Redesigning the kitchen or simply changing the ergonomics of the workspace often dictates new conditions for the location of household appliances. Owners of German refrigerators Bosch often face the need to change the direction of opening the door to make access to food more convenient and passage to the kitchen freer. Fortunately, the design of most models of this brand provides such an opportunity, allowing you to perform the procedure yourself without calling a specialist.
This process requires attentiveness, the presence of a basic set of tools and strict adherence to the sequence of actions. Important to understandthat incorrect reinstallation of the hinges can lead to misalignment of the sash, a violation of the tightness of the seal and, as a result, increased energy consumption. In this article, we will analyze each stage in detail so that you can do the job efficiently and safely for your equipment.
Before you begin active actions, you need to make sure that your model really supports reverse opening. Although the vast majority of modern units Bosch have such a function, in older or specific series the hinges may be welded or the housing design may not have holes for fastening on the other side. Checking the technical documentation or visual inspection of the door ends will be the first step.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
The success of any technical operation depends 80% on quality preparation. First, you will need to free up space in front of the refrigerator. Remove the rug, move the chairs away and give yourself access to the unit from all sides, including the ability to approach from behind. The floor must be smooth and clean so that small parts that accidentally fall do not roll into hard-to-reach places.
The refrigerator itself must be completely empty of food and internal shelves. Glass shelves it is better to remove it immediately, since if the body is tilted or sudden movements they can fall out and break. All removable drawers, trays and containers are also removed and set aside. This will not only lighten the weight of the structure, but will also provide access to the internal fastening elements.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Remove the plug from the outlet to avoid accidental electric shock or damage to electronics if the contacts are accidentally shorted.
Now prepare your tools. You do not need a complex professional set, but basic things should be on hand:
- 🔧 A screwdriver or a set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) - the main tool for dismantling fasteners.
- 🔩 Wrench or an 8 mm socket - often required for bolts securing the main hinges.
- 🧤 Gloves —refrigerator doors are heavy and have sharp metal edges.
- 📏 Level —to check the horizontal installation after completion of work.
☑️ Ready to work
It is also recommended to prepare a soft cloth or cardboard to lay on the floor under the door when removing it. This will protect the floor covering from scratches and prevent damage to the door itself if it accidentally touches the surface.
Removing the top hinge and removing the door
The process begins from the top of the unit. Locate the decorative cap on the top panel above the door. Carefully pry it up with a flathead screwdriver and remove it. The upper hinge fastener is hidden under it. In some models Bosch the terminal block may also be located there if an indication or display is installed on the door. Be careful: if you see the wires, you should not pull them.
Unscrew the bolts holding the top hinge. Do not remove them completely at once, it is better to loosen them and leave them hanging so that the loop does not fall. If the model is equipped with door electronics, locate the wiring harness connector. It is usually located inside the case or under the top cover. Disconnect the contacts by first photographing their location so as not to reverse the polarity during assembly.
What to do if the wires are short?
If the length of the wires does not allow you to completely remove the door and put it aside, do not try to tighten them. Carefully thread the harness through the hole in the frame, or have an assistant hold the door while you work on the fasteners. The tension can damage the insulation or tear the contacts out of the control board.>
After removing the fasteners, the top hinge is moved to the side. Now the door is only supported by the lower awning, but it is very unstable. Ask an assistant to hold the sash or firmly support it with your knee (through a soft pad). Let's move on to the bottom. Here the algorithm is similar: remove the decorative panel (if any), unscrew the bolts of the lower hinge.
By removing the lower hinge, you can completely separate the door from the body. Carefully place it on the prepared soft surface with the outer side down. Now you have a free door and a free refrigerator body in your hands.
Rearranging handles and fittings
The most time-consuming step is moving the handle and plugs. On most models Bosch the handles are attached to screws on the inside of the door. You need to find the holes covered with plastic plugs. By removing them, you will have access to the fasteners. Unscrew the screws and remove the handle.
Now inspect the opposite side of the door. There should be similar holes closed with plugs. Move the plugs to the place where the handle just was. Install the handle in a new place on the opposite side, using the same screws. Tighten the fasteners tightly, but without fanaticism, so as not to break the thread in the plastic base of the handle.
| Element | Action during transfer | Where to install |
|---|---|---|
| Door handle | Dismantle | The opposite end of the door |
| Plugs | Remove and rearrange | In place of the removed handle |
| Hinges | Remove completely | Opposite side of the case |
| Stops | Unscrew (if any) | Opposite hole (threaded) |
Do not forget about the locking screws or plastic stops, which are often located at the bottom of the door or on the body. They prevent the door from opening too wide. They also need to be moved to the opposite side. If this is not done, the door may hit the wall or furniture when opening.
