Changing the side of door opening refrigerator is one of the most common tasks when moving or remodeling a kitchen. Equipment owners Bosch often face the need to adapt the device to a new layout, where a doorway or furniture set requires a different direction of the sash. Fortunately, the design of most models of the German brand initially provides for this possibility, which makes the procedure accessible even to beginners.
However, before you grab the tools, you need to clearly understand what type of loops you are dealing with. Modern models often use hidden mechanisms that require careful dismantling of decorative panels, while in classic series the hinges can be visible and more massive. An incorrect sequence of actions can lead to damage facade part or failure of the seal.
This manual is designed to minimize risks and help you complete the job efficiently. We will analyze the preparation of the workplace, the necessary tools and a step-by-step algorithm of actions for various series of refrigerators Bosch. Carefully studying the instructions will help you avoid common mistakes, such as warping the door or losing fasteners.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
The success of the operation directly depends on the quality of preparation. You don't need complex industrial equipment, but the set should be complete. The main tool will be hex key, usually included in the package, or a set of star keys (Torx), if you have a newer model with countersunk screws.
In addition, additional materials will be required to fix the position of the case and protect the floor covering. The heavy body of the refrigerator can scratch laminate or linoleum if it is simply dragged to a new location. It is also important to ensure good lighting of the work area in order to see small fastener parts.
It is recommended to prepare the following set in advance:
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) for dismantling panels.
- 📐 Hex keys (metric sizes 4, 5 mm).
- 🧤 Construction gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧱 Footrests or thick cardboard to protect the floor.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This is critically important, as tilting or removing the doors may damage the wiring going to the display or backlight.
Free up space around the unit. You will need access from all sides, as it is sometimes necessary to tilt the frame slightly to align the doors after re-hanging. Remove all products and removable shelves to reduce the weight of the structure and prevent objects from falling.
Design features of hinges of different Bosch models
Equipment Bosch is divided into several series, and the door fastening mechanism in them may differ. In classic models with a top freezer, the hinges are usually located at the top and bottom, and reversing requires rearranging both units. In models NoFrost with a “two-chamber” system, a complex system of rods and levers is often added.
Refrigerators with a display on the door deserve special attention. In such cases, a wiring harness passes through the top loop, which cannot simply be transferred to the other side without special extensions or re-soldering. If your model has a screen built into the facade, check the technical data sheet: there may be an overhang for your specific modification not provided by the manufacturer.
How to find out if the door can be overhanged?
Look at the bottom of the refrigerator. If there are holes for legs and fasteners on both sides, and the kit included a plug for the hinges, an overweight is possible. Also, this information is always available in the “Installation” section of the user manual.
Modern series, such as VitaFresh or PerfectFit, may have integrated handles and hidden installation. It is important here not to confuse the height adjustment screws with the main fasteners. An error can lead to the door no longer fitting tightly and the tightness will be broken.
Below is a table of compatibility of hinge types and necessary actions for different series:
| Refrigerator series | Hinge type | Availability wires | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| KGN (NoFrost) | Hidden upper/lower | Often present (lamp/display) | Average |
| KGV (Old models) | Open external | No | Low |
| BCH (Embedded) | Sliding/integrated | Depends on the facade | High |
| KIS (Compact) | Upper with closer | Rarely | Medium |
Understanding the type of your design will allow you to avoid unnecessary actions. For example, in some models, the lower hinge is a non-removable axis, and you only need to move it into a symmetrical hole, and in others, you need to completely dismantle the entire assembly.
Dismantling the upper part and removing the door
The process begins from the top of the refrigerator. First you need to remove the decorative cover of the top hinge. It can be held on by latches or small screws. Proceed with caution, the plastic on older models can be brittle.
After removing the cover, access to the mounting bolts will open. Do not unscrew them completely at once. First, loosen the fastening by holding the door with your other hand so that it does not fall on your feet. The weight of the door can reach 15-20 kg, and it will be difficult to hold it with one hand.
☑️ Dismantling the top hinge
If there are wires in the upper loop (for a light bulb or display), carefully disconnect the connectors. Remember or take a photo of the connection order so that you don’t mix up the contacts during assembly. The wires should be threaded into a new hole or left in stock if the design allows.
