The need to change the direction of opening the refrigerator door Vestel often arises when moving or remodeling the kitchen. The standard factory configuration provides for opening from right to left, but in new conditions this may be inconvenient or even impossible due to the peculiarities of the furniture arrangement. Fortunately, the design of most modern models of the Turkish brand allows you to perform this procedure yourself, without calling a specialist.
Re-hanging a door is a process that requires accuracy, a basic set of tools and an understanding of the device. hinge group. In this article we will analyze in detail the stages of work, paying attention to the nuances specific to the technology Vestel. Correctly performed reinstallation will ensure a tight fit of the seal and long service life of the mechanisms.
Before taking active steps, it is necessary to free up the space around the unit. You will need access to the sides and top of the case from all sides. Make sure that the floor under the refrigerator is level and clean to prevent heavy items from slipping or falling during operation.
Preparation of tools and work area
The success of the operation directly depends on the quality of preparation. To work with refrigerator fasteners Vestel most often you need standard tools that can be found in the arsenal of any home craftsman. However, it is important to prepare everything you need in advance so as not to interrupt the process by searching for a screwdriver.
You will need a Phillips screwdriver, since most screws in these models have a corresponding slot. It may also be required hex wrench (usually 4 mm or 5 mm) to adjust the height of the legs and remove decorative plugs. It’s a good idea to have a flathead screwdriver or plastic spatula on hand to carefully remove decorative panels.
- 🛠️ Medium-sized Phillips screwdriver (PH2) for the main screws.
- 🔧 Set of hex wrenches for adjusting supports and loops.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧹 Clean rags for wiping the mounting points from dust.
Particular attention should be paid to the stability of the refrigerator itself. Before starting work, it must be completely defrosted and disconnected from the power supply. If the model has a system No Frost, defrosting will take less time, but it is still necessary to check that there is no ice in the drainage channels.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to unplug the refrigerator and remove the plug from the outlet. This is critical for safety since you will be working with metal near electrical components.
After defrosting, empty all shelves and drawers. The door must be completely empty to reduce the load on the hinges and to avoid damage to the shelves when the body is tilted. Remove all removable elements that may fall out when changing the position of the unit.
Removing the top panel and handle
The first step is always removing the top decorative panel (lid) of the refrigerator. In models Vestel it is usually attached to latches or screws hidden under decorative plugs. Carefully inspect the perimeter of the cover to determine the type of fastening.
If you find screws, remove them with a Phillips screwdriver. In some cases, the screws may be covered with plastic plugs that match the color of the case. Pry them off with a flathead screwdriver, being careful not to scratch the surface. After removing the fasteners, the cover is removed by moving upwards and backwards.
Next, it is necessary to dismantle the handle if it is not an integrated part of the door. Depending on the model, the handle may be mounted with screws on the inside or have hidden fasteners on the outside. For models with a hidden mount, you often need to first remove the handle itself by pulling it towards you with force, or unscrew the fixing screw from below.
- 🔍 Carefully inspect the top panel for hidden screws under the stickers.
- 👐 Be careful with plastic latches, they can be fragile on older models.
- 📸 Take a photo of the location of the wires (if any) before disconnecting.
If your model Vestel is equipped with a display on the door, Do not tear it off panel sharply. Carefully disconnect the power cable, first remembering or photographing the position of the contacts.
What to do if the screws are rusty?
If the fasteners do not give in, do not use excessive force so as not to tear off the caps. Treat them with WD-40 or a similar penetrating lubricant and leave for 10-15 minutes. After this, unscrewing will be much easier.
Removing the door from the hinges
After removing the top panel and handle, access to the upper hinge bracket opens. It is he who holds the door in a vertical position. You will need an assistant to hold the door while you remove the mounting screws.
Unscrew the screws securing the top hinge to the refrigerator body. In some models Vestel the upper hinge may be part of the overall structure with an axis included in the upper hole of the door. Carefully lift the door to release the axle from the upper socket, and set the door in a safe place, placing it on a soft surface.
Now you need to remove the middle hinge (if the refrigerator is a two-chamber) or the bottom (if a single-chamber). For two-chamber models, first remove the freezer door, then the main one. Remove the decorative plug from the opposite side where the hinge will be moved, and transfer the fasteners there.
| Model type | Removal sequence | Fastening features |
|---|---|---|
| Single-chamber | Top hinge → Door → Bottom hinge | One axis below is often used |
| Two-chamber (Top Mount) | Top hinge → Freezer door → Middle hinge → Refrigerator door | Requires middle hinge support |
| Side-by-Side | Top bar → Doors in turn | Complex hinge system |
When removing the door, be careful with the magnetic seal. Try not to touch the sharp corners of furniture or tools with it, so as not to damage the elastic structure of the rubber. Any crack or tear will lead to a loose fit and loss of cold.
