The situation when, after purchasing or rearranging furniture, it turns out that Bosch refrigerator opens in the wrong direction is familiar to many. This creates significant inconvenience during operation, especially in kitchens with limited space or a specific layout. Fortunately, the design of most modern models of the German brand provides the ability to reversing the doorswhich allows you to change the opening direction from left to right or vice versa.
This process does not require calling a specialist and special technical knowledge, but it is characterized by high labor-intensive and requires care. Engineering assembly Bosch technology is made with high precision, so any manipulations with canopies must be carried out strictly according to the instructions so as not to disrupt the tight fit of the seals. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the stages of work, the necessary tools and nuances, which are often silent about in short manuals.
Before you begin dismantling, you need to make sure that your unit really supports this function. Although the vast majority of models Bosch Serie 4, Serie 6 and built-in rulers have symmetrical holes for hinges, there are exceptions. If you plan to carry out the work yourself, be patient, as the procedure will take from 40 minutes to an hour and a half, depending on your skill and the type of model.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
Quality preparation is the key to the success and safety of your equipment. To work, you will need a minimum set of tools, which are usually found in every home, but some models may require specific devices. The main tool will be a set of hex wrenches (imbus), since they are the ones most often used for fastening hinges in the Bosch technique.
You will also need a flat-head and Phillips screwdrivers, a wrench (often 10 or 13 mm) and, possibly, a socket head with knob Pay special attention to the presence of an assistant: refrigerator doors, especially in models NoFrost with heavy internal panels, weigh a lot, and it is extremely undesirable to drop them. It is better to cover the floor in the work area with thick cardboard or a soft blanket.
- 🔧 A set of hex keys (the main tool for hinges).
- 🪛 Screwdrivers with magnetic tips (so as not to drop the screws inside the case).
- 🧤 Construction gloves (for protection hands away from sharp metal edges).
- 📏 Level or construction angle (to check horizontality after installation).
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! Remove the plug from the outlet to reduce the risk of short circuit or electric shock if you accidentally damage the wiring in the door hinges.
Be sure to clear space around the unit. You need to be able to move freely on all sides of the refrigerator. If the appliances are built into the kitchen set, they will have to be completely removed, since access to the side panels and top cover will be limited. Dismantling Built-in appliances require preliminary removal of the decorative panels of the facade.
Analysis of the design and search for technological holes
Before picking up tools, carefully inspect the refrigerator body. German engineers have provided for universal installation, so on the opposite side, where there are currently no hinges, there should be holes hidden or covered with plugs. In models Bosch these places are often closed with decorative plastic plugs that must be carefully removed.
Sometimes the holes for the hinges on the “unnecessary” side can be covered with a factory film or sticker. You need to find a set of accessories, which usually comes with the refrigerator in a separate package. There are additional screws, plugs for old holes and, in some cases, a second handle or its fastening elements, if the model requires it.
What to do if the holes do not match?
In rare cases, especially in older or budget models, the holes may not be punched. If you see only designated areas or none at all, it is not recommended to use a drill without a guarantee - this may damage the thermal insulation. Check the model in the official manual.
It is important to check the condition sealing rubber on the doors. If you change the opening side, the load on the seal will change, and if it is already worn, the seal may be compromised. Also inspect the door opening stops (usually these are plastic stops at the end); they often need to be moved to the other side so that the door does not swing open too wide and damage the furniture.
Dismantling the upper part and removing the upper door
The removal process always begins from the top of the unit. On most Bosch refrigerator models, the top cover is either removable or requires removal to access the top hinges. If you have a model with a top freezer, first remove its door. If there is only one camera, we work with it.
Remove the decorative trim from the top hinge, if any. It can be attached with latches or held on by friction. Gently pry it open with a flat-head screwdriver wrapped in a cloth to avoid scratching the plastic. Then use a hex wrench to remove the bolts securing the hinge. Do not remove them completely at once, it is better to simply loosen them so that the hinge remains hanging, but does not hold the weight.
☑️ Dismantling procedure
When the top hinge bolts are unscrewed, carefully lift the door. On some models Bosch the hinge pin is inserted into the door body and will need to be pulled up. Act smoothly, without jerking. After removing the top door, you will have access to the middle hinge (if the refrigerator is two-chamber) or you can move to the bottom.
Removing the middle and bottom hinges, dismantling the doors
If your refrigerator has two separate doors (freezer on top, refrigerator on the bottom), the procedure is repeated for the bottom door, but taking into account the middle hinge. The middle loop is often the common fulcrum, and rearranging it is the most critical step. Unscrew the fasteners of the middle hinge, holding the bottom door so that it does not fall.