Having removed the top door (freezer), move on to the bottom. Here the procedure is similar: remove the hinge cover, loosen the bolts, remove the door. It is important not to lose the washers and bushings that can be installed between the hinge metal and the refrigerator body.
Rehanging the handles and rearranging the fittings
Now that the doors have been removed, you need to prepare them for installation on the new side. First of all, this concerns the handles. On most models Bosch the handles are symmetrical or have separate holes for mounting on both sides. If the handle is solid and asymmetrical, you may need to purchase a universal kit or leave it as is if the design allows it.
Pay attention to the screw holes. They are often closed with plastic plugs. Carefully remove the plugs from the new side of the installation and cover the vacated holes on the old side with them. This will preserve the aesthetic appearance of the unit.
⚠️ Attention: When rearranging the handles, pay attention to the length of the screws. Using fasteners that are too long can cause the tip to rest against the plastic of the facade and split it when tightened.
Also check the condition of the magnetic seal. While the door is removed, it is convenient to wash it with warm water and a mild detergent. Dirt on the seal reduces the tightness and causes the compressor to work harder.
Don't forget about the stops. A rubber or plastic stop should be installed on the side where the door will open. Move it into the corresponding hole on the opposite end of the refrigerator body.
Installing the doors to the new side
Assembly begins with the bottom door. Install the bottom hinge into the new housing location. Insert the hinge pin into the hole in the bottom bushing on the door and align the structure. Now you can tighten the mounting bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet.
Then we move to the upper door. Align the holes on the top hinge with the holes on the body. If you have a model with wires, carefully pass them through the channels, being careful not to pinch them. Connect the connectors according to the photos taken earlier.
The key point is position adjustment. The doors should hang evenly, without distortions, and the gaps between them and the body should be the same along the entire length. Use adjusting screws on the hinges to set the ideal position.
After fixing, check the operation of the closers (if any) and the tightness of the seal. The door should close on its own when opened approximately 30-40 degrees. If the door falls or, conversely, does not reach the end, the height of the refrigerator legs must be re-adjusted.
In some cases, it may be necessary to turn the trays and shelves inside if they have an asymmetrical shape or limiters. Remove the glass shelves, turn them over (if the design allows) or move the sausage and bottle stops to the opposite side.
Adjustment and final check
The final stage is checking the geometry. Take a building level and check the position of the refrigerator. It must stand strictly vertically. If the floor is uneven, tighten the front legs. Often, in order to properly close the door, the refrigerator needs a small obstruction back.
Check the operation of the lock (if there is one) and control buttons. Make sure that when you close the door, the lights inside go out and the compressor starts normally. Leave the refrigerator turned off for 2-3 hours before plugging it in if you tilted it too much during operation.
Here is a list of actions for the final check:
- ✅ Check the tightness of the seal around the entire perimeter.
- ✅ Test for self-closing of the door.
- ✅ Checking the absence of creaks and extraneous sounds.
- ✅ Monitoring the operation of electronics and backlighting.
⚠️ Attention: The design of the hinges and the presence of hidden mechanisms may vary depending on the year of manufacture. Always check the official diagram in the instructions for your specific model Boschas the manufacturer may make changes without notice.
If all steps are completed successfully, you can download the products. A correctly hung door will extend the service life of the seal and ensure proper distribution of the load on the body.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to rehang the door if there is a display on it?
In most cases, no, or it requires complex re-soldering. The wires in such models are often not long enough to be transferred to the other side. It is necessary to purchase a special cable extension or tamper with the electrical circuit, which may void the warranty.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not hold and opens on its own?
Most likely, the angle of the refrigerator is broken. Try unscrewing the front leveling feet so that the body tilts slightly backwards. Also check if the seal is twisted during installation.
Do I need to change the opening side of the freezer if I change the side of the main chamber?
Yes, in two-chamber refrigerators Bosch the doors are usually changed in pairs so that the handles and overall appearance remain symmetrical, as well as to maintain ergonomics. The mechanism of the lower hinge often depends on the position of the upper one.
Where can I get new plugs for the holes if the old ones are lost?
The plugs can be ordered at an authorized service center Bosch by the catalog number of the spare part. You can temporarily use decorative screws of a suitable color if the holes do not interfere with operation.