Changing the kitchen layout or simply the desire to optimize space often poses a difficult task for owners of household appliances: how to change the opening direction of the refrigerator door. For brand models Beko this procedure is standard and provided for by design, but requires care and adherence to the sequence of actions. Improper reinstallation can lead to a loose seal, distortion of the sash, or even damage to the plastic elements of the body.
Before starting work, you must clearly understand that you will be dealing with a heavy and fragile unit. Reversing doors is a process that is technically simple, but requires physical strength and a basic set of tools. Unlike Soviet models, modern refrigerators Beko have a complex system of hinges, hidden fasteners and, in some cases, integrated electronic displays that require caution during dismantling.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions that is relevant for most popular series, including RCNK, RDNE i CNE. You will learn what tools you will need, how to properly remove old hinges, rearrange the handles and adjust the closing mechanism.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
The success of the operation half depends on proper preparation. You don't need specialized equipment, but missing even one key tool can turn a simple process into an hours-long struggle with stuck screws. The main working tool will be hex wrench, most often 4 mm or 5 mm in size, which sometimes comes with the refrigerator, but it is better to prepare your own set.
In addition to the keys, you will definitely need a flat-head and Phillips screwdrivers. A flat-head screwdriver is needed to carefully pry up decorative plugs and plastic covers that hide fasteners. A cross is required to dismantle handles and some types of hinges. It would also be a good idea to have a soft cloth or cardboard on hand so as not to scratch the floor or the unit itself when installing it in a new position.
- 🛠️ A set of hex keys (the main tool for hinges).
- 🪛 Screwdrivers: flat (blade width 3-5 mm) and Phillips (PH2).
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
- 📏 A level or ruler to check the symmetry of the installation.
A critical step is to clear the space around the refrigerator. You need access to the unit from all sides, including the top, where the top hinges are often located. Clear the refrigerator shelves of food to reduce the overall weight and prevent the contents from falling when the case is tilted. Be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the electrical outlet before starting any work on mechanical components.
Dismantling the top hinge and removing the door
The process begins from the top of the unit. In most models Beko the upper hinge is load-bearing and secures the door in a vertical position. First you need to remove the decorative hinge cover, if there is one. It is usually held on by latches or a small screw that needs to be unscrewed counterclockwise.
After removing the cover, you will see the mounting bolts. They must be loosened, but not completely unscrewed until the door is secured. Refrigerator door heavy, and when the bolts are fully unscrewed, it may fall, damaging the bottom corner or the floor. It is best to perform this operation with an assistant who will hold the door.
⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator is equipped with an electronic display on the door, before completely removing the top hinge, you must carefully disconnect the cable cable going from the case to the control panel. Do not pull the wires sharply!
When the upper hinge bolts are unscrewed, carefully lift the door, removing it from the lower support axis. Place the removed door, outer side down, on a previously prepared soft surface (such as a folded blanket or cardboard). Now you can completely dismantle the top hinge from the refrigerator body by unscrewing the remaining fasteners.
Rearranging the handle and plugs to the opposite side
The most visually noticeable stage is moving the handle. On models Beko handles are often attached to screws, access to which can be obtained after removing decorative trims or directly through holes in the handle itself. Use an appropriate screwdriver (most often a Phillips or hexagon) to unscrew the fasteners.
After removing the handle on one side, holes will remain in the vacant space. The delivery set usually includes plastic plugs that cover these technical holes, maintaining an aesthetic appearance. Install the plugs on the old handle mounting location, lightly tapping them to secure them, if necessary.
- 🔓 Remove the handle by unscrewing the hidden mounting screws.
- 🕳️ Install the plastic plugs in the vacated holes.
- 🔩 Transfer the handle to the opposite side using the holes provided.
- 🔧 Tighten the fasteners tightly, but without excessive force so as not to strip the thread.
A similar procedure is carried out with the other door if you have a two-chamber refrigerator. It is important to ensure the installation is symmetrical. The handle should be positioned strictly parallel to the floor. If after installation the handle “walks” or dangles, check that all screws are tightened evenly. Sometimes it is necessary to adjust the position of the handle itself relative to the door leaf.
Mounting the lower support and installing the door
The lower part of the refrigerator Beko is designed so that the axis of rotation can be rearranged. To do this, you need to remove the plinth grille (if there is one) at the bottom of the front panel. Under it or on the side you will find the lower hinge or support sleeve.