☑️ Ready to remove the door
Rearranging the fittings and limiter
The key point of the process is rearranging the door opening limiter. In the factory version, it is installed on one side and does not allow the door to open more than 110-120 degrees. If you do not move this element, the door will swing too wide, which can lead to damage to the hinges or the door itself.
The limiter is usually located at the bottom of the door or on the body in the area of the bottom hinge. Unscrew the screw securing the stopper and move it to the opposite side, into the pre-prepared threaded hole. In some models Vestel you may need to turn over the plastic stop itself.
It is also necessary to rearrange the hinges themselves. The top bracket that was on the left should now be installed on the right. Pay attention to the orientation of the hinge pin: it should face up and fit exactly into the corresponding hole on the door. If the kit included plugs for the holes, use them to cover the vacated spaces on the “unnecessary” side.
- 🔄 Move all fasteners to the new side symmetrically.
- 🔩 Do not lose the washers and bushings, they provide the correct clearance.
- 🚫 Do not overtighten the screws so as not to deform the metal of the case.
If your model has decorative hinge covers, do not forget to remove them on one side and install them on the other. This will provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance and will hide technical holes.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure all threaded holes on the new side are free of factory paint or plugs. If the holes are closed with plastic plugs, they must be carefully removed. Do not drill new holes yourself!
Installing the door in a new location
After preparing the fittings, we begin installation. Place the bottom (or middle) hinge in its new location and lightly tighten the screws, but do not tighten them all the way. This will allow you to adjust the position of the door if necessary.
Ask an assistant to lift the door and place it with the bottom hole on the bottom hinge axis. While holding the door upright, align the top hole of the door with the axis of the top bracket. Lower the door until it sits in place.
Secure the top hinge with screws. Now that the door is secured on both sides, you can finally tighten all the fasteners. Check that the screws are tightened tightly, but not fanatically, so as not to strip the threads in the metal frame.
Pay special attention to the gap between the door and the body. It should be uniform over the entire height. If you notice that at the top the gap is wider than at the bottom, or vice versa, you will need to adjust the height of the legs of the refrigerator.
Adjusting and checking the tightness
The final stage is adjusting the position of the door. Even with careful installation it may be necessary. Adjustment is carried out using the front support legs of the refrigerator. By rotating them clockwise or counterclockwise, you can raise or lower the corresponding corner of the unit.
Use a level to check that the top edge of the refrigerator is horizontal. The door should close by itself when opened at an angle of about 30-45 degrees due to the slight tilt of the body back. This is a standard function to ensure tightness.
Check the operation of the magnetic seal. Run your hand along the perimeter of the closed door - there should be no noticeable cracks or gaps. You can also do a test with a sheet of paper: clamp the sheet between the door and the body at different points. If the sheet is removed with force along the entire perimeter, it means tightness tightness is ensured.
- 📏 Check the uniformity of the gap along the entire height of the door.
- 📄 Use a test with paper to check the magnetic tape.
- 🚪 Make sure that the door closes tightly without slamming too hard.
If the door does not fit tightly, check if anything inside is in the way (a fallen shelf, packaging). Also make sure that the door stop on the opposite side does not press on the body, preventing it from closing completely.
Do you need to sharpen the legs if the floor is uneven?
Yes, adjusting the legs is required if the floor has a slope. The refrigerator must be stable, and its vertical axis must be tilted back for the door to close properly.
Is it possible to hang the door if there is a display on it?
Yes, you can, but this requires more caution. It is necessary to very carefully disconnect the display power cable before removing the door and just as carefully connect it after installing it on the new side, making sure that the length of the cable allows this (this is usually provided in the Vestel design).
What to do if the door does not hold after rehanging?
Check whether the opening limiter is installed correctly. Also make sure the hinge screws are fully tightened. If the problem is in the magnet, the seal may need to be replaced or “developed” after a long period of inactivity.
How long does the whole procedure take?
For an experienced user, the process takes 20-30 minutes. For the first time, taking into account studying the instructions and searching for tools, you should spend about 45-60 minutes.