Changing the opening side of the refrigerator door is not just a whim, but often a necessary measure for the ergonomic placement of appliances in the kitchen. Owners of a popular domestic brand Biryusa often face the question of how to remake the hinge so that the door opens in the desired direction. This process is technically simple, but requires care, a basic set of tools and an understanding of the design of hinges.
Before starting work, it is important to make sure that your model really allows re-hanging. Most modern and classic models Biryusa (series 6, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14) have symmetrical holes in the body and doors, which allows you to change sides without drilling new holes. However, in old or specific modifications there may be nuances with the location of the magnetic lock or handle.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for various types of hinges, methods for adjusting gaps and methods for eliminating sagging. You will learn how to safely remove heavy doors without damaging the seal, and how to properly tighten fasteners for long-term service of the mechanism.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
Any technical operation begins with preparation. To throw the refrigerator door Biryusa at a high quality level, you will need free space around the unit. Move the refrigerator at least a meter away from the wall to allow access to the sides and back walls. Be sure to disconnect the equipment from the power supply by unplugging the plug from the socket and allow the compressor to cool for 15-20 minutes.
To work, you will need the following set of tools. Do not use a damaged tool, as this may lead to thread breakage or injury.
- 🔧 Set of open-end or socket wrenches (most often sizes 10, 13 mm).
- 🪛 Phillips and flathead screwdrivers (for removing handles and decorative plugs).
- 🔩 Hex keys (often required for hinge adjustment screws).
- 🧤 Work gloves (to protect hands from sharp metal edges).
⚠️ Warning: The floor of the refrigerator may be slippery due to condensation or oil. Before starting work, place a non-slip mat or dry rags under your feet to avoid falling when working with heavy elements.
Prepare a container in advance for storing small parts. Bolts, washers and bushings are easily lost, and finding replacements for specific fasteners for Biryusa refrigerators can be difficult. It is also recommended to call an assistant: even if the upper door seems light, it is inconvenient to hold it with one hand and at the same time unscrew the hinges.
Dismantling the upper door and removing the fittings
The process of rehanging begins with the upper door. In models Turk with two chambers (the upper one is refrigerating, the lower one is freezing), it is the upper flap that is removed first. Open the door and find the top hinge at the end. Often it is closed with a decorative plastic plug, which must be carefully pryed off with a flat screwdriver.
Using a wrench or a screwdriver (at minimum speed so as not to strip the thread), unscrew the bolts securing the top hinge to the refrigerator body. Do not remove the bolts completely at once - loosen them so that the loop remains hanging on the threads, and then remove it completely. After this, you can remove the door itself. Lift it up, removing it from the lower sleeve, and set it in a safe place.
Now you need to dismantle the handle and clear the holes on the opposite side. If the handle is screw-type, unscrew it. If it is attached with latches, proceed carefully so as not to break the plastic.
- 🚪 Remove decorative plugs from unused holes on the door.
- 🔩 Install the plugs in the holes that were previously occupied by hinges.
- 🧹 Wipe the ends of the door and housing from dust and old lubricant.
☑️ Checklist before dismantling
Pay special attention to the condition sealing rubber. While the door is removed, inspect the magnetic tape around the perimeter. If there are cracks or creases on it, now is the time to replace the seal, since access to the fasteners is free.
Reversing the bottom door (freezer)
In two-chamber models Biryusa the bottom door is usually heavier and more massive. Removing it often requires removing the plinth grille at the bottom of the refrigerator to gain access to the bottom hinge. Remove the grille by unscrewing the fastening screws or releasing the latches.
The algorithm is similar to working with the upper door, but there is a nuance with the intermediate partition. Between the chambers there is often a steel bar or middle hinge. It must be unscrewed from the body. After removing the bottom door, clear the holes on the reverse side and rearrange the mating bushings.
| Element | Action with left hingement | Action with right hinge | Tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top loop | Move from left to right | Move from right to left | 10 mm key |
| Bottom loop | Move from left to right | Move from right to left | Key 13 mm |
| Door handle | Dismantle and install on the left | Dismantle and install on the right | Screwdriver |
| Plugs | Close the right holes | Close the left holes | Hands |
When installing the bottom door, it is important to correctly align the bottom hinge pin with a hole in the door. Have a helper hold the sash while you insert the top pin into the middle hinge. Make sure that the door fits tightly and is not warped.
What to do if the holes do not match?
If you have moved the door, but the fastening holes do not match the mating bushings, check to see if you have mixed up the upper and lower hinges. In some Biryusa models they have different pin geometry or length. Also make sure that you use standard bushings and not homemade gaskets that can change the fit geometry.
