The need to change the opening direction of the door in the refrigerator Biryusa often arises when remodeling the kitchen or changing the arrangement of furniture. The design of these units, produced by the Krasnoyarsk plant, traditionally provides for the possibility of re-mounting, which makes them convenient for operation in various conditions. However, this process requires accuracy, the presence of a certain set of tools and an understanding of the structure of hinge groups.
Unlike some foreign analogues, where the mechanism can be hidden by complex decorative panels, in domestic models access to fasteners is often more direct. However, it is important to strictly follow the algorithm of actions so as not to damage sealing rubber or disrupt the opening geometry. In this article we will analyze all the nuances of the procedure for various series of equipment.
It is worth immediately noting that before starting any manipulations it is necessary to empty the chambers of products and disconnect the device from the power supply. Working with metal parts and tools near electrical components requires basic safety precautions. It is also recommended to remove all shelves and drawers to reduce the overall weight of the structure and avoid broken glass or plastic.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tools
The success of the operation is 80% dependent on proper preparation. You will need a stable surface to work on, good lighting and easy access to the unit from all sides. Do not try to re-hang in a tight corner of the kitchen - this will damage the walls or the appliance itself. It is optimal to move the refrigerator to the center of the room or into a spacious corridor.
As for tools, a basic set for a home craftsman is usually ideal. However, there are nuances with the type of fasteners: in different years of production Biryusa I used different bolts. Somewhere you need a Phillips screwdriver, and somewhere a hexagon. Check the screw heads on your device in advance.
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flathead of different sizes) for removing the plugs.
- 🔩 Hex keys (usually 4, 5 or 6 mm) for hinges bolts.
- 🔨 Pliers or pliers for removing the locking pins (if the design is old).
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator is a two-chamber one and is under warranty, make sure that removing seals from the adjusting screws will not lead to a refusal of service. In some cases, the manufacturer allows re-hanging, but requires the preservation of all dismantled parts.
Pay special attention to organizing the space under your feet. Metal bolts and washers tend to roll into the most inaccessible places. Prepare a magnetic tray or small container where you will put all the fasteners immediately after unscrewing. This will save you a lot of time and nerves during reassembly.
Removing the top hinge and door handle
The process always starts from the top. First you need to remove the top decorative panel or plug that hides the top hinge fasteners. In models Turk with a top-mounted freezer, this is a critical step, since it is the top hinge that supports the weight of the main door.
Carefully pry off the plastic cover with a flat-head screwdriver. Proceed without fanaticism: the plastic on older models can be fragile and brittle over time. If the cover is held on by screws, unscrew them counterclockwise. You will have access to fastening bolts hinges.
At this stage, the question of the door handle often arises. On many models the handle is part of the structure, but on some series it needs to be removed or rearranged. If the handle is removable, look for hidden screws under the decorative caps on the ends or bottom. After unscrewing them, remove the handle so that it does not interfere with working with the hinges.
After removing the handle (if required by the model), proceed to the main hinge. Unscrew the bolts, but do not remove them completely at once - leave them for a couple of turns. This is necessary to check whether the metal has “stick” to it. If the bolt is tight, do not use excessive force, it is better to drop a little penetrating lubricant and wait 5-10 minutes.
Removing the door and rearranging the hinges
When the top hinge is freed from the fasteners, it must be removed. Depending on the model Biryusa, the hinge can be removed along with the axle or the axle remains in the door body. Remove the loop and set it aside. Now the freezer door (or main compartment) is free at the top and can be removed.
Lift the door strictly vertically upward to remove the lower axle from the bushing. This action is best performed by two people, since even an empty refrigerator door weighs noticeably. Place the removed door on a prepared soft surface (for example, on a spread blanket or cardboard) with the outer side down.
Now pay attention to the lower part. There is a lower hinge, which is often combined with a support sleeve. It also needs to be dismantled. In some models support sleeve it is simply removed, in others it is screwed to the body. Remember or photograph the position of all washers and spacers - their sequence is important for the correct height of the door.
☑️ Removal procedure
Next follows the most crucial moment - rearranging the elements on the opposite side. Find symmetrical holes at the end of the door and on the body of the refrigerator, closed with plastic plugs. Carefully remove the plugs from the working side and install them into the empty holes on the other side. This will preserve the aesthetic appearance of the unit.
Features of re-hanging for different Biryusa models
The model range of the Biryusa plant is extensive, and designs may differ. Classic models (series 6, 8, 10, 14) have fairly simple mechanics, where the hinges are attached directly to the body. There are usually no difficulties here; the main thing is not to confuse the top and bottom during installation.
Modern models with a system No Frost or electronic control may have nuances. For example, if you have a model with a display on the door, you will have to carefully disconnect the cable cable. In this case electrical cable you will also need to transfer it to the other side, passing through special channels in the case.
