Changing the kitchen layout or rearranging furniture often dictates new requirements for the location of household appliances. When standard door opening Bosch refrigerator becomes inconvenient or impossible in new conditions, the only logical solution is to hang the door on the opposite side. This procedure allows you to adapt the equipment to the individual needs of the user, without resorting to the services of paid specialists.
The process of re-hanging doors on German refrigerators Bosch is technically proven and does not require specialized engineering education. However, despite its apparent simplicity, the operation requires care, accuracy and strict adherence to the sequence of actions. Incorrect dismantling can lead to damage to the decorative panels or a violation of the seal.
In this article we will analyze in detail all stages of the work, paying special attention to the nuances of various series of equipment. You will learn how to properly prepare your workplace, what tools you will need, and what to pay attention to during final adjustments. Properly performed work will ensure a long service life of the hinges and an ideal fit of the sash.
Necessary tools and preparation of the work area
Before starting any manipulations with the body of the equipment, it is necessary to prepare the work space. Hanging the door is a process that requires free access from all sides of the unit, so it is best to move the refrigerator away from the wall at a distance not less than a meter. This will allow you to easily walk around the device and not damage the flooring or side walls.
To perform the work, you will need a basic DIY kit. In most cases, it is enough to have on hand a Phillips screwdriver, a flat wide spatula (or spatula) and a 10 or 13 mm wrench, depending on the fastener model. It is also extremely useful to enlist the help of a second person, since removing heavy doors alone can be dangerous.
Be sure to clear the door shelves of food and bottles to reduce the overall weight of the structure. This will minimize the load on the hinges when unscrewing them and will reduce the risk of the element falling. If the model provides the ability to fix the door in the open position, use it or prop the door with something soft.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! Remove the plug from the socket to eliminate the risk of a short circuit if the wiring or contacts are accidentally damaged during dismantling.
Cover the floor in front of the refrigerator with a soft material, such as a blanket or thick cardboard. You will place the removed parts on this surface. This will protect them from scratches, and the floor from possible damage from sharp edges of metal elements.
Removing the top panel and top hinge
The first stage of work is always removing the top cover of the refrigerator compartment. For most models Bosch it is secured with two screws at the front and sometimes has additional latches at the back. Carefully unscrew the visible screws, then slide the panel back or lift it up to release the hidden latches.
After removing the cover, the top hinge of the door will be revealed to your attention. It is she who holds the main weight of the sash. Before unscrewing the hinge bolts, you need to secure the door itself in a closed or slightly open position so that it does not fall on your feet when the fasteners are loosened.
Use a wrench or screwdriver to unscrew the bolts holding the hinge. Be careful not to strip the threads. If the bolts are soured, you can drop a little penetrating lubricant on them, but in new models this is rarely required.
- 🛠️ Tools: Phillips screwdriver, wrench (usually 10 mm), putty knife.
- 🤝 Help: Have an assistant to hold a door weighing more than 30 kg.
- 📦 Organization: Put all screws in a separate container so as not to lose them.
After unscrewing the bolts, carefully remove the top hinge. If there is an intermediate axle installed on it, it must also be removed. Now the upper part of the door is free, but the door itself is still supported by the lower hinge.
☑️ Preparation for dismantling
Removing the door and rearranging the lower hinge
Now that the upper support has been removed, you can begin dismantling the door itself. One person should firmly hold the sash by the handle and end, while the second person should unscrew the bolts of the lower hinge. In some models, the lower hinge is hidden under a decorative base, which must first be removed.
Carefully place the removed door on a prepared soft surface with the outer side down. Be careful with the seal: try not to pinch it or get it dirty. If there are plastic plugs for the holes on the inside of the door, you don’t need to touch them yet.
The next step is to rearrange the lower strike plate. It is usually attached to the opposite end of the housing. Unscrew the mounting screws on one side and transfer the bar to the other, using the holes pre-provided by the manufacturer. Make sure that the lower hinge pin is positioned exactly in the center of the hole, otherwise the door will be warped.
It is important to check the condition of the lower bushing or washer, which is often installed between the hinge and the body. If it shows signs of severe wear or deformation, it is better to replace it to avoid squeaks in the future. Spare bushings or plugs for holes are sometimes included with the refrigerator.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use excessive force when tightening the bottom hinge bolts. Excessive torque may cause a crack in the metal body or deformation of the threads, making further adjustment impossible.
Installing the door on a new side
Once the bottom support has been moved, you can install the door in a new location. Lift the sash and place it with the bottom hole on the pin of the installed hinge. Make sure the door is level and vertical. At this stage, the assistant must hold the structure firmly.
