Reversing the door refrigerator - a procedure that often becomes necessary when remodeling a kitchen or purchasing a new model, when the standard opening on the right becomes inconvenient. Owners of equipment Pozis often are faced with the question of whether it is possible to change the hitch on their own, and the answer here is clear: yes, this is quite possible. However, the process requires care, since the design of the hinges and control system in different series may differ significantly.
The main difficulty is that not all models Pozis are equipped with symmetrical fasteners. If in budget series the door is simply monolithic, then in more advanced versions, where there is a display or electronic control on the facade, you will need to move not only metal, but also wires. Before starting work be sure to disconnect the appliance from the power supply to avoid a short circuit when disconnecting the contacts.
In this article we We will analyze the reinstallation process in detail, paying special attention to the nuances that are often missed in standard manuals. You will learn what tools are needed, how to properly remove old hinges, and what to do if, after installation, the door does not fit tightly to the body. Even if you don’t have video instructions at hand right now, a text description will help restore the sequence of actions.
⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator door model is equipped with a touch screen or control buttons, make sure that the standard wires are long enough to transfer to the other side. In some cases, it may be necessary to extend the cable.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
Before proceeding with dismantling, it is necessary to prepare the space. A refrigerator Pozis is a large unit, and working in tight spaces will be inconvenient and dangerous. Clear the area around the equipment so you can access it from all sides. It is advisable to cover the floor with a soft material, for example, cardboard or an old blanket, since heavy doors, if accidentally dropped, can damage the floor covering or break themselves.
As for the tools, most home craftsmen will have a basic set. You will need a Phillips screwdriver, wrenches (usually 10mm) and possibly hex keys. For models with plastic plugs, a thin flat tip or knife is useful to carefully pry off the decorative elements. It will not be superfluous to have on hand insulating tape or masking tape for fixing the wires.
☑️ Tools for hanging
Pay special attention to the cleanliness of your hands and tools. The hinge mechanism is sensitive to dirt and metal shavings that can form when unscrewing old bolts. Wipe all surfaces before assembly. If you work alone, prepare a stable support (for example, a stool) where you can temporarily place the removed door without damaging it.
Design analysis and compatibility of Pozis models
Not all refrigerators Pozis are structurally capable of hanging the door. Most modern models provide this function, but there are exceptions, especially in older or specific series. The first step should always be a visual inspection of the housing ends. If on the opposite side you see symmetrical holes for hinges and the package (or inside the chambers) contains plastic plugs and hinge mates, then alteration is possible.
It is important to consider the type of refrigerator: single-chamber or double-chamber. In two-chamber models, such as Pozis RK-139 or RD-149, the process is more complicated, since you need to rehang both doors and often change the position of the middle partition. In single-chamber models with a freezer shelf inside the main chamber, the task is simplified to a minimum.
Models with the system No Frostdeserve special attention. In them, the cold air supply channels can pass through the hinges, which requires special care when disassembling. It is also worth checking the presence of a magnetic seal around the entire perimeter - it must be intact, otherwise after rehanging the door may not fit tightly.
⚠️ Attention: The design of the hinges may vary depending on the year of manufacture. Even if the model has the same name, the mounts may be different in the 2026 and 2026 batches. Always focus on the actual condition of the holes on your unit.
Removing the upper and lower doors
The door removal process begins from the top of the unit. First you need to remove the top decorative panel, if there is one. The upper hinge fastening bolts are hidden under it. After unscrewing them, do not rush to remove the hinge completely - it can hold the door. Ask an assistant to hold the front so that it does not fall on your feet.
After removing the top hinge, carefully lift the door and remove it from the middle hinge pin (if it is a two-chamber one) or simply set it aside. For the lower door, the algorithm is similar: the decorative cover of the base is removed, the lower hinge is unscrewed, and the door is released. It is better to immediately place all removed bolts and metal parts in a separate container so as not to lose them.
When working with heavy doors of two-chamber refrigerators Pozis it is critical to follow the sequence. The top door is always removed first, then, if necessary, the middle strip is dismantled, and only then the bottom one. The reverse order during assembly can lead to distortion of the entire structure.