The bottom hinge on most Bosch models is hidden under a decorative base at the very bottom of the refrigerator. To get to it, you need to remove the plastic panel near the floor. It is usually held on by latches or two screws. Once you remove the plinth, you will see the bottom bracket. Unscrew it and the door will be completely free.
| Hinge type | Location | Tool | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top | On cover or under the decorative overlay | Hexagon 5-6 mm | Often has a pin included in the body of the door |
| Medium | Between chambers (for 2 doors) | 10 key or hex key | Requires support of both doors when removing |
| Bottom | Inside the base (at the bottom of the case) | Screwdriver + key | You need to remove the front plinth panel |
After all the doors have been removed, lay them face down on a prepared soft surface. This will prevent scratches on the glossy finish or glass. Now you can proceed to moving the fittings to the opposite side of the case.
Installing hinges and hanging doors on the new side
Moving hinges to the other side is a mirror image of the dismantling process. Take the removed hinges and install them in the corresponding holes on the opposite side of the case. Important: use exactly the holes that match the type of door (top hinge in the top holes, bottom hinge in the bottom ones). It is difficult to confuse them, since they have different geometries, but be careful.
Secure the hinges with bolts, but do not tighten them “all the way” yet. Leave a small gap so that when hanging the doors you can adjust the position and even out the gaps. Insert the hinge pins into the matching holes on the ends of the doors. This may require the help of a second person to hold the door in a vertical position.
When the doors are in place, check that they are horizontal and vertical. If everything is level, you can begin the final tightening of the mounting bolts. Tighten them evenly, alternating diagonal bolts so as not to distort the hinge metal. After tightening, check again to see if the door has moved.
Adjusting gaps and installing plugs
The final stage is adjustment. The door should fit tightly around the entire perimeter of the body. If you notice that there is a gap in one of the corners through which the cold escapes, you need to adjust the position of the door. Refrigerator hinges Bosch often provide the ability to adjust the height and depth.
To adjust the height (if the door is sagging), adjusting screws are used in the lower support or in the hinge itself. By turning them with a key, you can raise or lower the corner of the door. To adjust the depth (to align the plane of the door with the body), loosen the hinge mounting bolts, slightly move the door forward or back, then tighten it again.
- 👁️ Check the uniformity of the gap around the entire perimeter.
- 👐 Make sure that the door opens and closes with a characteristic suction (magnetic valve).
- 🔩 Install plastic plugs on the old, now free holes for the hinges.
⚠️ Attention: If after adjusting the door still does not fit tightly, check if something is in the way from the inside (shelves, containers) or if the seal is upside down. Sometimes, when rehanging, the elastic band needs to be removed and rearranged so that the magnetic edge is in the correct position.
Do not forget to rearrange the door opening limiters at the ends, if your model has them. Also rearrange the shelves on the doors if their design allows installation on either side (usually the shelves are symmetrical, but the latches may require reinstallation).
Frequent errors and troubleshooting
In the process, beginners often make mistakes that lead to misalignment of the doors or damage to the plastic. One of the most common mistakes is trying to force the hinge pin into the hole. If the pin does not fit, the doors are not vertically aligned. Do not use force, it is better to call an assistant to hold the door strictly perpendicular to the floor.
Another problem is the loss of small mounting screws or plugs. They can easily roll under the refrigerator. To avoid this, use a magnetic container for all small parts or tape, sticking the screws directly on it with a label where they came from. This will save you time searching.
If after installation you hear a squeak, the hinges may require lubrication. However, this is rare in new refrigerators. Creaking can also be caused by an incorrectly installed seal that rubs against the housing. Check to see if the rubber band is wrapped inward.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to rehang the door yourself if the refrigerator is still under warranty?
Yes, you can. Re-hanging doors using standard methods described in the instructions does not constitute a violation of the warranty terms. However, if in the process you break the thread, scratch the body or break the hinge due to careless actions, the warranty claim for these damages may not be recognized. Keep all the removed parts.
What to do if there are no holes for hinges on the new side?
If there are no holes on the case (there are not even plugs or traces of drilling), then this refrigerator model is not intended for hanging the doors. It is strictly forbidden to drill holes yourself - you will damage the thermal insulation circuit and refrigerant pipelines, which will lead to failure of the unit.
Do you need to wait after installation before turning it on?
Yes, after moving the doors and transporting (if the refrigerator was tilted) it is recommended to give leave the unit in an upright position for 2-4 hours before turning it on. This is necessary so that the compressor oil flows into the compressor crankcase.
What to do with the handle if it is asymmetrical?
In some models Bosch the handles are integrated into the door profile and do not require replacement. If you have an overhead handle, check the package - often the kit includes a second handle or fasteners for rearranging the existing one. If there is no second handle, you will have to purchase it separately using the catalog number.