Changing the kitchen layout or moving to a new apartment often dictates its own conditions for the location of household appliances. Owners of refrigerators Samsung are faced with the need to change the direction of door opening in order to provide comfortable access to products. This procedure is technically feasible, but requires care, especially if your model is equipped with an electronic display on the front panel.
The main difficulty that distinguishes modern models from older mechanical analogues is the availability electrical communications. The display, backlight and door sensor require careful handling of the wires that pass through the hinges. An incorrect sequence of actions can lead to damage to the cables or disruption of the tightness of the circuit.
In this guide, we will examine in detail the re-hanging process for two-chamber models, paying special attention to working with electronics. You will learn what tools you will need, how to safely remove the display, and what to look for when installing a magnetic seal. Critical
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
Before you begin dismantling heavy elements, you need to organize the space. The refrigerator is a large item, and you will need a clear area around it to maneuver. Remove rugs to prevent tripping hazards and make sure floors are level and clean. It is better to put all small parts in a separate container so as not to lose them in the process.
To work with hinge fasteners and display brackets, you will need a set of tools. In most cases, a standard home kit will be sufficient, but the quality of the tools directly affects the safety of the mounting bolts. Cheap keys can lick off the edges, which will turn a simple repair into a long problem.
- 🛠️ A set of open-end or ring wrenches (most often sizes 8, 10, 13 mm).
- 🪛 Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers for removing decorative plugs.
- 🔧 Hex key (usually 4 mm or 5 mm) for adjusting the height of the legs.
- 📦 A container for folding bolts, washers and plugs.
Pay special attention to preparing the surface on which you will place the removed doors. They have a smooth finish that is easy to scratch. Cover the floor with thick cardboard, a blanket or a soft carpet. This will protect the enamel from chips and cracks when in contact with a hard floor.
Disconnecting the electronics and removing the top panel
Working with models with a display begins with the top block. This is where the main communication nodes are located. First you need to remove the top cover of the case, which is often bolted to the back or hidden under a decorative strip. In some models Samsung access to the wires opens after removing the decorative trim above the door.
Once you gain access to the connections, you will see connectors going from the display to the main control board. Connectors can be of different types: some snap on, others have locking tabs. Do not pull the wires by force - first find the locking mechanism and carefully disconnect the connector, holding on to its plastic base.
⚠️ Attention: Never pull the wires or cables themselves. The fragile contacts inside the connector easily break, and restoring the circuit will require soldering and the services of a service center.
Next, you should unscrew the bolts holding the upper loop. There may be two or three, depending on the series of the refrigerator. Before completely removing the hinge, make sure that the wiring is not strained and does not interfere with dismantling. If the wires pass through the cavity of the loop, they must be carefully pulled out or put aside so as not to damage the insulation.
Features of the loops in different series
In models of the RB and RL series, the loops can go inside the hollow axis of the upper loop, while in some RS series the wires are led out through a special hole in the case. Carefully inspect your model before starting disassembly.
Removing the top door and moving the fittings
After the top hinge is freed from the bolts and the wires are disconnected, you can remove the door itself. It is better to do this together, since the weight of the door with shelves and glass is significant. One person holds the door, the second finally unscrews the hinge fasteners. Place the removed door on a prepared soft surface with the outer side down.
Now you need to move the handle and plugs to the opposite side. At the ends of the door you will see holes closed with plastic plugs. They need to be carefully removed, cleaned of dust and installed in place of the fasteners on the current side. The handle is usually bolted on from the inside or outside - follow the instructions for your specific model Samsung.
An important step is to reposition the top hinge pin. It can be pressed or screwed. If the pin is removable, unscrew it and install it in a symmetrical hole on the other side of the door end. Make sure that it is securely fixed, as it will bear the main load when opening.
☑️ Removal checklist
Working with the bottom door and middle hinge
Bottom door in two-chamber refrigerators Samsung attached to the middle loop. After removing the top sash, access to this unit is completely open. The middle hinge often has a more complex design, since it carries the weight of both chambers and may include a shutter mechanism or a stopper.
The process is similar to the top unit: you unscrew the bolts that secure the middle hinge to the body of the refrigerator. In this case, the lower door must be held. After removing the hinge, the door is freed. Do not forget about the magnetic sensor, if it is located in this area - it also needs to be rearranged or reconnected.
