Rearranging furniture in the kitchen often confronts owners with the need to change the direction in which the refrigerator door opens. This is especially true for compact models, such as Biryusa, which are often installed in small apartments or niches, where every centimeter of space counts. The re-hanging process does not require calling a specialist, since the design of these units allows you to do the work yourself, with a minimum set of tools.
Changing the opening side door leaf helps to ergonomically fit the equipment into the interior, providing convenient access to products and without blocking the passage. However, despite its apparent simplicity, the procedure requires care, especially when working with heavy elements and fragile glass shelves. Incorrect actions can lead to damage seal or distortion of the sash, which will affect the tightness.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the stages of dismantling and installing hinges, as well as the nuances of setting up for various modifications of technology. You will learn what tools are needed, how to properly prepare the workplace, and what to pay special attention to during assembly. Compliance with the sequence of actions ensures that your refrigerator will work efficiently and silently.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Before starting any manipulations with the body of household appliances, it is necessary to prepare the appropriate tools. Models Biryusa most often require a standard set, which can be found in the garage of any home craftsman. The absence of the necessary wrench during the work process can lead to the breaking of the edges of the bolts, which will significantly complicate the task.
The main tool will be a wrench or socket head with a diameter of 10 mm, since this is the size of the fastener used in most units. You will also need a Phillips screwdriver to remove decorative plugs and plastic elements. It would be a good idea to prepare a flat spatula or knife to carefully pry up the latches if they are rusty or tight.
- 🔧 A wrench or ratchet with a 10 mm head for unscrewing the main bolts.
- 🪛 Phillips and flathead screwdrivers for working with small fasteners and plugs.
- 📏 Level (bubble) for checking the horizontal installation after completion of work.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp edges and grease.
It is important to ensure a stable position of the refrigerator during operation. If the floor is slippery, it is better to place a rubber mat or cardboard under the legs. Door hinges are energized due to the weight of the door, so any work is carried out only after the device is completely disconnected from the power supply.
☑️ Preparation for rehanging
Removing the top panel and preparing for removal doors
The process of modifying the design should begin by dismantling the top cover of the housing if it interferes with access to the top hinges. For many models Biryusa the cover is secured with bolts that are hidden under decorative plugs or rubber feet. Carefully remove these elements to gain access to the fasteners.
⚠️ Attention: Before removing the top panel, make sure that you do not damage the wires going to the light bulb or control unit if they run in this area. Proceed carefully, lifting the cover vertically.
After freeing access to the top hinge, do not rush to unscrew it. First, you need to fix the position of the door so that it does not fall when removing the fasteners. Ask an assistant to hold the sash or use a stop. Then loosen the fastening bolts top hingebut do not remove them completely yet.
If your model is equipped with a door sensor, it is usually located in the area of the top hinge. In this case, you will need to carefully disconnect the wiring connector. Do not pull the wires sharply; it is better to disconnect the terminals, having previously photographed their position for reassembly. This is a critical point for maintaining the functionality of the alarm.
Nuances of wiring sensors
In some older modifications, the wires may be soldered rather than connected by connectors. In this case, they will have to be carefully soldered to the new side, observing the polarity, or extended using standard methods.
Removing the door leaf and rearranging the fittings
The most critical stage is the direct removal of the door. Once the top hinge is freed from the bolts, carefully lift the door up, removing it from the bottom pin. It is better to perform this action together, since the weight of the door with the seal and shelves can be significant, and there is a risk of dropping it or damaging the sealing rubber sealing rubber.
Place the removed door on a flat surface covered with a soft cloth. Now you need to dismantle the handles and hinge mates. On the opposite side of the case you will see holes covered with plastic plugs. These plugs need to be removed and moved to the vacant places to hide the holes on the working side.
- 🚪 Remove the door by lifting it strictly vertically from the bottom pin.
- 🔩 Unscrew the handle and install it on the opposite side using the existing holes.
- 🕳️ Move the plastic plugs to new places to close the technological holes.
- 🔨 If necessary, use a hammer to carefully seat the plugs, but without excessive force.
Pay special attention to rearranging the bottom hinge pin. In some models it is pressed into the body and requires knocking out, in others it is simply screwed in. If the pin needs to be repositioned, make sure it fits snugly in the new hole. Backlash in this unit will lead to the door closing poorly or opening spontaneously.
