═══ BBLOCK 2: BODY OF ARTICLE ═══
The situation when the standard location of the refrigerator door Beko is no longer satisfactory occurs quite often. This may be due to remodeling the kitchen, installing a new set, or simply the desire to optimize the space for more convenient opening. Fortunately, the design of most modern models of the Turkish brand provides the ability to change the opening side without the need to call a specialist.
However, despite its apparent simplicity, the process requires care and adherence to a certain algorithm of actions. An incorrect dismantling sequence can lead to damage facade panel or loss of seal. In this article we will analyze in detail all stages of work, from preparing the tool to the final adjustment of the gaps.
Before starting any manipulations, you need to make sure that you have free space around the unit. You will need access to the back and sides from all sides. It is also important to understand that the design of the hinges may vary slightly depending on the series of the refrigerator, be it Beko RCNK or more budget models with mechanical control.
The necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
The quality of the work directly depends on the availability of a suitable tool. You should not try to unscrew the bolts with unsuitable wrenches, as this may lead to “licking” of the fastener edges. You will need a set hex keys (usually 4 mm or 5 mm), a Phillips-head screwdriver and, possibly, a flat-blade screwdriver for prying up the decorative caps.
Particular attention should be paid to organizing the space. The refrigerator is a heavy unit and will have to be tilted or moved. Cover the floor with thick cardboard or old rags to avoid scratching the floor covering. Also prepare a container for storing small parts so that they do not get lost during work.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to unplug the refrigerator and remove all food. Leaving the doors open for a long time while the compressor is running can lead to freezing of the evaporator.
If your model has a display or control panel on the door, make sure that the wires are long enough to be transferred to the other side. In some cases, extension of the harnesses is required, but in most models Beko the cables have sufficient reserve.
☑️ Preparation for rehanging
Dismantling the top part and removing the door
You should always start work from the top hinge. This is a critically important point, since it is the upper assembly that holds the bulk of the door leaf. First, carefully remove the decorative hinge cover, which is often secured with latches or a small screw. Be careful not to break the plastic clips.
After removing the cover, you will see the mounting bolts. They need to be loosened, but not completely unscrewed yet. Have an assistant hold the door, as it may fall after the bolts are completely unscrewed. If there is no assistant, the door must first be secured with tape or propped up.
Now you can completely unscrew the bolts and remove the top hinge. The door is released from the top fastening. Carefully lift the door up, removing it from the bottom bushing, and set it aside in a safe place. At this stage, the main part of the mechanism is already visible, including the pin of the lower hinge.
- 🔧 Remove the decorative plug from the upper hinge by prying it with a thin screwdriver.
- 🔩 Loosen the bolts securing the upper hinge with a hexagon.
- 🚪 Remove the door from the lower guide pin.
- 🧊 Check the condition of the sealing rubber for any creases.
Working with the bottom hinge and opening mechanism
The bottom hinge of the refrigerator Beko is often hidden under a decorative base or plastic cover. You will need to remove this panel to access the fasteners. Depending on the model, the plinth may be held in place by latches or screws. After removal, you will see the base of the lower hinge.
The key point is to rearrange the opening mechanism. At the end of the door, in the lower part, there is a counter part of the lock or latch. It must be dismantled and moved to the opposite side. To do this, unscrew the locking screw, remove the mechanism and install it in a symmetrical hole on the other side.
⚠️ Attention: Do not lose the spring or small retainer of the lock mechanism. These parts are very small and can easily get lost in the carpet pile or floor cracks.
Now we move on to the lowest hinge of the case. It must be unscrewed from the current hole and screwed into a symmetrical hole on the other side. Please note that in some models the holes for the hinges can be closed with plastic plugsthat need to be removed and rearranged to the vacant places to maintain an aesthetic appearance.
What to do if the thread is torn?
If the thread is in the new hole torn or damaged, you can use a repair boss or increase the diameter of the hole and use a larger bolt with a corresponding bushing, but this requires metalworking skills.
Reversing doors in models with a display
Owners of series models Beko CN or RCNE with electronic control on the door need be especially careful. Rehanging such doors requires disconnecting the electrical connectors. After removing the top hinge, you will see a wiring harness going inside the refrigerator body.
Carefully disconnect the connectors. They may have latches that need to be pressed out. The wires need to be pulled through the top of the case to the other side. Some models provide a special channel for this or the possibility of laying the harness over the thermal insulation.
When installing the door in a new location, make sure that the wires are not pinched in loops and have free movement. After assembly, be sure to check the functionality of the display and control buttons. If the screen does not light up, check the tightness of the connectors.
| Model type | Presence of display | Complexity of work | Execution time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-chamber | No | Low | 15-20 min |
| Two-chamber (NoFrost) | No | Medium | 30-40 min |
| Electronically controlled | Yes | High | 45-60 min |
| Side-by-Side | Yes/No | Very high | 60+ min |
Installing the doors on the new side
The installation process is in reverse order. First, the lower loop is mounted in a new place. Install the door onto it, sliding the bushing onto the pin. It is important to position the door correctly so that the gaps on all sides are even. At this stage, the bolts of the lower hinge do not need to be fully tightened.
Next, the upper hinge is installed. Align the holes in the door body and the refrigerator body. Insert and tighten the bolts. Now you can finally tighten all the fasteners. Make sure that the door is level and not warped.
After installing the mechanical part, return the lock mechanism at the end of the door. Check how the latch works: it should click clearly when closing. If the door does not close tightly, it may be necessary to adjust the height of the hinges.
Adjusting the gaps and checking the tightness
The final stage is checking the quality of the installation. The door should open and close smoothly, without squeaks or jams. If you notice a distortion, you can loosen the fasteners a little and adjust the position of the canvas. The gaps between the door and the body must be the same at the top and bottom.
Pay special attention sealing rubber. It should fit snugly around the entire perimeter of the body. To check, close the door on a sheet of paper: if the paper is difficult to remove along the entire perimeter, then the tightness is normal. If in some places the paper slips easily, adjustment is required.
Plug in the refrigerator and listen to the operation of the compressor. Make sure that the door closing sensor (if it is mechanical and has been rearranged) works correctly - the light inside should go out when closing.
- ✅ Check the uniformity of the gaps around the entire perimeter of the door.
- ✅ Make sure that the door does not open by itself when the body is tilted.
- ✅ Test the operation of the magnetic lock and light sensor.
- ✅ Let the refrigerator operate for 2-3 hours and check the temperature inside.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not close completely?
Most likely, the installation geometry is broken or the seal is twisted. Loosen the top hinge and lightly push the door in the desired direction, then tighten the bolts. Also check if anything inside the refrigerator (shelves, food) is preventing it from closing tightly.
Is it possible to rehang the door yourself if the refrigerator is under warranty?
Formally, re-hanging the doors yourself is not a complex repair and is often allowed by the instructions. However, if you damage the fasteners or strip the threads, the service center may refuse warranty service. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to call a specialist.
Do you need to wait after turning on the refrigerator?
After transporting and tilting the refrigerator (if the tilt angle exceeded 40 degrees), it is recommended to wait 2-4 hours before turning on, so that the oil in the compressor flows into the crankcase. If you just changed the door without a strong tilt, you can turn it on right away.