Many owners of modern household appliances are faced with a situation when the layout of the kitchen changes or the refrigerator is moved to a new corner, and the standard side of opening the door becomes inconvenient. In such cases, it becomes necessary to change the hinge of the sash to ensure comfortable access to the shelves. For equipment of a German brand Siemens this procedure is usually provided for by the design, but requires care and adherence to the sequence of actions.
Before you begin, it is important to understand that the process may differ depending on the specific series of your unit. Old models and modern devices with system NoFrost or electronic control may have nuances in fastening the hinges. Careful preparation and the availability of the right tools will avoid damage to the enamel or plastic elements of the case.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the stages of dismantling and installing doors, focusing on the specifics of the models. Siemens. You will learn how to properly adjust the gaps and check the tightness after completion of the work.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
The quality of re-hanging work directly depends on the preparation. You will need not only physical strength, but also a certain set of tools, which it is advisable to collect in advance so as not to interrupt the process of finding the right screwdriver. The main tool will be a hex key, often 4 or 5 mm in size, which usually comes with the refrigerator, but can get lost.
In addition to the keys, be sure to prepare a flat-head screwdriver for removing decorative plugs and, possibly, a socket for mounting bolts. It would be a good idea to have a level on hand to check that the installation is horizontal after completing all manipulations. Also prepare a soft cloth or cardboard to place under the removed parts and not scratch the floor.
- 🛠️ A set of hex keys (imbus) of different sizes.
- 🔧 Phillips and flat screwdrivers (slotted).
- 📏 Construction level for checking the position of the case.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges.
Pay special attention to organizing the space around the refrigerator. You will need free access to the device from all sides, since the door will have to be removed completely and set aside. Make sure the floor is level and clean to avoid heavy items slipping or falling.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to unplug the refrigerator from the power supply! This is critical for safety, as you will be working with metal tools near electrical components and wiring.
Dismantling the top hinge and removing the top door
The process of changing the opening side begins from the top of the structure. The first step is to remove the decorative cover covering the top hinge. It can be secured with latches or a small screw that needs to be carefully unscrewed. Be careful, the plastic in older models can be brittle.
After removing the cover, you will see the top hinge mounting bolts. They need to be loosened, but not completely unscrewed yet, if the door has not yet been secured by an assistant. On models Siemens with a door display, you may need to disconnect the wiring harness at this stage. Do this very carefully, remembering or photographing the location of the connectors.
If your model has wires that do not pass through the top loop, the task is simplified. You need to completely unscrew the top hinge mounting bolts and remove the hinge itself. The upper door can then be lifted and removed from the lower support shaft. It is better to perform this operation together, as the door is heavy and bulky.
It is important to immediately close the vacated hole in the body where the hinge was with a special plug, which usually comes with included or already installed on the opposite side. This is necessary to maintain an aesthetic appearance and prevent dust from getting inside the case.
Removing the lower door and rearranging the fittings
After the upper sash is removed, we move on to the lower part. Here the algorithm of actions is similar, but has its own characteristics. It is necessary to remove the middle crossbar (if your model has one) or the bottom hinge holding the freezer or refrigerator door.
When removing the bottom door, pay attention to the bushings and washers that may be located on the rotation axis. These small parts are easy to lose, so immediately put them in a separate container. Some models Siemens use a door closer system that requires careful handling.
Now you need to move the handle and the counterpart of the lock (if the door has a magnetic lock) to the opposite side. To do this:
- Unscrew the fixing screws of the handle from the current side.
- Remove the plugs from the holes on the back side of the door.
- Install the handle in a new place using the same holes (they are often prudently closed with plugs).
- Close vacated holes with plugs.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use excessive force when removing the handles. The plastic may crack. If the handle cannot be removed, check for hidden screws under decorative trims or rubber seals.
After rearranging the hardware, the door is ready to be installed on the new side. Make sure that all screws are tightened tightly, but without overtightening, so as not to break the thread in the plastic base of the handle.
What to do if the holes for the handles do not match?
