Many owners of modern household appliances are faced with a situation where the standard configuration of the refrigerator is no longer satisfactory. This may be due to rearranging furniture in the kitchen, changing the layout of the room, or simply a desire to make using the unit more convenient. Owners of Korean brand products often look for information on how to change the door opening direction in order to adapt the device to new conditions.
The procedure for reinstalling doors on models Samsung with two cameras is a completely doable task for a home craftsman. However, it requires care, adherence to a sequence of actions and the availability of a minimum set of tools. Incorrect assembly can lead to misalignment of the sashes, loss of tightness or damage to the closer mechanism.
In this article we will analyze in detail the stages of dismantling and installing elements, paying special attention to the nuances of working with modern hinge systems. You'll learn what tools you'll need, how to safely remove heavy door panels, and how to properly adjust gaps after installation. It is important to understand that the design of different series may differ, so carefully studying the instructions for your specific model is the first and mandatory step before starting work.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
Before you begin disassembling, you need to prepare the space around the refrigerator. You will need easy access to the device from all sides in order to be able to move freely and set aside removed parts. It is recommended to move the refrigerator away from the wall at a distance of at least one meter, ensuring a stable position of the unit.
To carry out the work, you will need a basic DIY kit. The main tool will be a wrench, the size of which is usually 8 mm or 10 mm, depending on the modification of the hinges. Also, a Phillips screwdriver for removing decorative plugs and mounting screws will not be superfluous.
- 🛠️ A wrench or 8/10 mm socket for removing hinge bolts.
- 🪛 Phillips and flathead screwdrivers for working with plugs and small fasteners.
- 📏 Construction level for checking the horizontal installation after installation.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges and grease.
Pay special attention to preparing the surface on which you will place the removed parts. Small screws and washers can easily get lost, so it's best to prepare a magnetic tray or small container in advance. It is also worth laying a soft cloth or cardboard on the floor so as not to scratch the floor covering or the door itself when temporarily placing it.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any disassembly work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the electrical network. This is critical because you will be working in close proximity to electrical components and wiring that runs through loops.
Make sure there is adequate lighting in the work area. Working with small fasteners in poor light can cause screw splines to break off or important parts to become lost in floor crevices. If you have an assistant, enlist his support, as the doors of two-chamber models can be quite heavy.
Removing the top door and top hinge
The remodeling process begins from the top of the refrigerator. The first step is to remove the decorative plugs that hide the fasteners of the top hinge. They are usually made of plastic and can be secured with latches or simply slotted into slots. Act carefully so as not to break the fasteners.
After removing the plugs, you will have access to the upper hinge fastening bolts. Loosen them, but don't unscrew them completely yet. In some models Samsung the upper hinge also serves as a support for the entire structure, so it is important to hold the door when finally unscrewing the fasteners.
☑️ Dismantling the upper part
The next step is to disconnect the electrical connectors if they pass through the top hinge. In modern two-chamber models, the wires often run inside the hollow hinge axis. Carefully separate the contacts, first remembering or photographing their position. Do not pull the wires sharply so as not to damage the insulation or contacts.
Now you can completely unscrew the bolts and remove the top hinge. It is best to ask an assistant to hold the door at this moment, as it may fall. Set the removed hinge aside; you will need it later, but on the other side of the case.
Removing the main door and preparing for the revolution
After dismantling the upper hinge, the upper door becomes free. Carefully remove it from the lower support shaft and place it in a safe place. It is advisable to place it on a soft surface with the outer side facing up to avoid scratching the front panel. Now you can begin preparing the door for installation on the other side.
At the end of the removed door you will find holes for attaching the hinge. On one side they will be occupied by plugs, and on the other, fasteners will be installed. You need to move the plugs to the opposite side. To do this, carefully remove the plastic or metal plugs from the unused holes and install them in those holes that will be free after turning over.
- 🔄 Remove the plugs from the holes that will be used for fastening.
- 🔩 Move the mounting sleeves to the side corresponding to the new direction opening.
- 🚪 Check the tightness of the plugs so that they do not fall out during installation.
Some models may require rearranging the handle or changing the position of the closer mechanism. If the handle is not symmetrical, it will also have to be removed and reinstalled. Pay attention to asymmetric elements designs that may require replacement with mirror analogues, although in most cases manufacturers provide universal solutions.
What to do with a magnetic seal?
A magnetic seal (elastic band) on the door is usually It is symmetrical and does not require replacement when turned over. However, if after installation you notice that gaps are forming in the corners, try heating the seal with a hairdryer at a low temperature and straightening it so that it takes the desired shape.
