use small wedges or stops, but this is less reliable. Unscrew the bolts completely and remove the upper hinge along with the axle.
Particular attention should be paid to models with electronic control. If there is a display or an opening button on the door, a wiring harness will come from it. Cable you need to disconnect it very carefully, having first remembered or photographed the position of the connectors. Do not pull the wires sharply, as the connectors may be fragile.
☑️ Check before removing the door
After removing the top hinge, the door is freed from the top fastening. Now it can be carefully lifted and removed from the lower support axis. This is the most difficult stage, requiring physical strength, especially when it comes to large-volume two-chamber models. It is better to immediately put the removed door in a safe place away from the active work area.
Flipping the lower support and rearranging the fittings
The next step is to work with the lower part of the structure. Here is the support sleeve and the mating part of the hinge, which also require transfer to the opposite side. On some models, the lower axis is pressed into the body, and it must be knocked out with light blows of a hammer through a drift, but more often it is simply screwed or inserted into the hole.
If your refrigerator has a system automatic closingthen the mechanism can be integrated into the lower hinge. When rearranging, it is important not to lose the springs or balls that provide this effect. All removed metal parts should be thoroughly cleaned of old grease and dust before installation in a new location.
| Part type | Action during dismantling | Action during installation | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper loop | Unscrew 2-3 bolts | Tighten on the other side | Watch the loop |
| Lower support | Knock out or unscrew | Insert into the opposite hole | Check the tightness |
| Plugs | Remove from the working side | Install on the vacated holes | Do not lose the latches |
| Door handle | Remove (if removable) | Rearrange or turn over | Depends on models |
The holes that become free after transferring the hinges to the new side must be closed with plastic plugs. They usually come with the refrigerator or are already installed on the back side. If the plugs are lost, the holes can be sealed with decorative film to prevent moisture and dust from getting inside the case.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that the lower support sleeve is seated in the hole all the way and has no play. A loose fit will cause the door to warp and quickly wear out the seal.
In models with the system No Frost an air duct often passes through the bottom of the door. When flipping the bottom hinge, make sure that the air circulation channels line up with the holes in the refrigerator body. Incorrect docking will disrupt the temperature regime inside the chambers.
What to do if the bolts are rusty?
If the fastening bolts of the upper hinge are stuck and cannot be unscrewed, do not use excessive force so as not to strip the threads. Treat the joint with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and leave for 15-20 minutes. Once the rust has softened, the bolts should come out easier. If this does not help, you can carefully heat the metal around the bolt, but be careful with the plastic elements nearby.
Installing the door on the new side and assembling the structure
After preparing all the holes and transferring the supporting elements, you can begin installing the door on the new side. The bottom of the door is carefully placed on the prepared axle. It is important to get into the hole the first time so as not to damage the floor covering or the axle itself. At this stage, you will again need the help of a second person or a reliable support.
Next the upper loop is installed. The bolts are inserted into the holes and tightened with a wrench. Tightening should be uniform: first lightly grab all the bolts, and then finally tighten them diagonally. This will ensure proper load distribution and no distortions.
If the model is equipped with electronics, it is time to connect the cable. Carefully align the connectors until you hear a characteristic click. Make sure that the wires are not pinched by the metal of the loop and have no tension. After connection, you can install decorative covers on the hinges.
- 🚪 Place the door on the lower axis
- 🔩 Install and screw the upper hinge
- 🔌 Connect the electrical cable (if any)
- 🧱 Install handles and decorative plugs
After assembly, check the smooth movement of the door. It should open and close without jamming, and when released in the half-open position (approximately 30-40 degrees), it should be brought to closing on its own if the auto-closer mechanism is working. The gaps around the perimeter should be the same.
Adjusting the position of doors and eliminating distortions
Even with careful assembly, additional adjustmentmay be required. If the door does not fit tightly or touches the body, it is necessary to loosen the top hinge mounting bolts by half a turn. This will allow you to slightly move the door in the desired direction to even out the gaps.
To adjust the height of the door (if one side is lower than the other), adjusting screws on the lower support, if provided for by the design, or special washers are used. By rotating the adjusting elements, achieve a horizontal position of the upper edge of the door relative to the floor.
⚠️ Attention: Do not overtighten the adjustment bolts. Excessive force can lead to deformation of the metal door frame, which will be almost impossible to fix without replacing the entire structure.
Check the operation of the seal. It should fit snugly around the entire perimeter of the body. If a gap has formed in some place through which the cold escapes, try warming this area with a hairdryer (without overheating!) and pressing it with your hand until it cools. This often helps straighten the deformed rubber.
Features of working with Biryusa No Frost models
Refrigerators Biryusa with the system No Frost have their own unique features that cannot be ignored. The main difference is the presence of air ducts running from the back wall to the door (for the freshness area or ice machine). When rehanging such doors, it is critical not to damage the plastic ducts and to connect them correctly during reassembly.
In some models, the air ducts pass through the top hinge. In this case, when dismantling, you need to be especially careful not to tear off the plastic pipes. It is often necessary to remove the top cover of the refrigerator to gain access to the internal wiring of the channels before removing the door.
Also in No Frost models, complex electronics related to the position of the door (opening sensors) are more common. After rearranging, make sure that the magnet or mechanical sensor signaling closure is within the range of the response part on the housing. If the sensor does not work, the refrigerator may not start the compressor or will constantly squeak.
Common errors and ways to eliminate them
One of the most common mistakes is ignoring the horizontal installation of the refrigerator itself. If the unit is standing crookedly, then no amount of adjustment of the hinges will help to achieve a tight fit of the door. Before starting work, always check the floor level and adjust the legs of the refrigerator.
Another mistake is the loss or confusion of fasteners. The bolts from the top and bottom hinges may differ in thread length and diameter. Installing a long bolt in a short hole can lead to through penetration of the wall or jamming of the mechanism.
- ❌ Ignoring lubrication of the hinges (creaking after a month)
- ❌ Warping of the door due to uneven tightening of the bolts
- ❌ Damage to the seal with sharp tools
- ❌ Forgetfulness in connecting the power cable
If after all the manipulations the door continues to creak, lubricate the rubbing surfaces of the hinges with a special lubricant for refrigerators or lithol. Do not use vegetable oil, as it thickens over time and turns into a sticky mass that collects dust.
Why does the door not hold a magnet?
If after rehanging the door no longer stays tightly closed, you may have mixed up the sides of the magnetic lock (if there is one) or installed the strike plate incorrectly. Also, the reason may be deformation of the seal during installation.
FAQ: Answers to popular questions
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before hanging the door?
Yes, this is highly desirable. When defrosted, the ice does not weigh down the structure, which makes it easier to remove and install the doors. In addition, water may flow when the unit is tilted if it is not defrosted.
Is it possible to turn the door on a Biryusa refrigerator with a display on the door?
Yes, it is possible, but this requires more caution. You will have to disconnect the cables going to the display. It is important to connect them back correctly, observing the polarity and position of the contacts.
What to do if the holes for the loops on the new side do not match?
In the factory, holes for reversing are provided on both sides. If you don't see any holes, they may be covered with decorative plugs. You cannot drill new holes - this will damage the thermal insulation.
How often should the seal be changed after rehanging?
If the old seal is elastic and has no cracks, it does not need to be changed. However, if it was severely deformed or torn during the work, a replacement will be required to maintain energy efficiency.
Is the warranty still valid after re-hanging it yourself?
According to the consumer protection law, you have the right to service the equipment yourself. However, if during the work you damage parts (break threads, break plastic), the warranty claim for this damage will not apply.