The need to change the opening direction of the refrigerator door often arises when rearranging a kitchen unit or purchasing a new model that does not fit into the existing space. Equipment owners Bosch may find that the standard position of the handle on the right becomes inconvenient or physically impossible in the new conditions. Fortunately, the design of most modern units of this brand provides the ability reversing the door, which allows you to adapt the device to the layout of the kitchen without calling a specialist.
The process of rehanging requires care and a basic set of tools, but it can be done at home. The main thing is to take your time and strictly follow the sequence of actions so as not to damage fittings or decorative elements. Before starting work, it is important to make sure that your model really supports this function, since some budget or built-in series may have limitations.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the stages of dismantling and installing hinges, and will also pay attention to the nuances of adjusting the gaps. You will learn how to properly prepare a workplace, what tools you will need and what to pay special attention to when working with mechanisms closers. Following the instructions will help you avoid common mistakes and ensure that the chamber is tightly closed after completion of work.
Preparation of tools and workspace
Before you begin disassembly, you need to organize a comfortable workplace. The refrigerator must be stable, so it is recommended to move it at least one meter away from the wall. This will provide free access from all sides and allow you to open the doors freely during operation. If the floor is slippery, place rubber mats or thick cardboard under the feet.
To complete the task, you will need a standard DIY kit. The main tool will be hex wrench (usually 4 mm or 5 mm), which is often included with the equipment, but it is better to have a complete set on hand. You will also need screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead), a 10 mm wrench and, possibly, a knife with a thin blade to carefully remove the plugs.
☑️ Tools for hanging the door
It is important to prepare the surface on which you will place the removed parts. Small screws and washers are easy to lose, so use a magnetic tray or small containers. Do not forget to completely unload the refrigerator or at least remove heavy products from the door shelves to reduce the load on the hinges when unscrewing them.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! This is critical for safety, as you will be working in close proximity to electrical components and wiring.
Removing the top hinge and removing the door
The process begins from the top of the unit, since this is where the main load-bearing hinge is located. First you need to remove the decorative plug that covers the fasteners. In models Bosch it can be held on by latches or simply sit tightly in the groove. Carefully pry it off with a knife or thin screwdriver, being careful not to scratch the housing coating.
After removing the plug, access to the mounting bolts will open. There are usually two or three of them, and they have a hexagon thread. Loosen the bolts, but do not unscrew them completely at once if the door is heavy and there is no assistant. It is better to act according to the principle: loosen it - hold it - unscrew it. This will prevent the door from suddenly falling.
- 🔧 Remove the top decorative panel or plug above the door.
- 🔧 Loosen the top hinge bolts with a hex wrench.
- 🔧 Holding the door, completely unscrew the fasteners.
- 🔧 Carefully remove the door from the bottom pin and set it aside in a safe place.
If your model has a closer (soft close mechanism), it is also attached to the top. It must be dismantled separately or together with the hinge, depending on the design. Be careful with the plastic elements of the closer - they are fragile and can crack under strong mechanical stress.
Nuances of removing a door with a closer
If your refrigerator has a soft-closing mechanism, pay attention to its design. In some Bosch models, the closer must be removed before dismantling the hinge itself, in others it is removed along with it. The main thing is not to apply force to the plastic levers so as not to break them. Remember the position of the parts or take a photo before removing.
Working with the lower support and rearranging the fittings
After the door is removed, attention turns to the lower part. There is a support sleeve and a lower hinge here, which also need to be rearranged. In some models, the lower hinge is fixed with a bolt from the bottom of the case, which must be accessed by turning the refrigerator over or gaining access through a technological hole.
Remove the lower hinge on one side and move it to the opposite side. For this purpose, the housing has symmetrical holes closed with plastic plugs. Pull out the end caps from the target side and install them in the free space to maintain aesthetics. It is recommended to wipe the threaded connections from dust.
Pay special attention support sleeve. It often has an asymmetrical shape or a specific profile corresponding to the opening side. If the bushing is universal, simply rearrange it. If it has a direction, make sure that you install it with the correct side up, otherwise the door will be skewed.
| Element | Action | Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Removal and rearrangement | Hexagon |
| Lower support | Removal and installation on a new side | 10 mm key |
| Plugs | Rearrangement to opposite holes | Knife / Screwdriver |
| Door handle | Dismantling and installation (if required) | Hexagon |
In models with a bottom freezer, the procedure may differ. There, the freezer door also has its own hinge, which needs to be hung in the same way. Sometimes, to access the lower fastenings, it is necessary to remove the base panel of the refrigerator.
