Modern kitchens often require a flexible approach to layout, and the standard location of the refrigerator may not fit into the new design project. Many equipment owners Vestel face the need to change the direction of door opening in order to provide convenient access to products. Fortunately, the design of most models of the Turkish brand provides the possibility of reverse installationwhich allows you to perform this operation yourself.
Before starting work, it is important to make sure that your specific model supports this function, since some budget series may have hidden design limitations. The process does not require complex engineering education, but requires accuracy and the availability of a basic set of tools. Attention: before any manipulations, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply to avoid short circuits or damage to the compressor.
In this article we will analyze in detail the process of dismantling and reinstalling door panels, paying special attention to the nuances of working with fittings Vestel. You will learn how to properly organize your workspace, what tools to prepare, and how to avoid common mistakes that can lead to door misalignment. Following the instructions will help you save time and money on calling a technician.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
Quality preparation is half the success of any repair operation. To hang the door, you will need a minimum DIY kit, which can be found in almost any apartment. The main tool will be hex key (usually 4 mm or 5 mm), since this is the head used in the hinge screws of most models Vestel.
In addition to the key, you may need:
- 🔧 Flat-head or Phillips-head screwdriver for removing decorative plugs.
- 📏 Construction level for checking the horizontal installation after completion of work.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧽 Clean rags for wiping the fastening points from dust.
Organize the space in front of the refrigerator: remove the rug, clear the passage and provide good lighting. The refrigerator door has significant weight, so if you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to enlist the help of an assistant. It is also recommended to clear the door shelves from food in advance to reduce the load on the mechanism during dismantling.
☑️ Preparation for work
Removing the upper hinge and door of the refrigerator
The process begins from the top of the device, since this is where the main door holding mechanism is located. First you need to remove the decorative plug that hides the fasteners. In models Vestel it is usually removed with light force or unscrewed if it has a threaded connection.
After gaining access to the fasteners, carefully unscrew the screws of the upper hinge. Take your time and be careful not to drop the fasteners inside the case. If the screws are stuck, you can use a drop of penetrating lubricant, but this is rarely necessary on new refrigerators. Make sure you use the correct size tool to avoid stripping the edges of the bolts.
⚠️ Note: The top hinge often holds the door upright. Before completely unscrewing the last screw, be sure to hold the door with your other hand or ask an assistant to help you, otherwise the heavy blade may fall to the floor and damage the floor covering.
When the top fastener is loosened, carefully lift the door up, removing it from the bottom support axis. This action requires some physical strength, since the rubber seal can create additional resistance. Place the removed door in a safe place, having first placed cardboard or soft cloth under it.
Transferring the fittings to the opposite side
The next stage is the physical transfer of fasteners. On the opposite side of the refrigerator body there are usually already technological holes closed with plastic plugs. You need to remove these plugs and install them in the places vacated after dismantling the hinges.
Now let's work on the door itself. It is also necessary to rearrange the handle (if it is not symmetrical) and the mating parts of the loops. In some models Vestel the handle is simply rearranged, while in others it is necessary to turn the part itself 180 degrees. Carefully inspect the structure: if the handle is fastened with screws from the bottom and top, they need to be unscrewed and moved to the other side.
Pay attention to the stoppers and pins. Often, complete with the refrigerator or inside the technological niches, there are additional bushings or plugs that need to be rearranged to close the extra holes.
What to do if the holes do not match?
In some older or specific models, the holes may be closed with factory plugs that need to be squeezed out from the inside. If there are physically no holes, it means that the model does not support reverse, and further work cannot be carried out.
Installing the lower hinge and hanging the door
After preparing the door leaf and body, we proceed to installing the lower support hinge. It is installed in the prepared hole on the opposite side and secured with screws. Here it is important not to tighten the fasteners “all the way” right away, but to leave a small gap for subsequent adjustment.
