A change in kitchen layout or simply a desire to update the interior often dictates new requirements for the location of household appliances. Owners of refrigerators Samsung are faced with the need to move the door panels to ensure comfortable access to products. This is a very real task that you can complete on your own if you have basic skills in working with tools and strictly follow the algorithm of actions. The process requires care, since modern models are equipped with complex door closer mechanisms and electronics.
Before starting work, it is extremely important to understand that the design of your unit may have unique features. Two-chamber models with a display require special attention to the cable cables running inside the panel. Improper dismantling this can lead to damage to the control wires or disruption of the seals of the cameras. Therefore, do not rush and neglect the preparatory stage, which will take no more than 15 minutes of your time.
In this article we will analyze in detail each step of the process, from preparing the tools to the final adjustment of the gaps. You will learn how to safely disconnect the electrics, remove heavy sashes and install them on the opposite side. Compliance with technology will allow you to avoid typical mistakes and maintain the product warranty, if it is still valid.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
The success of the operation directly depends on the quality of preparation. You will need free space around the refrigerator Samsungso that you can freely walk around it from all sides. Remove all foreign objects, rugs and furniture that may interfere with maneuvering heavy door panels. The floor should be smooth and clean so that the tool does not roll away at the most inopportune moment.
A basic set of tools is standard for a home craftsman, but the presence of specific items will make the task easier. The main work will be done hex key, usually included with the refrigerator, or its 4 mm equivalent. You will also need a Phillips screwdriver, pliers and possibly a knife to carefully remove the plugs.
- 🛠️ Hex key (4 mm) or a set of keys.
- 🔧 Medium sized Phillips screwdriver.
- 🧤 Construction gloves to protect hands from sharp edges.
- 🧱 A small stand or stool for temporary storage of removed doors.
Pay special attention to lighting. You will have to work in the lower part of the unit, where it is often dark, and also inside the hinge joints. Good light will allow you to notice small fastening parts and not strip the threads when unscrewing the bolts. If you have an assistant, be sure to involve him, since one door of a two-chamber refrigerator can weigh up to 20-25 kg.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Remove the plug from the outlet to eliminate the risk of electric shock when working with display wiring and sensors.
Determine in advance which side the doors will be located on after reinstallation. Check whether the design of your model allows Samsung overweight, although most two-chamber options support this function. Study the instructions for specific requirements for your series, as the location of the mounting holes may vary.
Dismantling the upper door and working with electronics
You should always start the process from the upper chamber, since it is structurally supported by the lower one, and access to the upper hinges is most open. The first step is to remove the decorative cover of the top hinge. It can be secured with latches or a small screw. Be careful not to break the plastic clips, which become brittle in the cold.
The most critical point is disconnecting the display cable. On models with a door screen, the wires pass through the top hinge. You need to carefully pull the connector out of the seat. Do not pull on the wires themselves, hold only the plastic housing of the connector. A sudden movement can break thin wires, which will lead to inoperability of the control panel.
What to do if the connector cannot be removed?
Sometimes the connector lock may be tight. Try rocking it slightly from side to side, using minimal force. Do not use metal objects for picking, so as not to short-circuit the contacts.
After turning off the electrics, you can begin removing the door leaf. Loosen the top hinge bolts, but do not remove them completely until the load is removed. Have an assistant hold the door, then remove the fasteners completely. Remove the hinge and carefully set the door aside, placing it on a prepared soft surface, such as a blanket or cardboard.
Now you need to remove the handle, if the design requires it, or simply prepare the door for relocation. At the free end of the door you will see holes closed with plastic plugs. They need to be removed and moved to the opposite side, closing the old holes. This will provide an aesthetic appearance and protection of the internal cavity from dust.
Removing the bottom door and adjusting the mechanism
The bottom door of the refrigerator Samsung is attached to its own hinge, which is usually hidden under a decorative strip or plinth. Remove the strip if it interferes with access to the fasteners. Often it is necessary to unscrew several screws that hold the lower hinge support.
When removing the lower door, it is important to prevent it from falling. The loop may have a closer, which creates resistance, but the weight of the web is significant. After unscrewing the fasteners, smoothly lower the door and remove it from the hinge. As in the case of the top part, close the holes with plugs on the new side and open them on the old one.
☑️ Check before installation
Carefully inspect the rubber seals on both doors. If used for a long time in one position, they could become deformed. If you notice creases or loss of elasticity, it makes sense to warm them up with a hairdryer or replace them before installing them in a new location. This ensures that the chambers are properly sealed.
