Kitchen redevelopment or simply the desire to optimize space often dictates new rules for the location of household appliances. Owners of units of the Belarusian brand are often faced with the need to change the opening side of the doors in order to provide convenient access to the shelves and freezer compartment. The procedure for re-hanging doors on models Nord is technically possible and does not require specialized equipment if you act strictly according to the algorithm.
Modern models of two-chamber refrigerators are often designed with universal installation in mind, but the process requires accuracy and an understanding of the design of the hinges. Incorrect actions can lead to distortion of the canvas, loss of tightness or damage to decorative elements. Before starting work, it is important to prepare the workplace and free up space around the device.
In this article we will analyze in detail the process of dismantling and installing hinges on the left or right side of the case. We will look at the features of different series of equipment, the need to adjust gaps and the nuances of working with magnetic seals. Proper completion of all stages will allow you to change the configuration of the refrigerator without losing warranty and functionality.
Preparation for work and necessary tools
The beginning of any repair requires careful preparation, which in this case includes not only the search for tools, but also the correct organization of space. You will need a free area next to the refrigerator where you can put the removed parts without damaging them or the flooring. It is also strongly recommended to enlist the help of a second person, since the door leaf of even a small refrigerator has significant weight and dimensions.
To perform dismantling work, you will need a basic DIY kit, which is usually found in every household. The main tool will be a wrench or a set of sockets, the size of which must correspond to the hinge mounting bolts (most often these are sizes 8, 10 or 13 mm). A Phillips screwdriver is also useful for removing handles and plastic plugs, as well as a flat screwdriver or knife for carefully prying up decorative elements.
- 🔧 A set of wrenches or a ratchet with heads (8-13 mm) for unscrewing the hinge bolts.
- 🪛 Phillips and flat screwdrivers for working with screws and plugs.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp edges and dirt.
- 🧼 Clean rags and a little lubricant (lithol or silicone) for servicing mechanisms.
Particular attention should be paid to safety, since working with heavy metal parts always pose a risk of injury. Before starting manipulations, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply by removing the plug from the socket to prevent electric shock if the wiring going to the lamps or display is accidentally damaged.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to hold the heavy refrigerator door with one hand while simultaneously unscrewing the hinges with the other. This often leads to the thread breaking or the blade falling on the feet.
Make sure that the floor at the work site is level and not slippery. If you're working on linoleum or laminate flooring, line the area under the refrigerator with thick cardboard or an old sheet to protect the surface from dropped tools or hardware. Determine in advance a place for temporary storage of removed elements so as not to lose small screws and plugs.
☑️ Preparing for rehanging
Dismantling the upper door and removing the handles
The alteration process always begins with the upper chamber, since it is structurally based on the lower one or has an independent attachment to the upper panel of the case. The first step is to remove the handle, if it is not a monolithic part of the canvas. On many models Nord the handles are attached to screws hidden under decorative plugs or located on the inside of the door.
To access the fasteners, inspect the handle attachment points: the holes can be closed with plastic buttons, which need to be carefully pryed off with a flat screwdriver. After unscrewing the screws, the handle will be removed, and through holes will remain in its place. If you plan to install the handle on the other side, store all fasteners in a separate container.
Next, you need to remove the top decorative panel or cover, if it is present in the design of your model. It can be secured with latches or screws located on the front or top. Carefully pry back the latches or remove the screws to gain access to the top hinge. In some models, a thermostat or wiring leading to the lighting is hidden under the cover, so proceed without sudden jerks.
Now you can proceed to unscrewing the top hinge. Supporting the door so that it does not fall, unscrew the bolts securing the hinge to the refrigerator body. After this, the door can be removed and placed in a safe place, after placing it on a soft surface. Inspect the hinge: it often has a symmetrical design, which will allow it to be used on the other side after turning over, or it will need to be replaced with a component from the repair kit.
If the door has magnetic latches or latches in the open position, they also need to be removed or rearranged. On older models Nord there is often a mechanical lock that needs to be unscrewed and moved to the opposite side, having previously sealed the old hole with a plastic plug from the kit.
