The need to change direction opening the refrigerator door often occurs when moving to a new kitchen or after remodeling the room. Models Minsk, popular due to their reliability and maintainability, may initially have a hinge on the right side, which is not always convenient in new operating conditions. A correctly performed re-hanging procedure will not only improve ergonomics in the kitchen, but will also ensure the safety of the seals, preventing their premature wear.
The process of rearranging the door requires care and the presence of a minimum set of tools, since the design of the hinges in these units has its own technical features. It is important to understand that hanging the door this is a mechanical operation that affects the load-bearing elements of the body, so the accuracy of the actions is critical here. In this article we will analyze in detail the stages of work, starting from preparation and ending with the final adjustment of the gaps.
It is worth noting that before starting any manipulations, you must make sure that there is no warranty, which may be violated if you independently interfere with the structure. If the warranty period has expired, then you can easily cope with the task yourself, saving on calling a specialist. The main thing is to follow the sequence of operations and not to apply excessive force where it is not necessary.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Before you begin dismantling elements, you should prepare the workspace and tools. You will need a free area next to the refrigerator to be able to set aside the removed parts and the door itself. It is better to cover the floor with a soft material, for example, thick cardboard or an old blanket, to avoid scratches on the decorative flooring and damage to the removed components if accidentally dropped.
As for tools, working with refrigerators Minsk most often require standard wrenches and screwdrivers. The design of the fasteners usually requires the use of metric fasteners, so inch wrenches may not fit or damage the edges of the bolts. Be sure to check the condition of the tool in advance so as not to interrupt work at the most crucial moment.
- 🛠️ Set of wrenches (usually required sizes 8, 10, 13 mm)
- 🪛 Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers (for screws and plastic plugs)
- 🧤 Work gloves (to protect hands from sharp metal edges)
- 🧼 Rags and degreaser (for cleaning surfaces before installation)
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that the refrigerator is completely defrosted and disconnected from the power supply before starting work. Water remaining in the drainage channels or trays may spill out when the unit is tilted, which creates the risk of a short circuit or damage to the floor covering.
Particular attention should be paid door latches, which often come with the refrigerator or are already installed at the end. They will need to be moved to the opposite side, so the loss of these elements is unacceptable. Also prepare a container for folding the screws, as they tend to get lost at the most inopportune moment.
Removing the top panel and top hinge
You should always start the reinstallation process from the top of the unit, since that is where the main supporting hinge is located. The first step is to remove the decorative cover that covers the fasteners. In models Minsk it can be held on by latches or screws hidden under plastic plugs. You need to act carefully so as not to break the fragile plastic, which could become more brittle over time.
After removing the cover, you will see the upper hinge secured with bolts. Before unscrewing them, it is recommended to hold the door with a second hand or ask an assistant to prevent it from falling. Top hinge experiences the greatest load, so the bolts can be tightened quite tightly, and significant force may be required to unscrew them.
After unscrewing the fasteners, remove the hinge and set aside her to the side. Now the door rests only on the lower canopy, if it is provided for by the design, or is simply pressed. In some modifications of refrigerators Minsk the upper hinge also serves as a fastener for the rod on which the door shelves are hung. If you have this option, then the bar also needs to be dismantled or rearranged.
☑️ Check before dismantling
It is important not to lose washers and bushings that may be under the hinge. They serve to adjust the height and gaps, and their absence will lead to the door being skewed after installation. It is better to immediately put all small parts into a prepared container.
Removing the door and rearranging the handles
When the top hinge is removed, you can begin to carefully remove the door itself. Lift it up to release the lower axis and set it aside in a safe place, first placing it on a prepared soft surface. Now you have access to the lower part of the unit and the counter strips, which will also require moving.
The next stage is rearranging the handles. In refrigerators Minsk handles are often attached to screws on the inside or have hidden fasteners under decorative overlays. You need to unscrew the fasteners on one side and install them symmetrically on the other. It is important here not to confuse the upper and lower handles if they have different shapes or angles.
- 🔩 Remove the decorative plugs from the handle attachment points
- 🔧 Unscrew the screws holding the handles using a suitable bit
- 🔄 Move the handles to the opposite side using the same holes
- 🧹 Close the vacated holes with new plugs from the kit
If in your model the handles are integrated into the door profile or are part of a design that does not involve rearrangement (symmetrical recesses), then this step can be skipped. However, in classic models Minsk handles usually require mechanical transfer. Make sure that the screws are tightened tightly, but not fanatically, so as not to strip the threads in the plastic.
What to do if the handle screws are rusty?
If the screws do not come off, do not use excessive force so as not to break the handle. Treat the mounting area with a penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40) and leave for 10-15 minutes. After this, try to carefully unscrew the fasteners again. If there is no lubrication, you can slightly warm up the metal around the screw, but be careful with plastic parts.
Rearranging the lower supports and hinges
The lower part of the refrigerator requires an equally careful approach, since adjusting supports and the lower hinge are often located here. Depending on the specific model Minsk, the lower axis may be part of the body or a separate removable element. If the axle is removable, it must be unscrewed from the bottom hole and screwed into a symmetrical hole on the other side.
