Modern models Samsung series Family Hub or Tizen with a touch screen on the facade are not just a place to store food, but a full-fledged multimedia center of the kitchen. However, the standard factory layout, in which the handle is on the right, is not suitable for every kitchen layout. It often becomes necessary to change the opening side of the door to ensure comfortable access to the contents and ergonomic fit of the unit into the interior.
The process of reversing the door on models with an integrated display is significantly different from working with conventional refrigerators. Here it is critical not to damage flexible cables and to move the controls correctly. Errors at the dismantling stage can lead to failure of expensive electronics or damage to the chamber's seal. In this article, we will analyze each stage in detail, focusing on the nuances of working with digital components.
You will need to prepare the tools in advance so as not to be distracted during the work process. Usually, a set of screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead), an 8 or 10 mm wrench (depending on the hinge model) and pliers are enough. It is also recommended to free up space in front of the refrigerator and cover the floor with soft material, since the removed doors have significant weight.
Preparation of equipment and precautions
Before starting any manipulations with the structure of the refrigerator, it is necessary to ensure the safety of the electrical appliance. The first step should always be to completely unplug the device. Remove the plug from the socket to eliminate the risk of a short circuit if the insulation of the wires is accidentally damaged while working with metal parts.
Particular attention should be paid to the temperature conditions inside the chambers. If you have just defrosted your refrigerator or loaded it with a lot of warm food, wait until the temperature stabilizes. Sudden changes can cause condensation, which is harmful to the electronic contacts of the display. Make sure that all shelves on the doors are empty - this will reduce the weight of the structure and prevent heavy bottles from falling when tilted.
⚠️ Attention: Do not attempt to hang the door if the refrigerator is installed close to the wall without a gap. You will need a free space of at least 50-70 cm around the case for safe maneuver.
It is also important to check the contents of your device. In some models Samsung along with the instructions, a special set of plugs is supplied for the holes for the hinges, which will be unused after rehanging. If there are no such plugs, it is better to purchase them separately in order to preserve the aesthetic appearance of the appliance.
Removing the top panel and accessing the wiring
The most critical stage of working with models equipped with a display Samsungis disconnecting the top cover through which the cables pass to the screen. Unlike conventional refrigerators, you cannot simply remove the door without disassembling the upper part of the body. First, remove the top decorative panel, which often covers the top hinge fasteners.
To do this, unscrew the fixing screws, which may be located under plastic plugs or rubber pads. Gently lift the panel, being careful not to jerk it sharply. Below it you will see connectors a display and, possibly, a control module. This is where maximum caution is required.
Disconnecting the connectors must be done strictly according to the instructions: some of them have locking latches that must be bent before removal. Do not pull on the wires themselves; hold only the plastic housing of the connector. After disconnecting, carefully remove the wires inside the case or secure them so that they do not interfere with further dismantling.
What to do if the connector cannot be removed?
Do not use excessive force. Check to see if there is a hidden retainer or locking screw on the connector. Sometimes you need to slightly rock the connector from side to side while holding the main part of the connector.
After freeing the wires, you can begin to remove the topmost loop. It holds the door in a vertical position, so be sure to have an assistant hold the door before removing the bolts. The weight of the door with the display can reach 20-25 kg, and it is extremely undesirable to drop it.
Removing the door with the display and lower elements
After the upper hinge is freed from the mounting bolts, the door can be removed from the lower stud. Do this smoothly, without jerking, while controlling the vertical. Place the removed sash, outer side up, on a prepared soft surface, such as cardboard or a blanket. The screen should face up so as not to scratch the glass.
Now you need to remove the lower hinge from the door itself. To do this, unscrew the bolts securing the metal hinge to the canvas. In some models Samsung it may be necessary to remove the decorative trim at the bottom of the door to access the fasteners. Save all screws and washers in a separate container so as not to lose them during operation.
Next, move on to the bottom of the refrigerator. If you change the opening side of the main chamber, you often need to reposition the base panel (plinth) at the bottom of the case. It is secured with latches or screws. Remove it to gain access to the lower support pin or adjustment screws.
☑️ Tools and preparation
It is important not to confuse screws from different units, as they may differ in length and thread. Using a bolt that is too long in a hole for a short one can lead to damage to the internal wall or mechanism.
Transferring fasteners and hinges
The main principle of rehanging is symmetry. All elements that were installed on the right side must be transferred to the left, and vice versa. The refrigerator body already has technological holes for both installation options. Locate the corresponding slots for the top and bottom hinges on the opposite side.
Install the bottom support pin (or thrust bearing) into the new hole on the opposite side. Tighten it with a wrench as far as it will go, but without fanaticism, so as not to strip the thread. If the kit came with plastic plugs, use them to close the vacated holes on the right side.
