Changing the opening side of the refrigerator door is not just a whim, but often a necessary solution to optimize the kitchen space. Owners of equipment Samsung often face a situation where, after moving or remodeling the kitchen, the standard arrangement of handles becomes inconvenient. Fortunately, the design of most modern models of the South Korean giant provides the ability to reverse the hinges, which allows you to adapt the device to specific operating conditions.
The process of reversing the doors on refrigerators Samsung is technically simple, but requires care and precision. Errors at the dismantling stage can lead to damage to the decorative panels or failure of the seal. Before starting work, it is important to make sure that you have the necessary set of tools and free space around the unit for maneuvers.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions that is suitable for most models, including the RB, RL i RSseries. We will look at the nuances of working with electronics, the specifics of removing facades and correct installation of magnetic seals, so that you can do the job efficiently and without calling a technician.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Before you begin physical work with equipment, you need to prepare the workplace and tools. To dismantle and subsequently install the hinges, you will need a Phillips screwdriver, preferably with a magnetic tip, so that the screws do not fall inside the case. You may also need a wrench or a set of sockets, since some models are Samsung equipped with hex bolts.
Be sure to clear space in front of the refrigerator. You will need to move the unit away from the wall at a distance of at least 50-70 centimeters. This will provide access to the rear of the unit and allow the removed doors to be stowed safely. Prepare a soft surface, such as a blanket or cardboard, to place heavy items on them without scratching the floor or the facade itself.
- 🔧 Phillips screwdriver (PH2) for screws of hinges and handles.
- 🔩 8-10 mm wrench or socket (depending on the model).
- 📏 Level (bubble) for checking the horizon after installation.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! Remove the plug from the socket to eliminate the risk of electric shock if the wiring in the hinge area is accidentally damaged.
☑️ Preparing to rehang the doors
It would not be amiss to enlist the help of a second person. The doors of refrigerators, especially two-chamber models with the No Frostsystem, are quite heavy, and holding them with one hand while unscrewing the bolts is extremely inconvenient and dangerous for the spine.
Design features of Samsung doors
Refrigerators Samsung have their own design features that distinguish them from equipment from other brands. In most models, the upper and lower doors are mounted on separate hinge groups. This means that, theoretically, only one door can be hung, although it is technically and aesthetically more correct to change the opening direction of both leaves.
An important element is the control system. If your refrigerator has a display on the door, the process is complicated by the need to disconnect wire loops. In such models, the loops often have built-in contacts or a terminal block located nearby, which requires careful handling. Models without a display, such as many budget series RB, are structurally simpler and do not have electrical connections in the hinge area.
| Model type | Presence of display | Complexity of work | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic (Single Door) | No | Low | Simple hinge replacement |
| Double chamber (Top Mount) | No/Yes | Average | You need to remove both doors |
| Side-by-Side | Often there | High | Complex loop system |
| With the Family Hub system | Yes (screen) | Very high | Special required. tool |
Pay attention to the type of handles. In some models Samsung the handles are hidden or integrated into the door profile, which simplifies the process, since they do not need to be dismantled separately. In other cases, the handle may be attached to screws that need to be unscrewed first.
Why is it important to know the model?
Accurate knowledge of the model (indicated on the sticker inside the camera) allows you to find the official layout of the mounting holes. For different series, the holes may be located asymmetrically.
Removing the top door and hinges
The disassembly process always starts from the top of the refrigerator. The first step is to remove the top decorative cap of the hinge. It is usually made of plastic and is simply pryed off with a thin screwdriver or knife. Hidden underneath are the mounting bolts that hold the top hinge in place.
Using a wrench or socket, carefully unscrew the top hinge mounting bolts. Do not remove them completely if the door has not yet been fixed by an assistant, so as not to drop the structure. After loosening the fasteners, the door needs to be lifted slightly to remove it from the lower pin, but at this stage we are only working with the upper fastening.
If a control module or display is installed on the door, be extremely careful. There may be a connector located at the bottom of the door or in the top hinge area. It must be carefully disconnected, having first remembered or photographed the position of the contacts. Often, access to the connector requires removing the plastic cover at the top of the refrigerator compartment.
- 📸 Take a photo of the wire connection before disconnecting.
- 🔌 Gently pull the connector out, holding the connector body, not the wires.
- 🛡️ Seal the unscrewed holes with masking tape to prevent dust from getting in.
⚠️ Attention: The display cables are very thin and fragile. Do not bend them at a sharp angle or pull them with force. Damage to the conductive paths will cause the control panel to become inoperable.