Installation of hinges and installation on the new side
After Having prepared all the elements, you can begin installation. Place the bottom hinge (or pin) on the new side and slide the door onto it. At this stage, it is important to immediately check the verticality of the installation. The door should be level, without distortions, and the gap between seal and the body should be the same around the entire perimeter.
Next, the upper hinge is installed. Insert it into the grooves, align the holes and tighten the bolts by hand. Only after this can the fasteners be finally tightened with a wrench. Do not use excessive force when tightening, so as not to strip the threads in the aluminum body or the hinge itself.
| Element | Action | Tool | Check point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom hinge | Pin installation | Hammer/Key | No backlash |
| Door leaf | Installation to the pin | Assistant | Vertical position |
| Upper hinge | Fixation with bolts | Key 10 mm | Tight fit |
| Handle | Move to the side | Screwdriver | Reliability of fasteners |
If the refrigerator model is two-chamber, the process is repeated for a second chamber, usually starting from the top door to provide access to the bottom fastenings. The sequence of actions remains the same: dismantling, rearranging the plugs, installing hinges and hanging.
Adjusting the position of the doors and tightness
After installing the doors on the new side, an adjustment procedure is required. Even with careful installation, the position of the sashes may need to be adjusted to ensure a perfect fit. If the door is skewed, condensation will accumulate in the chamber, and the (compressor) will work harder, trying to maintain the set temperature.
For adjustment, use the adjusting bolts on the lower or upper hinge, if they are provided for in the design. By rotating them, you can raise or lower the corners of the door. It is convenient to check the tightness using a sheet of paper: clamp it between the seal and the housing at different points around the perimeter. The paper should be pulled out with noticeable force.
⚠️ Attention: If after adjustment the gap is still uneven, the seal itself may be deformed. In this case, you can warm it up with a hairdryer and straighten it, but if it is severely damaged, it will require replacement.
Also check the operation of the stoppers (if any) or magnetic latches. The door should open freely, but when released in a half-open state (usually up to 15-20 degrees), it should close on its own thanks to magnets and the tilt of the body. This property is called automatic closing.
Frequent errors and troubleshooting
In the process of self-repair, users often make common mistakes that can negate all efforts. One of the most common is ignoring the floor level. If the refrigerator is crooked, no amount of adjusting the hinges will help achieve proper closure. Always start by leveling the case using adjustable supports.
Another mistake is losing or mixing up fasteners. The bolts for the top and bottom hinges may differ in length and thread type. If you screw a long bolt into a short hole, you can damage the internal plastic or even pierce the chamber wall. Always sort the fasteners as you dismantle them, placing them in separate containers with labels.
Sometimes users forget about the door sensor wires. If you simply throw the door over and do not connect the sensor (or do not move it to the new side, if the design allows), the alarm will constantly beep, thinking the door is open. In some models, to do this, you need to move the sensor itself into a symmetrical hole or switch the chip in the control unit.
What to do if the door sagged after a week?
If after a while you notice sagging, check the tightness of the top hinge bolts - they may have loosened under the weight. Also inspect the seal: if it is dirty or jammed, the door will not close all the way. Try washing the seal with warm water and soap and lubricate it with silicone. If the problem is the deformation of the metal of the hinge, it will have to be replaced.
Is it possible to hang the door if the refrigerator is built into a niche?
This is possible, but it requires more space for maneuver. You will need to pull the refrigerator out of the niche at least half its depth to access the sides. Make sure that the ventilation gaps necessary for the operation of built-in appliances will not be compromised after installing the doors on the new side.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you are working quickly. However, if there is a lot of ice in the freezer, its weight can make removing the door more difficult and increase the risk of falling. In addition, when the housing is tilted (if required), water may leak out of the pan. It is better to carry out the defrosting procedure in advance.
Does re-hanging affect the warranty?
According to the legislation and rules of most service centers, re-hanging the doors yourself is not grounds for voiding the warranty if the unit components (wires, plastic, housing) were not damaged in the process. However, if you strip a thread or break glass, there will be a cost to repair it. Keep all the removed parts.
Why did the door become worse to close after the procedure?
Most likely, the geometry of the installation is broken. Check if the refrigerator is level on the floor. The second reason is that the seal could have slipped out of the groove during manipulation. The third reason is that the hinge bolts are overtightened, causing the door axis to be skewed. Loosen the fasteners and try to find a position in which the door stands straight.