The need to change the opening direction of the refrigerator door often arises when moving to a new kitchen or after remodeling the premises. Owners of branded equipment Biryusa face this issue regularly, since the design of many models initially allows for re-mounting. This allows you to flexibly fit the unit into a limited space without sacrificing ease of access to products.
The remodeling process does not require calling a specialist and can be done independently if you have a basic set of tools. However, it is important to take into account that different series of refrigerators have their own design features for fastening handles and hinges. Careful study of the diagram a specific model before starting work will help avoid damage to decorative elements and mechanical parts.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for various modifications, paying special attention to the nuances of dismantling accessories. You will learn how to properly prepare your work area and what tools you will need to perform the operation safely. A competent approach will ensure that after reinstallation the door will close tightly and without distortion.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Before starting work, you should prepare all the necessary tools so as not to be distracted by searching during the process. The main tool will be screwdriver or a set of screwdrivers with different heads, since the screws may have different heads. You will also need a wrench, usually 10 mm in size, to work with the hinge nuts.
Be sure to clear space in front of the refrigerator to ensure easy access from all sides. It is better to cover the floor with soft material or cardboard, since heavy doors, if accidentally dropped, can damage the floor covering or break themselves.
⚠️ Attention: Before any manipulations with electrical equipment, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This is a safety requirement that cannot be ignored.
You will also need plastic containers for storing fasteners so that they do not get lost. It is recommended to use a magnetic stand or just carefully arrange the screws in the order in which they are removed. This will simplify the reassembly process and prevent a situation where unnecessary parts are left on hand.
☑️ Tools for rehanging
Design features of doors of different Biryusa models
Refrigerators Turk are available in various modifications, and the way they attach handles can differ significantly. In some models, the handles are removable elements secured with screws, in others they are an integral part that requires rearranging the plugs. Understanding the type of your model is the key to success.
If the handle is secured with screws, they are usually hidden under decorative plugs or located on the inside of the end of the door. In models with hidden fastenings or mortise handles, the process may require more careful handling of plastic fasteners.
- 🔧 Models with overhead handles: fasteners are accessible after removing the decorative trims.
- 🔩 Models with hidden fastening: access to the inside of the door leaf is required.
- 🚪 Double-chamber models: require sequential rehanging of the upper and lower doors.
It is important to note that some budget series may use plastic bushings in the hinges, which wear out over time. When rehanging the doors, it makes sense to inspect their condition and, if necessary, replace them in order to avoid play in the future.
Nuances of old models
In Biryusa refrigerators from early years of production, the hinges may not have threads for rearrangement. In this case, a complete replacement of the hinge assembly or the use of adapters, which are sometimes included, is required.
Removing the top door: step-by-step algorithm
You should always start work with the top door, since it is less loaded and is easier to remove first. The first step is to remove all shelves and baskets from the door to lighten the structure and prevent fragile items from falling. Then remove the handle, if the design requires it, to access the top hinges.
Carefully unscrew the screws securing the top decorative panel (if any) to gain access to the top hinge fasteners. Using a wrench, loosen the nuts, but do not remove them completely until someone holds the door.
Have a helper hold the door while you completely remove the top hinge bolts. After removing the fasteners, carefully lift the door and remove it from the bottom stud. Place the removed door on a prepared soft surface with the outer side down.
Now you need to move the hinge to the opposite side. To do this, unscrew the locking screws on one side and screw them into the provided holes on the other. Make sure that the hinge pin fits tightly into the thread and does not wobble.
Re-hanging the main door and lower unit
The hardest part of the job is dismantling the main door of the refrigerator compartment. It is held on by a middle hinge, which is often hidden under a decorative strip. Remove the bar by unscrewing the fixing screws and gain access to the mechanism.
Loosen the middle hinge fasteners while holding the door. Remove the door from the bottom axis and place it in a safe place. Now your task is to move the middle loop to the other side. Pay attention to the location of the pins and stops.
⚠️ Attention: When removing the middle hinge, watch the washers and bushings. Their loss or incorrect installation will lead to the door being skewed and the seal broken.
The lower part of the refrigerator, where the freezer is located (depending on the model), requires a similar approach. Remove the bottom door, move the bottom hinge to the opposite side of the body. In some models Turk it is also necessary to rearrange the locking screw in the hole on the diagonally opposite side.
| Element | Action | Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Removal and rearrangement | 10 mm key |
| Middle hinge | Removal from the axis, transfer | Screwdriver, key |
| Lower support | Repositioning the plug | Flat screwdriver |
| Door handle | Transfer fasteners | Phillips screwdriver |
Installing handles and fittings on the new side
After the hinges have been transferred, it is the turn of the handles. If your model has symmetrical handles and is secured with screws, the process is simple: unscrew the screws on one side and screw them into the holes on the opposite end of the door.
In models where the handles are part of the design and do not have an obvious attachment from the outside, plastic plugs are often used. You will need to carefully pry the plug from the new side, install the fastening element there and close the hole with a decorative plug from the old side.
- 🔨 Carefully knock out or pry the plastic plugs from the unnecessary side.
- 🔩 Install the handle securing screws into the new holes.
- 🧩 Close the vacated holes with the supplied plugs.
It is important not to overtighten the screws that secure the handles, especially if they are screwed into plastic. Excessive force can lead to a crack in the door body, which cannot be repaired.
Assembling the structure and adjusting the gaps
The final stage is installing the doors in new places. Start with the bottom door (freezer if it's at the bottom). Place the hinge on the bottom pin, level the door and secure the middle hinge. Make sure the door is level.
Then install the top door. Insert it into the middle hinge, line up the holes in the top hinge, and screw it to the body. At this stage adjusting the gaps is critical for proper operation of the refrigerator.
⚠️ Attention: If after installation the door does not close tightly or warps, loosen the hinge fixing screws, level the door and tighten the screws again.
Check the tightness of the seal around the entire perimeter. The door should close with a characteristic bang, but without excessive force. If misalignment is noticeable, use adjusting screws on the hinges (if they are provided for in the design) or pads.
Typical errors and methods for eliminating them
When re-hanging doors on their own, beginners often make mistakes that can lead to malfunctions. One of the most common is the loss of fasteners or their installation in the wrong holes. Always check the diagram in the instructions.
Another mistake is ignoring the tilt level of the body. After rehanging the doors, you may need to readjust the legs of the refrigerator to ensure the correct tilt angle back for self-closing.
If after all the manipulations the door does not fit tightly, check whether the contents of the shelves or the seal itself are in the way. Sometimes a new bend in the seal takes time to straighten out, or it needs to be warmed up with a hairdryer.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging the doors?
Yes, this is highly recommended. Complete defrosting will make the structure lighter, prevent water from leaking when tilted, and allow you to safely work with an electrical appliance that is disconnected from the network.
Is it possible to hang the door alone?
Technically possible, but extremely undesirable. Refrigerator doors are heavy and awkward. Without an assistant, there is a high risk of dropping the door, damaging the floor, or getting injured. It is better to work together.
What to do if the holes for the hinges do not match?
In the original models Biryusa the holes are symmetrical. If they do not match, you may be trying to hang the door on a model where this is not structurally provided for, or using non-original hinges.
How long does it take to adjust the door after installation?
Primary adjustment is carried out immediately. However, during the first 24 hours, it is recommended to periodically check the tightness of the seal, since the seal may be slightly deformed after removal and installation.