Modern kitchen dictates its own rules of ergonomics, and often the standard arrangement of household appliances no longer suits the owners. Beko refrigerator, like many other models, initially comes with a door that opens in a certain side, but the design allows you to change this parameter. This solution is ideal for remodeling your kitchen space or if you simply decide to move the unit to a more convenient corner. The process seems complicated only at first glance, but with a basic set of tools and care, any home craftsman can handle it.
The main difficulty is that different models Beko may have differences in the design of the hinges and handle fastenings. In some cases, it is enough to simply rearrange the fittings, in others, complete disassembly of the door leaf will be required. It is important to prepare the workplace in advance, since you will have to work with heavy structural elements. Do not neglect safety measures, as careless handling of the load can lead to injuries or damage to the floor covering.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions necessary to successfully complete the task. We will look at the nuances of working with magnetic valves, the features of dismantling decorative plugs and the correct sequence of tightening the bolts. Properly done rehanging the door will extend the life of the seals and ensure the tightness of the chamber for many years.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Before you begin active actions, you need to collect a full arsenal of tools. Usually, to work with refrigerators Beko a standard DIY kit is sufficient, but having specific keys will speed up the process. Make sure you have a set of screwdrivers (phillips and flathead), appropriately sized wrenches, and possibly hex keys on hand. The absence of the necessary tool in the midst of work can greatly delay the process.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! This is critical for safety as you will be working in close proximity to electrical components and metal parts.
Clear space around the refrigerator. You need to provide free access to the unit from all sides, since the door will have to be removed completely. It is also recommended to cover the floor with thick cardboard or a soft blanket to avoid scratching the floor covering when installing removed elements. If there are products in the refrigerator, it is better to temporarily transfer them to a cool place or another refrigerator.
☑️ Preparing for rehanging
It is also important to remove all removable shelves from the door in order to reduce its weight and avoid damage to fragile elements. It is also better to remove magnetic valves, if any, in advance. This will avoid unnecessary problems when dismantling and installing the door on a new side. Careful preparation is the key to successful completion of the repair.
Design analysis: types of doors and handles on Beko models
The model range Beko is quite wide, and door designs can vary significantly. Most modern models use hidden hinges that are located at the top and bottom of the case. However, the mechanism for attaching the handles can be different: in some cases they are screwed on from the bottom or top, in others they are held on by latches or require removal of the decorative panel. Understanding the type of your model will help you choose the right strategy.
Particular attention should be paid to the presence of an electronic display on the door. If your model refrigerator has a screen, the process becomes more complicated, since you will need to disconnect the wire loops. In such cases, it is strongly recommended to have a connection diagram on hand or take photographs of each stage of disassembly so as not to confuse anything during reassembly. Conventional mechanical models do not have this drawback and are disassembled faster.
| Construction type | Mounting features | Difficulty of re-hanging | Required tools |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hidden hinges, built-in handle | Screws hidden under plugs | Medium | Screwdriver, hexagon |
| Open hinges, overhead handle | Screws are immediately visible | Low | Phillips screwdriver |
| Model with display | Requires disconnecting cables | High | Full set, tweezers |
| Two-chamber (No Frost) | Complex system of hinges between chambers | High | Wrenches, help |
Nuances of old models
In old Beko models, the hinges can be painted in the color of the body, and the threads can “stick” under a layer of paint. In this case, before unscrewing, it is recommended to carefully warm the connection with a hairdryer or use a penetrating lubricant, but with caution so as not to damage the plastic.
It is also worth noting that some models have special holes for re-hanging, closed with plastic plugs. They will need to be carefully removed and moved to the vacant places. If the plugs are lost or broken, they can be ordered from the service center or simply leave the holes closed if the design allows.
Removing the top hinge and removing the door leaf
The process of removing the door always begins with the top fastening. This is due to the fact that the door hangs on the bottom hinge, and the top one only fixes its position. First, remove the decorative cover from the top hinge of the refrigerator. Underneath you will find mounting bolts. Using an appropriate wrench (often an 8 or 10 mm open-end wrench, or a hex wrench), loosen the bolts, but do not completely unscrew them yet.
After loosening the fasteners, you need to secure the door so that it does not fall. It is best to have a helper hold the door while you completely unscrew the top hinge bolts. If you are working alone, you can prop the door from below, but this is risky. Carefully remove the top hinge from the housing. Now the door is supported only by the lower hinge.
Now you can move on to the bottom hinge. Holding the door with one hand (or asking an assistant), remove the lower mounting bolts. Once the fasteners are removed, carefully lift the door and remove it from the bottom pin. Place the removed door on a prepared soft surface with the outside side down. Be careful not to damage the floor or the door itself when installing.
At this stage, you can assess the condition of the sealing gum. If it is dirty, this is the ideal time to wipe it down with warm soapy water and check for cracks. Tightness the refrigerator directly depends on the condition of this element. If the elastic band has lost its elasticity, it is better to replace it at the same time as re-weighing it.
