Changing the kitchen layout or the simple need to optimize space often requires changing the opening side of the refrigeration unit door. The model Biryusa 120 is a classic two-chamber refrigerator, the design of which allows you to perform this procedure yourself without calling a specialist. The owner gets the opportunity to turn the facade in the desired direction, which is especially important for narrow kitchens or a specific arrangement of furniture.
The process of rehanging requires care, the presence of a basic set of tools and an understanding of the structure of the hinge mechanism. Re-hanging doors is not just a rearrangement fittings, but a set of actions for dismantling, transferring fasteners and subsequent adjustment of the tight fit of the seal. Improper execution of operations can lead to distortions, violation of the seal of the chamber and increased energy consumption.
In this instruction we will analyze in detail each stage of the work, paying special attention to the nuances of fastening the handles and adjusting the gaps. Before starting work, make sure you have prepared a flat surface to place the removed parts and reserve enough time. Haste is inappropriate here, since mechanical components require precise installation.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
Quality performance of the work directly depends on preparation. You will need a standard DIY kit, which can be found in most apartments. The main tool will be a set of wrenches, preferably box or socket wrenches, as they provide a better grip on the nuts and are less likely to tear off the edges. A Phillips screwdriver is also indispensable for working with self-tapping screws and decorative plugs.
Pay special attention to organizing the space. A refrigerator Biryusa 120 is a large device, and you will need space around it to move freely. Empty the shelves of products in advance to reduce the weight of the structure and prevent damage to things when the case is tilted.
- 🛠️ A set of wrenches (sizes 8, 10, 12 mm) and a ratchet with heads.
- 🪛 Phillips and flathead screwdrivers (for removing plugs and handles).
- 🧤 Construction gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧹 Clean rags and solvent for degreasing surfaces before installation.
It is important to prepare the place where you will be putting removed bolts and hinges. Small parts are easily lost in the lawn grass or carpet, which can stop the job halfway. Use a magnetic tray or small container with a lid. Also check the condition of the sealing rubber: if it is severely deformed, has cracks or does not fit, it makes sense to combine rehanging with replacing the seal.
⚠️ 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 you accidentally damage the wiring or touch metal parts of the case.
Removing the top panel and top hinge
The first step is to remove the top cover of the refrigerator. In the Biryusa 120 model, it is usually mounted with two bolts at the front and secured with latches or additional screws at the back. Carefully unscrew the visible fasteners and slide the cover back to release the grooves. Do not use excessive force so as not to break the plastic clips.
After removing the cover, the top hinge of the main door of the refrigerator compartment will open to your attention. It is she who carries the main load. Before unscrewing the hinge bolts, you must lock the door in the closed position or ask an assistant to hold it. Abruptly removing the hinge will cause the heavy door to fall, which can damage the floor or lower hinges.
☑️ Preparation for dismantling
Unscrew the bolts securing the upper hinge and remove it. Now you can carefully lift the door and remove it from the lower axis. Place the door in a safe place, using a soft cloth or cardboard to prevent scratching the front panel. At this stage, it already becomes clear that rehanging the refrigerator doors requires physical strength and coordination of movements.
Removing and moving the handles to the other side
The most difficult and crucial moment is dismantling the handles. Unlike modern models with hidden installation, handles are often mounted through through holes or have specific plugs. You need to find the mounting points. Usually they are hidden under decorative plastic covers, which are carefully pryed off with a flat screwdriver or knife. Biryuse 120 handles are often attached through through holes or have specific plugs. You need to find the mounting points. Usually they are hidden under decorative plastic covers, which are carefully pryed off with a flat screwdriver or knife.
After removing the plugs, you will see the mounting screws. Unscrew them and remove the handles. Pay attention to the holes: if you plan to install the handle on the other side, you will need to use the previously plugged holes. Some modifications may require drilling or using new holes provided by the design, but closed with factory plugs.
Install the handles in new places. It is important here not to overtighten the screws so that the plastic or metal of the door does not crack. If the holes do not match perfectly, check the package: sometimes the refrigerator comes with additional plugs for old holes that need to be rearranged.
- 🔍 Carefully inspect the back of the handle: there may be special protrusions for fixing.
- 🔩 Use screws of the same length as the original ones so as not to break through the door wall through.
- 🧩 Save all the removed plugs - they will be needed to close the vacated holes on the opposite side.
Re-hanging the middle and lower hinges
After working with the upper part, we move on to the lower door of the freezer (if the model is two-chamber) or to the lower hinge of the main door. The principle of operation is similar: remove the decorative cap of the hinge, unscrew the fasteners. In the model Biryusa 120 the lower hinge is often hidden by a plinth panel, which will also need to be dismantled.
