Owners of branded refrigeration equipment Position often face the need to change the direction the door opens. This may be caused by the redevelopment of the kitchen space, interior design features, or simply the desire to make the use of household appliances more convenient. The Russian manufacturer provides this possibility in most of its models, but the process itself requires care and adherence to a certain sequence of actions. Incorrect installation can lead to misalignment of the flap, failure of the seal and, as a result, failure of the compressor due to constant operation.
Before starting any manipulations, you must clearly understand that the design of different series of refrigerators may differ significantly. If you have a bottom-freezer model or a two-chamber unit, the procedure will be different from working with a single-chamber unit. It is also important to take into account that hanging the door this is an operation that should not be carried out “by eye”. Every screw, every hinge and every magnetic lock has its own strictly defined place. In this article we will analyze in detail the technical side of the issue so that you can do the job efficiently and safely for your equipment.
It is worth noting that some modern models may have hidden fasteners or specific door closer mechanisms that require a special approach. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact the service center specialists, since independent repairs may affect the warranty. However, for most owners who have basic skills in handling tools, this task can be solved at home. The main thing is to prepare the workplace and be patient, since haste is the main enemy here.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to unplug the refrigerator from the power supply! This is critically important, since during dismantling the backlight wires or door opening sensors that are energized may be touched.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
The quality of the work directly depends on the preparation. You don't need a complex professional tool, but the set must be complete and in good working order. The main tool will be hex wrench or a set of screwdrivers with different types of tips (phillips and flat). In some cases, a 10mm wrench may be needed if the hinges are secured with nuts rather than screws. Also prepare a container for storing small parts so that they do not get lost during operation.
Particular attention should be paid to protecting the floor covering and the refrigerator itself. Model doors Pozis can be quite heavy, especially if they are equipped with a No Frost system or have additional shelves. Dropping a metal corner can leave a dent in the cabinet or a scratch on the floor. Therefore, place thick cardboard, an old blanket or soft rags under the equipment. This will also help fix the unit, preventing it from accidentally sliding.
- 🔧 Set of screwdrivers (phillips, flat) and hexagons.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp edges.
- 🧼 A clean rag for wiping the hinges from old grease.
- 📦 A container for storing screws and plugs.
- 🤝 An assistant for holding a heavy door during dismantling.
Don't forget to free up space around the refrigerator. You need to approach the unit from all sides, so move it away from the wall at least 50-70 centimeters. If additional accessories, shelves or containers are installed on the doors, it is better to remove them in advance to reduce the weight of the structure. This will simplify the dismantling process and reduce the risk of accidental damage to fragile elements.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use rusty or deformed tools. A torn screw head can turn a simple procedure into a long problem that requires drilling out the fasteners.
Design features of Pozis refrigerator doors
Refrigerators Pozis are distinguished by a reliable and time-tested design. Most models are equipped with classic hinges that allow you to change the opening direction. However, depending on the year of manufacture and series (for example RD, RK, F), different types of fastenings may be found. Older models often use an open hinge with decorative caps, while newer ones may have a hidden mechanism integrated into the body. An important element is the mechanical latch that holds the door closed. When rehanging the door, this element must also be transferred to the opposite side. In some models, the response part of the lock is already provided for by the design of the case on the other side, in others, the mechanism itself requires rearrangement. Ignoring this stage will result in the door no longer closing tightly.
An important element is magnetic lock or a mechanical latch that holds the door closed. When rehanging the door, this element must also be transferred to the opposite side. In some models, the response part of the lock is already provided for by the design of the case on the other side, in others, the mechanism itself requires rearrangement. Ignoring this step will result in the door no longer closing tightly.
Another nuance is the sealing system. The rubber contour around the perimeter of the door should ensure tightness. When removing the door, it is important not to damage the seal, since replacing it is a more labor-intensive process than re-hanging it. It is also worth checking the condition of the hinges: if they have play or signs of corrosion, it makes sense to carry out their preventive cleaning and lubrication while access to them is open.
Hidden hinges versus open ones
what is the difference?: Hidden hinges are more aesthetically pleasing and collect less dust, but require more careful dismantling, since access to the fasteners is limited. Open hinges are easier to maintain, but may require replacement of decorative caps when re-hanging.
Step-by-step instructions: dismantling the top door
The process always starts from the top of the refrigerator. First you need to remove the decorative panel or cover that hides the top hinge fasteners. It is usually held in place by latches or a small screw. Gently pry it off with a flathead screwdriver, being careful not to scratch the plastic. Underneath it you will see bolts that secure the hinge to the refrigerator body.
Before completely unscrewing the hinge, you need to fix the door in the open position or ask an assistant to hold it. The door is heavy and may fall suddenly, damaging the bottom hinge or the floor. Using hex wrench or a screwdriver, loosen the mounting bolts, but do not remove them completely until the door is securely fixed. After this, you can completely unscrew the screws and remove the upper hinge.
