The need to change the direction of opening the refrigerator door Pozis often arises when moving to a new kitchen or after remodeling, when the standard location interferes with free access to products. The design of most models of this Russian brand, including the series Sviyaga and Rowan, initially provides for the possibility of reinstalling the hinges from the right side to the left and vice versa. This does not require calling a specialist, since the process is technically simple, but requires care and adherence to the sequence of actions.
Before starting work, it is important to make sure that the selected side is really free and the door will open to a sufficient angle without touching furniture or walls. Rehanging doors is a procedure that takes from 30 to 60 minutes if you have a basic set of tools at hand. However, haste can lead to damage to the plastic plugs or improper installation of the seal, which will affect the tightness of the chamber.
In this article we will analyze in detail the process of dismantling and installing door leaves for single-chamber and double-chamber units. You will learn how to properly remove the handles, adjust the position of the valves and avoid common mistakes that beginners make when repairing household appliances on their own.
Preparation of tools and workplace
Quality performance of the task directly depends on preparation. You don't need complex industrial equipment; a standard home craftsman's kit is enough. The main tool will be hex wrench (usually 4 mm or 5 mm), which is supplied with refrigerators, or a set of open-end wrenches. You will also need a flat-head screwdriver to carefully remove the decorative plugs.
It is recommended to clear the space in front of the refrigerator in order to have access to it from all sides. Doors should be empty, as the full weight of the products can complicate dismantling and pose a risk of a heavy item falling on your feet. If the model provides the ability to adjust the height of the legs, it is better to unscrew them first to make it easier to tilt the body when working with the lower hinges.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! This is not only a safety requirement, but also a way to prevent accidental activation of the compressor or damage to the electronics due to mechanical impact on the case.
Prepare a soft mat on the floor where you can temporarily place the removed doors so as not to scratch their front surface or floor covering. Also keep a container on hand for storing screws and bolts, as they tend to get lost at the most inopportune moment.
☑️ Ready for work
Removing the top panel and dismantling the top hinge
The process starts from the top of the case. On most models Pozis the top cover is secured with bolts that are hidden under decorative plugs or located in front. Carefully pry up the plastic covers with a flathead screwdriver. Proceed without fanaticism, the plastic on older models can be fragile.
After removing the cover (if it structurally interferes with access to the hinges) or simply gaining access to the top hinge, unscrew the mounting bolts. Please note that in some models, a wire door opening sensor or indicator may be connected to the top loop. Do not pull the loop sharply - the wire may be short.
- 🔧 Carefully disconnect the wiring connector, if present, after remembering or photographing its position.
- 🔧 Supporting the door with one hand (or asking an assistant), completely unscrew the bolts of the top loops.
- 🔧 Remove the loop and set it aside along with the fasteners.
If the wiring is in the way, it can be temporarily fixed with tape on the body so that it does not get into the mechanism during further manipulations. It is important not to damage the insulation of the wires with sharp metal edges.
Removing the door and middle hinge
After releasing the top hinge, the door can be removed. In two-chamber models, first remove the upper door (freezer compartment), then the lower one (main). Lift the door straight up to remove the bottom (or middle) hinge pin from the hole. Place the removed part on the prepared soft surface, face up.
Now you need to rearrange the middle loop (in two-chamber models) or the bottom (in single-chamber models). Remove the bolts holding the hinge on the current side and move it to the opposite side. To do this, the body must already have counter holes covered with plastic plugs.
⚠️ Attention: When rearranging the middle hinge, make sure that you do not confuse the upper and lower parts of the mechanism if they are structurally different. Incorrect installation will lead to misalignment and the inability to close the refrigerator.
In models with a system No Frost or a cold air supply channel through the door, at this stage it may be necessary to disconnect an additional plastic box or air duct. Proceed with caution, the retaining latches may be tight.
What to do if the bolts are rusty?
If the mounting bolts will not come off due to corrosion, do not use excessive force to avoid stripping the threads. Treat the joint with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and leave for 10-15 minutes. If this does not help, try gently warming the bolt with a hairdryer, but avoid getting hot air on the plastic case and seals.
Re-hanging the lower door and main chamber
The lower door is removed in the same way: the middle hinge is unscrewed and the panel rises up. Pay special attention to the bottom support loop. In refrigerators Pozis it often has a complex shape and can be bolted to the bottom of the case or to the side.
When moving the bottom hinge to the other side, check the condition sealing rubber. If the door hung on one side for a long time, the rubber could become deformed. Before installing it in a new place, it is recommended to heat the seal with a hairdryer at low temperature or pour over hot water to restore its elasticity.
Install the door on the new lower hinge, placing the pin in the hole. This requires precision as the weight of the door is significant. After installation, check whether it rotates freely around its axis before fixing the upper fasteners.
Assembling the structure and installing handles
After all the hinges have been transferred to the new side, and the doors have been put in place, it is necessary to secure the top hinge. Insert the bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet. This will allow for final adjustment of the door position relative to the body.
Install the handles in new places. In most models Pozis handles are attached with self-tapping screws on the inside of the door. The holes for them are usually closed with plugs, which need to be moved to their old place to maintain an aesthetic appearance. Tighten the fastener, making sure that the handle fits tightly and does not wobble.
| Element | Action | Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Dismantling and transfer | Hexagon / Key |
| Middle loop | Shift to the other side | Hexagon |
| Bottom loop | Transfer and height adjustment | Open-end wrench |
| Handles | Rearrangement and fixation | Phillips screwdriver |
Don't forget to put the decorative ones back in place plugs for old holes. If the plugs are lost or broken, the holes can be carefully painted over with a marker to match the body so that they are not noticeable.
Adjusting gaps and checking tightness
The final stage is adjustment. If the door does not fit tightly or is skewed, it is necessary to change the height of the lower hinge support bolts. By rotating the adjusting screw, you can raise or lower the corner of the door, achieving a uniform gap around the entire perimeter.
Checking the tightness is carried out using a simple method: close the door with a sheet of paper so that part of it hangs out. Pull the paper. It should be removed with noticeable force around the entire perimeter. If the paper falls out freely, it means that in this place seal does not fit, and additional adjustment of the hinge is required.
After all the manipulations, turn on the refrigerator. Let it run for 15-20 minutes, then check the temperature inside the chambers. If everything is done correctly, the unit will operate in normal mode, keeping it cold.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to reweigh door on the Pozis refrigerator with the No Frost system?
Yes, you can. The principle is similar, but special care is required when disconnecting sensor wires and ducts that may run to the top of the door. It is important not to pinch the air supply hoses during assembly.
What to do if the holes on the new side do not line up with the hinges?
In original factory cases Pozis the holes are always symmetrical. If they do not match, perhaps you are using non-original hinges from another model or there is a manufacturing defect on the case (which is extremely rare). Check the labeling of the parts.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging it?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, if there is a lot of ice in the freezer, it is better to defrost the unit in advance so that water does not flow out when the door is tilted and does not damage the floor covering or electronics.
How to remove squeaking after hanging doors?
Creaking usually occurs due to metal-on-metal friction in the hinges. Lubricate the rubbing parts of the hinges with a special lubricant (for example, lithium) or silicone spray. Do not use vegetable oil, as it thickens over time and creates a sticky coating.