The need to change the direction of opening the refrigerator door Bosch often arises when moving to a new kitchen or after remodeling the room. The standard factory configuration usually requires opening to the right, which is not always convenient in limited space. Correctly performed reinstallation guarantees a long service life of the hinges and preservation of the tightness of the seals.
This process is technically simple, but requires care and adherence to the sequence of actions so as not to damage facade panel or the cooling system. Owners of German equipment value it for its reliability, but even high-quality mechanisms require careful handling during installation. Before starting work, it is important to clear the space around the unit and prepare the necessary tools.
In this article we will analyze in detail all stages of the work, paying special attention to models with the system No Frost and built-in solutions. You'll learn what tools you'll need, how to remove old hinges, and what to pay attention to when installing new fasteners. Compliance with the technology will allow you to avoid distortions and problems with tightly closing the door in the future.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
To successfully complete the task of changing the opening side, you will need a basic set of home craftsmen. The main tool will be screwdriver or a set of screwdrivers with different attachments, since the fasteners may differ in the type of slot. It would also be a good idea to have a building level on hand to control the horizontal installation of the unit after completion of the work.
Particular attention should be paid to protecting the floor covering and the equipment itself from scratches. It is recommended to place a soft material, such as cardboard or thick fabric, under the refrigerator, especially if you are working on laminate or parquet. Heavy doors require reliable fixation, so having an assistant will greatly simplify the process and reduce the risk of dropping a structural element.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This is critical for safety as you will be working with metal near electrical components and wiring.
Have a container ready to hold screws and small parts so nothing gets lost in the process. Manufacturers often supply equipment with spare plugs for holes, but if they are not available, it is worth preparing pieces of electrical tape or special plastic plugs for aesthetics. Cleanliness of hands is also important so as not to stain light plastic or metal with greasy marks.
☑️ Ready for work
Dismantling the upper part of the body and removing the door
The first step is always removing the top cover of the refrigerator compartment, if it is structurally provided for in your model. Bosch. This is necessary to gain access to the upper hinge mount. Usually the cover is fixed with several screws on the back or sides, which need to be carefully unscrewed, without using excessive force, so as not to strip the thread.
After removing the cover, the top hinge holding the door will open in front of you. Before unscrewing it, you must lock the door in the closed position or ask an assistant to hold it. Abruptly removing the fasteners can lead to the heavy sash falling, which can lead to damage sealing rubber or the leaf itself.
After unscrewing the bolts of the upper hinge, carefully lift the door and remove it from the lower pin. Heavy models require special care: the weight of the door can reach 15-20 kilograms. Place the removed part on a prepared soft surface with the outer side facing up to avoid scratching the glossy finish or glass.
Some electronically controlled models may have a display or buttons on the door. In this case, before complete dismantling, it is necessary to disconnect wire cablegoing to the control panel. Act delicately, fixing the connectors so as not to damage the contacts.
Nuances of working with electronics
If your Bosch model has a door equipped with a display, the cable may be quite short. Do not force the wires. Carefully disconnect the connector by pressing on the latch, and immediately move the cable to the side so that it does not interfere with further manipulations with the loops.
Flipping the loop and rearranging the fittings
The key point of the process is rearranging the fasteners to the opposite side. At the end of the door and on the body of the refrigerator you will see symmetrical holes closed with decorative plugs. Carefully remove the plastic plugs from the working side and install them in the vacated holes on the other side to maintain an aesthetic appearance.
Hinges are often universal or have a symmetrical design, but in some models Bosch you may need to turn the metal part itself over or rearrange the pin. Carefully inspect the mechanism: if the pin is asymmetrical, it must be removed and installed in a mirror position. To do this, you may need to knock it out with a light blow or simply rearrange it manually.
Don't forget to rearrange the handle if the design of your model requires this. In most modern refrigerators, the handles are stationary and do not require moving, but in older series or specific designs, it may be necessary to twist the handle fasteners onto the inside of the panel.
When installing new mounts, use only those holes that are intended for hanging. Do not try to use old holes on the other side unless they are covered with plugs - this may compromise the seal of the insulation. The metal elements of the hinges must be cleared of factory grease if it is too thick, or, on the contrary, lubricated if required by the instructions.
Installing the door on a new side
After preparing all the holes and rearranging the pins, you can begin installing the door in a new place. Place the door onto the bottom support sleeve or pin, making sure it fits snugly into the groove. At this stage, an assistant is again indispensable: while one person holds the door in a vertical position, the second prepares the top hinge for installation.