Remove the freezer door, if there is one, and set it aside. Now you need to move the loop itself to the opposite side. There are symmetrical holes on the refrigerator body. Screw the hinge into the new sockets using the same bolts. Make sure that the thread enters smoothly, without distortions.
Important point: the pin of the lower hinge on which the door is placed must be directed straight up. Sometimes the design allows you to flip the loop itself, in other cases you need to use a mirror copy of the hole. Check the installation level of the pin, as this determines how level the door will be.
| Element | Action | Tool | Nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Remove, rearrange to the other side | Key 10 mm | Hold the door |
| Handles | Dismantle and secure mirrored | Cross screwdriver | Do not overtighten |
| Bottom loop | Move into symmetrical holes | Wrench 8-10 mm | Control the level |
| Plugs | Rearrange to old holes | Flat screwdriver | Keep aesthetics |
Installation of doors and initial adjustment
When all the hinges have been moved to the new side, it is time to put the doors in place. First, the lower door (freezer) is hung, then the upper one. Carefully slide the door hinge onto the installed pin. Make sure that the door is seated tightly and evenly.
Now you need to screw on the top hinge, but do not tighten the bolts all the way yet. Leave a little play to be able to adjust the position of the door. This is a critical stage because door adjustment affects tightness and appearance.
Close the doors and visually assess the gaps. They should be the same around the entire perimeter. If the door is skewed, slightly loosen the fastenings of the top hinge and move it in the desired direction (left-right, forward-back). Once the ideal position is achieved, tighten all bolts tightly.
⚠️ Caution: Do not use excessive force when tightening the top hinge bolts after adjustment. Excessive force may again displace the hinge or deform the metal of the case, which will lead to the appearance of cracks.
Checking the tightness and adjusting the gaps
The final stage is checking the quality of the work performed. The main criterion for success is the tight fit of the magnetic seal around the entire perimeter. Take a regular sheet of A4 paper. Clamp it with the refrigerator door in different places: top, bottom, middle, corners.
If the paper is removed with noticeable force and breaks, the seal is good. If the sheet falls out on its own or comes out too easily, it means that the door is not sealing in that area. In this case, you will need to repeat adjusting the hinges. Sometimes heating the seal with a hairdryer (at a low temperature) helps to restore elasticity to the rubber.
Also check the operation of the door opening sensor (if your modification has one Biryusa 120). When opening, a light should come on or a signal should sound. If the sensor does not work, it is possible that the wire was pinched when re-hanging or the sensor mechanism itself was displaced.
What to do if the door does not close all the way?
A common reason is overturned shelves or products that interfere with closing. Also check that the refrigerator is not resting against a wall or furniture. If the hinges are in the way, you can loosen them a little and place a washer to change the angle of inclination.
Typical mistakes and expert advice
When doing independent repairs, mistakes are often made that nullify all efforts. One of the most common is the loss or confusion of fasteners. The bolts from the top and bottom hinges may differ in thread length and diameter. Using the wrong bolt can result in it going through or, conversely, not reaching the threads.
Another mistake is ignoring the floor level. If the refrigerator is crooked, then the doors will be skewed, no matter how much you adjust the hinges. Before starting work, use a building level and twist-out legs to align the body strictly horizontally.
- ❌ Do not lubricate the hinges with oil or grease - dust will stick to them and the mechanism will jam.
- ❌ Do not leave the refrigerator open for a long time unless necessary, so as not to damage the seal.
- ✅ After installation, let the refrigerator stand for 2-3 hours before turning it on if you tilted it too much during operation.
Following these simple rules will allow you to successfully change the opening direction of your doors Biryusa 120. Proper re-hanging will extend the life of the unit and make it more convenient to use. Remember that accuracy and consistency of actions are the key to quality repairs.
Is it necessary to drain the freon before hanging the doors?
No, it is absolutely not necessary and impossible to drain the refrigerant (freon). The process of re-hanging the doors affects only the mechanical elements of the body and does not affect the sealed circuit of the cooling system. Interfering with the pipeline system without special equipment will lead to damage to the refrigerator.
What to do if the holes for the hinges do not match?
In the factory design Biryusa 120 the holes for hanging are already provided and located symmetrically. If you can't see the holes on the other side, check to see if they are covered with decorative plugs. You cannot drill new holes yourself - this will ruin the thermal insulation and aesthetics.
Is it possible to hang the door by one person?
Technically this is possible, but it is highly not recommended. Refrigerator doors are heavy and bulky. Without an assistant, there is a high risk of dropping the door, damaging the floor, hinges, or getting injured. It’s better to ask someone to simply back up and hold the structure during removal or installation.
Why did a gap appear at the top after rehanging?
The gap at the top most often occurs due to incorrect adjustment of the top hinge or wear of the bushing. Try loosening the top hinge and pressing it more tightly to the body. If the gap remains, the door body itself may be deformed or the hinge mechanism needs to be replaced.