Upgrading the bottom and base
The bottom hinge is often hidden behind a decorative base or ventilation grille at the bottom of the refrigerator. Remove this panel by pulling it towards you or unscrewing the fasteners. Under it you will see the lower door fastening and, possibly, the legs of the refrigerator.
In some models Bosch the axis of the lower hinge is part of the hinge itself, in others it is a separate pin screwed into the body. If you have the second option, unscrew the axle from the old hole and screw it into a symmetrical hole on the other side. Threaded connections It is better to first wipe off dust.
Also check the position of the legs of the refrigerator. If the unit is not level, now is the time to fix it. Adjusting the height of the legs ensures proper operation of the door's self-closing mechanism. If the refrigerator is placed at an angle, the door may not fit tightly to the seal.
⚠️ Attention: When working with the bottom of the refrigerator, watch the compressor tubes at the back. Do not accidentally lean your elbow or tool on the copper tubes - they are easily deformed, which can lead to freon leakage.
After transferring the axle or lower hinge, install the decorative panel of the base in place. Make sure that it stands up straight and does not interfere with the opening of the door in the new position.
Installing the door and final assembly
Now we move on to installation. Lift the door and slide it onto the bottom hinge (or screw on the bottom hinge if it is structurally attached to the door). Hold the sash level so that the holes for the top hinges line up with the counter holes on the body.
Install the top loop in a new location. Insert the bolts and start tightening them, but do not tighten them all the way yet. This is an important point: if you immediately tighten the fasteners strongly, you can fix the misalignment. Adjusting the gaps is done at this stage.
If your model has an electronic control on the door, carefully thread the wiring harness through the holes in the body. Connect the connectors until they click. Make sure that the wires are not pinched by the metal loops or twisted. Then install the top decorative cover.
After installing all the hinges, check the verticality of the door. It should stand straight, without distortion to the left or right. If everything is in order, finally tighten all bolts with a wrench or screwdriver. Check the ease of movement: the door should open and close smoothly, without creaking or jamming.
Adjustment and checking for tightness
After installation, final fine-tuning is often required. If the door does not close tightly or, conversely, is too tight, you need to adjust the position of the hinges. Some models Bosch have adjusting screws that allow you to change the tilt of the door. Loosen the hinge fastener half a turn, move the door to the desired position and tighten it back.
Be sure to check the tightness of the seal around the entire perimeter. Take a piece of paper, hold it against the door and try to pull it out. The paper should be pulled out with force. If it falls out on its own or is pulled out too easily, the door does not fit tightly in this place. You may need to warm up the seal with a hairdryer or tighten the hinges again.
Plug in the refrigerator. Let it run for 15-20 minutes. Check whether the display lights up (if there is one on the door) and whether the buttons respond. Make sure that the light comes on when you open the door, and goes off when you close it.
During the first 24 hours, observe the operation of the unit. Excessive frost should not appear on the walls, and food should be cooled evenly. If you notice that the door opens on its own or does not hold well when closed, repeat the procedure for adjusting the tilt of the body or hinges.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to reverse the door if there is a display on it?
Yes, it is possible, but this requires more care. You will have to disconnect the wire cables. The main thing is to remember or photograph the connection order and not damage the thin contacts. The length of the wires is usually calculated with a margin for rearrangement.
What to do if the holes for the loops on the other side are covered with plastic?
This is normal. Such holes already have threads or are designed for screwing in axles. You simply remove the decorative plugs (often they are tight fitting) and use these holes for mounting. Do not drill new holes yourself.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging it?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, if there is a lot of ice inside, the door will be heavier and water may leak when tilted. It is better to keep the refrigerator turned off for at least 2-3 hours so that the ice melts slightly and the oil in the compressor flows into the crankcase.
Why, after rehanging, did the door begin to open on its own?
Most likely, the angle of the refrigerator is broken. For proper self-closing, the housing must be tilted slightly backwards (the top part is further from the wall than the bottom). Adjust the front legs by unscrewing them to lift the front of the unit.