Reversing the refrigerator door Samsung is a task that many owners face when moving, renovating a kitchen, or simply wanting to change the opening side. At first glance, the procedure seems simple: unscrew the hinges, rearrange them, and secure them. But in practice, even in modern models RB30, RL40 or RS60** there are nuances that can turn a 20-minute job into an hour-long puzzle. Errors during dismantling often lead to door misalignment, damage to the seal or even breakage of fasteners —and this is already a reason for warranty refusal or expensive repairs.
In this article you will find not only universal step-by-step instructions with photographs of key stages, but and hinge compatibility table for popular series Samsung, tips for adjustment after rehanging, as well as answers to frequently asked questions. We will look at what tools are really needed (spoiler: hexagon those included in the kit are often useless!), how to avoid common mistakes, and what to do if the door does not close well after rearrangement. We will pay special attention to models with water dispenser —their rehanging requires additional manipulations with the tubes.
Preparation: tools and preliminary checks
Before taking a screwdriver, make sure that the door is hung possible for your model. For some refrigerators Samsung (for example, series Bespoke or narrow models less than 55 cm wide), the design of the hinges does not allow for changing the opening side. You can check this in two ways:
- 🔍 Look at the instructions: look for the “Door Reversal” or “Changing the door opening side” section. In electronic versions of manuals for Samsung this information is usually located on pages 10–15.
- 🔧 Inspect the hinges: if there are no technological holes for fastenings on the opposite side of the refrigerator (they are usually closed with plugs), rehanging is impossible without modifying the case.
- 📏 Check the gaps: after rearrangement, the door should not rest against the wall, furniture or itself (relevant for models with French Door). The minimum gap is 5 cm.
If overhanging is possible, prepare the tools. Here real list, and not the one indicated in the instructions (where they often forget to mention key details):
| Tool | What is it for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Phillips screwdriver (PH2) | Unscrewing hinges and plugs | Preferably with a magnetic tip - the screws are small and easily lost |
| Hexagon 4–5 mm | Adjustment loops after rehanging | The one included with the refrigerator is too short - it is better to use your own |
| Flat screwdriver or plastic mediator | Removing decorative plugs | A mediator is preferable - does not scratch the coating |
| Wrench 10 mm | Securing the lower hinge (in models with a dispenser) | Sometimes replaced with an adjustable wrench |
| Level (bubble or laser) | Checking the horizontalness of the door after installation | You can use the level application on your smartphone |
⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator Samsung is equipped with water dispenser, you will additionally need key for 1/4 tubes (sold in plumbing stores) and bucket or basin to drain remaining water. Do not ignore this step - when rehanging the tubes may burst!
Step-by-step instructions: removing the old door
Start with disconnecting the refrigerator from the network - this is mandatory, even if you do not plan to touch the electrical components. Further actions depend on the type of model:
For. refrigerators without dispenser (series RB, RL, RT)
Remove decorative plugs from the hinges. They are attached with latches - pry them with a flat screwdriver or a pick on the side. On some models the plugs are glued - carefully heat them with a hairdryer (temperature no higher than 50°C) so as not to damage the plastic.
Unscrew upper hinge. Usually it is secured with 2-3 screws using a Phillips screwdriver. Hold the door with your hand - after unscrewing the last screw, it can sharply. lower.
Carefully remove the door from lower pin and place it on a soft surface (for example, a blanket) so as not to scratch.
Unscrew lower hinge and remove it from the refrigerator body.
For refrigerators s dispenser (series RS, RF, Family Hub)
Here the process is more complicated because water supply pipes. Follow the algorithm:
Turn off the water supply to the refrigerator (close the tap under the sink or disconnect the hose from the water supply).
Drain the remaining water from the system: press the dispenser lever and hold it for 10-15 seconds until the water stops dripping. Place the container!
Unscrew plastic panel under the dispenser (usually secured with 2-4 screws). data-i="138">tubes. connecting fittings tubes
Separate the fittings by pressing the plastic latches (do not pull the tubes!) If the fittings are stuck, spray them
WD-40and wait 5 minutes.Now you can remove the door, as in the instructions for models without a dispenser.