Rearranging the fittings and dismantling the handles
The most time-consuming part of the work is rearranging the handles and plugs. On doors Beko handles are often fastened with screws, access to which is blocked by decorative elements. Carefully inspect the handle: if you see holes, then the screws are there. If there are no holes, the handle may be held on by latches, and it needs to be carefully pryed off with a flat-head screwdriver wrapped in fabric so as not to leave scratches.
After removing the handle from its old place, find the corresponding holes or seats on the opposite side of the door. Often there are plastic bushings or plugs already installed there. They need to be removed. Install the handle in its new location using the same fasteners. Tighten the screws tightly, but without fanaticism, so as not to break the threads in the plastic.
- 🔧 Carefully remove the plastic plugs from the old holes for the hinges and handle.
- 🔧 Clean the holes from dust and install the plugs in the new, now free holes on the opposite side.
- 🔧 Check that all decorative elements are flush with the surface of the door and do not protrude.
- 🔧 If there were magnetic valves on the door, move them to new places provided for by the design.
⚠️ Attention: When moving the handle, pay attention to the orientation of the fasteners screws Some models may have different lengths for the top and bottom screws. By mixing them up, you can damage the internal structure of the door or pierce the plastic through.
Models with a system No Frostdeserve special attention, where there may be additional elements for fastening air ducts on the inside of the door. If you hit them when removing the handle, make sure that when reinstalling you did not crush the cold air supply pipes. This can disrupt circulation and lead to the formation of ice.
Installing the bottom hinge and installing the door on a new side
After preparing the door leaf, it is necessary to prepare the refrigerator body itself. A lower support hinge should be installed on the bottom of the body, on the side where you plan to hang the door. If it's not there, take the loop from the opposite side (which is now free) and rearrange it. This may require a hex wrench or socket head.
Install the bottom hinge in its new location, but do not tighten the bolts all the way yet. Leave a little play so that you can adjust the position of the door when hanging it. Lift the door and place it with the bottom hole on the pin of the installed hinge. Make sure that the door is level and not skewed.
Now we move on to the upper mount. Hold the door closed (you can use masking tape to secure it) and install the top hinge in place. Insert the mounting bolts and begin tightening them. At this stage, it is important to follow the tightening sequence: first tighten all the bolts, then tighten them crosswise, evenly distributing the force.
After fixing the top hinge, check that the door is installed vertically. It should open and close freely, without distortions or jams. If the door is skewed, loosen the bottom hinge and, by adjusting its position (some models have adjusting screws), achieve the ideal gap around the entire perimeter.
Adjusting gaps and magnetic valves
The final stage is adjustment. After installing the door on the new side, the gaps between the door and the body may change. Ideally, the gap should be uniform along the entire length. If the door fits tightly at the top, but there is a gap at the bottom (or vice versa), it is necessary to adjust the door height or tilt.
Refrigerators Beko often provide for adjusting the height of the front leg of the refrigerator itself or using shims under the hinges. Also check the operation of the magnetic valves (if your model has them). They should fit snugly into the mating parts on the body, providing additional sealing when closing.
Pay attention to the operation of the light switch. When the door is closed, it should instantly extinguish the light inside the chamber. If the door is not hung correctly, it may not press the button all the way and the light will remain on constantly, which will lead to overheating and waste of electricity. If necessary, the position of the button can be slightly adjusted or a small washer placed under it.
After all the adjustments, let the refrigerator stand turned off for about 30-60 minutes, especially if you actively moved the unit. This is necessary to allow the refrigerant and oil in the compressor to calm down. Then connect the equipment to the network and check its operation in normal mode.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to reverse the door on a Beko refrigerator with a display yourself?
This is possible, but requires high qualifications. You will have to disconnect the cables going to the display and control buttons. A connection error may cause the control board to burn out. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to call a specialist.
What to do if the holes for the hinges do not match after a revolution?
In 99% of cases on refrigerator cases Beko the holes are symmetrical. If they do not match, perhaps you are trying to hang the door on a model where this is not structurally provided for (rare old series), or you have mixed up the upper and lower hinges. Check the markings on the hinges.
Is it necessary to change the rubber seal when rehanging?
Not necessary if it is in good condition. However, if the elastic is many years old, it may have “remembered” the shape of the old fit. After rehanging, it may not immediately fit perfectly. In this case, you can warm it up with a hairdryer or give it a couple of days to straighten it.
Where to put the old plugs from the holes?
The old plugs need to be moved to the vacated holes on the other side. They are needed to prevent dust, moisture and insects from getting into the holes. If the plug is lost, the hole can be carefully sealed with a piece of plastic or colored tape to match the body.
Why does the door open by itself after rehanging?
Most likely, the refrigerator is not installed at the level. The door should open on its own only at an opening angle of more than 90 degrees (due to tilting the body back). If it opens right away, try slightly unscrewing the front adjustable legs of the refrigerator to create a slight tilt back.