Secure the top hinge by inserting and tightening the bolts. Don't tighten them all the way right away. First tighten all the screws so that the mechanism fits into place, and only then make the final tightening. This will avoid misalignment, which can lead to a loose fit of the door.
| Element | Action | Tool | Nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Rearrangement to the other side | Phillips screwdriver | Watch the pin |
| Lower support | Replacing the bushing | Pliers | Do not lose the sleeve |
| Plug decor | Rearranging plugs | Knife or needle | Do not scratch facade |
| Handle | Dismantling/Installation | Hexagon | Checking fixation |
If the model is equipped with a system No Frost, Make sure that when opening the door does not touch internal elements or trays. The gaps should be uniform around the entire perimeter. Check the operation of the magnetic lock: when closing, a characteristic click should be heard, and the paper sandwiched between the door and the body should be removed with force.
Adjusting the position and checking the tightness
The final step is to fine-tune the position of the door. Even with careful installation, microscopic distortions are possible, which over time will lead to wear of the seal. Most hinges Bosch are adjustable in height and depth, which allows you to set the door perfectly level relative to the body.
Check the tightness around the entire perimeter. To do this, you can use a simple test with a sheet of paper: hold the sheet between the door and the body at different points and try to pull it out. If the paper comes out too easily or, on the contrary, breaks, additional tightening of the hinge screws is required.
⚠️ Attention: Do not turn on the refrigerator immediately after hanging it. Let it stand upright for at least 2-4 hours. This is necessary so that the oil in the compressor flows into the crankcase, especially if the unit is tilted during operation.
Pay attention to the operation of the closers, if they are provided in your model. The door should close smoothly, without jerking or squeaking. If you hear metal grinding against metal, it means the hinge is installed incorrectly or is not sufficiently lubricated.
Visually assess the gaps between the door and the body. They should be the same on top and bottom. If the gap is larger at the top than at the bottom, or vice versa, this indicates misalignment, which must be corrected by loosening and re-tightening the mounting bolts with position correction.
Common mistakes and expert recommendations
One of the most common mistakes is the loss of fasteners. Hinge screws often have a specific thread or length, and replacing them with random ones from a household kit can damage the threads in the case. Always use original fasteners or their exact analogues.
Many people forget about decorative plugs, leaving the holes gaping. This not only spoils the appearance of an expensive refrigerator Bosch, but also opens the way for dust and moisture inside the thermal insulation layer. Always finish the job by installing all plastic plugs in their places.
Excessive force when tightening the bolts is another mistake. Aluminum alloys, which are often used to make hinges, can be easily torn off. Tighten the screws tightly, but not fanatically. If you feel that the thread is tight, it is better to stop and check the alignment.
What to do if the door does not close tightly after rehanging?
Most likely, the problem is incorrect adjustment of the hinges or misalignment of the refrigerator body itself. Check the installation level of the unit on the floor. If the floor is level, try loosening the top hinge, pressing the door firmly against the frame, and retightening the screws. Also check whether there is anything inside (shelves, products) preventing it from closing tightly.
Is it possible for one person to hang the door on their own?
Technically, this is possible if the model is compact and the doors are light. However, for full-size refrigerators Bosch it is highly recommended that two people work together. The door is heavy and uncomfortable, there is a high risk of dropping it, damaging the floor or toes. The safety and security of equipment is more important than saving time on finding an assistant.
Do you need to lubricate the hinges after installation?
Usually new hinges or rearranged factory ones do not require additional lubrication. However, if you hear squeaking, you can use a special silicone lubricant. Do not use edible oils (sunflower, olive) - over time they thicken, oxidize and turn into a sticky mass, which will only worsen the operation of the mechanism.
Will the warranty remain valid after re-hanging the door?
Re-hanging the door yourself, as a rule, does not void the warranty on the compressor and electronic components, if the wires were not damaged in the process, the housing was broken or the seal on the compressor was broken. However, if you damage the door or hinges during installation, that particular damage will not be covered under warranty. Proceed carefully.
Where to put the old holes from the handle?
If the handle is rearranged or has an asymmetrical fastening, holes may remain in the place of the old fasteners. Refrigerators Bosch often come with special plugs to match the color of the door. If they are not available, you can order universal furniture plugs of a suitable diameter and color at a hardware store.