Rearranging a kitchen unit or changing the layout often sets the owner of household appliances the task of changing the opening side of the refrigeration equipment. If you become the owner of a model Samsung with a system Family Hub or simply a built-in display, the procedure requires special care due to the presence of electronic components. Incorrect actions can lead to damage to the cables or disruption of the chamber's seal.
Unlike classical models, it is critical to follow the sequence of disconnecting the electrical connections. Modern units are equipped with complex door closer mechanisms and touch panels that are sensitive to static electricity and mechanical shock. Before starting work, you need to make sure that you have an assistant, since the weight of a door leaf with an integrated screen can exceed 30 kilograms.
In this article we will analyze all the nuances of dismantling and installing hinges, as well as correct reconnection of control wires. Safety and compliance with technology are the main priorities in this process. Carefully study the design of your device, since series models RF, RS and RB may have design differences in the arrangement of fasteners.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
First step is the organization of a safe working area. You will need a free space in front of the refrigerator that is at least one and a half meters wide in order to be able to set aside the removed parts and place the door on a soft surface. Remove all foreign objects, carpets and wires from the floor to eliminate the risk of tripping when carrying heavy loads.
A specific set of tools will be required to perform the work. Most fastenings in technology Samsung are made for hex bolts, so having a high-quality set of keys is a must. You also can’t do without flat-head and Phillips screwdrivers for working with plastic plugs and clamps.
- 🛠️ A set of hex keys (often a size of 4 mm, 5 mm or 6 mm is required).
- 🔧 Flat-head and Phillips screwdrivers for removing decorative panels.
- 🧤 Construction gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧶 Masking tape for fixing moving parts during work.
Pay special attention to lighting. Working with small connectors and wires in the twilight is unacceptable, as there is a high risk of damaging the fragile contacts. If there is not enough natural light, prepare a portable lamp or flashlight.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to unplug the refrigerator from the power supply. Working with live electrical components is strictly prohibited and can lead to electric shock or failure of the electronics.
Design features of models with a display
Refrigerators Samsung with a display on the door are fundamentally different from standard models - the presence of a cable channel passing through the loop group. The screen and touch panel require constant power and data transfer, which is realized through special connectors at the top of the device.
The design of the top hinge in such models is much more massive and complex. Inside the metal body of the loop there are not only rotation axes, but also sockets for connecting cables. When dismantling, you must act extremely carefully so as not to break the wires or tear them out of their seats.
Some modifications use a system Quick Drive or similar technologies, where the cable can be hidden inside the hollow axis of the loop. This requires a special approach when disconnecting: often remove the plastic hinge cover to gain access to the wire clamps.
Hidden wiring in the hinge axis
In some Samsung models, the wiring runs directly inside the metal axis of the top hinge. When removing such a loop, make sure that you do not pull the wire itself, but carefully remove it through the technological hole.
It is also worth noting the presence of reinforced magnetic seals, which ensure quiet operation, but create additional resistance when opening. When rehanging the door, it is important to maintain the integrity of these seals without stretching them excessively.
Removing the top hinge and disconnecting the electronics
The process begins from the top of the refrigerator, since that is where the main hinge with the electronics is located. First you need to remove the decorative hinge cover. It can be secured with latches or a small screw. Pry up the edge of the cover with a flat-head screwdriver, having first wrapped the tip in a soft cloth so as not to leave scratches on the glossy surface.
After removing the cover, you will see the connectors of the wires going to the display. They are usually secured with plastic locks. Gently press the latch and pull the connector by the housing, not by the wires themselves. Sharp jerks can break the thin strands inside the insulation.
Next, you should loosen the fastening bolts of the upper loop. Don't unscrew them all at once - just loosen the tension first. Then, holding the door (preferably with an assistant), unscrew the bolts completely and remove the hinge along with the wires.
☑️ Procedure for disconnecting the top hinge
It is important to immediately seal the protruding ends of the wires or connectors with masking tape so that dust or moisture does not get into them during further work. This is a simple precaution that will save the contacts from oxidation.