Nuances of removing doors with a display
If there is a display on the door, before completely removing the door you need to find the connection point for the cable. Typically the connector is located on the top of the housing or inside the hinge channel. Carefully remove the chip by pulling the plastic edges, not the wires. Secure the wires with tape to the body so that they do not fall inside.
Flipping the doors and moving the fittings
The most critical stage is the physical transfer of fastening elements. The refrigerator door Pozis has a symmetrical structure, but the handles and holes for the hinges are only on one side. You need to unscrew the handle (usually it is held on by two screws from the inside or outside under the plugs) and move it to the opposite side.
The hinges also require rearrangement. The pin on which the door fits is often pressed in or secured with a stopper. It needs to be knocked out or unscrewed and moved to the other side of the door. Pay attention to bushings the washers - they must be installed correctly to ensure smooth operation. If you mix up the order of the washers, the door will creak or close poorly.
Plastic plugs are inserted into the vacant spaces on the previous side of the installation. They come with the refrigerator, but if you lose them, you can simply cover the holes with decorative stickers, although this is less aesthetically pleasing. Make sure all holes are tightly sealed to prevent moisture and dust from getting in.
Assembling and adjusting the door position
Assembly is carried out in the reverse order. First, the bottom hinge is installed on the new side, and the bottom door is put on it. Then the middle part (if any) and the upper door are fixed. Tighten the bolts tightly, but without fanaticism, so as not to strip the threads in the metal case.
After installation, the question of adjustment arises. The doors must fit tightly to the body around the entire perimeter. If you notice gaps, use adjusting bolts on the hinges (if provided by the design) or shims. In some models Pozis the height of the door can be changed by rotating the support legs of the refrigerator itself.
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution method |
|---|---|---|
| The door does not fit bottom | Distortion of the body or hinge | Unscrew the front leg of the refrigerator |
| Difficult to close the door | New seal or distortion | Wait 2-3 days or check hinges |
| The gap between the door and the body | Incorrect installation of the washers | Go through the hinge, checking the order of the washers |
| The door opens itself | Tilt the refrigerator back | Adjust the front supports |
Check the operation of the lock (if there is one) and the tightness of the magnetic tape. A sheet of paper sandwiched between the door and the body must be removed with force along the entire perimeter. If in some place it falls out freely, it means that the tightness there is broken.
Frequent errors and troubleshooting
When doing independent repairs, mistakes are often made that can negate all efforts. One of the most common is the loss or confusion of washers and bushings when rearranging hinges. This causes the door to hang crookedly or rub against the frame. Another mistake is insufficient tightening of the bolts, which causes the structure to become loose over time.
If, after rehanging, the refrigerator begins to buzz or vibrate loudly, check whether the door touches the body or the floor when opening. It is also worth making sure that when moving the control wires you do not squeeze them with a loop, which could lead to damage to the insulation.
- 🔧 Creak: Lubricate the rubbing metal parts of the loop with silicone grease.
- ❄️ Ice build-up: Check the tightness of the seal, it may be dirty or damaged.
- 🚪 The door is skewed: Loosen the fastenings of the top hinge, align the door and tighten the bolts again.
Do not ignore minor defects. Even a slight misalignment will eventually lead to wear of the seal and disruption of the temperature conditions inside the chambers. If you see that you can’t handle it yourself, it’s better to contact a service center that specializes in Pozis.
Answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before hanging the doors?
Yes, this is highly recommended. Complete defrosting will make the seal more elastic, which will reduce the risk of damage when removing the door. In addition, an empty refrigerator is easier to tilt and move.
Is it possible to rehang a door if there is a logo or design on it?
Physically it is possible, but aesthetically it will look strange, since the logo will be upside down or displaced. In such cases, owners often order a new door panel or leave everything as is.
What to do if plastic plugs for old holes are lost?
Plugs can be purchased at furniture fittings stores, selected by color and diameter. As a last resort, the holes can be carefully painted over with a marker of the appropriate color, although this is a temporary solution.
Does re-hanging the door affect the warranty?
According to the law, independent repairs or modifications (which includes re-hanging) may cause a refusal of warranty service if the breakdown is associated with your actions. Keep all removed parts.