⚠️ Attention: When removing the lower door, keep an eye on the lower hinge pin. It may fall out or get lost. It’s better to immediately put it in a container with a magnet or in a separate bag so as not to search throughout the kitchen.
Now you need to throw the loop itself. In some models lower bushing it is asymmetrical and must be turned over or moved to another hole on the refrigerator body. Study the diagram in the instructions or logically evaluate where the support hole for the new side of the hinge should be located.
Installing doors on the new side
Installation begins with the bottom door, since it is the base for the entire structure. Install the bottom hinge into the new holes on the refrigerator body, but do not tighten the bolts “all the way” yet. Leave a little play so that you can adjust the position of the door for a perfect fit.
Place the bottom door leaf onto the hinge pin. Make sure it sits evenly and without distortion. Now you can move on to the top part. Pull the cable with wires through the new hole in the top loop. Be extremely careful: the wire should lie freely, without tension or sharp creases.
Place the top loop in place by threading the wires through its channel. Align the hinge holes with the holes on the body and in the end of the top door. Insert the bolts and start tightening them. At this stage, it is important not to overtighten the fasteners in order to be able to make final adjustments.
Connect the display cable connector. It should click into place. Make sure that the wire does not get caught in moving parts of the mechanism. After this, you can install the decorative hinge cover. Check visually whether the doors are level relative to each other and the body.
Final adjustment and tightness check
After installing all the elements, it is necessary to make fine adjustments. The doors should close tightly, without gaps, but not too tightly. If you notice a skew, loosen the fastening bolts of the middle hinge (if there is one) or the top one, and slightly move the leaf in the desired direction.
Pay special attention to the height of the doors. In some models Samsung height is adjusted by tightening the lower support sleeve or screws in the hinges. When closed, the doors must be in the same plane, or the top one may protrude slightly, but not vice versa.
| Check parameter | Normal condition | Required action |
|---|---|---|
| Seal tightness | Evenly around the entire perimeter | Adjusting the hinge screws |
| Operation of the closer | Smooth slamming | Checking the lubrication and axle |
| Gap between doors | None or minimal | Height adjustment |
| Display operation | Lights up when opening | Checking contact cable |
To check the tightness, use a simple test with a sheet of paper. Squeeze the sheet with the door and try to pull it out. It should come out with noticeable force around the entire perimeter. If in some place the paper flies out freely, it means that the fit of the seal is broken there.
⚠️ Attention: Do not load the refrigerator with food immediately after re-hanging it. Allow the seals to straighten and take a new shape within 2-3 hours of idling operation of the unit.
Typical errors and troubleshooting
Difficulties may arise during the work process, especially if you are doing this for the first time. One of the common mistakes is tightening the bolts before aligning the doors. This can lead to metal deformation or thread breakage, making further adjustment impossible. Always leave some play until the final stage.
Another problem is damage to the display cable. If after assembly the screen does not light up, do not rush to disassemble everything again. Check to see if the wire is pinched where it exits the door. Sometimes it is enough to twist the connector a little or move it to restore contact.
If the door does not close all the way, check whether products on the shelves or bottles in the door niches are in the way. The reason may also be the incorrect angle of the refrigerator itself. Make sure that the front legs are unscrewed so that the body is slightly tilted back - this ensures self-closing.
If you notice that after hanging the refrigerator begins to make more noise, check whether the door touches the body or the floor when opening. Sometimes additional adjustment of the height of the legs of the refrigerator is required to compensate for changes in the center of gravity of the door panels.
Is it possible to rehang the door yourself if the refrigerator is under warranty?
Technically this is possible, and many instructions Samsung describe this process. However, if you damage the cable or break the thread during independent intervention, the service center may refuse warranty repairs. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to call an official master.
What to do if the plugs for the holes are lost?
Without plugs, the aesthetics and tightness of the thermal insulation are compromised. You can order original spare parts according to the model code or use universal furniture plugs of a suitable diameter and color. As a last resort, the holes can be carefully sealed, but this is a temporary solution.
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 in the freezer, the doors may become heavier, and water may leak when tilted. It is recommended to carry out the defrosting procedure in advance to lighten the weight of the structure and avoid leaks.
Why does the door not fit tightly after installation?
There may be several reasons: the seal is dirty, the refrigerator body is skewed, or the hinges are incorrectly adjusted. Check the cleanliness of the rubber, use a building level to check the floor and try to loosen the fasteners of the hinges to re-adjust the position of the blade.
How to understand which hexagon is needed for the hinges?
In 90% of cases for refrigerators Samsung a 4 mm wrench is used. It is often included in the paperwork or taped to the back when purchased. If there is no key, a standard furniture maker's set will do.