The need to change the opening side of the refrigerator Pozis often arises when remodeling a kitchen or purchasing new furniture that does not allow the use of a standard door arrangement. Modern models of this Russian brand, such as Rowan Biryusa or series World, were initially designed with the possibility of reinstallation in mind, but the process itself requires care and adherence to a certain sequence of actions. Incorrect assembly can lead to skew of the canvas, failure of the seal and, as a result, compressor failure due to increased load.
In this article we will examine in detail, how to change the door on a Pozis refrigerator, without resorting to the services of paid specialists. You will learn about the nuances of dismantling old fasteners, the features of rearranging fittings to the opposite side, and methods for accurately adjusting gaps. Understanding the design of hinges and latching mechanisms will help you avoid common mistakes that beginners often make when repairing household appliances on their own for the first time.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tools
Before starting any work with household appliances, it is critical to ensure the safety of the process. The refrigerator is a heavy unit, and its doors, especially in two-chamber models, have significant weight and can be equipped with glass shelves. Therefore, the first step should always be to completely empty the interior space of products and removable elements, such as glass shelvesplastic containers and bottle holders. This will not only make the design easier, but will also prevent the dishes from breaking or damage to the plastic due to careless movement.
To perform the work, you will need a minimum set of tools, which are usually found in every home. The main tool will be screwdriver or a set of screwdrivers with different slots (phillips and flat), since different models Pozis can use screws of different standards. It would also be a good idea to prepare a wrench (often a size of 10 or 12 mm is required) to remove the hinge fastening bolts and a flat spatula to carefully snap off the decorative plugs.
Particular attention should be paid to organizing the space around the unit. You will need a free zone with a radius of at least a meter for convenient maneuvering. If the floor is slippery, it is better to lay cardboard or thick fabric so that the refrigerator does not move while removing the doors. Do not forget to also disconnect the device from the power supply by removing the plug from the socket to eliminate the risk of a short circuit if the wiring of sensors or lighting lamps is accidentally damaged.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to check that you have all the necessary keys. Some models Pozis may use bolts with a special head that require a socket wrench with an extension.
☑️ Preparing to rehang the door
Design analysis and removal of the top door
Process dismantling begins from the top of the refrigerator, if we are talking about a two-chamber model. First you need to remove the decorative plug that covers the fasteners of the top hinge. It can be made in the form of a plastic lid with latches or simply a glued element that needs to be carefully pryed off with a knife. Under the plug you will find bolts securing the hinge to the refrigerator body and the door itself.
The next algorithm of actions depends on the design of your model Pozis. In some versions, the hinge is attached directly to the door, and after unscrewing the bolts, the upper part can be removed along with the door leaf. In other cases, the fasteners are first loosened, the door is held by an assistant (or fixed with tape, although this is less reliable), and only then the screws are finally unscrewed.
After removing the top door, we move on to the bottom of the freezer compartment (if it is located below) or the main chamber. Here the principle is similar: we find hidden fasteners, unscrew them and carefully remove the canvas. Be careful with the magnetic latches and sealing rubber - try not to damage them with the sharp edge of the metal hinge when dismantling.
- 🔧 Unscrew the top hinge bolts, having first secured the door from falling.
- 🚪 Remove the top door, placing it in a safe place on a soft substrate.
- 🔩 Remove the middle and lower hinges, freeing the second chamber.
- 🧹 Clean the ends of the case from dust and old grease before installation.
Removing the bottom door and preparing for turning over
The bottom door, be it the freezer or the main compartment, is usually attached to one or two hinges, depending on the model Pozis. Removing this part is often more difficult due to the weight of the structure. If you have a model with a bottom freezer, then after removing the top door you will have access to the bottom freezer fasteners. In some cases, it is necessary to remove the base panel (plinth) of the refrigerator to gain access to the lower bolts.
When working with bottom hinge it is important to consider that it is often aligned with the axis of rotation. When unscrewing the fastening bolts, the door may tilt sharply, so hold it with your other hand or ask someone to secure you. After disconnecting, carefully place the door on a prepared surface (preferably on a spread blanket or cardboard) with the outer side up.
Now you need to prepare the doors themselves for installation on the new side. To do this, the old hinges are removed from them and moved to the opposite end. Pay attention to the holes: in the factory version, on the unused side they are often closed with plastic plugs. These plugs must be removed and moved to the vacated places on the other side in order to maintain the aesthetic appearance of the refrigerator. Pozis.
What to do if the bolts are rusty?
If the mounting bolts are stuck and cannot be unscrewed, do not use excessive force so as not to strip the threads. Treat the joint with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and leave for 15-20 minutes. After this, try to carefully remove the bolt by lightly tapping the head of the key. As a last resort, you can use heat, but be careful not to damage the plastic body of the hinge.
