Changing the kitchen layout or rearranging furniture often raises the question of changing the direction of opening the door leaf before the owner of household appliances. For the model Samsung RB37 this procedure is provided by the manufacturer and can be performed independently, without calling a technician. However, the process requires accuracy, the presence of certain tools and strict adherence to the sequence of actions in order to avoid damage to the enamel or deformation of the hinges.
Re-hanging the refrigerator doors is not just a mechanical movement of the fittings, but also a reconfiguration of the operation of the magnetic latches, if they are provided for by the design of a particular modification. In this article we will analyze in detail all stages of the work, paying special attention to the nuances of dismantling and installing elements on the model Samsung RB37. Properly performed work will ensure a tight fit of the seal and a long service life of the mechanism.
Before starting active actions, it is necessary to prepare the workspace. Make sure the floor is level and there is space nearby to temporarily store the removed parts. Remember that refrigerator doors are heavy, and if they fall, they can cause injury or damage to the flooring, so it is recommended that you work with an assistant.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
To successfully complete the task, you will need a basic set of tools. The absence of at least one of them can significantly complicate the process or lead to thread failure in the mounting holes. The main tool will be a hex wrench, the size of which usually corresponds to the diameter of the hinge bolts (most often 4 mm or 5 mm).
You will also need a flat-head screwdriver to remove decorative plugs and plastic covers covering the fasteners. Some modifications Samsung RB37 may use screws for a Phillips screwdriver, so it is better to have one on hand. It will not be amiss to use masking tape to secure moving parts during work.
- 🔧 Hex wrench (usually included with the refrigerator)
- 🔩 Flat and Phillips screwdrivers
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges
- 🧽 Soft rags for wiping hinge installation areas
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This will protect you from electric shock if the wiring is accidentally damaged and will prevent false triggering of the door opening sensors.
Free up space in front of the refrigerator. You will need to open the doors at different angles and possibly tilt the unit. Remove the rug and move furniture so that nothing blocks access to the bottom of the device. Determine in advance the place where you will put the bolts so that they do not get lost.
Removing the top panel and door handle of the refrigerator compartment
The process starts from the top of the refrigerator. In the model Samsung RB37 the top cover often performs not only an aesthetic function, but also hides the fastening elements of the upper hinge. To remove it, you must first remove the refrigerator door handle if it interferes with access to the lid screws.
Carefully inspect the handle fastening. In most cases, it is fixed with screws that are hidden under decorative plugs or located on the inside. Carefully pry off the plugs with a flathead screwdriver, being careful not to scratch the plastic. Unscrew the mounting screws and remove the handle.
Now you can begin to remove the top cover. It can be held on with latches or screws. If screws are used, remove them. If the lid is latched, slightly pull it up and towards you. Do not use excessive force to avoid breaking the plastic clips.
What to do if the cover does not come off?
If the cover does not budge, check to see if there are any loose screws in the back or under the decorative elements. Sometimes it is necessary to move the cover back slightly before lifting. Do not use force, the plastic may crack.
After removing the cover, access to the top hinge will open. Before unscrewing it, you must lock the refrigerator door in the closed position. To do this, you can use masking tape, gluing it to the side wall and the door, or ask an assistant to hold the door.
- 🔍 Remove the decorative trim of the top hinge
- 🔧 Unscrew the bolts securing the top hinge with a hexagon
- 🚪 Remove the hinge and put it in a safe place
- 👐 Carefully lift the refrigerator door and remove it from the lower support
It is best to place the removed door on a soft surface (for example, on a blanket or cardboard) with the outer side down so as not to damage the enamel. Now the upper part of the body is free for further manipulations.
Removing the doors and dismantling the lower hinge
After the refrigerator door is removed, access to the freezer door (if the model is two-door) or to the lower part of the structure opens. The model Samsung RB37 often uses a system where the doors are connected or have a common fastening axis in the lower part.
To remove the freezer door, you need to unscrew the middle hinge (if there is one) or release the lower fasteners. If the design provides a common axis, then after removing the upper door you gain access to the bolts holding the lower door. Unscrew them after securing the door with tape.
⚠️ Attention: The freezer door is heavier than the top one due to a thicker layer of insulation. When removing it, be sure to hold the bottom part so that it does not fall on your feet and damage the floor.
Remove the freezer door and set it aside next to the first one. Now you need to remove the lower support pin or hinge. It is screwed into the base of the refrigerator body. Unscrew it with the key. You will need this part for installation on the other side, so do not lose it.