What to do with the holes from the handles?
If the door design does not provide for double-sided installation of handles, in place of the old ones holes may leave through holes. The refrigerator often comes with plastic plugs that match the color of the body. If they are not available, you can use furniture plugs of a suitable diameter or carefully fill the holes, choosing paint to match.
Working with the bottom door and freezer
The lower part of the refrigerator, be it the freezer or the vegetable compartment, has its own dismantling features. In two-chamber models, the lower door is often attached to the body through a lower hinge, which can be hidden under a decorative plinth or baseboard. To access it, you need to remove this plastic panel, which is usually held on by latches or a pair of screws at the front.
After removing the baseboard, you will have access to the bottom support loop. The principle of operation is similar to the upper unit: you need to securely fix the door in a vertical position (preferably with an assistant) and unscrew the fastening bolts. After removing the door, you will see the counterpart of the hinge at the end of the leaf. It must also be dismantled for subsequent rearrangement.
In models with a system No Frost or forced air circulation, an air duct or cable may pass through the lower loop or next to it. Be extremely careful when removing the door to avoid damaging the fragile plastic parts of the cooling system or pinching the wires. If the cable goes inside the hinge, it must be carefully removed and rearranged into the corresponding hole on the other side.
- ❄️ Check the condition of the lower door seal: when removing it, it can easily be damaged by sharp edges.
- 🔩 Maintain the order of the bolts: the fasteners of the upper and lower hinges may differ in length.
- 🔌 Handle the backlight wires carefully if they are routed through the lower hinge.
Models where the freezer is made in the form of drawers require special attention, and they have one common door or no door as such (in the case of chests). However, in classic two-chamber Nord we are talking about a full bottom door. If you have a model with one door, then the process is completed at the stage of dismantling the single leaf and rehanging the lower support hinge.
⚠️ Attention: When removing the bottom door, do not tilt the refrigerator excessively so that oil from the compressor does not enter the refrigerant circuit, which can damage the unit.
Re-hanging the hinges and installing them on the new side
The central stage of the work involves the physical rearrangement of metal elements. Carefully inspect the removed hinges: most of them are symmetrical or have holes for fastening on both sides. If the hinge is one-sided, a second set of mirror hinges should be included with the refrigerator (usually in the freezer niche or in the package). If the components are missing, your model may Nord can be turned over by simply rotating the existing parts 180 degrees.
Start installation from the bottom support loop. Screw it to the refrigerator body from the opposite side, using the same holes that were closed with plugs. In turn, move the plugs to the free space. Make sure that the bolts are tightened tightly, but not fanatically, so as not to break the threads in the metal body.
Next, install the door on the lower hinge. Have a helper hold the blade while you attach the top hinge piece to the end of the door. Align the holes and insert the mounting screws, but do not tighten them all the way yet - this will allow you to adjust the position of the door. The upper hinge of the housing is also transferred to the new side and fixed with bolts.
If the design includes a lock rod or door opening sensor, it must be rearranged. Usually it is simply removed from one side and inserted into the prepared hole on the other. On some models Nord to do this you need to remove the plastic trim at the end of the door.
| Element | Action when overhanging | Nuances |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom hinge | Rearrangement to the opposite side of the case | Check the holes for alignment |
| Upper hinge | Removal, rotation or replacement with a mirror one | May be required lubrication |
| Handles | Transfer to a new side or install plugs | Make sure of symmetry |
| Plugs | Rearrangement to vacated holes | Do not lose small parts |
After installing all metal elements, check the visual geometry. The door should be level, without distortion. If all the bolts are in place, you can begin the final adjustment and check of operation.
Adjusting the position of doors and seals
After installing doors on a new side, it is critical to adjust them correctly. A loose seal will cause the refrigerator to run continuously trying to maintain the temperature, causing freezing and wasting energy. Adjustment is carried out by loosening the fastening bolts of the hinges and moving the panel in the desired direction.