Flipping the bottom door and moving the fittings
The bottom door of the refrigerator Samsung usually heavier than the top, since it is in it Heavier foods are often stored. The procedure for removing it is similar: first, the middle hinge is dismantled (which was the top one for the lower chamber), then the wires are disconnected (if they go through it), and only after that the door itself is removed.
When working with the lower part, pay attention to the design of the middle hinge. It can have a complex shape and serve as a support for both compartments. When removing it, make sure that you have not lost the washers or bushings that adjust the gap between the doors.
tr>
| Element | Action during dismantling | Action during installation |
|---|---|---|
| Top hinge | Remove from the left side | Install on the right side |
| Middle hinge | Remove along with the axle | Turn the axle over and install mirrored |
| Bottom support | Leave in place or turn over | Check alignment |
| Plugs | Remove from active holes | Install into new active holes |
After removing the lower door, perform the same manipulations with the plugs and mounting bushings as with the upper one. Make sure that all openings that will not be used are securely sealed with plugs. This is important not only for aesthetics, but also to prevent moisture and dust from getting inside the door structure.
If your model provides the ability to rearrange the handle, do it now. Often the handle is attached to screws on the inside of the door or has hidden fasteners under decorative trims. Be careful not to overtighten the screws when reassembling, especially if the door is made of glass or thin metal.
Installing doors on a new side
Now that all preparatory work has been completed, you can begin installation. Start by installing the bottom door. Place the middle hinge (which will now be the bottom hinge for the top camera, but the support for the bottom one) onto the new side of the housing. Insert the hinge pin into the corresponding hole on the door and secure the structure.
Align the bottom door and carefully slide it onto the support pin. Make sure it sits straight and tight. Now you can proceed to installing the top door. Lift it up, align the holes with the hinge and tighten the mounting bolts. Do not clamp them completely at once - you need to make preliminary adjustments first.
An important point is connecting the electrical connectors. The wires must be laid so that they are not pinched by the loop mechanism and do not rub against moving parts. If the length of the wires allows, carefully hide them in the channels provided for this purpose inside the hinge body.
After both doors are installed in place, you can begin the final tightening of the fasteners. Do this evenly, tightening the bolts diagonally to avoid distortion of the hinge. Check the ease of movement of the doors - they should open and close without effort or extraneous sounds.
Adjusting the position and checking the tightness
The final stage is adjustment. Even with careful installation, it may be necessary to adjust the position of the doors. Most models Samsung are equipped with adjusting screws on hinges that allow you to change the height and angle of the door.
Use a building level to check the horizontality of the top edge of the refrigerator and the verticality of the doors themselves. If the door is askew, loosen the hinge mounting bolts, straighten them, and tighten them again. The gap between the doors should be uniform along the entire length.
⚠️ Attention: If after adjustment you notice that the door does not fit tightly to the body, do not try to solve the problem by force. Check if there is anything obstructing the seal and make sure the refrigerator is level. The legs of the refrigerator are also adjustable.
To check the tightness, you can use a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet between the door and the body in different places around the perimeter. If the sheet is difficult to remove along its entire length, the seal is normal. If in some place the sheet falls out freely or is removed too easily, additional adjustment of the hinge in this area is required.
After successful installation and adjustment, turn on the refrigerator. Let it run for about 30 minutes, then check the door sensors (if equipped) to make sure the lights turn on and off correctly. During the first hours of operation, listen to sounds - creaking or knocking may indicate that wires or parts are rubbing against each other.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do you need to completely defrost the refrigerator before re-hanging the doors?
Full defrosting is not strictly necessary if you work quickly. However, if there is a lot of food inside and there is a risk of contents spilling out when the door is tilted or skewed during removal, it is better to empty the chambers. It is also easier to move an empty refrigerator from its place for access from all sides.
Is it possible to lose the warranty if you re-hang the doors yourself?
According to the legislation of many countries, the consumer has the right to independently service the equipment if this does not lead to breakdown. However, if during the rehanging process you damage the hinge, wiring or break the glass, the warranty claim for these damages will not be considered. Proceed with caution.
What to do if there are excess fasteners left after installation?
Included with the refrigerator or in the hanging kit (sometimes it comes separately) there may be extra screws or plugs. This is fine. The main thing is that all holes that are not used for fastening in the new configuration are closed with plugs to preserve the appearance and protect from dust.
Why did the door begin to open by itself after rehanging?
Most likely, the horizontal level of installation of the refrigerator itself is broken. The doors of modern refrigerators often have a self-closing mechanism that only works when the body is tilted back at a certain angle. Try unscrewing the front adjustable legs to lift the front part of the unit.