Changing the layout of the kitchen or simply wanting to improve the ergonomics of the space often confronts owners of household appliances with the need to change the direction of opening the doors. For owners of South Korean equipment, this is not an insoluble problem, since the design of most models provides for this possibility. Carrying out this procedure yourself allows you to save time waiting for a specialist and money for service.
Before starting active actions, you must clearly understand that the process requires accuracy and adherence to the sequence of steps. Improper dismantling can lead to damage to decorative panels or disruption of the geometry of the sash. In this article, we will analyze in detail how to rehang the door of a Samsung refrigerator, taking into account the nuances of different model ranges.
It is important to understand that not all modifications are equipped with universal fasteners. Some budget or specific models may have design limitations. Therefore, the first step is always to study the technical documentation or visually inspect the end parts of the case for the presence of hidden plugs for hinges. Side-by-Side may have design limitations. Therefore, the first step is always to study the technical documentation or visually inspect the end parts of the housing for the presence of hidden plugs for hinges.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
Quality preparation of the work site is half the success of the entire operation. You will need free space in front of the refrigerator to allow access from all sides. It is better to cover the floor with a soft material, such as a blanket or cardboard, to avoid scratches on the case in case of unexpected parts falling.
A basic set of tools usually includes a Phillips screwdriver, wrenches (size 8, 10 or 13 mm is often required) and pliers. For some models Digital Inverter you may need a hex key, which is sometimes included with the equipment. It would also be a good idea to have a spatula on hand to carefully remove the plastic plugs.
Be sure to enlist the help of a second person. The doors of modern refrigerators, especially models with displays Family Hub or system Twin Coolinghave significant weight. Holding a heavy sash with one hand and simultaneously unscrewing the bolts is extremely difficult and dangerous.
- 🛠️ Set of wrenches and heads of different diameters
- 🪛 Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers (preferably with a magnetic tip)
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp edges
- 📦 Container for folding small fasteners
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This will protect you from electric shock and prevent accidental activation of the compressor while manipulating the wiring.
Prepare all the tools in advance so as not to be distracted by searching for them during work. The absence of the necessary key at a critical moment can lead to the fact that you leave the door hanging, which will create an extra load on the hinges.
Dismantling the upper part and removing the door
The process begins with the upper hinge, since it is this that holds the main weight of the sash. First of all, you need to remove the decorative cover that covers the fastening mechanism. It can be attached to latches or a small screw that needs to be unscrewed.
After removing the cover, you will have access to the bolts securing the top hinge. Do not unscrew them completely immediately. First, loosen the fasteners to make sure your assistant is holding the door securely. Then carefully unscrew the bolts and remove the hinge itself along with the axle.
Now you can remove the door. Gently lift it to remove the axle from the lower socket and set it aside in a safe place. If a display or control button is installed on the door, be extremely careful with the wires running inside the hinge.
☑️ Dismantling plan
At this stage it is important not to lose washers and bushings that may be on the hinge axis. Their location must be remembered or photographed, since when reinstalled they must fall into place to ensure smooth operation.
Working with electrical connections and loops
If your model is equipped with an electronic display on the door, the next step is to disconnect the loop. The connectors can be different: some simply pull out, others have locking latches that need to be pressed out with your fingers or a thin screwdriver.
Pull the wires through the access hole in the housing. In some models Samsung the cable can be laid inside the hollow axis of the loop. In this case, it must be carefully pulled up, without using excessive force, so as not to damage the wires.
What to do if the connector does not disconnect?
Do not use force. Carefully inspect the connection - often there is a plastic tab that needs to be lifted up or to the side. Forced pulling will lead to broken contacts.
Now let's move on to the bottom. Remove the plinth grille at the bottom of the refrigerator, if there is one. The lower support loop is hidden under it. Unscrew the mounting bolts and remove the hinge. Often, the bushing on which the door rested is also removed along with it.
The key point is to rearrange the elements to the opposite side. The bolts, plugs and hinges themselves are symmetrical, but require correct orientation. In models with the No Frost system, it is important not to confuse the installation side, as this may break the tightness of the circuit.
- 🔌 Carefully disconnect the wire connectors without pulling the cables themselves
- 🔩 Save all the washers and gaskets in a separate container
- 🧱 Remove the lower support hinge after dismantling the door
- 🔄 Rearrange the stoppers and plugs to new places according to the diagram
Check the condition of the sealing rubber. While the door is removed, there is an excellent opportunity to clean it of dirt and check the integrity of the magnetic layer. This will ensure a better fit after installation.
