The refrigerator is a central element in any modern kitchen, and its location is often dictated by the layout of the room. However, when moving or rearranging furniture, owners often encounter a situation where standard door opening becomes inconvenient. In such cases, it becomes necessary to change the hanging side to ensure free access to shelves and products. For owners of domestically produced equipment, this task is solved quite simply, since the design of most models initially provides for this possibility.
The reinstallation process does not require calling a technician and can be done independently using a minimal set of tools. The main thing is to act consistently, be careful when working with heavy elements and strictly follow the algorithm of actions. Rehanging doors is a procedure that not only changes the ergonomics of use, but also extends the service life of the seals, as it allows you to avoid distortions when opening in tight spaces.
In this article we will examine in detail process for brand equipment Biryusa, taking into account the design features of hinges and handles in various modifications. You will learn how to properly prepare a workplace, what nuances exist when working with models with one or two compressors, and how to avoid common mistakes that can lead to damage to the housing. It is important to know that for models with a No Frost system or hidden hinges, additional steps may be required to remove decorative panels.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
Before starting any manipulations with the refrigerator body, you must carefully prepare the work area. You will need clear space around the unit to be able to walk around it on all sides and safely place removed parts. Remove all foreign objects, carpets and fragile items that may be accidentally touched during work. It is also recommended to cover the floor with thick cardboard or soft cloth to avoid scratches on the floor and damage to the lower part of the body if the instruments are accidentally dropped.
High-quality preparation of instruments is the key to successful completion of the operation. You will need a Phillips and flathead screwdriver, as well as a set of open-end wrenches, most often in sizes 8, 10 and 12 mm. Some models may use hex head bolts, so having the appropriate wrench or screwdriver bit is a good idea. Do not forget to prepare a container for folding fasteners so as not to lose small screws and plugs during dismantling.
Be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply before starting work. This is a critical safety requirement as you will have to tilt the unit and work in close proximity to electrical components and wiring. Let the equipment stand turned off for at least 15-20 minutes so that the refrigerant has time to distribute throughout the system, although when rehanging doors the risk of damaging the tubes is minimal if you are careful.
☑️ Preparing to rehang doors
For ease of operation, it is recommended to invite an assistant, since refrigerator doors, especially lower, can be quite heavy. Holding a heavy sash alone and unscrewing the hinge bolts at the same time is extremely inconvenient and risky. If there is no assistant, provide in advance reliable supports on which you can temporarily install the removed door.
Dismantling the upper door and removing handles
The process always starts with the upper door, since it blocks access to the fasteners of the lower sash in two-chamber models. The first step is to remove the handles, if the design of your model Biryusa involves their separate installation. In most cases, handles are attached to screws hidden under decorative plugs or located on the inside of the door leaf.
Carefully inspect the place where the handle is attached. If you see holes covered with plastic plugs, carefully pry them open with a flathead screwdriver. In models with mortise handles, the fasteners may be located inside the recess. Unscrew all screws holding the handle and remove it. If the handle is integrated into the body or is part of a profile, this step is skipped and you go straight to working with the hinges.
⚠️ Attention: When unscrewing the handle screws, be careful not to strip the threads in the plastic base. If the screw is tight, do not use excessive force; it is better to spray it with penetrating lubricant first.
Next, you need to remove the top decorative panel, if it is present on your model. It can be secured with latches or small screws. Carefully bend the panel or unscrew the fastener to gain access to the top hinge. After this, you can begin to unscrew the bolts holding the hinge itself. Usually there are two or three of them, and they are located on top.
After loosening the bolts of the upper hinge, the door must be held and the fasteners completely unscrewed. Remove the loop and set it aside. The top door can now be carefully removed from the bottom hinge (or pin) and placed in a safe place. Don't forget to remove the hinge mate (pin) if it remains on the body or on the door itself, as it will be needed for installation on the other side.
Working with the bottom door and main hinges
Once the top flap is removed, access to the bottom door opens. The principle of operation here is similar, but there are some peculiarities associated with the weight and dimensions of the lower chamber. First, remove the handle from the bottom door, if necessary, following the algorithm described above. Then gain access to the bottom hinge, which is often hidden behind a decorative plinth or plastic trim at the bottom of the refrigerator.
To remove the plinth, you may need to unscrew the screws from the front or simply pull the trim toward you if it is held in place by latches. Be careful with plastic elements - they can be fragile, especially if the refrigerator has been in use for a long time and the plastic has become less elastic. Unscrew the bolts holding the bottom hinge and remove it.
Now the bottom door can be removed. In some models Biryusa the lower door can be connected to the upper door through a system of rods or pins, but in classic two-chamber versions they are independent. Also place the removed door on a prepared soft surface. Inspect the hinge locations on the body - there may be technological plugs left there that will need to be moved to the opposite side.