Hanging the door is the most crucial moment. Align the holes in the bottom of the door with the axis of the installed hinge and lower the door down. Make sure the door sits straight and is upright. Now you can begin installing the upper fastening unit, inserting it into the holes on the refrigerator lid and at the end of the door.
When tightening the upper screws, watch the gap between the door and the body. It should be uniform over the entire height. If you notice misalignment, loosen the lower screws, align the position and tighten the fasteners again. Tightening torque Should be sufficient for secure fixation, but not too much, so as not to damage the threads.
Adjusting the position and checking the tightness
After installation, it is necessary to make a final adjustment. Even if the door is visually level, microscopic distortions can break the seal, which will lead to the formation of ice and increased energy consumption. Use a building level, applying it to the end of the door in vertical and horizontal positions.
Checking the tightness is carried out using a simple but effective method. Take a regular sheet of A4 paper, clamp it with the door and try to pull it out. The sheet should be pulled out with noticeable force along the entire perimeter of the seal. If in some place the paper comes out freely, it means that a gap has formed there.
To eliminate gaps, you can use the adjusting screws on the hinges (if they are provided for in the design) or tighten the main fasteners. Also make sure that it seal is not wrapped anywhere and fits snugly to the body. If necessary, you can heat it with a hairdryer at a low temperature to restore elasticity.
| Problem | Possible cause | Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| The door does not close until end | Distortion during installation or interfering object | Check the level, loosen and rearrange the loop |
| Formation of ice on the seal | The seal is broken | Adjust the hinge screws or replace the seal |
| Creak when opening | Metal friction or lack of lubrication | Lubricate the hinges with silicone grease |
| Gap between the door and the body | Insufficient tightening or deformation | Tighten the fastening bolts |
Common mistakes and precautions
When doing work with your own hands, it is easy to make a mistake that could cost you the warranty or integrity of the equipment. One of the most common problems is the loss of small parts. Screws, washers and plugs are very easy to drop inside the refrigerator body or roll under the baseboard. Use a magnetic tray or container with high sides to store all removed items.
Another mistake is ignoring the instructions for a specific model. Although the principle of operation of the loops is similar, in different series there may be nuances in the location of the fasteners. For example, in some two-chamber models, you first need to remove the freezer door and then the refrigerator door to gain access to the common fastening elements. Vestel similar, in different series there may be nuances in the location of the fasteners. For example, in some two-compartment models, you must first remove the freezer door and then the refrigerator door to gain access to common fasteners.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to use impact tools (drill in impact mode, hammer) to loosen stuck screws on the refrigerator body. This may lead to cracks in the metal sheet or damage to the internal cooling circuit.
Also, do not forget about safety. The refrigerator is a heavy unit and can tip over if not handled carefully. If you are removing both doors (top and bottom), do so sequentially without leaving the body without a counterweight. After completing the work, let the refrigerator stand for 2-3 hours before turning it on, especially if you tilted it more than 45 degrees.
Do I need to call a technician if I have never done this? did you?
If you have basic skills in handling tools and the physical strength to hold the door, then calling a technician is not necessary. The process is quite logical. However, if you are afraid of damaging expensive equipment or are not confident in your abilities, it is better to entrust this work to professionals from the service center.
Is it possible to rehang the door without completely removing it?
In some models this is theoretically possible if the design of the hinges allows you to detach one part without completely dismantling the leaf. However, in 90% of cases with refrigerators Vestel complete removal of the door is required to rearrange the fasteners and handle, so you should not count on a simplified option.
Will the warranty remain valid after re-hanging the door?
Re-hanging the door yourself, as a rule, does not void the warranty if in the process other components of the refrigerator were not damaged and the seal on the compressor was not broken. However, if during dismantling you scratch the body or break a plastic element, the service center may refuse to repair these specific damages free of charge.
What to do if after installation the door does not close tightly?
First of all, check the adjustment of the legs of the refrigerator: it should be strictly level with a slight tilt back. If the legs are fine, loosen the hinge screws and try repositioning the door. Also check whether anything inside (packaging, products) prevents a tight closure.