In some budget or specific models, there may be holes only on one side. In this case, re-hanging the handle yourself is impossible without drilling new holes, which will violate the warranty and aesthetics. Check for holes on the reverse side before starting work.
Installing hinges and mounting doors on the new side
Assembly is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling, but using holes on the opposite side of the body. Begin by installing the bottom support sleeve or hinge into the appropriate slot. Make sure that it sits evenly and tightly.
Then hang the bottom door, placing the hole in the hinge on the support axis. While holding the door, install and tighten the mounting bolts. Do not tighten them “all the way” right away - leave a small gap for subsequent adjustment of the position of the door relative to the body.
Next comes the turn of the upper door. If your model has wires passing through the top loop, carefully feed the harness through the hole in the loop and the body. Connect the connectors, observing the color markings or the shape of the keys, and make sure that the connection is secure.
| Work stage | Tool | Important nuance |
|---|---|---|
| Removing the top hinge | Hexagon, screwdriver | Do not disconnect the wires while the hinge holds the weight of the door |
| Removing the handles | Phillips screwdriver | Save all screws and plugs |
| Installing a new hinge | Hexagon | Use the holes on the opposite side |
| Final tightening | Key, level | Check the tightness seal fit |
After installing both doors and fixing the hinges, you can begin the final tightening of all bolts. Do this sequentially, making sure that the doors do not warp.
Adjusting the position of doors and gaps
Correct adjustment is the key to long and silent operation of the refrigerator. The doors should open freely, but when released, close tightly on their own under the influence of magnets. If you notice misalignment or a loose fit, the hinge height will need to be adjusted.
To adjust the height, the lower support screw or shims under the hinge are often used. By rotating this element, you can raise or lower the door. Achieve a position where the top and bottom edges of the door are flush with the refrigerator body.
☑️ Post-installation check
Also check the operation of the closers (if any). The door should be brought to closing smoothly. If there is binding, the hinge may be askew or the bolts may not be tightened evenly. Loosen the fastening, align the door and tighten again.
⚠️ Attention: The gap between the door and the body should be minimal and uniform around the entire perimeter. If the door fits tightly in one place, but a gap is visible in another, the food in this area may deteriorate faster due to a violation of the seal.
Checking the tightness and testing the operation
After completing the mechanical part of the work, it is necessary to check the quality of the assembly. The easiest way is to visually inspect the seal around its entire perimeter. The elastic band should fit tightly to the body, without visible tears or creases.
For a more accurate leak test, you can use a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet with the refrigerator door along the entire perimeter. If the paper comes out easily, it means that the seal does not fit tightly in this place and additional adjustment of the loop near this area is required.
Plug in the refrigerator and listen. In the first minutes of operation, the sound of refrigerant escaping may be heard, but there should be no squeaks or knocks from the doors. After 30-40 minutes, check how well the cold holds and make sure that the door does not “come away” on its own.
If all stages are completed successfully, your refrigerator Siemens is ready for use with a new door opening configuration. This simple change can significantly improve the ergonomics of the kitchen space.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to reverse the door on a Siemens refrigerator with a display?
Yes, in most models with a display on the door, reversing is possible. However, this requires disconnecting and reconnecting the wire loop. Be very careful with the contacts, as they are sensitive to oxidation and mechanical damage. In some cases, it may be necessary to extend the wires if the standard length is not enough.
Do you need to call a specialist to rehang the door?
If you have basic skills in working with tools and an assistant to support heavy doors, you can do it yourself according to the instructions. A technician will be needed if the design of your model is non-standard, the seal is damaged, or you are afraid of damaging the display electronics.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not close tightly?
Most likely, the problem is incorrect adjustment of the height of the hinges or skew of the refrigerator body. Check the horizontal installation of the refrigerator itself using a level and tighten the adjustable legs. Also make sure that the shelves inside do not interfere with closing.
Will the warranty remain valid after re-hanging it yourself?
Re-hanging the door itself, as provided for by the design, does not void the warranty. However, if in the process you damage the case, break the display or break the thread, the warranty claim for this damage will not be considered. Proceed carefully.