⚠️ Attention: On models Samsung Family Hub (with a touch screen), before removing the door you must turn off the screen through the menu: Settings → Screen → Transport mode. Otherwise, when turning the door over, the display connection cable may be damaged.
☑️ Checklist before removing the door
Moving the hinges and plugs to the new side
After removing the door, you will see that on the opposite side of the refrigerator body there are technological holesclosed plugs. They need to be moved to the vacant places. Here's how to do it correctly:
Remove the plugs on the new side (where the door will be attached) and install them on the old holes. The plugs are usually placed on latches or glue. If the glue is dry, use
superglue gelliquid!).Move upper and lower hinges to the opposite side Please note: the screw holes may not be symmetrical on some models! Samsung the upper hinge has a stop pinwhich should face the direction the door opens.
If included with the refrigerator rubber gaskets under the loops - don’t forget to move them too. They prevent vibration and squeaks.
For models with dispenser additionally:
- 🔌 Move dispenser control unit to the other side. It is attached with 2–4 screws and connected via a connector.
- 💧 Lay water supply tubes along a new route. Make sure that they do not bend or touch moving parts (for example, a fan).
- 🔧 Secure the tubes with plastic ties (included) to the refrigerator body.
Important nuance: on some models Samsung (for example, RB37J5230SS) the holes for the hinges have different diameters on different sides. If the screws do not screw in tightly, use metal bushings (can be bought at a hardware store).
Installing the door on the new side
Now the most important thing is to secure the door so that it didn't sag to the seal Follow this order: fit tightly to the seal. Follow this order:
Place the door on bottom pin hinges. Make sure it sits straight and is not warped.
Holding the door, screw top hinge (not all the way!). Leave 1-2 mm play for adjustment.
Tighten lower hingeIt is important here not to overtighten the screws - otherwise the door will be damaged. difficult to open.
Adjust the position of the door using hexagon:
- 🔧 Upper screw the hinge is responsible for vertical play (if the door sags).
- 🔧 Bottom screw - for horizontal position (if the door touches the body).
To check, use a level and sheet of paper:
- 📄 Place the sheet between the seal and the body with the door closed. data-i="225">. If the sheet falls out, the seal does not fit tightly. hold on with light effort. If the sheet falls out, the seal does not fit tightly.
- 🔄 Open the door 45° and release it. It should not close or open further. hinges. remain in this position, and not close or open further. If this does not happen, additional adjustment of the hinges is needed.
⚠️ Attention: On models with ice maker (for example, RS68A8840S9) after rehanging the door you must reprogram the closing sensorTo do this, hold down the button Ice Type 10 seconds until the indicator lights up. Details are in the instructions for your model.
What to do if the door is re-hung creaks?
Creaking usually occurs due to incorrect installation of rubber gaskets under the hinges or misalignment of the door. Try:
1. Lubricate the hinges silicone lubricant (not WD-40!).
2. Loosen the hinge screws and re-adjust the position of the door.
3. Check whether the door touches the magnetic seal of the body (sometimes it needs to be bent).
Features for different Samsung series
Design hinges and hanging mechanism may differ depending on the series of the refrigerator. The table below shows the key differences for popular lines:
| Series | Features of hanging | Typical problems |
|---|---|---|
| RB (single-chamber) | Simple design, symmetrical hinges. Suitable for self-hanging. | The door is skewed due to a weak lower hinge. Solution: use longer screws. |
| RL (two-chamber) | Requires transfer of the middle hinge (between freezer and refrigerator compartment). | Difficulties with leveling the freezer door. Solution: adjust the hinges one by one. |
| RS (Side-by-Side) | Complex system of hinges, often with gas shock absorbers. | Uneven opening of the doors. adjustment of shock absorbers with a hexagon. |
| RF (French Door) | Two doors of the refrigerator compartment + freezer drawer. The hinges of the upper doors are synchronized. | The doors touch each other. Solution: precise level adjustment. |
| Family Hub | Additionally, the display control unit and camera (if any) must be moved. | Damage to the display cable. Solution: turn off the screen before removing the door. |
For models Samsung Bespoke (modular refrigerators) re-hanging the door not provided for by the design. Attempts to do this yourself will result in loss of tightness and void the warranty. In this case, the only option is to order the door. with the required opening side from an authorized dealer.
