Changing the layout of the kitchen or moving to a new apartment often dictates the conditions for the location of household appliances. Owners of dual-chamber Samsung models are often faced with the need to change the door opening direction to provide ergonomic access to products. Manufacturers provide this possibility, but the process requires care, the presence of specific tools and strict adherence to the sequence of actions to avoid damage to the hinges or seals.
Incorrect reinstallation can lead to misalignment of the sash, a violation of the seal of the chamber and, as a result, to failure of the compressor due to increased loads. Before starting work, it is important to assess your strength: if you are not sure of the accuracy of the movements or you do not have the necessary tools, it is better to contact an authorized service center. However, if you decide to work on your own, this article will become your detailed guide to all the nuances of the procedure.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
The first stage of any technical manipulation with refrigeration equipment is preparation. You will need clear space in front of the unit so that you can stand back and evaluate the geometry of the installation. Prepare a flat surface in advance where you can put the dismantled parts so as not to lose small screws and plugs.
The set of tools depends on the specific model, but the standard kit includes a Phillips screwdriver, a hex key (often included with the equipment) and a 10 mm wrench. For some models of the series RB or RL a socket wrench may be required. Also, do not forget about a soft rag to wipe the hinges from old grease, and a container for storing fasteners.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Remove the plug from the socket to eliminate the risk of a short circuit if you accidentally damage the wiring to the door control unit.
Make sure the floor is covered with soft material or cardboard, as you will have to tilt the unit or remove heavy items that could fall. Good lighting of the work area is the key to ensuring that you don’t miss a single hidden screw.
☑️ Preparation for work
Dismantling the top door and removing the fittings
The process always starts from the top chamber. First you need to remove the decorative plug from the top hinge, if there is one. Hidden underneath are the mounting bolts that hold the sash in place. In models with a display on the door, you must first carefully disconnect the cable cable leading to the control panel.
Unscrew the top hinge bolts counterclockwise, holding the door with your other hand or asking an assistant. The weight of the sash can be significant, and a sharp jerk can damage the lower fastening or scratch the body. After removing the bolts, carefully lift the door and place it in a safe place, placing it on a soft cloth.
Now attention turns to the dismantled door. You need to remove the mating part of the loop and the handle from it, if the design requires it. Often the handle is fastened with screws from the inside, access to which opens after removing the decorative trim. Keep all removed elements in the order in which they were dismantled.
- 🔧 Use a magnetic cup to collect the screws so that they do not roll under the refrigerator.
- 📸 Take a photo of connecting the wires before disconnecting so as not to mix up the contacts during assembly.
- 🧼 Wipe the installation areas of the hinges from dust and old grease before installing it on the new side.
- 🚪 Do not place the removed door vertically without support - it may tip over.
Carefully inspect the holes: sometimes you need to rearrange the pin or replace the hinge itself with the mirror one included in the kit.
Re-hanging the bottom door refrigerator compartment
The bottom door in two-chamber Samsung models is usually attached more easily, but has its own characteristics related to the closing mechanism and magnetic seal. First, remove the decorative strip covering the bottom hinge. It can be held on by latches or screws.
Unscrew the bottom hinge and remove the door. If your model has a middle bracket (separator between the cameras), it must also be removed or rearranged. In some cases, it is necessary to remove the entire front panel of the case to access hidden fasteners.
Nuances of working with a magnetic seal
When reversing the bottom door, a problem with deformation of the rubber often arises. To return it to shape, just heat the bend with a hairdryer at low temperature or pour hot water into the groove, and then close the door tightly for several hours.
Move the fastening elements to the new side of the lower door. Pay attention to the position of the closer, if it is provided for in the design. Incorrect installation of this element will result in the door not fitting tightly to the body, leaving gaps for warm air.
| Element | Action | Tool | Nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Removal and rearrangement | Hex / 10mm key | Remove the plug |
| Lower hinge | Removal and transfer | Phillips screwdriver | Check pin |
| Door handle | Rearrangement | Screwdriver | Hidden screws |
| Plugs | Replacing places | Tweezers / Knife | Do not damage the plastic |
After preparing all the elements, you can begin the final assembly in mirror order. Make sure that all threaded connections are clean and ready for installation.
Working with electronics and wire loops
Modern Samsung refrigerators are equipped with complex electronics, and the wires going to the display or door sensor require special handling. When reversing the door, it often becomes necessary to lengthen the cable or reconnect it to another connector, since the standard length can only be designed for one side.
Carefully inspect the wiring harness. Some models have additional connectors inside the case for connection on the other side. If the wires are too tense, do not apply force under any circumstances - this will lead to breakage of the contacts.
⚠️ Attention: Carry out all manipulations with electrical connectors only with the device completely de-energized. An attempt to disconnect the cable under voltage may burn the control board.
If the cable is in the way, it can be carefully moved into the provided channels inside the door leaf or body. Use plastic clamps to secure them, but do not tighten them too tightly so as not to crush the insulation.
Check the integrity of the wire insulation before final installation of the door. Cracks or abrasions can cause a short circuit in the future, when the door begins to actively open and close.
Installing doors on a new side and adjusting
Assembly begins with the bottom door. Place the sash on the lower hinge, insert the axle and secure the structure. It is important that the door sits straight and does not warp. After this, install the middle partition (if it was removed) and the top door.
When installing the top hinge, make sure that the pin fits correctly into the door hole. Tighten the bolts gradually, without tightening them all the way all at once. First, tighten all the screws, visually align the door, and only then make the final tightening.
Adjusting the gaps is a critical stage. The door should fit evenly around the entire perimeter of the body. If misalignment is noticeable, use adjusting bolts on the hinges (if your model has them) or place washers to correct the position.
- 📏 The gap between the door and the body should be the same at the top and bottom.
- 🧲 The magnetic seal should touch the body without effort with a slight touch pressed.
- 🔄 Check the movement of the door: it should open freely and be completed with a magnet.
- 🔩 Do not overtighten the hinge bolts - this can lead to deformation of the metal.
After installing all the elements, return the decorative plugs to their place. They not only improve the appearance, but also protect the hinge mechanism from dust and moisture.
Tightness check and first launch
After completing the mechanical assembly, it is necessary to check the quality of work. Close the refrigerator and try to pull out a sheet of paper sandwiched between the door and the body in different places. If the paper comes out too easily, it means the seal is broken and the hinges need to be adjusted again.
Plug in the refrigerator. Pay attention to the operation of the door opening sensor: if it is installed correctly, when the door opens, a light should come on or a signal should sound (depending on the model). The display should work correctly, without blinking.
During the first hours of operation, listen to the sounds of the operating compressor. The absence of extraneous vibrations and knocks indicates correct installation. If the door slams or rattles, check the tightness of the fasteners again.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not close completely?
Most likely, the angle of the refrigerator is broken or the legs are incorrectly adjusted. Try unscrewing the front adjustable feet to tilt the body slightly backwards. Also check whether the contents of the shelves do not interfere with the tight closing.
Is it possible to hang the door if a display is installed on it?
Yes, it is possible, but it requires more care. The main difficulty is the length of the train. In some Samsung models, the wires are laid with a reserve; in others, it may be necessary to extend the cable or resolder the contacts, which is best left to a professional.
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 compartment, it is better to defrost the unit in advance so that water does not pour out when tilting or removing the door, damaging the electronic components.
Will the warranty remain valid after self-re-hanging?
According to the law, the consumer has the right to self-repair if it does not lead to a breakdown. However, if in the process you break the thread or damage the cable, the service center may refuse warranty service. Be extremely careful.