The situation when the refrigerator Beko is too close to the wall or interferes with the opening of adjacent cabinets is familiar to many owners of small kitchens. Often the only solution is to move the door to the other side, which allows you to optimize space and make the operation of the equipment more comfortable. Unlike complex electronic breakdowns, this procedure does not require calling a specialist and can be performed independently with a minimum set of tools and attention to detail.
The process of changing the side of the door opening involves the physical movement of hinges, handles and travel stops. Important to understandthat the design of different models Beko may have its own nuances, but the general the algorithm of actions remains similar for most household refrigerators of this brand. Before starting work, it is necessary to clear access to the unit from all sides and ensure a stable position of the equipment to prevent it from falling during the dismantling of heavy elements.
In this article we will analyze in detail each stage of replacing the opening side, paying special attention to the technical features of the various series Beko. You will learn what tools you will need, how to properly dismantle the fittings and how to avoid common mistakes that can lead to a loose seal. Proper re-hanging guarantees a long service life of the device and maintaining its energy efficiency.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Before proceeding with direct dismantling, you should prepare the workspace. The refrigerator must be moved away from the wall at a distance sufficient for free access to the rear panel and side edges. Be sure to clear the interior of the unit of food and shelves to reduce the overall weight of the structure and prevent contents from falling out when the unit is tilted. It is also recommended disconnect the device from the power supplyto remove the plug from the socket to avoid a short circuit or accidental activation of the compressor during work.
To complete the task, you will need a standard home handyman's kit. The main tool will be a set of screwdrivers, including Phillips and flat slots of various sizes, since fastening screws in refrigerators Beko may differ in the type of head. Some models, especially built-in or larger models, may require an 8 or 10 mm wrench or socket to remove the main hinge mounting bolts.
⚠️ Attention: The floor of the refrigerator may be slippery and the unit itself may be heavy. To avoid damaging the flooring and make it easier to move equipment, place thick cardboard, a rug or a piece of linoleum under the legs. This will also protect your knees when working in the lower tier.
Additionally, prepare a container for storing screws and small parts so that they do not get lost. It will be useful to have a soft rag on hand to wipe away dirt that may become exposed after removing the decorative plugs. If your model has plastic plugs on hinges, carefully remove them using a thin knife blade or a flat-head screwdriver, being careful not to damage the plastic.
☑️ Preparing to rehang
Removing the top hinge and door
Start the process always follows from the top of the refrigerator, since it is the top hinge that holds the bulk of the door suspended. Depending on the model Beko, the top hinge can be hidden under a decorative plastic cover or open. If a cover is present, it must be carefully pryed and removed. Next, unscrew the screws that secure the hinge to the refrigerator body.
After loosening the fasteners, the upper hinge must be removed, but do not remove it too far - it will be needed for installation on the other side. Now comes the most crucial moment: removing the door. Since the bottom hinge is still fixed, the door is supported only by it, but without top support it may be unstable. Ask an assistant hold the door until you finally remove the axle or fastener from the bottom hinge, or simply carefully remove the door from the bottom pin, if the design allows it.
The removed door must be placed in a safe place, placing it on a soft surface with the inside facing up, so as not to damage the sealing rubber and plastic. At the same stage, it is worth checking the condition of the seal and, if necessary, cleaning it of dirt. If there are holes in the place of the old hinge, you don’t need to touch them yet; they will come in handy after the revolution.
The door handle deserves special attention. In most modern models Beko handles are integrated into the body or have hidden installation. If the handle is symmetrical, you can simply rearrange it. If it has a specific shape, suitable only for one side, additional plugs or a second handle are often included with the refrigerator. Remove the plugs from the side holes and install them on the front part, and close the holes that become visible with new plugs.
Re-hanging the lower hinge and pin
After the door is removed, attention turns to the lower part of the unit. The bottom hinge of refrigerators Beko is usually attached to the base panel or directly to the bottom of the case. It is necessary to unscrew the fastening screws and remove the hinge along with the axis (pin) on which the door rotated. In some models, the axle may be a separate part, screwed into the hinge or into the bottom of the refrigerator.
The key point is to reposition the stop pin. In the factory configuration, the pin is installed on one side. You need to unscrew it and screw it into a symmetrical hole on the opposite side. This often requires a key of a certain size. Make surethat the pin is screwed in all the way and fixed, since it will bear the weight of the entire door.
Now install the bottom hinge itself in a new place. Holes for fastening on the bottom of the refrigerator are usually provided on both sides and are closed with threaded bushings. If the holes on the new side are closed with plastic plugs, they need to be removed. Secure the hinge with screws, but do not tighten them all the way “tight” yet, leaving a small gap for later adjustment of the door position.
⚠️ Attention: When moving the lower pin, check its length and thread. In some models Beko the pins may be different for the left and right sides, or you may need to use a special adapter sleeve included in the kit. Do not use excessive force to avoid stripping the threads in the housing.
If your refrigerator is equipped with a No Frost system, make sure that when rearranging the lower elements you do not pinch or damage the wires going to the sensors or fans if they pass in this area. Although in most cases the wiring is well protected, it doesn't hurt to be extra careful. After installing the bottom hinge, you can proceed to preparing the door itself for installation.