Now you need to install the top hinge on the new side. Insert it into the grooves of the body and into the hole at the end of the door. Align the mounting holes and begin tightening the bolts by hand to avoid stripping the threads. Tighten evenly, alternating the bolts diagonally.
If the refrigerator model is equipped with a system Door-on-Door (door in door), the process may be more complicated. In such cases, the outer sash is first removed, then the inner one, and the rearrangement is done for each separately. Carefully follow the order in which the parts are removed.
- 🔧 Fixation: First tighten all the bolts, and only then tighten them until they stop.
- 📏 Geometry: Make sure that the gaps between the door and the body are the same along the entire length.
- 🔄 Order: Lower hinge -> Door installation -> Upper hinge.
After installing the upper hinge, check the ease of movement of the door. It should not creak, touch the body or open/close on its own. If the door is crooked, you will need to adjust the height of the lower support.
Features of models with hidden handles and electronics
Owners of modern models Bosch Serie 6 or Serie 8 with integrated handles and touch screens need to be especially careful. In these refrigerators, a wiring harness often runs through the loop to power a lamp, display, or open button.
When removing the door, first disconnect the electrical connector. It is usually located inside the hinge body or just behind it. Do not pull the wires sharply - find the connector lock, press on it and carefully disconnect the parts.
When moving to the other side, the wires will need to be routed through special channels inside the door or body. Electrical wiring should not be pinched by the metal parts of the hinge or the door leaf itself when closing. Lay the cable so that it has a small margin of length for free rotation.
In models with a touch panel on the door (Home Connect), it may be necessary to resolder the contacts or rearrange the control board if it is not universal. However, in most modern Bosch refrigerators, the electronics automatically detect the position of the door, and only physical transfer is required.
⚠️ Attention: When working with electrical components, make sure that the refrigerator has not been plugged in for several minutes. Capacitors on the control board can retain a residual charge.
If you are not confident in your abilities when working with electronics, it is better to focus on the mechanical part and call a specialist to connect the wires. An error in the connection can damage the control module.
What to do if the wires are too short?
In some cases, the standard length of the wires may not be enough to transfer to the other side. Don't try to stretch them! Official services use special extension cords or reconnect the terminals inside the harness. Independent extension of wires by soldering is possible only if you have the skills, but this will void the warranty.
Adjusting the position and eliminating distortions
After installing the door on the new side, there is often a need for final adjustment. If the door is loose or warped, use the adjustment screws on the bottom hinge. By rotating them clockwise or counterclockwise, you can change the tilt of the sash.
Check the operation of the magnetic lock. If the door begins to close too tightly or, conversely, does not hold, the strike plate on the body may need to be adjusted. Shifting the bar by just 1-2 mm can radically change the closing force.
Make sure that the refrigerator is strictly horizontal. Use a building level. If the floor is uneven, tighten the adjustable feet on the front of the refrigerator. Backward tilt helps the door close itself, which is the correct position for proper operation.
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The door does not close completely | Incorrect angle of the body | Unscrew the front legs, creating a tilt back |
| Strong skew of the sash | The hinge bolt is not fully tightened | Loosen and re-tighten the fasteners evenly |
| Creak when opening | Metal friction or dry bushing | Lubricate the hinges with silicone lubricant, check the bushing |
| The light inside does not light | The door sensor connector is disconnected | Check the connection of the wires in the upper loop |
The final step will be to install decorative plugs in the vacant holes on the old side. This will return the refrigerator to an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Plastic plugs usually come with the equipment or are left over from the previous installation.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before hanging the door?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, if you plan to unplug the refrigerator for a long time or tilt it more than 45 degrees, defrosting is recommended to avoid water leaking out of the drainage system.
Is it possible to rehang the door yourself if the refrigerator is under warranty?
According to the rules of most service centers Bosch, independently re-hanging the door does not void the warranty unless parts are damaged in the process. However, if you damage the wiring or strip a thread, there will be a charge for repairs. Keep all removed parts.
What to do if the holes on the new side do not match?
At the factory, all holes are already drilled. If they don't match, you may be using the wrong holes or the refrigerator model doesn't allow for overhanging (which is extremely rare). Check the instructions for your specific model Bosch.
How to remove the gap between the door and the body after rearrangement?
The gap is most often eliminated by adjusting the height of the legs of the refrigerator or tightening the bolts of the top hinge. Also check whether the sealant got between the door and the body when closing.