Pay special attention to the condition of the pins (axes of rotation). If traces of corrosion or wear are visible on them, it is better to replace them or lubricate them with graphite lubricant. This will ensure the door moves smoothly after installation and will prevent squeaks in the future. Also check the integrity of the bushings if they are used in the hinge design.
Rearranging the fittings to the opposite side
The most critical stage is preparing the body for installing doors on the new side. On the front panel of the refrigerator, on the side where there are no doors, there are holes closed with plastic plugs. They need to be removed. To do this, you can use a thin awl or knife, carefully prying off the plugs. Be careful not to scratch the enamel of the case.
The removed plugs are installed in the vacated holes on the working side. It is important here not to confuse the top and bottom plugs if they are of different shapes or sizes. Some models Biryusa may require special bushings or threaded inserts that are pressed or screwed into new holes. Carefully read the instructions for your specific model, as the equipment may vary.
Now you need to rearrange the hinges. The top hinge is installed on the opposite side of the top of the body. For this, holes that were previously closed with plugs are used. Secure the hinge with bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet - this will allow you to adjust the position of the door when hanging. Similar actions are performed with the lower loop.
| Element | Action | Nuances |
|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Move to the other side | Do not tighten the bolts completely immediately |
| Bottom hinge | Rearrange and secure | Check the alignment of the holes in the base |
| Pins (axes) | Rearrange or turn over | Lubricate if necessary |
| Plugs | Move to the working side | Act carefully so as not to damage the enamel |
If your model has holes for the handle on the other side, make sure that they match the mounting standard. In rare cases, it may be necessary to drill out or use adapter bushings, however, the factory equipment Turkies usually provides all the necessary holes in advance.
Installation of doors and final assembly
After preparing the hinges, you can begin hanging the doors. Start with the bottom door, as this is the base for the entire structure. Install the door on the bottom hinge, aligning the holes with the mounting holes. Holding the sash, tighten the bolts of the upper hinge (if the design allows) or simply install the door vertically.
Then install the upper door. Align it with the top hinge and insert the pin or pivot pin. Now that both doors are in place, you can make the final tightening of all bolts. Use an open-end wrench or screwdriver to securely fasten the hinges. Make sure that the doors fit tightly and evenly around the entire perimeter.
⚠️ Attention: Do not overtighten the hinge bolts. This can lead to metal deformation or thread breakage, making further adjustment impossible. The force should be moderate, but confident.
After fixing the hinges, install all decorative elements in place: base, top panel, plugs for unused holes. Check the operation of the handles - they should move easily, without jamming. If the handles have been removed, screw them into new places using the holes provided by the factory.
What to do if the holes do not match?
In some cases, especially after long-term use, the metal may have micro-deformations. If the holes do not line up perfectly, try loosening all the hinge bolts, adjusting the door to the correct position and then tighten the fasteners evenly, diagonally.
Adjusting the position of the doors and checking the tightness
The final stage is checking the quality of the work performed. Doors should open and close smoothly, without creaking or jamming. When closing, a characteristic pop should be heard, indicating a tight fit sealing rubber to the body. If the door does not close tightly or, conversely, too tightly, adjustment will be required.
Adjustment is carried out by loosening the fastening bolts of the hinges and moving the door leaf in the desired direction. If the door is skewed, adjust the height using adjusting screws (if the model has them) or using washers. In models Biryusa often it is enough to simply loosen the bolts, press the door tightly to the body and tighten the fasteners again.
Check the tightness of the fit. To do this, you can use a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp a piece of paper between the door and the frame in different places around the perimeter. If the sheet is removed with force, the seal is good. If the paper falls out or is removed too easily, tightening the hinges or replacing the seal is required in this area.
After adjustment, turn on the refrigerator. Let it work for several hours without loading food to make sure that it is stable and that there are no extraneous noises that could appear due to case misalignment or vibration of hinges.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it necessary to drain the oil from the compressor before re-hanging the doors?
No, There is no need to drain the oil. Re-hanging the doors does not affect the refrigeration circuit and compressor. However, as mentioned earlier, it is better to unplug the refrigerator and let it stand in an upright position before turning it on, especially if you tilted it strongly during work.
Is it possible to rehang the doors on the Biryusa refrigerator with the No Frost system?
Yes, on most models Turk No Frost the reversal of the doors is provided. However, these models may have more difficulty accessing the mounts due to the ductwork and additional panels. Act carefully so as not to damage the plastic air supply ducts.
What to do if after rehanging the door does not magnetize?
If the door does not fit tightly, check whether the hinges are installed correctly and whether the sides are mixed up. The problem may also be contamination of the seal or its wear. Try washing the seal with warm water or heating it with a hair dryer (carefully!) to restore elasticity.
Are any special lubricants needed for the hinges?
It is not recommended to use ordinary oils (sunflower, machine oil), as they can thicken over time or stain the floor. It is best to use silicone grease or graphite grease, which does not dry out and provides excellent glide.