Inspect the removed hinges. Plastic bushings or washers can be installed on them. Memorize their location or arrange the parts in the order in which you removed them. This will make assembly on the new side easier.
☑️ Ready for rearrangement
Flipping the plugs and preparing the holes
On the front panel of the refrigerator, on the side where you plan to hang doors, there are hidden holes for fastening. Now they are closed with plastic plugs. You need to remove these plugs and move them to the vacated holes on the working side.
Use a thin screwdriver or knife to carefully pry off the plugs. Do not scratch the enamel around the hole. Move the plugs to the opposite side, pressing them firmly until they click. This will provide an aesthetic appearance and protection from dust.
Also check if there are traces of old grease on the body or dirt in the new hinge holes. Wipe them with a dry cloth. The cleanliness of the thread is important so that the bolts are screwed in easily and held securely.
| Element | Action during dismantling | Action during installation | Importance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Unscrew the bolts | Install on the new side | High |
| Bottom stud | Unscrew from the base | Screw into a new hole | Critical |
| Plug decor | Remove from new holes | Insert into old holes | Medium |
| Door stop | Remove or move | Install in new position | High |
In some modifications Samsung RB37 It may be necessary to rearrange the locking mechanism, which limits the door opening angle. Find this element at the bottom of the case (usually a plastic or metal pin) and move it to the corresponding hole on the other side.
Installing hinges and hanging doors
Now the assembly process begins, but from the other side. Begin by installing the bottom support pin or hinge into the prepared base hole. Screw it in tightly, but without fanaticism, so as not to break the thread in the metal case.
Next you need to hang the freezer door. This is the most crucial moment that requires precision. Lift the door and place the bottom hole of the hinge on the installed stud. After making sure that the door is in place, fix it in a vertical position.
If in your model the middle hinge is part of the door structure or a separate element, install it now. Then hang the refrigerator door. Align the holes in the top hinge with the holes on the roof of the refrigerator.
- 🔩 Insert the bolts into the top hinge, but do not fully tighten them yet
- 🚪 Check that the doors are vertical (use a level)
- 🔧 Tighten the top hinge bolts finally
- 🖐️ Make sure that the doors open freely and do not touch the body
After installing the hinges, install the top cover of the body. If it is attached with screws, tighten them. If on the latches, press until you hear a characteristic click. Install the door handles into place using the prepared holes.
⚠️ Attention: Do not over-tighten the hinge bolts at once. First tighten all the bolts, align the doors, and then make the final tightening. This will avoid misalignment, due to which the door may not fit tightly.
Adjusting gaps and checking tightness
After all the elements are installed, it is necessary to make a final adjustment. Doors should open smoothly, without squeaking or jamming. The gap between the door and the body must be uniform around the entire perimeter.
Check the operation of the magnetic seal. Close the door and see if it fits tightly along the entire contour. If a gap is visible somewhere, the height of the bottom pin or the position of the top hinge may need to be adjusted. In the model Samsung RB37 you can often adjust the height by twisting the lower support.
Plug in the refrigerator. Let it run for a few hours. Check to see if ice forms in places where there is a loose fit. If the cold remains normal and the seal fits evenly, then you have successfully completed the task.
Make sure that all the removed plugs are installed in their places. This is not only a matter of aesthetics, but also protection of internal mechanisms from dust. If you still have extra parts, save them in a bag along with instructions in case of future repairs or moving.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging the doors?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you are working quickly. However, if there is a lot of ice in the freezer, it is better to defrost the unit in advance. Full shelves significantly increase the weight of the door, which will make it difficult to remove and install, increasing the risk of dropping the heavy structure.
What to do if the holes for the hinges do not match?
In the factory, all holes are already drilled. If they do not match, check whether you have identified the installation side correctly and whether you have mixed up the top and bottom hinges. Also make sure that you use the correct mounting holes on the door itself (sometimes there are several pairs).
Is it possible to hang the doors alone?
Technically possible, but highly not recommended. Refrigerator doors Samsung RB37 are heavy and bulky. There is a high risk of dropping the door, damaging the enamel, flooring, or getting injured. Always invite an assistant to secure and support the weight.
Where to put the old plugs on the working side?
The plugs that you removed from the working side (where the doors were originally) need to be moved to the opposite side, where the doors will now be. They will close the empty holes. If the plugs are lost, you can order them at the service center or cover the holes with decorative stickers.