On the bottom door, the plugs are also replaced and the handle is rearranged. Pay attention to the condition magnetic seal. With prolonged use in one position, the rubber could “remember” its shape. After rehanging, it is recommended to heat the seal with a hairdryer at a low temperature or pour hot water on it so that it straightens and provides a tight clamp.
| Element | Action when rehanging | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| Upper loop | Remove, rearrange the pin | Display wires pass through it |
| Middle loop | Remove, turn over or rearrange | Has an opening angle limiter |
| Lower stop | Move to the opposite side | Adjusts height and tilt |
| Plugs | Replace in places | Needed for aesthetics and protection from dust |
When installing the middle hinge on the new side, it is important to correctly orient the locking mechanism. If installed incorrectly, the door will open at the wrong angle or will not lock in the closed position. Check the movement of the mechanism by hand before final tightening of the bolts.
Assembling and installing doors on the new side
Assembly is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling, but taking into account the new position. First, the lower door is installed on the lower stop (which has already been rearranged). Then the middle loop is baited. At this stage, do not tighten the bolts “all the way” - leave a small gap for final adjustment of the gaps.
Next, the upper door is hung. This is the most crucial moment associated with electronics. Carefully pass the wires through the hole in the loop (if the design allows for hidden installation) or lay them in a cable channel. Connect the connectors until you hear a click and make sure that no part of the wire is caught under the rubbing surfaces.
After installing the top hinge and its initial fixation, check the operation of the display. Plug in the refrigerator. If the screen lights up and responds to the buttons, then everything is in order with the electrics. Now you can finally tighten all the hinge bolts, starting from the bottom ones, and check the vertical installation of the doors.
Adjusting the gaps and door position
The correct geometry of the doors is the key to energy efficiency and durability of the refrigerator. If the doors are misaligned, they may not fit tightly, causing ice to freeze and put more strain on the compressor. Adjustment is carried out using adjusting bolts on hinges or by rotating the refrigerator's support legs.
For vertical alignment, use a building level. Place it on the end of an open door or on the top cover. If there is any deviation, tighten the front support legs of the refrigerator. In some models Samsung height is adjusted with a special key through a hole in the base panel.
- 📏 The gap between the doors should be uniform over the entire height.
- 🚪 The door should open freely, without jamming, and independently click at an opening angle of about 30-45 degrees.
- 🔒 Make sure that when closing, the magnetic seal fits around the entire perimeter without gaps.
⚠️ Attention: If after adjustment the door still does not fit tightly, check if anything inside the chamber is in the way (a convex shelf, food packaging). Also, the cause may be deformation of the seal, which needs to be corrected by heating.
Typical mistakes and troubleshooting
When rehanging doors, even experienced craftsmen can make mistakes. One of the most common is poor connection of display connectors. If after assembly the screen does not light up or blinks, check the tightness of the connectors. Sometimes it is necessary to carefully insert and remove the connector several times to clean the contacts from oxidation.
Another problem is overtightened hinge bolts. Excessive force can deform the metal of the hinge or strip the threads in the aluminum door frame. Tighten bolts with moderate torque, using thread locker if recommended by the manufacturer. Also make sure that the wiring is not stretched like a string - leave a little slack.
If the door slams or does not stay open, you may not have installed the middle hinge locking mechanism correctly or did not adjust the angle of the refrigerator. The refrigerator should be slightly tilted back so that, under the influence of gravity, the door tends to close.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before hanging the doors?
Yes, this is a mandatory requirement. Complete defrosting (at least 2-3 hours) is necessary not only for hygiene, but also so that the plastic becomes more elastic and does not crack under stress. In addition, there should be no ice inside, which can crumble when the case is tilted.
What to do if the display wires are too short?
In the original designs Samsung the length of the wires is calculated with a margin for re-hanging. If they seem short, try changing the laying path or checking to see if the wire is stuck in an old loop. It is not recommended to extend the wires yourself due to the risk of losing the signal.
Is it possible to hang the door for one person?
Technically possible, but highly not recommended. The doors of two-compartment refrigerators are heavy and uncomfortable. High risk of dropping the door, breaking glass or damaging the floor. Always involve an assistant to secure and support the load.
Why does the refrigerator slam loudly after re-hanging?
This may be a consequence of too strong suction of the seal or incorrect adjustment of the tilt angle. Try lubricating the seal with a special silicone grease or slightly unscrewing the front legs to change the angle of inclination of the body back.