Changing the direction of opening the doors is not just a whim, but often a necessary action when remodeling a kitchen. Refrigerator owners Pozis face this when the standard arrangement of handles interferes with passage or access to the countertop. Fortunately, most models of this brand, whether compact single-chamber or large three-chamber units, have the design capability for such modernization. The process requires care, but it can be easily implemented at home without calling a specialist.
Before starting work, it is important to understand that the design may vary slightly depending on the year of manufacture and the specific series. Rehanging the door implies the transfer of hinges, handles and stops to the opposite side of the case. You should not be afraid of damaging your equipment if you act carefully and follow the sequence of operations described in this manual. The main thing is to prepare a flat surface and free up space around the unit.
In this article we will analyze the process in detail using the example of popular models such as RD-109, Mir-2 or more modern versions of the series Rey. You will learn what tools you will need, how to properly dismantle the fittings and what to pay special attention to during installation. Compliance with technology ensures that the doors close tightly, maintaining tightness and temperature conditions inside the chambers.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
The success of the operation directly depends on proper preparation. You don't need complex professional tools; a standard set that can be found in every home is enough. However, the quality of the tools matters: the use of dull screwdrivers can lead to breaking off the slots on the screws, which will significantly complicate the process.
For work you will need:
- 🔧 A Phillips screwdriver (sizes PH1, PH2) and a flat one.
- 🔧 A wrench or a socket head 8 mm and 10 mm (often required for hinges).
- 🔧 Construction level for checking distortions.
- 🔧 A spatula or flat object for prying up the plugs.
- 🔧 Soft cloth or cardboard to protect the floor and cover of the refrigerator.
Free up space around the refrigerator Pozis with a radius of at least one meter. This will allow you to move freely and put the removed parts in a safe place. Be sure to disconnect the unit from the power supply by removing the plug from the socket and let it stand for 10-15 minutes. This will reduce the risk of a short circuit if the temperature sensor wire is accidentally touched, and will make it easier for the compressor to operate the next time it starts.
If your refrigerator has a plinth grille at the bottom, this must be removed first. It is usually secured with latches or two screws. Gently pull it towards you or unscrew the fasteners. This will provide access to the support legs and the lower part of the body, which may be necessary to adjust the height after rehanging.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to empty the shelves and drawers of food. A full load will increase the weight of the doors, which will make it difficult to hold them while unscrewing the hinges and will increase the risk of a heavy element falling on your foot or floor.
Removing the top panel and dismantling the top hinge
The first step is always working with the top part of the refrigerator. On most models Position the top cover (hood) is removable. It can be fixed with self-tapping screws at the back or front, under the decorative strip. In some modern models, the cover is held on by latches, but most often you need to unscrew 2-4 screws.
After removing the fasteners, carefully lift the cover. It may be heavy, so proceed with caution. Under the cover you will see the upper hinge and, possibly, the wiring of the thermostat or indicator lamp, if they are located on top. Upper hinge is the main load-bearing element that holds the weight of the door, so you need to pay special attention to its fastening.
Unscrew the bolts securing loop to the body. Don't remove them all at once - just loosen them first. If your model Pozis has an upper door lock (latch), it also needs to be removed or moved to the other side, if the design allows it. Often, holes for the latch are already provided on both sides, closed with plastic plugs.
An important point: on some models, a sensor wire may pass through the top loop or next to it. If you see a connector, carefully unplug it. Do not pull the wires harshly. Remember or take a photo of the position of the wires so that there is no confusion during assembly. After disconnecting the wire, you can completely unscrew the bolts and remove the hinge.
Dismantling the door and rearranging the handles
Now that the top hinge is freed, the most crucial moment comes - removing the door itself. It is heavy and may fall if not supported. Ask someone to help you, especially if you are working with a two-compartment refrigerator or a large-volume model like World-2.
Gently lift the door up to remove it from the bottom pin hinge. Place the door in a safe horizontal position on a prepared soft cloth. Now take care of the pen. On refrigerators Pozis handles are often fastened with self-tapping screws on the inside or have a hidden fastening mechanism.
- 🔍 Inspect the inside of the door for screws.
- 🔍 If there are no screws, the handle may be on latches - pry up the decorative trims.
- 🔍 Remove the handle and move the plugs into the holes left from the old position.
Pay attention to the magnetic closer or lock, if it is built into the handle or end of the door. It also needs to be moved to the opposite side. The refrigerator usually comes with spare plugs and screws, but if they are lost, the holes can be closed with decorative stickers in the color of the case.
What to do if the handle does not come off?
If the handle does not budge, do not use excessive force. Perhaps it is secured with a hidden screw under a decorative plug, which needs to be carefully pryed off with a knife. In rare cases, plastic pins may “stick” - then gentle heating with a hairdryer will help, but be careful not to deform the plastic.
After moving the handle, check whether it is level. A skewed handle not only looks unsightly, but can also prevent the door from fitting tightly to the body. Make sure that all the screws are tightened all the way, but not fanatically, so that the plastic does not crack.