⚠️ Attention: When working with models that have electronic controls on the door, it is strictly forbidden to pull the wires with force. The contacts may come off, causing the control unit to malfunction. Proceed with extreme caution.
There are also models with a “zero zone” or other freezers, where the door may be double or have a complex sealing system. In such cases, it is recommended to check the specific product data sheet. There is no universal advice for all modifications, since engineers can change the design of hinges from year to year.
What to do if the holes do not match?
In rare cases, when replacing original hinges with non-original ones or when repairing after severe deformations, the holes may not match perfectly. Do not drill new holes in the housing! Try to slightly loosen the adjacent housing fasteners to give the metal minimal movement, or use repair bushings.
Pay attention to the condition of the hinges themselves. If wear, rust or scuffing is visible on the axles, it makes sense to replace them with new ones. Old, worn parts can cause the door to open by itself after rehanging or, conversely, not to fit well.
Adjusting the position of the door and eliminating distortions
After installing the door to a new location and tightening the bolts, the adjustment stage begins. The door may hang crookedly, fit loosely, or open spontaneously. This is normal and requires adjustment. The main tool here is level and patience.
Check the horizontal installation of the refrigerator itself. If the floor is uneven, the door will behave unpredictably. Use the adjustable support feet at the bottom of the cabinet to keep the unit level. Often, a slight tilt of the body back (1-2 degrees) helps the door close automatically.
Now we work with the hinges. Loosen the top hinge mounting bolts enough that the hinge can be moved slightly by hand but still supports the weight of the door. Move the loop left and right and back and forth, achieving an even gap around the entire perimeter. The gap between the door and the body must be the same at the top and bottom.
| Problem | Possible cause | Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| The door does not fit at the bottom | Targeted top hinges | Move the top hinge towards the gap |
| The door opens itself | Tilt the refrigerator forward | Unscrew the front legs or tilt the body back |
| Tight closes | The hinge is overtightened or the seal is dirty | Loosen the fastening, clean the rubber |
| A squeak is heard | Lack of lubrication in the hinges | Lubricate axles with lithium grease or graphite |
It is important not to overtighten the bolts right away. Tighten them gradually, diagonally, constantly checking the result. A sudden force can pull the door to the side again. After the final tightening, check the operation of the door several times - it should open smoothly, without jerking, and close tightly with a characteristic bang.
Tightness check and final tests
The final stage is checking the tightness. The efficiency of the compressor and energy consumption depend on the quality of the fit. If the door is skewed, the cold will escape, and ice will appear on the walls of the chamber. sealing collar depends on the efficiency of the compressor and energy consumption. If the door is warped, the cold will escape and ice will appear on the walls of the chamber.
There is a simple and reliable way to check using a sheet of paper. Open the door, apply the sheet to the seal and close the door. The sheet should be clamped around the entire perimeter. Pull the sheet along all sides - it should move with noticeable effort. If in some place the sheet is pulled out freely, it means there is a gap there.
If you find a loose fit, try warming the problem area of the seal with a hairdryer (not too hot air) and press the door tightly for a few minutes. The rubber should straighten out. If this does not help, you may need to adjust the position of the door on the hinges by another half a millimeter.
After a successful test, turn on the refrigerator. Let it work for 1-2 hours without loading food. Check whether condensation has appeared outside or inside. Make sure the light goes out when you close the door (have someone look inside or take a photo on your phone with the flash on and left inside).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to completely defrost the refrigerator before rehanging it?
Full defrosting is not strictly necessary a must if you work fast. However, if there is a lot of ice inside, it may spill out when the door is tilted. In addition, the warm rubber of the seal is more elastic, which makes installation easier. Therefore, at least partial defrosting is recommended.
Is it possible to hang the door for one person?
Technically it is possible if there is some kind of door (for example, only a small freezer). However, for two-chamber models Biryusa the help of a second person is strongly recommended. This is necessary to insure the door from falling and to simultaneously secure the body when tightening the bolts.
What to do if the plugs for the holes are lost?
If the plastic plugs are lost, the holes will look unaesthetic and dust may get into them. You can order a set of plugs from a service center, use furniture plugs of a suitable diameter, or carefully paint the holes in the color of the body (although this is less reliable).
Why did the door become worse to close after rehanging?
Most likely, the angle of inclination of the body is broken. Refrigerator doors are designed to close under the influence of gravity. Make sure the front legs are turned out more than the back legs, creating a backward tilt. Also check if there is anything inside (shelf, bag) preventing it from closing tightly.
Does re-hanging the door affect the warranty?
According to the law, the consumer has the right to service the equipment. However, if during the process of re-hanging yourself you break the threads, damage the plastic or cables, the service center may refuse to repair these specific components free of charge. Keep all removed parts.