Check the horizontal installation of the refrigerator itself. Even with perfectly hung doors, skewing the body will not allow you to achieve a tight seal. Use a spirit level and adjustable feet on the legs of the refrigerator to ensure it is level. The doors should close on their own under their own weight if you open them 30-40 degrees.
Inspect the magnetic seal (elastic band) around the perimeter. When overweighted, it could curl or move. If the elastic is deformed, try straightening it with a warm hairdryer or just your fingers. Make sure there are no gaps around the entire perimeter. To check, you can clamp a sheet of paper between the door and the body: it should be pulled out with noticeable force along the entire length.
- 📏 The gap between the doors (in two-chamber models) should be uniform over the entire height.
- 🧲 The magnetic tape should fit snugly to the metal of the case without tears.
- 🚪 The door should not touch the body or drawer handles when opening and closing.
If you notice that the door does not fit tightly in one of the corners, loosen the bolts of the corresponding hinge and slightly tilt the door in the desired direction, then tighten the fasteners again. The process may require several iterations of loosen-check-tighten.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use excessive force when slamming the door to check for leaks. This may damage the plastic case or damage the shelves inside.
In models with electronic controls or a display on the door, the cable may need to be reconnected after rehanging. Make sure the cable is not kinked or stretched. The length of the wire is usually calculated with a reserve, but if installed carelessly, it can be damaged.
Common mistakes and troubleshooting
Even following the instructions, amateur craftsmen sometimes make mistakes that affect the operation of the refrigerator Nord. One of the most common problems is that the door does not close completely or, on the contrary, bounces off. This is often due to the fact that during the rearrangement the nuances of the tilt of the case were not taken into account or the contact surfaces were dirty.
Another common mistake is the loss or confusion of fasteners. The bolts from the top and bottom hinges can have different lengths and thread pitches. Screwing a long bolt into a short hole may result in the wall being pushed against the wall and not being able to fit tightly, or even damage to the inner chamber. Always sort fasteners into groups.
If after all the manipulations a creak appears, do not rush to disassemble the structure again. Often it is enough to drop a little oil into the hinge friction unit. However, if the squeaking is accompanied by binding, the hinges may be misaligned and rubbing against the frame. In this case, the gaps will need to be adjusted again.
In rare cases, users forget to rearrange the plastic stops or latches that are located on the opposite end of the door. Because of this, the door may open wider than it should and rest against furniture, or may not lock in the open position, closing spontaneously.
What to do if the door hangs crookedly and adjustment does not help?
Check the integrity of the hinges themselves. With prolonged use they could become deformed. Also make sure that the refrigerator is on a level floor - sometimes the problem is not in the door, but in the “walking” laminate or skewed floor.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging the doors?
It is advisable, but not strictly necessary if you work quickly. However, during defrosting it is easier to wash the seals and check their condition. The main thing is to completely dry the chamber before turning it on, so that moisture does not get into the electrical contacts of the loops, if there is wiring there.
Is it possible to hang the door on a Nord refrigerator with a display?
Yes, it is possible, but it is more difficult. You will have to carefully disconnect the cable going to the display, pass it through the new hole in the case and connect it again. It is important not to damage thin wires and connect the connectors correctly. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to call a specialist.
Where can I get plugs for holes if they are lost?
Plugs can be bought at a furniture fittings store, selected by diameter and color. Plugs from other household appliances are also suitable. As a last resort, the hole can be sealed with a piece of plastic in the color of the refrigerator, but this will be less aesthetically pleasing.
Why does the door open by itself after rehanging?
Most likely, the angle of the refrigerator is broken. The door should close on its own if the body is tilted back a little. Adjust the front legs of the refrigerator by unscrewing them until the front is raised. Also check if there is anything inside (shelves, products) preventing it from closing tightly.
Will the warranty remain valid after re-hanging it yourself?
Formally, tampering with the design may affect the warranty if you damage the components. However, the very fact that the doors are overhanging, as provided for by the design, is usually not grounds for denial of the warranty, unless the hinges are broken or the frame is damaged. Keep all removed parts in case you call for service.