Modern kitchen dictates its own rules of ergonomics, and it often happens that the standard location of the refrigerator door becomes inconvenient. The model Beko initially may be oriented towards right-hand opening, but after remodeling or purchasing new furniture there is an urgent need to change the direction of movement of the canvas. This is a standard procedure provided for by the design of most household appliances, however, it requires care and adherence to the sequence of actions.
Independent re-hanging allows you to save on calling a technician, since the process does not require deep technical knowledge, but the correct order of dismantling the fittings is critically important. If the order of removing the hinges is not correct, the heavy door may fall, damaging the floor or the unit itself. In this article, we will analyze in detail how to properly prepare the tool, dismantle the elements and make adjustments so that the device serves for a long time and silently.
It is important to understand that the design refrigeration chambers of different series Beko may differ slightly, especially in models with a system No Frost or the presence of a display on façade Some modifications have hidden fasteners or specific latches that can be easily damaged if handled carelessly. Before starting work, carefully inspect your unit and make sure that you have free space for maneuver.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
High-quality preparation is the key to successful completion of the operation without scratches and unnecessary nerves. You will need a basic DIY kit, which is found in every man's drawer. The main attention should be paid to the choice of screwdrivers, since the screws in the hinges are often tightened with great force and may have licked edges if the tool is of poor quality.
Be sure to free up space in front of the refrigerator, moving it away from the wall at a comfortable distance. This will provide access to the side walls and allow heavy door panels to be moved freely. It is recommended to cover the floor with thick cardboard or a blanket so that a fallen part does not damage the floor covering.
For work you will need the following tools:
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (Phillips and flat) or a screwdriver with the appropriate bits.
- 🔩 Wrenches or sockets (most often the size is 8 mm or 10 mm).
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 📏 Level (bubble) to check the horizontal installation.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any maintenance work household appliances be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the electrical network. This is a safety requirement, ignoring which can lead to electric shock or a short circuit if the wiring is accidentally damaged.
It is also worth preparing a container for small parts in advance. Screws, plugs and washers tend to get lost at the most inopportune moment. Place them on the table in order of dismantling or use a magnetic tray so that not a single important part rolls under the cabinet.
Dismantling the top part and removing the door
The process begins with the top hinge, since it bears the main load of holding the weight of the door leaf. First you need to remove the decorative plug that hides the mounting bolts. It is usually made of plastic and can be glued or simply inserted into a groove. Carefully pry it off with a flat-head screwdriver, being careful not to scratch the surface of the facade.
After gaining access to the fasteners, loosen the screws, but do not unscrew them completely right away. If there is control unit or a display on the top panel, you need to act extremely carefully. On some models Beko the wiring runs inside the loop and must be disconnected before completely removing the element. Find the connector, press the latch and carefully separate the contacts.
Now you can completely unscrew the upper hinge bolts. Have a helper hold the door to prevent it from tilting. Remove the metal hinge plate and set it aside. Next, holding the door, carefully lift it, removing it from the lower support sleeve. This is the most difficult stage, requiring coordination of actions.
Place the removed door on a prepared soft surface with the outer side up. Be careful not to crush the shelves or damage the seal. If there are glass shelves left on the inside, it is better to first remove them to make the structure easier.
Rearranging the fittings and lower support
When the door leaf is removed, it is necessary to rearrange the fastening elements to the opposite side. Inspect the bottom of the refrigerator: there is a support sleeve and a mating part of the lower hinge. In most cases, they are simply inserted into holes and require removal. Use pliers or a screwdriver to carefully pull them out.
On the free side you will see technological holes closed with plastic plugs. Remove the plugs from the new side of the installation and move them to the old location. This is an important cosmetic point that will preserve the neat appearance of your refrigeration equipment refrigeration equipment.
Install the lower hinge and support sleeve in a new place. Make sure they fit snugly and don't wobble. If the design provides adjusting screws for height, do not tighten them all the way yet, leaving a small gap for later adjustment.
The door handle requires special attention. If the model Beko has an integrated handle or an asymmetrical design, it may need to be rearranged. However, in many modern models the handles are symmetrical or do not require dismantling. Check the instructions for your specific modification.
Installing the door on a new side
After preparing the lower support, you can begin installing the door. It is better to perform this stage together, since the weight of the canvas is significant, and it is extremely difficult to hold it with one hand while simultaneously getting into the loop hole. Carefully slide the door onto the bottom bushing, making sure it sits straight.
