The need to change the direction of opening the refrigerator doors Bosch often arises when moving to a new kitchen or after remodeling the space. The standard factory configuration may not fit into the ergonomics of your space, forcing you to bypass the unit or stretch across the entire kitchen. Fortunately, the design of most two-chamber models of the German brand provides the ability to independently reinstall the hinge.
This process requires accuracy and a basic set of tools, but is not a very complex engineering task. Rehanging doors allows you to optimize access to products and avoid collisions with furniture. The main thing is to strictly follow the sequence of actions so as not to damage the seals or hinges.
In this article we will analyze all the nuances of working with mechanisms Bosch, including the features of dismantling the top cover and adjusting the gaps. You will learn how to properly prepare the equipment and what precautions must be taken to maintain the warranty and functionality of the unit.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
Before starting any manipulations with the refrigerator body, it is necessary to ensure safe working conditions. It is best to carry out the procedure together, since the removed doors of a two-chamber refrigerator have significant weight and dimensions. Working alone increases the risk of dropping a heavy element and damaging the floor or the unit itself.
Free up space in front of the refrigerator so that you can freely walk around it on all sides. Cover the floor with a soft material, such as a blanket or cardboard, where you will temporarily place the removed parts. This will prevent scratches on the decorative panels.
To complete the task you will need the following set of tools:
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) of different sizes.
- 🔩 8 mm and 10 mm wrenches or sockets (often required for loops Bosch).
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧊 Spatula or plastic spatula for working with seals.
- 📏 Level for checking the horizontal installation after completion of work.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the electrical outlet! Removing the plug from the outlet is a critical safety step to prevent electric shock if you accidentally damage the wiring in the doors.
Make sure that you have free space next to the refrigerator for temporary storage of removed items, it is better to put them in a separate container. they were not lost during the dismantling process.
Removing the top cover and preparing to remove the doors
The first stage of work is to remove the top cover of the refrigerator, if it structurally blocks access to the top hinges. In most models, Bosch the cover is secured with plastic latches and screws. decorative plugs, if present.
Use a Phillips screwdriver to unscrew the fasteners. Do not use excessive force so as not to strip the threads or break the plastic fasteners. After removing all the screws, the cover should easily lift up.
Next, you need to release the door shelves. This will significantly reduce the weight of the structure and reduce the risk of damage to the glass shelves. plastic sides in case of careless movement. Remove all products and removable elements from the door niches.
If your model has an electronic control panel on the door, you must first disconnect the cable connectors. Usually they are located under the top cover or in a special hinge compartment. Gently press the connector latches and pull them out.
⚠️ Attention: When working with electronics, do not apply force to the wires. Pull out the connectors strictly by the plastic part of the connector, holding its edges with your fingers so as not to damage the contacts.
Check if anything else is preventing the free movement of the doors. Make sure that the refrigerator is stable and does not wobble with light pressure.
Step-by-step instructions for removal refrigerator doors
The process of removing doors on two-chamber refrigerators Bosch usually begins with the top door (freezer or refrigerator compartment, depending on the layout). First, loosen, but do not completely unscrew the screws of the top hinge.
Ask an assistant to hold the door while you finally unscrew the top hinge. hinges. After this, carefully lift the door, removing it from the lower bushing. Place the door in a safe place on the prepared surface.
Repeat similar steps for the lower door. If there is a middle hinge between the chambers, it must also be removed, pay attention to the presence of locking pins or bushings that may fall out.
For. For clarity, let's look at the sequence of actions in the form of a checklist that will help you not go astray:
☑️ Algorithm for removing doors
It is important to remember the location of all washers and bushings, their shape and size may differ, and mixing up these elements during assembly will lead to incorrect operation of the mechanism. closing.
Rearranging the hinges and fittings to the opposite side
After successful dismantling of all elements, the stage of reinstalling the fittings begins. On the opposite side of the refrigerator body Bosch there are usually technological holes closed with plastic plugs. screw in the hinges.
Move the removed plugs to the free spaces on the working side to close the empty holes. This is necessary to preserve the aesthetic appearance and protect the internal cavity from dust. Be careful not to damage the plastic.