Removing the door leaf and rearranging the fittings
After releasing the upper part, the door is supported only by the lower support. Carefully lift the door leaf up to remove the axle from the bottom hole, and set the door to a safe place, placing it on a prepared soft surface (for example, a blanket or cardboard).
Now you need to rearrange the handles and stops. At the ends of the door you will find holes closed with plastic plugs. On the one hand they are, on the other they are not (or vice versa, depending on the factory configuration). Remove the plugs from the working side and install them on the side that will become internal after rehanging.
Door handles in models Samsung are often attached to long bolts on the reverse side. You will need to unscrew them and move the handle to a new location. Be careful not to confuse the upper and lower handles if they have different shapes or angles.
| Element | Action during dismantling | Action during installation | Nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper loop | Disconnect the cables, unscrew the bolts | Install on the new side, connect the cables | Do not twist the wires |
| Bottom support | Unscrew from the case, rearrange it in the hole | Screw into a new socket on the bottom | Use a thread locker |
| Plugs | Remove from active holes | Install in the vacated holes | Replace left/right |
| Door stopper | Unscrew from the bottom of the body | Screw in from the opposite side | Adjusts the opening angle |
Do not forget about the lower opening stop. It is located at the bottom of the refrigerator body, often under a decorative base. It also needs to be moved to the opposite side, otherwise the door will open too wide and may damage the furniture.
Installing the door on the new side
Installation is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. First install the bottom support sleeve into the new slot on the bottom of the refrigerator. Make sure it fits tightly and level. If the kit came with a special lubricant for rubbing parts, apply a minimal amount to the axle.
Ask an assistant to hold the door while you put it on the lower axle. The door should be vertical. Now the most important part is installing the top hinge. Align the hinge holes with the matching holes on the body and insert the bolts.
Connect the electrical connectors until the top hinge bolts are fully tightened. Make sure each connector makes a distinctive clicking sound. Check that the wires are in their channels and are not pinched by metal parts.
⚠️ Attention: Never use excessive force when tightening the loop bolts. The aluminum alloy of the body or the hinge itself may not withstand the tension and burst, which will lead to the need to replace expensive parts.
Adjustment and performance testing
After installing all elements, it is necessary to check the geometry of the door. It should fit snugly around the entire perimeter of the body. If you notice gaps at the top or bottom, you may need to adjust the height of the bottom support or the position of the top hinge.
Plug in the refrigerator and check the operation of the display. If the screen doesn't light up, don't panic right away. It is possible that the connector is not inserted fully or the polarity is reversed (although in modern models Samsung connectors often have protection against incorrect connection).
Check the operation of the door opening sensor. Open and close the refrigerator - does the beep sound (if it is enabled in the settings)? Is the light inside the camera responsive? These tests will confirm that the electrical circuit is assembled correctly.
Leave the refrigerator alone for several hours. During this time, the seals will straighten out, and you will be able to finally verify the correct installation. If the door begins to open by itself with a slight tilt, it means that the refrigerator is not level - twist the front legs to tilt back slightly.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible for one person to hang the door independently?
Technically possible if the model is small-sized. However, for refrigerators with a display Family Hub or large two-door models, it is highly recommended that two people work together. The weight of the door is large, and holding it with one hand while simultaneously tightening the bolts and connecting the wires is almost impossible without the risk of dropping the structure.
What to do if the display does not work after rehanging?
First of all, check the tightness of the connectors in the top hinge. They often don't go all the way in the first time. Also make sure that you have not mixed up the connectors (if they are the same in shape, but different in purpose). If a visual inspection does not help, the wire inside the insulation may have been broken during installation.
Do I need to wait after turning on the refrigerator?
Yes, after transportation and installation of new parts, the compressor needs time to stabilize the oil. It is recommended to wait 2-4 hours before connecting to the network, although modern synchronous inverter compressors Samsung are less sensitive to this than older models.
Will the warranty remain after self-repositioning?
According to the law, the consumer has the right to self-service if it does not lead to breakdown. However, if you contact the service center with a damaged cable or a broken loop thread after you have re-hanged it, warranty repair of this unit may be denied. Keep all removed parts.