Changing the layout The kitchen often dictates new requirements for the location of household appliances. Refrigerator owners Beko may be faced with the need to change the opening direction of the door to provide convenient access to products and avoid collisions with furniture. Fortunately, the design of most models of this brand provides for the possibility of such a maneuver without calling a specialist.
The process of rehanging requires care, accuracy and a minimum set of tools. Re-hanging the door is not just rearranging the handles, but a complex technical process involving fasteners and a sealing system. Incorrect actions can lead to leakage or damage to the housing.
In this article we will analyze in detail the stages of preparation, dismantling and installation of elements on the new side. You will learn about the nuances of working with various modifications of refrigerators Beko and get answers to frequently asked questions. Compliance with the technology will allow you to perform the work efficiently and safely for the device.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
Before starting any manipulations with the equipment, it is necessary to clear the space around the unit. You will need access to the refrigerator from all sides, including the back wall where the bottom hardware is often located. Remove all objects that may prevent the doors from fully opening or falling to the floor if accidentally touched.
A critically important step is to completely empty the refrigerator compartments of food and shelves. Empty refrigerator much easier, which reduces the risk of back injury or the unit falling when tilted. In addition, the removed glass shelves and plastic containers will not break or be damaged during operation.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Remove the plug from the socket to eliminate the risk of short circuit or electric shock if the wiring is accidentally damaged during dismantling.
To complete the task, you will need a standard DIY kit. Usually, different types of screwdrivers and wrenches are sufficient. Make sure you have on hand:
- 🔧 Slotted and Phillips screwdrivers (size PH2 is often required).
- 🔩 8 mm wrench or socket (sometimes 10 mm, depending on the model).
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges metal edges.
- 📦 A small container for storing screws and bolts so that they do not get lost.
It is also recommended to prepare a soft mat or cardboard on the floor if you need to tilt the device body. This will protect the flooring from being scratched by the legs of the refrigerator. Check in advance that you have all the tools so as not to interrupt the search process at the most crucial moment.
Design features of Beko doors and types of hinges
Refrigerators Beko are distinguished by reliable assembly, but the design of the hinges may vary depending on the series and year of manufacture. Most models use standard top and bottom hinges that are bolted on. However, in some two-chamber models with a system No Frost there may be additional fastening elements for sensors or wiring.
Upper hinge usually bears the main load of holding the door in a vertical position. This is where the dismantling process most often begins. The bottom loop serves as a support and central element of rotation. It is important to understand that in some modifications the lower hinge may be hidden by a decorative panel of the plinth, which must first be removed.
Particular attention should be paid to models with electronic control on the door. If there is a display or buttons on the front of your refrigerator, then an electrical cable runs to the door. In such cases, simple rehanging is impossible without re-soldering the wires or extending the cable, since the standard length of the wire is designed for the factory opening side.
Is it possible to rehang a door with a display?
It is extremely difficult to rehang a door with a display on your own. This requires disconnecting the electrical contact inside the loop, extending the wires, and relocating the control module. Without special skills and tools, it is better not to risk the integrity of the electronics.
For classic mechanical models, the procedure is standard. The table below shows the main differences in approaches to different types of structures:
| Type of construction | Presence of wires | Complexity | Required actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical (one chamber) | No | Low | Rearrangement of hinges and handles |
| Two-chamber (No Frost) | Often no | Medium | Removal of two doors, adjustment |
| With electronics on the door | Yes | High | Requires a specialist or re-soldering |
| Atlant-like assembly | No | Average | Removing decorative plugs |
Understanding the type of your model will help you avoid fatal mistakes. If you find wires leading to the door, stop and evaluate your options. In most household cases, users deal with mechanical fasteners that do not require electrical intervention.
Removing the top hinge and removing the door
The process of removing the door begins from the top of the refrigerator. This is necessary in order to free the axis of rotation and remove the weight of the structure. First, remove the decorative cap from the top hinge. It can be made in the form of a plastic cover or sticker that hides the bolts.
Using a suitable screwdriver or wrench, loosen the top hinge mounting bolts. Do not unscrew them completely at once - just loosen the tension. If you have a two-compartment refrigerator, then first remove the top freezer door. To do this, you will need an assistant to hold the heavy structure while you finally unscrew the bolts.
- 🔓 Unscrew the bolts of the upper hinge of the main chamber (if you are removing one door) or the freezer.
- 🚪 Carefully lift the door up, removing it from the lower pin support.
- 🛡️ Place the removed door in a safe place, placing it on a soft surface.
After removing the door, inspect the top hinge. It may have special pins or asymmetrical holes. Hinge design It is often assumed that one side is intended for mounting and the other for a plug. You will need to rearrange the hinge itself or turn it over according to the instructions for your side.
☑️ Removing the upper part
It is important not to lose the screws or confuse them with fasteners from other units if you are working on several units. Some models Beko have specific washers or bushings in the upper hinge that ensure smooth movement. Make sure that all these small parts are saved and will be installed in a new place.