Working with the bottom part and the middle hinge
If you are the owner of a two-compartment refrigerator, you have a middle hinge that holds the bottom door of the freezer. The process of rearranging it is similar to the top one, but has its own nuances. First you need to remove the bottom door, freeing the middle hinge, and then work with the main bottom support.
Remove the freezer door (or bottom compartment) by unscrewing the middle hinge. At this stage it is often revealed that the lower hinge pin is simply inserted into the body. It needs to be taken out. In some models Pozis the lower hinge is part of the frame and is not removed, but simply turned over or the pin is rearranged. Study the design carefully.
There should be technological holes in the lower part of the body, on the opposite side. They are closed with plastic plugs. Remove the plugs from the “working” side and insert them into the vacated holes. If the holes are threaded, make sure no dust gets into them. Install the bottom hinge (or pin) to a new location, but do not tighten it completely yet.
☑️ Check before installing the door
Pay special attention to the bushings and washers. When moving the hinge to the other side, the order in which they are installed may change. For example, a plastic bushing can be placed between the metal of the hinge and the body to prevent squeaking. Keep all small parts in one place so as not to lose them in the process.
Door installation and final adjustment
Assembly is done in reverse order. First, we hang the bottom door (if it is two-chamber) or the main door on the bottom pin. Then we install the middle hinge (for two-chamber ones), put on the top door and fix it with the top hinge. When hanging, it is important to accurately hit the pins with the holes in the hinges.
Do not clamp the hinge bolts “tightly” right away. First bait them, check how the door closes. The gaps around the perimeter should be uniform. If the door is warped, loosen the fasteners and slightly move the hinge to the left or right, up or down. After achieving the ideal position, you can finally tighten all the screws.
Now it's time to get started by adjusting the legs. Because the door changed sides, the center of gravity could shift. Tighten the front adjustment feet until the body tilts slightly rearward. This will ensure spontaneous closing of the door if it is released in a half-open state (up to about 15-20 degrees).
Connect the sensor wires if you disconnected them. Make sure they are not pinched by hinges or touching moving parts. Replace the top cover and secure it with screws. Check the operation of the lamp and indicators.
Table problems and their solutions
Even if you carefully follow the instructions, nuances may arise. Below is a table that will help you quickly diagnose and resolve common problems after rehanging.
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Door does not close tightly | Distortion of hinges or interfering product | Adjust the height of the hinges, check the shelves |
| A squeak is heard when opening | Lack of lubrication or metal friction | Lubricate the hinges, check for bushing |
| The door opens itself | Incorrect tilt of the body | Unscrew the front legs to tilt back |
| The light does not light | The sensor contact has come loose | Check the connection of the wires under the top cover |
If after all the manipulations the door does not close tightly, check the rubber seal. If used for a long time in the old position, it could become deformed. In this case, warming up the elastic with a hairdryer or replacing it completely will help. Also make sure that the shelves on the door itself do not rest against the body when closing.
Features of Pozis models of different series
Refrigerators Pozis have been produced for many decades, and the design has changed. In older models of the Mir or Sviyaga series, the hinges can be welded to the inner frame, and for rehanging you will need to remove the entire inner door, which is more difficult. In modern series, such as Smart or Frost Free, the mechanism is simplified to the maximum.
In models with the system No Frost (for example, RB-133), it is important not to damage the cold air supply channels that may run near the mounts. Be especially careful when working on the top, where the defrost system is often located. In single-chamber refrigerators with a top freezer (freezer cabinet), the process is simpler, since there is only one door.
Separately, it is worth mentioning the decorative panels. If your refrigerator has a mirror surface or coating Soft Touch, use only soft pads on the tool to avoid leaving scratches. Any scratch on such surfaces will be very noticeable.
⚠️ Attention: The design of the hinges and the location of the holes may vary depending on the specific modification and year of manufacture of your Pozis refrigerator. If you find that the holes do not line up, do not drill new holes yourself - this will void your warranty and may compromise the seal of the case. Check the product data sheet.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging the doors?
Yes, this is highly recommended. Complete defrosting will make the unit lighter, which will simplify manipulation of the doors. In addition, when tilted (even minimally), water may leak out of the drainage system, and in a defrosted state, there is less risk of damage to the internal tubes by ice.
Is it possible to rehang the door if the plugs are lost?
Technically, the refrigerator will work without them, but it will look unaesthetic, and dust and moisture can get into the holes. You can order plugs at a service center, buy universal ones at a hardware store, or simply cover the holes with a decorative sticker in the color of the body.
Why does the door close on its own after rehanging?
This is a normal phenomenon caused by tilting the body back. The adjusting feet are positioned so that the door's axis of rotation is above the center of gravity, and gravity returns it to the closed position. If the door slams too hard, you can reduce the angle of inclination by tightening the front legs.
What to do if the hinge screws are rusty and do not turn?
Do not use excessive force to avoid tearing off the cap. Treat the joints with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and leave for 15-20 minutes. Then try to carefully remove the screw. If the cap comes off, use pliers or special extractors.
Will the warranty still apply after re-hanging it yourself?
According to the law, the consumer has the right to independently service the equipment if this does not lead to a breakdown. However, if during the rehanging process you break threads, damage wiring or break glass, warranty repairs for these components may be denied. Proceed with caution.