Now you need to install the top hinge. Align the holes in the hinge with the holes in the refrigerator body and insert the mounting bolts. At this stage, the bolts are only tightened by hand; it is too early to tighten them. If you disconnected the electrical connectors, now is the time to connect them, observing the polarity and until the latch clicks.
Make sure that the door is vertical and not tilted to the sides. Distribute the weight evenly and check the gaps around the perimeter. They should be approximately the same at the top and bottom. If there is misalignment, slightly loosen the lower support and level the position.
⚠️ Attention: Do not tighten the upper hinge mounting bolts all the way right away. First, make sure that the door closes tightly and that the magnetic seal tightens around the entire perimeter. Excessive tightening before alignment can lead to deformation of the metal and the impossibility of correct adjustment.
Tighten all screws completely. Check that the wires do not interfere with the internal mechanisms when opening and closing. The door movement should be smooth, without creaking or jamming. If you hear metal rubbing against metal, check whether the axle fits correctly into the lower bushing.
Adjusting the position and eliminating distortions
The final stage is fine tuning. Even with an ideal installation, it may be necessary to correct the position of the door relative to the body. This is necessary in order to ensure the tightness of the chamber and proper operation of the system No Frost. A loose fit leads to the formation of ice and increased load on the compressor.
To adjust, use the adjusting screws on the lower support or on the hinge itself (depending on the model). By rotating them, you can raise or lower the corner of the door. Use a building level, applying it to the end of the door to achieve a strictly vertical position.
Main parameters to check:
- 📐 The tightness of the seal to the body along the entire perimeter.
- 🚪 Self-closing of the door when opened at an angle of 45 degrees.
- 📏 Uniformity of the gaps between the door and the refrigerator body.
Check the operation of the magnetic tape. Pass a sheet of paper between the door and the body when closed: it should be pulled out with noticeable force. If the paper falls out freely, tightening the hinges or replacing the seal is required in this area.
Frequent errors and troubleshooting table
In the process of self-repair, even experienced users make mistakes that can lead to breakdown of expensive equipment. Most often, problems are associated with a violation of the sequence of actions or ignoring the design features of specific models. Beko.
Below is a table that helps diagnose common problems after rehanging doors:
| Problem | Probable cause | Method elimination |
|---|---|---|
| The door does not close tightly | Incorrect adjustment of the hinges or debris on the seal | Clean the seal, readjust the height of the supports |
| A creaking noise is heard when opening | Lack of lubrication or misalignment of the axis | Lubricate the hinges with silicone grease, check the alignment |
| The light inside does not light | The wiring connector is not connected | Check the connection of the cables in the top hinge |
| The door moves to the sides | The fastening bolts are loosely tightened | Tighten all fasteners tightly |
One of the common mistakes is the loss of special bushings or washers. Some Beko models use unique plastic inserts that cannot be replaced with standard analogues from a hardware store. If you have lost such an element, do not try to assemble the structure without it - this will lead to rapid wear of the hinge.
⚠️ Attention: If after all the manipulations the door warps or a strong backlash appears, it is possible that During dismantling, the threads in the housing were damaged. In this case, further operation is dangerous, and you need to contact a service center to restore the seats.
Also, do not forget about cleanliness. While the doors are removed, it is a great idea to wipe the ends and seals free of dust and grease. This will improve the hygiene of food storage and extend the service life of the rubber elements.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging the doors?
Defrosting is not a mandatory technical requirement for changing the side of the hinges. However, if you plan to unplug the unit for an extended period of time or tilt it more than 40 degrees, it is recommended that you drain the compressor or wait before turning it on. For simple rehanging without a strong tilt, there is no need to defrost.
Is it possible to perform this operation alone?
Theoretically, it is possible if you have significant physical strength and experience. However, refrigerator door panels Beko are heavy and bulky. The risk of dropping the door, breaking glass or damaging the floor is very high. Having a second person for insurance and support is critical.
What to do if the holes on the opposite side do not fit?
In the factory, all the necessary holes are already provided. If you don't see any holes, check to see if they are covered with decorative plugs. Drilling new holes in the housing is strictly prohibited - this will damage the thermal insulation and geometry of the cabinet.
How long should you wait before turning it on after re-hanging it?
If you did not tilt the refrigerator strongly and did not violate the integrity of the refrigeration circuit, you can turn it on immediately after completing the work and checking that the door is tightly closed. If transportation was carried out on an incline, let the oil drain into the compressor for 2-4 hours.