To perform this operation, you may need a key of the appropriate size. Often the threads in these places are protected from spontaneous unscrewing by a layer of paint or factory sealant, so the initial force can be high. When screwing the axis into a new place, make sure that it goes in smoothly and all the way to ensure a stable position of the door.
Also at this stage, the lower decorative panel of the plinth, if any, is rearranged. It can be secured with latches or screws. After rearranging, check that the panel is level and does not interfere with the opening of the door. The gap between the base and the floor must remain uniform along the entire length.
⚠️ Attention: When rearranging the lower axis, carefully inspect the threaded connection. If there is any residual factory grease or contamination in the new hole, it must be removed so that the axle sits tightly and evenly. A misalignment of the lower axis will result in the door opening spontaneously or not fitting tightly.
Don't forget about door stops (latches), which prevent it from opening to an angle of more than 90-110 degrees. They are usually located at the end of the door or on the body at the top and bottom. They also need to be moved to the opposite side using the holes provided by the manufacturer. Without these stops, the door can damage the furniture or itself when opened suddenly.
Installing the door on the new side and adjusting
After preparing all the elements, you can begin installing the door on the new side. Install the bottom hinge (or pin) and slide the door onto it. It is better to perform this stage together, since the refrigerator door Minsk is quite heavy, and it is extremely difficult to hold it with one hand while simultaneously getting into the holes. One person holds the door, the second prepares the top hinge.
Put the top hinge on the axle and tighten the mounting bolts. Do not tighten them all the way straight away. First you need to set the correct position of the door relative to the body. The gaps between the door and the body must be the same throughout the entire height. If the door is skewed, loosen the bolts and move the hinge slightly until symmetry is achieved.
To adjust the height of the door, screws in the bottom support or shims under the top hinge are often used. By rotating the adjusting elements, ensure that the upper edge of the door is in the same plane with the refrigerator lid or is 2-3 mm higher than it (this is necessary for proper slamming).
| Parameter | Normal value | Action upon deviation |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical gap | The same on top and bottom | Loosen the top hinge, align |
| Door height | 2-3 mm higher than the body | Unscrew the adjusting support |
| Tight fit | Magnetic contact around the entire perimeter | Check the seal |
| Opening angle | Limited by stops | Rearrange the clamps |
After the final adjustment, tightly tighten all the bolts of the upper hinge. Check the door operation: it should open smoothly, without squeaks, and close tightly with a slight push. The magnetic strip of the seal should evenly adhere to the body along the entire perimeter.
Frequent errors and troubleshooting
During the rehanging process, even experienced craftsmen may encounter unexpected difficulties. One of the most common mistakes is the loss or incorrect installation of bushings. These small details ensure a smooth ride and no play. If you lose the bushing, the door may begin to creak or hang loose. dampers and bushings. These small details ensure a smooth ride and no play. If you lose the bushing, the door may begin to squeak or become loose.
Another problem is overtightening the mounting bolts. Aluminum or silumin parts of refrigerator hinges Minsk may not withstand excessive force and crack. The tightening should be secure, but without the use of levers or extensions on the key. Use only manual effort.
- 🚫 Forgot to rearrange the door latches (the door hits the furniture)
- 🚫 The seal was installed incorrectly (gaps appeared)
- 🚫 The top was mixed up and bottom when installing the handles
- 🚫 Didn’t check the horizontal installation of the refrigerator itself
⚠️ Attention: If after rearranging you notice that the light in the chamber does not light up or, on the contrary, is constantly on, check the position of the light sensor button. When re-hanging the door, the mechanical contact could become dislodged or jammed. If necessary, adjust the position of the button or the switch itself.
It is also worth mentioning the condition sealing rubber. When removing and installing the door, it can be accidentally damaged or contaminated. If the seal is deformed, you can try to restore it with a hairdryer, heating it and straightening out the creases, but in critical cases it will require replacement. Dirt from the seal is easily removed with warm soapy water.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to completely defrost the refrigerator before hanging it?
Yes, this is a mandatory requirement. Water may leak from the drainage channels and evaporator when the unit is tilted. In addition, the ice inside can shift the center of gravity, which is dangerous when removing a heavy door. Complete defrosting will take from 4 to 12 hours depending on the model.
Is it possible to rehang the door if the refrigerator is built into the kitchen unit?
For built-in models Minsk the procedure is more complicated, since the refrigerator door is attached to the facade of the kitchen cabinet. You will need to remove the front, rehang the refrigerator door, and then re-attach the front taking into account the new opening side. Additional fasteners are often required.
What to do if there are excess fasteners left after rehanging?
The refrigerator usually comes with plugs for holes that are not used in the current configuration of the hinge. If there are no plugs, you can use plastic dowels that match the color or simply seal the holes with decorative film to prevent dust from getting in.
Why does the door not magnetize after rearrangement?
Most likely, the seal was twisted or damaged during installation, or the magnetic tape inside it was displaced. It may also be due to improper door height adjustment - if it is too low, the magnetic contact may be weak. Check the fit all around.
Can this work be done by one person?
Technically possible if you have experience and physical strength, but it is highly recommended to work with an assistant. The refrigerator door is heavy and bulky and can easily be dropped, damaging the floor or the door itself. An assistant is needed to secure and secure the door while installing the hinges.