Unscrew the fasteners of the lower hinge from the current side and move the hinge itself or support pin to the opposite side of the case. Some models use a universal sleeve that you simply need to turn over or rearrange into a symmetrical hole. Make sure that the axis is installed vertically and securely fixed.
| Knot type | Location | Action when overhanging | Tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Top of the case | Dismantling and rearrangement to the other side | Hexagon |
| Bottom support | Bottom of the case (under the plinth) | Repositioning axis of rotation | Screwdriver/Key |
| Door stop | Rear, in the hinge area | Repositioning into a symmetrical hole | Flat screwdriver |
| Decorative plugs | On the door leaf | Replacement (left to right) | Hands |
Now you can put the door in place. Carefully slide the bottom hole of the door hinge onto the installed support pin. While holding the sash in a vertical position, align the top holes with the mounting points on the body. Install the top hinge and tighten the mounting bolts.
☑️ Installation checklist
Adjusting the gaps and tightness
After installing the door in a new place, the need for adjustment often arises. The door may open by itself or, conversely, not close completely. This is due to the tilt of the refrigerator body. For correct operation, the mechanism must be slightly tilted back.
Adjustment is carried out using the front support legs. By rotating them clockwise, you lift the front of the refrigerator. This creates the necessary slope, due to which the door tends to close under the influence of gravity. Use adjusting screws or rotate the legs themselves if they have threads.
Check the tightness of the seal around the entire perimeter. The door should close with a characteristic bang, but without excessive force. If you notice a gap at the top or bottom, you may need to loosen the hinges and move the door slightly to the left or right before retightening the bolts.
⚠️ Warning: Do not leave the refrigerator unadjusted if the door does not fit snugly. This will lead to constant operation of the compressor, the formation of ice and increased energy consumption.
What to do if the door touches the housing?
If the door touches the housing when opening, check whether the opening limiters are installed correctly at the rear. Sometimes it is necessary to remove the back plastic panel and move the locking tab into a symmetrical hole on the other side.
Features of models with the No Frost system and display
Owners of refrigerators Beko with technology No Frost should be especially careful when working with the top part. In such models, the wiring harness that powers the fan, evaporator heating element or lighting lamp often passes through the top loop. If you remove it carelessly, you can damage the insulation or contacts.
If your model has a display, the algorithm becomes more complicated. After removing the top hinge, you need to very carefully unclip the control panel (sometimes it is secured with latches around the perimeter). Disconnect the wire connector, pass it through a new hole in the case (if the design allows for transfer) or carefully lay the cable so that it does not get pinched when closing the door.
- ❄️ In No Frost models, ensure the integrity of the heater wires.
- 💡 The lighting lamp is often powered through the top loop.
- 📱 The display requires careful disconnection of the cable before removing the door.
- 🔌 Do not allow tension on the wires after assembly.
Some modern series Beko use a system Easy Fit or similar, allowing you to change the opening direction without completely removing the doors, by turning the mechanism inside the hinge. Carefully study the instructions for your specific model, since there is no universal solution for all years of manufacture.
Frequent errors and troubleshooting
One of the common mistakes is ignoring the floor level. If the floor is uneven, the refrigerator may wobble even after adjusting the legs. In this case, you can place a thin plastic spacer under one of the rear supports, but it is better to use adjustable supports if they are provided for in the design.
Another problem is overtightened screws. Excessive tightening force may deform the metal hinge or strip the threads in the plastic housing. Tighten the fasteners all the way, but without fanaticism. If the screw turns too easily, the thread may be broken, and the fastening element will need to be replaced with a longer one or the hole will need to be repaired.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not close completely?
Check whether the contents of the shelves on the door itself (eggs, bottles) are in the way. If there are no obstacles, increase the height of the front legs of the refrigerator to increase the rearward tilt of the cabinet. Also check if the seal in the corner is twisted.
Is it possible to re-hang the door yourself if the refrigerator is under warranty?
Formally, re-hanging the door yourself is not a complex repair and often does not void the warranty unless you damage the components. However, if in the process you break the seals on the compressor adjusting screws or damage the wiring, the warranty case may not be recognized. Be careful.
Do you need to wait after turning on the refrigerator?
After transportation and installation in a new place, before connecting to the network, the refrigerator must stand upright for at least 2-4 hours. This is necessary so that the oil in the compressor flows into the crankcase, otherwise failure may occur during startup.
The final stage should always be a check of operation. Turn on the refrigerator, let it reach the temperature and check how cold it stays. If after several hours of operation no excess condensation has formed inside, and the door closes easily and tightly, you have completed the task successfully.