Features of working with single-chamber models
Single-chamber refrigerators Biryusa (for example, series 8, 10, 12) have a simplified design, but their own characteristics. Here, one common door or two independent doors in one building without a middle partition are often used. In such models, it is critically important to correctly weight the latch mechanism.
Inside the end of the door there is a lock tongue. When changing the opening side, it must be moved to the opposite end. To do this, remove the end plate (if there is one) or get to the mechanism through the technological hole. Take out the spring and tongue, move them to the other side and reassemble in the reverse order.
Don't forget about lighting lamp. In some older models, the light comes on when the door is opened by pressing a button located on the body. If you change sides, the button may end up on the opposite side of the door. In this case, the button must be dismantled and rearranged into a symmetrical hole on the body, having first disconnected the wires.
- 💡 Check the operation of the light switch after rearrangement.
- 🔌 Make sure that the switch wires are long enough for transfer.
- 🧊 Check whether the new opening side does not block access to the shelves.
⚠️ Attention: When working with electrical wiring (light button), make sure that the refrigerator is not just turned off with a button, but is physically disconnected from the outlet. A short circuit in the wires can damage the thermostat.
Adjusting gaps and eliminating sagging
After installing doors on a new side, the problem of a loose fit or misalignment often arises. The door may not close completely or, conversely, open too tightly. To solve this problem, the hinge design Biryusa provides for adjustment mechanisms.
Inspect the hinges. On many models, the central or lower hinge has an adjusting screw that allows you to change the height of the door or the tightness of its pressing to the body. By turning this screw clockwise, you can lift the door, eliminating the slack that often prevents it from closing properly.
If the door is skewed diagonally (one corner fits tightly and the opposite corner comes loose), try loosening the hinge mounting bolts, pressing the door in position and retightening the bolts. It is better to do this together: one holds the door in the ideal position, the second tightens the fasteners.
Check the operation of the magnetic lock. The door should close on its own when opened approximately 30-45 degrees. If this does not happen, the refrigerator may not be level. Tilt the top of the refrigerator slightly back by tightening the front adjustable supports.
Common mistakes and ways to eliminate them
Even experienced craftsmen can make mistakes when re-hanging. One of the most common problems is lost or mixed up bushings and washers. The design Biryusa refrigerator often uses plastic or metal bushings of different heights. If you confuse them during installation, the door will be crooked and the seal will not fit tightly.
Another mistake is overtightening the bolts. Excessive force may cause the threads in the aluminum refrigerator body to “float” or break. It is difficult to restore the threads in the body; repairs will be required using repair bushings or epoxy compounds. Tighten the bolts with moderate force, using thread locker if necessary.
Also, users often forget to remove the shipping locks or packing tape from the inside of the door before installation. This may lead to the door not closing completely, and a “coat” of ice will begin to build up in the chamber.
- ❌ Do not use graphite grease (it is black and can stain clothing and the seal).
- ❌ Do not leave the door open for a long time unless necessary (it may become deformed).
- ❌ Do not ignore the appearance of gaps between the body and the rubber.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to hang the door on a Biryusa refrigerator made in the 1990s?
On older models (Biryusa 8, 10 early years of manufacture) symmetrical openings were often missing. In such cases, re-hanging is possible only if you have skills in working with metal: you will have to drill new holes in the door and body, and seal the old ones. However, most models produced after 2000 are factory-prepared for re-hanging.
What to do if, after re-hanging, the door is not held by a magnet?
Check whether the lock tongue is installed correctly. Also make sure that the sealing rubber is not curled inward. If the magnet is loose, you can try heating the seal with a hairdryer (carefully!) and straighten it, or replace the entire magnetic tape. Sometimes adjusting the tilt of the refrigerator itself helps.
Do you need to wait after re-hanging before turning it on?
If you have not worked on the cooling system (pipes), then there is no need to wait. The refrigerator can be turned on immediately after assembly. However, if you tilted the unit strongly (more than 40 degrees) during work, it is advisable to let it stand upright for 2-4 hours before starting, so that the oil in the compressor flows into the crankcase.
Where can I get new hinges if the old ones are broken?
Hinges for Turquels are unified for many models. They can be ordered from refrigerator repair service centers or found in spare parts stores for household appliances, indicating the exact model of your unit. Universal hinges may not be suitable for the diameter of the pin or the distance between the holes.
Completing the review, we note that hanging the door yourself is a real opportunity to improve the comfort of use without calling a technician. The main thing is to follow the instructions, do not use excessive force and ensure the safety of all fasteners. A correctly installed door will ensure the tightness of the chamber and a long life for your refrigerator.