After removing the top hinge and disconnecting the electronics (if equipped), the door can be finally removed from the bottom support pin. Place it on a prepared soft surface with the outer side facing up so as not to damage the gloss or metal.
Removing the bottom door and freezer compartment
Working with the bottom door, which leads into the freezer, has its own nuances. A middle hinge is often installed here, which serves as a support for the upper door and fastening for the lower one. After removing the top sash, you gain access to the middle hinge group.
Unscrew the middle hinge mounting bolts. On some models Samsung there may also be wiring running here to the bottom of the refrigerator or to sensors. Check for the presence of tourniquets and carefully move them aside. Remove the middle hinge and set it aside.
Now you can remove the bottom door. Lift it up to release it from the lower support pin. If your model has a lower transportation bolt (often it is located at the very bottom, under the decorative base), it must also be unscrewed. This bolt secures the door during transportation and prevents normal opening.
Carefully inspect the lower part of the refrigerator body. There are holes for installing the lower support sleeve on the other side. They are often closed with plastic plugs. Carefully remove the plugs from one side and install them into the vacated holes on the opposite side to maintain symmetry and aesthetics.
Installing hinges and hanging doors on the new side
We proceed to installation. The first step is to install the lower support bushing on the new side. Insert the pin into the prepared hole and fasten it securely. Make sure it fits snugly and does not wobble, as it will bear the brunt of the bottom door's weight.
Install the bottom door into place by sliding it onto the pin. Now you need to mount the middle loop. It is important to orient the hinge correctly: it must be shaped to match the new opening side. The refrigerator often comes with extra grommets or pins for reinstallation; check the packaging material, which is usually stored inside the freezer or in drawers. Samsung Often there are extra grommets or pins for reinstallation, check the packaging material, which is usually stored inside the freezer or in drawers.
When installing the top door, be sure to pass the wires through the corresponding holes in the hinge body if the model is equipped with a display. Connect the connectors all the way until you hear a characteristic click. Lay the wires so that they do not get into the friction zone when opening and closing the door.
- 🔩 Tighten the bolts evenly without pinching the metal.
- 🚪 Check the free movement of the door immediately after installing the hinges.
- 🧲 Make sure the magnetic seal is tight around the entire perimeter.
Secure the top loop. At this stage, the main mechanical part of the work is completed. However, it is too early to talk about the finish line, as there is an important adjustment ahead.
Adjustment and tightness check
After installing the doors on the new side, checking their position is mandatory. Doors should close tightly, without gaps, and open with the same force along the entire trajectory. If you notice a misalignment, you need to adjust the height of the support pins.
There are often adjustment supports (legs) at the bottom of the refrigerator. By rotating them, you can change the tilt of the entire body, which will help the door close automatically under the influence of gravity. You can also slightly loosen the hinge bolts, press the door more tightly to the body and tighten them again.
⚠️ Attention: If after rehanging the door does not fit tightly, check the condition of the magnetic seal (elastic band). When dismantling it is easy to damage or move. Warm up the seal with a hairdryer (without overheating!) or hot water to restore its elasticity.
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 pulled out with noticeable force, the seal is good. If the sheet falls out or slides freely, there is a leak in this place that requires adjusting the hinge.
Plug in the refrigerator. If you have disconnected the display connectors, check the operation of the control panel. Make sure that the temperature is set correctly and the compressor is operating normally. During the first few hours, watch for the formation of condensation in the joint areas.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to hang only one door, for example, the top one?
Technically this is possible, but not recommended. Asymmetrically hung doors disrupt the body's balance and aesthetics. In addition, handles and decorative elements may be inconveniently located. It is better to go through both doors for symmetry.
What to do if the plugs for the holes are lost?
Plugs are needed to close the vacated holes on the opposite side. If they are lost, you can order a set of plugs at the service center Samsung or use plastic plugs of suitable diameter, having previously selected them by color.
Do you need to call a specialist to rehang the doors?
If you have basic skills in working with tools and the physical strength to hold heavy doors, you can do it yourself. Calling a technician is only necessary if the refrigerator is under warranty and you are afraid of damaging the seals (although the hinges are usually not sealed) or if the model is complex (Side-by-Side).
Why does the door open by itself after rehanging?
Most likely, the angle of the body is broken. The refrigerator should be tilted slightly backwards so that the door's center of gravity moves toward the closing direction. Adjust the front legs of the refrigerator by unscrewing them to lift the front part of the unit.