Changing the side of the door opening is a standard procedure that is often required when moving to a new apartment or after remodeling the kitchen. Refrigerators Biryusa are designed with this possibility in mind, but the process requires care and adherence to a certain sequence of actions. Owners often encounter difficulties precisely at the stage of dismantling handles or adjusting hinges, not knowing about the hidden nuances of the design.
Improperly carried out rehanging can lead to a loose fit of the sash, a violation of the tightness and, as a result, increased energy consumption. In addition, there is a risk of damaging the decorative caps or stripping the threads if excessive force is applied where care is required. That is why it is important to prepare the workspace and the necessary tools in advance.
In this article we will analyze in detail how to rehang the doors of the Biryusa refrigerator of various models, paying special attention to safety precautions and the correct positioning of the fittings. You will learn what tools you will need, how not to lose small parts and how to subsequently adjust the tightness of the seal.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to unplug the refrigerator from the electrical outlet and let the compressor cool for 15-20 minutes.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
To successfully complete the task, you will need a minimum set of home craftsman, which can be found in almost every household. The main tool will be hex wrench (usually 4 mm or 5 mm), since most fasteners using the Biryusa technique are made specifically for it. You also cannot do without a Phillips screwdriver for removing the handles and, possibly, a flat-head screwdriver for carefully removing the decorative plugs.
It is extremely important to ensure free access to the unit from all sides. It is recommended to move the refrigerator at least one meter away from the wall so that you can walk around it. Cover the floor in front of the equipment with soft material - cardboard, an old blanket or thick fabric. This will protect the floor from scratches and the door from chipping if it slips out of your hands.
Prepare a container for storing screws and screws. Small details tend to get lost at the most inopportune moment, especially if there are pets or small children in the house. It is also worth preparing a clean rag for wiping the hinges from old grease and dust.
- 🔧 Hex key (4–6 mm) - the main tool for hinges.
- 🪛 Phillips screwdriver (PH2) - for removing handles and plugs.
- 🧤 Construction gloves - to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 📦 Container or magnetic tape - for storing fasteners.
☑️ Preparation for rehanging
Removing the top panel and top loops
The process starts from the top of the refrigerator compartment. On many Biryusa models, especially with a top freezer, the top cover may interfere with access to the hinges or require removal to transfer fastening elements. If your model has a decorative panel on top, it must be carefully removed by unscrewing the fixing screws from the bottom or back.
Next, move on to top hinge. It bears the main load, supporting the weight of the door. Before unscrewing the bolts, support the door with your other hand or have an assistant hold it in an upright position. Abrupt removal of the load can lead to distortion and damage to the threads in the body.
Sometimes the bolts of the top hinge are closed with decorative plastic plugs. They need to be pryed off with a thin flat screwdriver or knife. Proceed with caution; the plastic on older refrigerators can be brittle. After removing the plugs, unscrew the fastening bolts with a hexagon.
After unscrewing the fasteners, carefully remove the top hinge. Pay attention to its design: it often has a pin on which the door is placed. If the pin is not removable, it will remain on the hinge. If it is part of the door, make sure that it does not fall or get lost.
Removing the door and rearranging the handles
Now that the top hinge is freed, you can remove the door itself. Lift it up to disengage from the bottom loop, and set it aside in a safe place, placing it on a prepared soft surface with the outside facing up. This will prevent scratches on the front panel.
The next step is transfer handles to the opposite side. On most Biryusa models, the handles are attached to screws on the inside of the door or snapped onto special clamps. Find the mounting points (often they are closed with plugs in the old holes) and rearrange the handle.
An important point: the holes for the handle on the opposite side are often closed with plastic plugs that come with the refrigerator or are already installed at the factory. If there are no plugs and the holes are not drilled, you will need to carefully drill them with a metal drill, using the old side as a template for marking, or use special plugs for old holes.
⚠️ Attention: When drilling new holes, be sure to use a drill with a depth stop or control the process manually so as not to break through the inner wall of the door and damage insulation.
After installing the handle in a new place, the old holes must be closed. For this purpose, complete plugs are used. If they are lost, you can order them from the service center or select universal analogues of a suitable color. Aesthetics are important, since open holes collect dust and moisture.
What to do if the holes for the handle do not match?
On some Biryusa models, the holes may be offset in height. In this case, use a cardboard template, placing a pen on the new side to accurately mark the centers of future holes.
Working with the lower loop and pin
The lower loop is a supporting element, which often has a more complex structure than the upper one. This is where the axial pinis located, around which the door rotates. Depending on the model, the pin may be part of a hinge welded to the body, or a removable element that needs to be rearranged.
If the pin is removable, unscrew it from its old position and screw it into the prepared hole on the opposite side. The thread should fit easily, without distortion. If the pin is part of a permanent hinge, you will have to dismantle the entire hinge and rearrange it to the other side using the holes provided by the factory.
Pay attention to the condition of the bushing or sleeve bearing inside the lower hinge. If you notice wear, rust, or lack of lubrication, it's an ideal time for maintenance. Wipe the part with a rag and apply a small amount of lithium grease or graphite grease.
| Element | Action when rehanging | Tool | Nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top hinge | Remove and rearrange | Hexagon | Requires door support |
| Bottom hinge | Move pin or loop | Hexagon | It is important not to overtighten |
| Handle | Remove and install | Phillips screwdriver | We need plugs for old holes |
| Plugs | Move to new places | Flat screwdriver | Make sure the integrity of the plastic |
Installing the door on a new side
After the lower pin or hinge is installed in a new location, you can begin installing the door. Carefully lift the door and slide the bottom hole onto the installed pin. Make sure it fits snugly and evenly, without distortion.
Now you need to fix the upper part. Align the holes on the end of the door with the holes on the refrigerator body. Insert the top hinge and tighten the mounting bolts. Do not tighten them all the way right away - first make sure that everything is in place.
When tightening the bolts of the upper hinge, maintain uniformity. First tighten one bolt halfway, then the second, and only then do the final tightening of both. This will help avoid metal tension and distortion of the door geometry.
Check the operation closer (if it is in your model). The door should open smoothly, without squeaks, and at an opening angle of less than 30-40 degrees, close independently under the influence of the magnetic seal and the tilt of the body.
Adjusting the tightness and eliminating distortions
After assembly, a situation often arises when the door does not fit tightly or is skewed. This is normal and required adjustments. Carefully inspect the junction line between the door and the body around the entire perimeter. The gap should be uniform.
If the door is skewed (it fits tightly on one side and not on the other), it is necessary to adjust the installation height. To do this, loosen the fastening of the lower hinge, place the adjusting washers (or simply lift the hinge) on the desired side and tighten again. In some models