Installing the door on a new side
Installation begins with installing the lower support hinge in a new place. Insert the axle into the prepared socket and securely fasten with bolts. Make sure that the hinge sits smoothly and has no play, as the tightness of the closure depends on this.
Then install the door on the lower axis. You will again need a helper to guide the top hole of the hinge straight into the mate. Make sure that the wires, if any, are not pinched or strained.
Install the top loop on the new side. Insert the bolts and tighten them, but do not apply maximum torque yet. The door should open and close freely, but at the same time fit snugly to the body when closed.
| Stage | Action | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Installing the bottom hinge | Secure bolts all the way |
| 2 | Door installation | Check the position of the wires |
| 3 | Attaching the top hinge | Tighten after checking the progress |
| 4 | Electrical connection | Check until the latch clicks |
After mechanical installation, deal with the wires. Route the display cable through the channel in the housing and connect the connectors. Make sure the connection is secure and the wires do not interfere with the movement of the mechanisms.
Adjusting the position and eliminating distortions
After installation, the door may hang unevenly or not fit tightly. This is normal and requires adjustment. Most models Samsung have adjusting screws on the bottom hinge that allow you to change the height of the corner.
If the door is skewed diagonally, you need to loosen the fastening of the bottom hinge and, by raising or lowering the desired angle, achieve a straight joint line. It is better to check using a building level attached to the end.
⚠️ Attention: Do not overtighten the adjusting bolts. This may cause distortion of the threads or damage to the plastic bushings inside the hinge.
Check the operation of the closers and magnets. The door should close on its own when opened approximately 30-40 degrees. If this does not happen, the refrigerator may not be level. Adjust the front support legs by twisting or unscrewing them.
Make sure there are no gaps between the housing and the seal. Do a test with a piece of paper: press it around the perimeter of a closed door. If the paper comes out too easily, additional tightening of the hinges or replacement of the seal is required.
Features of models with a display and the Family Hub system
Refrigerators with large touch screens require a special approach. The cables in such models are more complex and sensitive to kinks. When moving wires through the case, use soft plastic guides, if provided by the design.
In models Family Hub cables can go not only to the display, but also to internal cameras or sensors. Before removing the door, it is strongly recommended to take a photograph of the connector connection diagram, since there may be several of them, and they are similar.
After connecting, check the operation of the screen. If it does not light up, check the tightness of the connectors. Sometimes it takes a few seconds after turning on the network for the system to carry out self-diagnosis.
If you doubt your abilities when working with complex electronics, it is better to contact an authorized center. Damage to the display cable is an expensive malfunction that is difficult to fix at home.
Frequent errors and operating tips
One of the common mistakes is the loss of plugs. When you rearrange the hinges, holes remain on the free side. They must be closed with special plastic plugs, which are included in the kit or are already installed on the back side.
Another mistake is ignoring cleaning the hinges. Over the years of operation, dust and old grease accumulate in the mechanisms. Wash the removed metal parts with solvent and re-lubricate before installation.
- ❌ Do not leave the door open for a long time without support
- ❌ Do not use harsh chemicals to clean the plastic parts of the hinges
- ❌ Do not ignore the gaps between the door and body
⚠️ Attention: The design of the hinges and the location of the holes may vary slightly depending on the year of manufacture and the specific series of the refrigerator. Always check the visual inspection of your model.
After completing work, let the refrigerator stand turned off for about 30 minutes, especially if you tilted the unit much during work. This is necessary to stabilize the oil in the compressor.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before hanging the door?
Complete defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, if there is a lot of ice in the freezer, it is better to defrost the unit in advance. This will lighten the weight of the door and prevent water from getting on the electrical contacts when tilted.
Is it possible to hang the door alone?
It is technically possible if you use special suction cup holders or stands under the door. However, the risk of dropping a heavy door and damaging the floor or the refrigerator itself is very high. Working together is the safest option.
What to do if there is extra wire left after installation?
In some models, the length of the cable is calculated with a margin. The excess wire must be carefully laid in the free space inside the case or in a special channel, avoiding kinks and pinching by mechanisms.
Why does the door not close tightly after rehanging?
Most likely, the installation geometry is broken. Check that the refrigerator is level on the floor and adjust the height of the legs. Also make sure that the top loop is tightened evenly and does not create distortion.
Where can I get plugs for the holes if they are lost?
Plugs usually come with a new refrigerator, often already installed on the “unnecessary” side. If they are lost, you can order them at the service center or select universal analogues of a suitable diameter in hardware stores.