Now carefully lift the door, removing it from the axis of the lower hinge. If the model is two-chamber and the upper door rests on the lower one, the actions will be similar, but the weight of the structure will be greater. Place the removed door in a safe place, having first removed the handle from it if the design requires it to be moved. Handles on refrigerators Posis are often fastened with screws from the inside or have a hidden fastening mechanism under a decorative cover.
☑️ Removing the top door
Re-hanging the lower door and freezer
The bottom door, be it a freezer or a refrigerator compartment in single-chamber models, has its own characteristics. Often it is on the lower hinge that the pin is installed on which the upper door is placed. When rehanging, this pin must be moved to the other side. To do this, you may need to remove the bottom hinge itself from the refrigerator body. In some models Pozis the lower hinge is attached to the base panel, which will also need to be dismantled.
After removing the lower door, clear the holes for the fasteners. Usually, on the opposite side of the case there are already technological holes closed with plastic plugs. These plugs must be removed and moved to the vacant places to maintain an aesthetic appearance. Then install the bottom hinge in its new location, making sure it fits snugly and without distortion. Insert the pin (if it is structurally provided) into the new seat.
It is important to check the installation level of the refrigerator after all manipulations. If the unit is not level, the door may open spontaneously or, conversely, not close completely. Adjusting the legs of the refrigerator is a mandatory step in the final setup. Use a building level to control the horizontal plane.
| Work stage | Tool | Important nuance |
|---|---|---|
| Removing the plugs | Flat screwdriver | Do not damage the paintwork |
| Removing hinges | Hex / 10 mm key | Hold the door to avoid falling |
| Move the handle | Phillips screwdriver | Follow the order of removing parts |
| Installation to a new location | Level | Control the vertical and horizontal |
⚠️ Attention: When moving the bottom hinge pin, make sure that it is fully seated. A pin that is not twisted or not fully inserted will lead to a skew of the entire door structure.
Installing a magnetic lock and fittings
One of the most important steps is transferring the locking mechanism. In refrigerators Position this can be a magnetic latch or a mechanical lock. Find the hole on the body where the lock tongue should go. If there is no hole on the new side, check the package - perhaps there is a plastic plug that needs to be knocked out, or the hole is hidden under the lining.
The lock mechanism itself is usually secured with screws on the inside of the door. Carefully unscrew them, remove the mechanism and install it on the opposite side using the provided holes. When tightening the screws, do not use excessive force to avoid stripping the threads in the plastic door body. After installation, check the operation of the lock: the door should lock clearly and not open when lightly pressed.
Don't forget about the handles. If your model's design requires the handle to be repositioned, look for hidden mounting screws. Often they are located under decorative overlays at the ends of the handles. Remove the cover, unscrew the screws, move the handle to the other side and tighten the fasteners. Make sure that the handle fits tightly and does not wobble, since it bears the main load when opening.
Assembling the structure and final adjustment
After all the elements are prepared and transferred to new places, the reassembly process begins. Install the bottom door onto the hinge pin and check for tight fit. Then put on the top door (if the model is two-chamber) and install the top hinge. Insert the mounting bolts, but do not fully tighten them yet. This will allow you to make final adjustments to the position of the doors.
The adjustment is to achieve the ideal gap between the door and the body around the entire perimeter. The door should open easily, but when released, return to the closed position on its own (if the refrigerator is level). If the door is askew, loosen the hinge screws and move it slightly to the desired direction, then tighten the fasteners again. Check the operation seal: it should fit evenly to the body without gaps.
The final touch is the installation of all decorative plugs and panels. Make sure all screws are securely tightened but not overtightened. Plug in the refrigerator and listen to its operation. If the door closes tightly, the compressor will turn on less often, which will extend the life of the unit. During the first hours of operation, monitor the temperature inside the chambers to ensure the correct operation of the cooling system.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not close tightly?
Most likely, the installation geometry is broken or the hinge is skewed. Loosen the top and bottom hinge mounting bolts. Ask an assistant to press the door tightly against the body, simulating a closed state. In this position, tighten the bolts evenly. Also check whether there is anything in the way inside the chamber (food, shelves) and whether the seal is installed correctly.
Is it possible to hang the door if the refrigerator is built into the kitchen unit?
This is possible, but extremely difficult. You will need to completely remove the refrigerator from the niche to allow access from all sides. Built-in models often have additional furniture attachments that will also need to be removed and reinstalled. Without freeing up the space around the unit, it is almost impossible to do the job efficiently.
Do you need to wait before turning on the refrigerator after rehanging?
There is no special wait required, since the refrigerant in the system was not affected (the tubes were not bent or opened). However, if the refrigerator has been lying or transported for a long time, it is recommended to let it stand in an upright position for 2-4 hours before turning it on, so that the oil in the compressor flows into the crankcase.
Where can I get new plugs if the old ones are lost?
Plugs are consumables that can be ordered at authorized service centers Pozis or find it in spare parts stores for household appliances. You can also use universal furniture plugs of a suitable color and diameter, picking them up at a hardware store.