Moving the handle and decorative elements
The most noticeable change will be moving the handle to the other side of the door. In refrigerators Bosch handles are most often attached to screws on the inside of the door leaf. To get to them, you need to open the door (while it is still in place or after removal, if you act in stages).
On the inside you will see holes covered with decorative stickers or plugs. Remove them carefully. Remove the mounting screws holding the handle. After removing the handle, move it to the opposite side using the holes provided by the manufacturer. Tighten the screws from the reverse side and close the holes with plugs.
Don't forget about decorative overlays. There will be holes on the side where the handle used to be. They must be closed with special plugs, which usually come with the refrigerator (found in a bag with documents) or are already installed on the back side. If plugs are not provided by the design, the holes can be hidden under the removable panel.
In some series, the handle is part of the integrated opening system, and its transfer is not required - just change the latch mechanism. Carefully inspect the end of the door: there may be a lock or latch mechanism, which also needs to be moved to the other side, if the design allows for it.
Installing the door on a new side
After preparing all the elements, the assembly stage begins. Place the bottom loop in its new location and secure it. Then carefully place the door on the bottom stud. You will most likely need a helper at this stage as the door is heavy and needs to be held level to get the top hole to fit into the hinge groove.
Align the door and insert the top hinge. Screw in the mounting bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet. This will allow you to adjust the position of the door if it is skewed. Make sure that the gaps around the perimeter are uniform and that the door itself does not warp to the side.
- 🚪 Install the lower support sleeve and hinge.
- 🚪 Place the door on the lower axis.
- 🚪 Align the upper holes of the door with loop.
- 🚪 Screw in the bolts, leaving a slight play for adjustment.
If installed on the refrigerator closer mechanism, install it now. Check that the mechanism levers engage correctly with the door body. Incorrect installation of the closer can lead to the door not closing completely or slamming.
Final adjustment and tightness check
The final stage is adjustment. Tighten all mounting bolts completely. Check how the door closes. It should fit snugly around the entire perimeter of the body. If you notice gaps or a loose fit in any corner, loosen the top hinge bolts and tilt the door slightly in the desired direction, then tighten again.
Pay special attention seal. After rehanging, it should be evenly pressed against the body. Carry out a visual inspection along the entire circuit. If a fold or, conversely, a gap has formed somewhere, this can lead to loss of cold and increased energy consumption.
⚠️ Attention: Do not plug in the refrigerator immediately! After transportation and tilting of the unit, it takes time (2 to 4 hours) for the compressor oil to drain into the crankcase. Turning on ahead of time can damage the compressor.
Check the operation of limit switch (button or magnetic sensor), which turns on the light when the door is opened. When moving the door, the limit switch wiring may have been moved. Make sure the light goes off when you close the door and comes on when you open it. If the limit switch stops working, you may need to switch its connector inside the case.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do I need to buy additional spare parts for rehanging?
In most cases, all the necessary plugs, screws and studs are already included with the refrigerator Bosch. They are usually packaged in a separate bag along with instructions. If the complete set is lost, you may need to order original plugs from the manufacturer, but standard fasteners are often suitable.
Is it possible to rehang the door if the refrigerator is built into the furniture?
This is possible, but much more difficult. You will need to completely dismantle the refrigerator from the niche, remove the front panels of the furniture and only then carry out the work. Built-in models often have specific fastenings for furniture doors, which will also need to be rearranged.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not close tightly?
Most likely, the installation geometry is broken. Try loosening the top hinge and realigning the door. Also check if there is anything in the way inside (shelves, products) and if the seal is installed correctly. Sometimes it is necessary to adjust the legs of the refrigerator to change the angle of inclination of the body.
Does re-hanging affect the warranty?
Independently re-hanging the door, as a rule, does not void the warranty unless parts are damaged, threads are broken or plastic elements are broken in the process. However, if you damage the equipment during disassembly, the service center may refuse free repairs. Proceed carefully.