Now install the top hinge on the new side of the door. Use the same bolts that you removed earlier, but in a mirror order. Make sure the loop fits snugly and has no play. This is critical for the correct operation of the closer mechanism and the tightness of the door.
| Element | Action | Tool | Nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Transfer to the other side | 8-10 mm key | Requires door support |
| Bottom pin | Transfer to a symmetrical hole | Rozhkovy key | Check the level |
| Door handle | Removal and installation on the other side | Screwdriver (depending on the model) | Hidden fasteners |
| Plugs | Installation in free holes | Hands | For aesthetics |
If your model provides the ability to rearrange the handle, find its attachment points. They are often hidden under decorative trims or located on the inside of the door end. After rearranging, check that the handle does not touch the case when opening.
Connecting display cables and assembly
This is the most difficult stage that requires accuracy. The cables going to the display Samsunghave a certain length and laying path. When changing the opening side, the wires must pass through the top of the housing along a new path. Make sure that the cables are not twisted or pinched by the metal parts of the hinges.
Connect the connectors to the control module and display. You should hear a characteristic click of the latch. Visually check for any kinks in the insulation. Then install the top decorative panel in place, passing the wires through the channels provided for this.
⚠️ Attention: The display cables should not be pulled “in a string”. Leave a small margin of length (loop) inside the body so that when opening the door 180 degrees, the wires do not break.
After connecting the electrical part, you can hang the door on the lower stud. Align the holes in the top hinge with the mounting sockets on the refrigerator body and secure with bolts. Do not completely tighten them right away - first make sure that the door is level.
The final assembly step is to install the base panel and all decorative trims. Make sure all screws are tight and latches are closed. Only after complete mechanical assembly can you proceed to testing.
Adjusting the position and checking operation
After installing the door, it may require adjustment. If the door is skewed or does not fit tightly to the body, use the adjusting screws on the bottom hinge (if provided in your model Samsung). Turning the screw clockwise usually raises the corner, counterclockwise lowers it.
Check the operation of the magnetic seal around the entire perimeter. The door should close tightly, without gaps, but not too tightly. If you notice that the door is coming off at the top, you may need to loosen the top hinge bolts, press the door down, and tighten them again.
Now you can plug in the refrigerator. Pay attention to the display screen. It should light up, a welcome image or logo Samsung indicates that the cables are connected correctly. If the screen does not light up, check the reliability of the connection of the connectors.
During the first day of operation, monitor the temperature conditions. If the door is installed correctly, the compressor will operate normally, without overload. The appearance of ice or condensation may indicate a loose seal.
Frequent problems and their solutions
During the process of self-installation, users may encounter a number of typical difficulties. One of the most common is that the door touches the body or handle of an adjacent cabinet. In this case, check that the refrigerator itself is installed horizontally. Often it is enough to twist the front support legs to tilt the body a little back - then the door will close itself under the influence of gravity.
Another problem is that the display screen goes blank or works intermittently after closing the door. This may indicate a pinched cable at the top. You will have to remove the top panel again and straighten the cable, ensuring it moves freely. It is also worth checking whether the wire has gotten into the gap between the hinge and the body.
If a creaking noise appears after rehanging, lubricate the rubbing parts of the hinges. Use only special lubricants for household appliances that are odorless and safe for contact with food, as fumes can get inside the camera.
⚠️ Attention: If after all the manipulations the display does not turn on, and checking the contacts does not help, the screen controller may have been damaged during dismantling. In this case, you will need to contact an authorized service center.
Do not forget that independent intervention in the design may affect the warranty. If the refrigerator is under warranty service, it is better to call an official technician to carry out this work, so as not to lose the right to free repairs.
Is it possible to hang the door alone, without an assistant?
Technically this is possible, but it is highly not recommended, especially for models with a display. The door is heavy and bulky, and the risk of dropping it or damaging the cables alone is very high. Having a second person who will hold the sash when unscrewing the hinges is a prerequisite for safety.
What to do if the holes for the hinges do not match?
In the factory, all holes are already drilled. If you don't see any holes on the correct side, check to see if your model supports reverse installation at all. Some designer or built-in series Samsung may have a rigid structure that does not require overhanging.
Is it necessary to drain the freon before hanging the door?
No, draining the refrigerant is absolutely not necessary and is prohibited. Re-hanging a door is purely mechanical work with the body and fittings. The cooling system pipelines run inside the walls of the refrigerator and are not affected when dismantling the door panels.
Why did the door begin to close tighter after rehanging?
This may be due to incorrect adjustment of the height of the lower pin or misalignment of the upper hinge. Also, a new seal (if it has been replaced) or hinges that have not been lubricated for a long time may cause resistance. Give the mechanism a couple of days to “grind in” and, if necessary, lubricate the hinges.