Rearranging kitchen furniture often poses unexpected challenges for owners of household appliances, and one of the most common of them is the need to change the direction in which the refrigerator door opens. Brand units Don, produced in Russia, are distinguished by a reliable design, but their dimensions can become an obstacle in narrow aisles or with a non-standard kitchen layout. It is in such situations that the only correct solution becomes hanging the door, which allows you to adapt the equipment to new operating conditions without loss of functionality.
The procedure for changing the opening side does not require calling a specialist, since the design of most models provides for the ability to independently perform this operation with a minimum set tools. However, it is important to understand that even with its apparent simplicity, working with heavy body elements requires care and strict adherence to the sequence of actions. Incorrect installation can lead to distortions, loss of tightness or damage sealing rubber, which will negatively affect the operation of the compressor.
In this article we will analyze in detail the process of reinstalling doors for various modifications of refrigerators Don, paying special attention to the nuances of attaching hinges and adjusting gaps. You will learn what tools are needed for the job, how to prepare the workplace and what to pay attention to in order for the result to be perfect. Proper work done will extend the life of your refrigerator and make its use as comfortable as possible in the updated interior.
Preparation for work: tools and safety
Before you begin dismantling the door panels, you must carefully prepare the workspace and make sure you have all the necessary tools. The refrigerator is a heavy unit, so the first step should be to completely empty it of food and drawers, which will significantly reduce the weight of the structure and minimize the risk of damage to the shelves when tilted. It is also recommended to disconnect the device from the power supply and let it stand for 10–15 minutes so that the refrigerant is redistributed in the system.
To carry out the work, you will need a basic DIY kit, which can be found in almost any apartment. The main tool will be hex wrench (usually 4, 5 or 6 mm in size), since most fasteners in refrigerators Don are made specifically for this type of head. Additionally, prepare a flat-head and Phillips screwdrivers, a 10 mm wrench, and a small block of wood or a stack of books to place under the door during the removal process.
☑️ Tools for overhang
⚠️ Attention: Carry out all work on dismantling the doors only after completely disconnecting the refrigerator from the network in order to avoid electric shock and damage to electronic components.
Pay special attention to the organization of the workplace: the floor should be level, and around the refrigerator It is necessary to provide free space with a radius of at least one meter. This will allow you to move freely around the unit and safely stow removed parts. It would be a good idea to cover the floor with soft material or cardboard so as not to scratch the floor covering or damage the elements of the refrigerator itself if the fasteners accidentally fall.
Analysis of the design and dismantling of the top panel
Refrigerators Don may have a different design of the top cover depending on the year of manufacture and the specific model. In some cases, the top panel is removable and secured with screws, in others it is integrated into the body, and access to the top hinges is through decorative plugs. Correctly determining the type of construction at the initial stage will avoid breaking the plastic fasteners or stripping the threads.
If your model has a removable cover, find the mounting screws, which are usually located around the perimeter or hidden under the decorative trims on the front. Carefully unscrew them using the appropriate screwdriver and remove the panel by lifting it up and sliding it back slightly. In models without a removable cover, you will need to remove the plastic plugs from the upper hinges by prying them with a thin knife blade or a flat screwdriver.
Nuances of fastening the top panel
In some older models of Don refrigerators, the top panel can be additionally secured with latches. If the screws are unscrewed, but the panel does not come off, do not use excessive force - carefully go around the perimeter with a plastic spatula to release the hidden fasteners.
After gaining access to the top hinges, do not rush to unscrew them completely. At this stage, it is important to fix the position of the door so that it does not fall on your feet or damage the floor covering. Have a helper hold the door or use masking tape to temporarily secure the panel to the refrigerator body. Only after making sure that the fixation is secure can you begin to loosen the fastening bolts.
Dismantling the door leaf and lower hinges
The next step is the direct removal of the door, which requires special care due to its weight and dimensions. Once you have loosened the top hinge (but not yet completely removed it), you need to remove the door from the bottom pin. To do this, lift the door up 2-3 centimeters to release the lower bushing, and carefully move it away from the body.
Install the removed door on a previously prepared wooden block or a stack of books in a horizontal position. This is necessary in order to prevent deformation of the canvas and provide convenient access to the lower loops. Now you can completely unscrew the bolts holding the bottom hinge in place and remove it from the door, keeping all the screws and washers in a separate container so you don't lose them.