Rearranging fittings and limiters
The refrigerator door is not just a metal sheet, but a complex structure with installed fittings. In addition to the handle mentioned earlier, you need to pay attention to the opening limiter. This is a small plastic or metal element that prevents the door from swinging open at an angle of more than 90-110 degrees, protecting the seal and hinges from overstress.
The limiter is usually located at the bottom of the door, at the end or bottom. It must be carefully unscrewed or pulled out of the old hole and moved to a symmetrical hole on the other side. If this is not done, the door may hit the frame or wall when opening, which will eventually lead to damage to the paint or plastic.
What to do if the stopper is lost?
If you have lost the plastic stopper, you can temporarily replace it with a suitable screw with a wide head, wrapped in a soft cloth, or order an original spare part using the catalog number models. However, operation without a stopper is not recommended.
Also check for the presence of magnets or strikers at the bottom of the door, if they are provided for in the design of your model Beko. Sometimes it is necessary to rearrange the magnetic lock so that the door closes tightly in the new position. All decorative plugs that were removed at the beginning of the process are now installed on the vacated holes on the opposite side, giving the unit a complete aesthetic appearance.
Do not forget about the internal elements if they interfere with re-hanging. For example, on some models, door trays or bottle holders may have asymmetrical fastenings. They may also need to be rearranged or reoriented. Carefully examine the instructions for your specific model, since the location of the internal shelves may affect the balancing of the door.
Door installation and final assembly
After preparing all the elements, the assembly stage begins. Lift the door and carefully slide it onto the bottom pin of the new hinge. This action is best performed by two people: one person holds the door, the second controls the entry of the axle into the hole. Make sure that the door is seated tightly and evenly, without distortions.
Now you need to install the top hinge in a new place. Insert the top hinge pin into the corresponding hole on the end of the door and align the hinge mounting holes with the holes on the refrigerator body. Install the screws securing the top hinge. At this stage, it is important not to tighten the screws immediately, but to leave them slightly loosened for final adjustment.
Check the operation of the door: it should open smoothly, without creaking or jamming. When released from an angle of about 30-40 degrees, the door should close on its own under the influence of the seal magnets and its own weight. If the door opens spontaneously or, conversely, does not reach the end, you will need to adjust the tilt of the body or the position of the hinges.
Finally tighten all fastening screws on the top and bottom hinges. Install decorative plastic covers on the hinges, if provided for by the design. Plug in the refrigerator and let it work for several hours without loading food to make sure that the compressor is operating stable and the chambers are closing correctly.
Adjusting the position and eliminating distortions
A perfectly flat floor is rare, so after re-hanging the door there is often a need for adjustment. If you notice that the door does not fit tightly or is skewed, do not rush to get upset. In most cases, the problem can be solved by tightening the adjusting screws on the hinges or changing the height of the refrigerator's support legs.
Use a building level to level the door vertically. Place it on the end of an open door or on the lid of the refrigerator. By rotating the front adjustable supports (legs) of the refrigerator, achieve a horizontal position of the body. Important: the refrigerator should stand steadily, without swaying from side to side.
If the skew of the door itself persists, you may need to loosen the screws securing the hinges and move them slightly in in the desired direction, then tighten again. Do this in small steps, constantly checking the results. Also check the tightness of the seal around the entire perimeter: the gap between the seal and the body should be minimal and uniform.
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The door does not close until end | The limiter is installed incorrectly | Check and rearrange the travel limiter |
| The gap in the upper part of the door | The upper hinge is skewed | Loosen the screws of the upper hinge and level |
| The refrigerator is unstable | The legs are not adjusted | Unscrew the support screws until they stop on the floor |
| Creak when opening | Metal friction or dryness | Lubricate the hinges with silicone grease |
⚠️ Attention: If after all the adjustments the gap between the door and the body remains significant, the body itself or the seal may be deformed. In this case, independent repair may not help, and you will need to replace the sealing rubber or contact a service center Beko.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to hang the door on a Beko two-chamber refrigerator yourself?
Yes, in most cases this is possible. However, double-compartment models are heavier and require special care when working with the top door of the freezer. It is recommended to perform this operation with an assistant to avoid heavy items falling.
Are any special tools needed for models with a display?
If there is a display or control panel on the door of your refrigerator Beko the procedure becomes more complicated. Before removing the door, you must disconnect the electrical connectors going to the panel. Be sure to take a photo of the connection diagram before disconnecting and act very carefully so as not to damage the thin wires.
What to do if the holes for the loops on the new side are closed?
On some models, the holes may be closed with plastic plugs that you simply need to remove. If there are physically no holes (which happens on very old or specific models), then re-hanging is impossible without drilling the body, which is highly not recommended, since the insulation or freon pipelines can be damaged.
How often do you need to change the seal after re-hanging?
The re-hanging process itself does not necessarily require replacing the seal. However, if you notice that the old rubber is cracked, has lost elasticity, or does not fit tightly after adjustment, then replacement is necessary to maintain the energy efficiency of the refrigerator.
Will the warranty remain valid after re-hanging the door yourself?
According to the general rules, if you do not damage the equipment during the process of re-hanging it yourself (you will not break the thread, you will not break glass, do not damage the wires), the warranty remains valid. However, if the service center receives a refrigerator with traces of unqualified intervention that led to a breakdown, warranty repairs may be refused.