Now we will work on the doors themselves, from which you just removed the hinges, you also need to have holes for the fasteners. rearrange the handle (if it is not through) and screw the mating parts of the hinges or pins to the other side of the end.
Often it is necessary to rearrange the locking pin in the door itself. To do this, you may need to remove the inner panel of the door or knock out the pin from the reverse side.
B. The table below shows the main types of fasteners found in models Bosch:
| Model type | Hinge location | Fastening features | Tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classixx series | Hidden on top | Requires cover removal | Phillips screwdriver |
| Vita series | Open hinges | Decorative caps | 8 mm key |
| NoFrost | Combined | Complex bushing system | Set of heads |
| Side-by-Side | Reinforced hinges | Heavy doors, you need an assistant | 10 mm key |
Make sure that all threaded connections are clean and free of damage. If you find rust on the screws, it is better to replace them with new ones of the same size and strength class.
Installing doors on the screws. new side and adjustment
Installing the doors on the new side is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. First, install the lower door, putting it on the lower hinge. Make sure that the axis is exactly in the center of the bushing.
Then secure the middle hinge (if it is in your model) and install the upper door Only after both doors are installed. into place, you can finally tighten the hinge fixing screws.
At this stage, it is critical to check the horizontal installation of the refrigerator itself. Use a building level. If the floor is uneven, adjust the height of the refrigerator's support legs. Bosch rotating them clockwise or counterclockwise.
Correct adjustment of the tilt of the body ensures gravity closing of the doors. The refrigerator should be slightly tilted back (the top part is further from the wall than the bottom) so that gravity helps close the doors tightly.
After fixing the hinges, check the tightness of the seals around the entire perimeter. The gaps should be uniform. If you notice a misalignment, loosen the hinge screws and slightly adjust the position of the door, then tighten again.
Checking the work and eliminating possible problems
The final stage is testing the work performed. Open and close both doors several times. The move should be smooth, without squeaks or jamming. The doors must close tightly, ensuring the chamber is sealed.
Pay attention to the operation of the magnetic latches. If the door slams too hard or, conversely, does not fully magnetize, the position of the strike plate or the hinge itself may need to be adjusted.
Plug in the refrigerator. After a few hours, check to see if ice appears at the door joints. The appearance of frost indicates a loose fit of the seal, which requires re-adjustment.
Often after rehanging, users are faced with the fact that the door begins to open by itself. This is a sure sign that the balancing tilt of the body is broken. Return to adjusting the support legs.
⚠️ Attention: If after all the manipulations the door continues to warp or does not close well, check the condition of the seal itself. During prolonged use in one position, the rubber could become deformed, and simply re-hanging the hinges will not correct the situation.
It is also worth mentioning that in some modern models with a system Home Connect or complex electronics, you may need to reset errors or calibrate the door position sensors through the control menu.
What to do if you get lost instructions?
If the paper instructions are lost, find the exact model of the refrigerator on the sticker inside the chamber (usually on the left or right). Enter the query "Bosch [model] manual" in a search engine - official PDF files are often available on the manufacturer's website.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to rehang the doors yourself without losing the warranty?
In most cases, re-hanging the doors yourself, as provided for by the design, is not voids the warranty unless you damage the unit components. However, if hinges, plastic or electronics are broken during the process, the service center may refuse free repairs. Keep all removed parts.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging?
Yes, this is highly recommended. Complete defrosting will make the unit lighter, prevent water leakage when changing the tilt, and allow you to safely work with electrical wiring if it passes through the door.
Why did the Bosch refrigerator door begin to close worse after rehanging?
The most likely reason is incorrect adjustment of the tilt of the body. Make sure the front legs are turned out more than the back legs, creating a backward slope. Also check if the door is touching objects on the shelves or the body itself.
What to do if the holes for the hinges on the new side do not fit?
Make sure that you remove all the plastic plugs and use exactly the holes that are intended for hanging. Some models require rearrangement of the internal bushings in the door body. If there are no holes physically, it means that the model does not support overhanging (although Bosch this is rare).