Adjusting the door after rehanging
Even if the door is visually level, this does not guarantee its correct operation. Carry out a tightness test leak test:
Close the door and try pull out a sheet of paperclamped by the seal. If it comes out without effort, adjustment is needed.
Shine the light flashlight inside the refrigerator with the door closed. If the light is visible, the seal does not fit tightly.
Check uniformity of the gap along the entire perimeter. It should be the same (1–2 mm).
To adjust:
- 🔧 If the door sags: tighten top hinge (screw on the side) clockwise.
- 🔧 If the door touches the body: loosen lower hinge and slide the door in the opposite direction side.
- 🔧 If the seal does not adjacent: warm it with a hairdryer (temperature 40–50°C) and press the door for 5–10 minutes.
On models with dispenser after adjustment, check operation of the ice maker:
Press the button
Ice Off, then againIce On.Wait until the refrigerator fills with water and freezes the first batch of ice (usually 1-2 hours).
If the ice does not fall, check if the tubes behind the door are kinked.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when hanging the door Samsung. Here are the most common of them and ways to prevent them:
- 🚫 Ignoring the plugs: if you do not move the plugs to the new side, dust and moisture will get into the old holes, which will lead to corrosion of the case.
- 🚫 Tightening the screws: this will deform the plastic case. loops. Tighten the screws until they stop, but without force.
- 🚫 Wrong route of the tubes (for models with a dispenser): if the tubes are bent, water will stop flowing and ice will stop being produced.
- 🚫 Lack of adjustment: many believe that if the door closes, then everything is in order. But even the slightest misalignment will eventually lead to wear of the seal.
- 🚫 Use unsuitable tools: for example, the hexagon from the kit is often too short to reach the adjustment screws.
Another typical problem is the door closes too tightly or, conversely, opens on its ownCauses and solutions:
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The door closes with force | The hinges are overtightened or the body is skewed | Loosen the top 1/4 turn loop |
| The door opens by itself | Weak magnets in the seal or incorrect tilt angle | Adjust the lower hinge so that the door has a slight tilt forward |
| Creak when opening | Lack of lubrication or debris in the hinges | Clean the hinges and lubricate with silicone grease |
| The dispenser does not work | The tubes are pinched or the control unit connector is not connected | Check the route of the tubes and connector contacts |
If after all the manipulations the door still does not close tightly, it may be the seal is worn out. In this case, it needs to be replaced. For refrigerators Samsung original seals can be ordered by the part code, which is indicated on the rubber itself (for example, DA97-08314A).
FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions
Is it possible to hang the door on a Samsung refrigerator yourself if it is it under warranty?
Yes, re-hanging the door is not covered by warranty unless you damage the frame or internal components. However, if you break a hinge or seal in the process, warranty repairs will not cover these parts. Tip: Take a photo of the original condition of the hinges and seal before starting work.
How long does re-hanging take? doors?
For models without a dispenser - 30-60 minutes, with a dispenser - 1.5-2 hours (including adjustment). If you are doing this for the first time, reserve 3-4 hours so as not to rush.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before hanging the door?
No, defrosting is not necessary. However, if you plan to turn off the refrigerator for a long time (more than 2 hours), it is better to remove the food or put it in a cooler bag.
What to do if, after rehanging, the refrigerator begins to make noise?
The noise may occur due to vibration of incorrectly installed hinges or dispenser tubes Check:
- The tightness of the hinges (tighten the screws).
- The position of the tubes - they should not touch the back wall of the refrigerator.
- The level of the refrigerator - if it is not level, the compressor will vibrate.
Is it possible to hang only the top door in the model Samsung French Door?
No, in models French Door the doors of the refrigerator compartment are synchronized and attached to a common top hinge. Hanging only one door will lead to a mismatch in height and impossibility of closing.