A similar procedure must be carried out with the second door if you have a two-chamber refrigerator. In models with the system No Frost or Full No Frost it is important to carefully handle the wires going to the sensors and lighting lamps if they are routed through door hinges. In such cases, before removing the door, you must carefully disconnect the connectors, first remembering or photographing their location.
Flipping the hinges and installing plugs
The key point of the entire operation is the correct reinstallation of the hinges on the opposite side of the body. To do this, you will need to remove the fasteners on one side of the door and body and move them to the pre-prepared holes on the other side. Included with the refrigerator Don special decorative plugs are often supplied for holes that are not currently in use.
The process of turning over is as follows: unscrew the pin or bolt securing the hinge from the old hole, install the hinge in a new place on the opposite side and securely fix her. Make sure that all threaded connections are tightened with sufficient force, but without fanaticism, so as not to strip the threads in the plastic or aluminum inserts of the housing.
| Part type | Action when rearranging | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| Top loop | Rearrange to the opposite side | Check the holes match |
| Bottom loop | Rearrange and turn over (if symmetrical) | Follow the direction pin |
| Decorative plugs | Move to the old fastening places | Use glue if necessary |
| Door handle | Move to the other side (if provided) | It may be necessary to dismantle the entire handle |
Don't forget about the door handles: if the design of your model allows you to rearrange the handles, perform this operation now. Typically, handles are attached to screws on the inside of the door or have a hidden locking mechanism. After rearranging, check that the handles are symmetrical and comfortable to grip.
Adjusting gaps and hanging doors
After all the hinges have been moved to new places, the crucial moment of hanging the door leaves comes. Install the bottom door onto the bottom hinge by inserting the pin into the bushing and check that the installation is vertical. If the door is level and does not fall to the side, you can begin to fix the upper part, having first put the upper hinge on the pin.
Adjusting the gaps is a critical step on which the tightness of the refrigeration chamber and the efficiency of the compressor depend. The gap between the door and the body must be uniform around the entire perimeter. If you notice a misalignment, use adjusting screws (if provided by the design) or shims under the bottom hinge to align the position of the door.
⚠️ Attention: A loose door fit leads to constant activation of the compressor, the formation of ice on the back wall and rapid failure of the equipment. Make sure that the rubber seal around the entire perimeter fits tightly to the body.
Repeat the procedure for the top door if you have a two-chamber refrigerator. When hanging the second door, make sure that it does not touch the lower one and does not create obstacles for its opening. The gap between the two doors should also be minimal and uniform to prevent loss of cold and penetration of warm air into the chambers.
Final check and adjustment of the refrigerator
The final stage of work is a comprehensive quality check of the reinstallation performed. Visually inspect the refrigerator from all sides, make sure there are no cracks, distortions or gaps between parts. Check the smooth movement of the doors: they should open and close without creaking, jamming or spontaneous slamming, and also be securely fixed in intermediate positions.
After a visual inspection, plug in the refrigerator and let it run idle for 2-3 hours. During this time, you will be able to evaluate the operation of the thermostat, the absence of extraneous noise and vibrations, and also check the tightness of the doors. If during the work you find defects, do not ignore them, but immediately re-adjust.
What to do if the door does not close tightly?
If after adjustment the door still does not fit tightly, try warming the sealing rubber with a hairdryer (without overheating!) or lubricate it with silicone grease. In rare cases, it may be necessary to replace the seal with a new one.
Compliance with all recommendations and care in performing work will guarantee successful rehanging of your refrigerator door Don. This will not only solve your kitchen layout problem, but will also give you a better understanding of your appliances. Remember that regular maintenance and proper installation are the key to long and uninterrupted operation of any household appliance.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it necessary to drain the freon before hanging the door?
No, There is no need to drain the refrigerant. Hanging the door does not affect the sealed cooling system, so the freon remains inside the circuit. It is enough to simply disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply.
Is it possible for one person to hang the door on their own?
Technically this is possible, but it is highly not recommended. Refrigerator doors are heavy and bulky, and holding them with one hand while unscrewing the hinges is dangerous. It is better to involve an assistant for backup.
What to do if the holes for the hinges do not match?
In the original factory conditions, all holes should match. If not, check to see if you have mixed up the left and right sides, or if you are using parts from a different model. Drilling new holes is prohibited.
Do you need to wait before turning on the refrigerator after rearranging?
If you just changed the side of the door opening and did not tilt the refrigerator more than 40 degrees, you do not need to wait. If the unit was tilted strongly or laying down, it is recommended to let it stand upright for 2-4 hours before turning it on.