Working with the lower support and rearranging elements
The lower part of the refrigerator requires special attention, since it is there that important structural elements are often hidden. In some models, the bottom hinge is covered with a plastic base. To remove it, you need to carefully pull the special tabs or unscrew the fixing screws, if any.
After gaining access to the bottom hinge, you will see the central pin on which the door rotated. This pin must be moved to the opposite side. To do this, unscrew the locking screw, remove the pin and insert it into a symmetrical hole on the other side. Then it is fixed again with a screw.
⚠️ Attention: When moving the lower pin, make sure that it fits into the groove all the way. Insufficient seating depth will lead to door distortion and rapid wear of the seal.
If your refrigerator is equipped with a system No Frost, check whether the rearranged element does not interfere with the internal ducts or the fan. In rare cases, it may be necessary to adjust the position of the internal plastic guides. Also, in place of the old lower hinge, there will be a hole that needs to be closed with a plastic plug, included in the kit or removed from the opposite side.
Now let's work on the handles. On most models Beko the handles are integrated into the door profile or attached with screws from the inside. You need to unscrew the fasteners on one side and move the handle to the other. If the handles are overhead, simply swap them using the holes on the opposite end of the door.
Installing the door on a new side and adjusting
After preparing all the elements, you can begin installation. Install the top hinge onto the new side, securing it with the bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet. This will allow you to adjust the position of the door during hanging. Have an assistant install the door on the bottom pin, aligning the holes in the top hinge with the mounting points on the body.
Insert the bolts into the top hinge and begin tightening them. At this stage, it is important to monitor the vertical position of the door. It should fit snugly around the entire perimeter of the body. If there is skew, slightly loosen the lower pin or upper bolts and level the structure.
Adjusting the gap —the final stage. The door should not touch the body when opening, but the gap should not be too large. The tightness of the fit is checked using a sheet of paper: clamp it with a sealant and try to pull it out. It should come out with noticeable force around the entire perimeter.
- 📐 Check the horizontal installation of the refrigerator itself using a level.
- 🔄 Adjust the height of the front legs to ensure a slight tilt of the body back.
- 🚪 Make sure that the door opens smoothly and closes on its own at an opening angle of about 30-40 degrees.
If the door opens on its own or, conversely, does not close completely, the angle of the refrigerator is most likely broken. The front legs should be twisted a little more than the back legs, creating a gravitational closing effect. This is especially important for models without magnetic latches.
Frequent errors and troubleshooting
Even when following the instructions, beginners can make mistakes that affect the operation of the equipment. One of the most common problems is loss of tightness after rehanging. This happens if the sealing rubber was damaged during installation or if the door is installed skewed.
Another mistake is incorrect installation of the locking screws. If you forget to secure the bottom pin or top hinge, the door may come off during use, causing damage to the floor or feet. Always check that all threaded connections are securely tightened.
⚠️ Attention: If you hear squeaking or grinding noises after installation, do not ignore it. Remove the door and check whether metal shavings or debris have gotten into the hinge mechanism.
In some cases, users forget to replace the plastic plugs on the vacated holes. This not only spoils the appearance, but also allows dust and insects to enter the structure. Make sure that all technological openings are closed.
If the door Beko begins to touch the internal shelves or drawers after rehanging, check whether the guides are installed correctly. Sometimes they may move during dismantling. It is also worth checking whether the seal in the corner of the door is twisted - it can be easily corrected with your finger, having previously been heated with a hairdryer for elasticity.
What to do if the bolts do not fit?
In rare cases, if the original fasteners are lost, you can use similar bolts, but strictly the same length. A bolt that is too long can pierce the wall of the refrigerator or damage the insulation, while a short one cannot ensure reliability.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to reverse the door on a Beko refrigerator with a display on the facade?
It is extremely difficult to do this on your own. It is necessary to disconnect the electrical cable inside the loop, lengthen it and transfer the contacts. Without special knowledge of electronics and tools, it is better to contact an authorized service center so as not to violate the warranty and damage the control board.
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before re-hanging the door?
Yes, this is a mandatory requirement. In addition to the fact that the refrigerator must be unplugged, it must be completely defrosted and dry. Water may get into electrical contacts or damage the flooring. In addition, the ice inside will make the structure heavier, complicating dismantling.
Why does the door not fit tightly after rehanging?
There may be several reasons: misalignment when installing the top hinge, incorrect adjustment of the height of the refrigerator legs, or damage to the seal. Also check if there is anything inside (for example, an incorrectly installed shelf) that prevents the door from closing all the way.
Will the warranty remain valid after re-hanging it yourself?
According to consumer protection legislation, the fact of self-service (if it did not lead to a breakdown) should not void the warranty. However, if you damage the case, strip the threads, or break the glass when re-hanging, warranty repairs for these specific damages will be denied.
Do you need to wait after turning on the refrigerator?
Yes, after transportation and any work related to tilting or moving the compressor, it is recommended to let the refrigerator stand in an upright position for 2-4 hours before inclusion in the network. This is necessary for the oil to drain into the compressor.