Rearranging handles and fittings
One of the most important steps is moving the handle. In refrigerators Pozis handles can be made in the form of a separate element, which is screwed onto the inside of the door, or integrated into the profile. If you have a separate handle, you will need to open the door (before you remove it, or by temporarily screwing the hinges back) and unscrew the mounting screws from the inside.
After removing the handle, you need to rearrange the latch mechanism (tongue), if it is provided for in the design. In some models, this element is symmetrical and does not require replacement; in others, you need to remove the plastic retainer and turn it over or replace it with a component from a spare set, which is often included in the package with the refrigerator. Without this step, the door will not close tightly and hold the magnetic lock magnetic lock.
If the handle is hidden (mortise), then the procedure is simplified to rearranging the plugs. However, if the design of your model involves an asymmetrical handle that cannot be rearranged (for example, it is part of the body), then you will not be able to rehang the door without replacing the door itself with a symmetrical one, which is practically impossible to implement at home. In such cases, all that remains is to put up with the existing situation or look for original spare parts.
| Fitting element | Action during a revolution | Nuances for Pozis |
|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Move to the opposite side | Requires precise alignment of holes |
| Bottom hinge | Replace the axle or turn it over | Often has a pin for alignment |
| Handle | Remove and secure on the other side | Screws can be of different lengths |
| Plugs | Move to the vacated holes | You need to pry with a thin tool |
Installing the doors on the new side
Assembly begins in the reverse order: install the bottom door first. Make sure the bottom hinge (or axle) is installed into the new mounting hole on the refrigerator body. When installing the door leaf, it is important to get the hinge pin into the corresponding hole on the door. This requires good coordination, since the door is heavy and blocks the view.
After installing the lower part, we move on to the upper one. The key point here is correct positioning top hinge. Insert it into the holes on the body and on the door, but do not tighten the bolts “all the way” yet. Leave a small gap to be able to adjust the position of the door relative to the body. This will avoid a situation where the door is skewed and does not fit with the seal.
Secure all the bolts, but make the final tightening only after checking the operation of the mechanism. Make sure that when the door closes there is a characteristic click and that the magnetic seal fits evenly around the entire perimeter. If you notice gaps, loosen the fasteners of the middle hinge (if there is one) or the upper one and slightly move the blade in the desired direction.
⚠️ Attention: Do not overtighten the hinge mounting bolts. Excessive force can lead to deformation of the metal or breakage of the threads in the plastic bushings of the body, which will require complex repairs.
Adjusting the gaps and checking the tightness
After installing the doors on the new side, a mandatory step is adjusting the gaps. Even with careful work, a misalignment may occur, due to which the refrigerator will close poorly or, conversely, be too tight. For adjustment, some models Pozis are provided with adjusting screws on the hinges; in others, the height can be changed by placing washers or adjusting the position of the legs of the refrigerator itself.
Check the tightness of the seal. To do this, you can use a simple test with a sheet of paper: clamp the sheet between the door and the body in different places around the perimeter. If the sheet is removed with force, the seal is good. If it falls out or moves too freely, a gap will form in this place through which the cold will escape. In this case, it is necessary to loosen the hinge fastenings on the loose-fitting side and move the door slightly.
Also check the operation of the light sensor and the fan button (if there is one). When the door is opened, the light should come on instantly. If the door is hung correctly, the latch mechanism should not impede free movement, but ensure tight closure with a slight push.
Common mistakes and troubleshooting
When replacing the door opening side on their own, beginners often make a number of common mistakes. One of the most common is the loss of fasteners. Small screws and washers are easily lost in the grass (if the repair is in the country) or rolled under the refrigerator. To avoid this, use a magnetic tray or jar to fold all the parts from each loop separately.
Another mistake is ignoring the condition of the seal. During dismantling and installation, the rubber can be easily damaged or stretched. If you notice that after installation sealing rubber it is deformed, you can try to straighten it with a hairdryer (heating it carefully, without fanaticism) or replace it with a new one. Ignoring damage to the seal will lead to ice freezing and increased energy consumption.
Sometimes after assembly, users forget to connect the wires if the door has a built-in display or control button. In models Pozis with electronics on the door, it is important not to forget to remove the terminals before complete dismantling and connect them correctly after installation, observing the polarity. An error in the connection can damage the control board.
- 🚫 They forgot to rearrange the plugs, ruining the appearance.
- 🔩 They overtightened the bolts, breaking the threads in the case.
- 🌡️ Damaged the seal due to careless installation.
- 🔌 They forgot to connect the sensor connectors in the doors with electronics.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to hang the door on a Pozis refrigerator with a display on the door?
Yes, it is possible, but requires more caution. You will have to disconnect the wire harness going to the display before removing the door. When rearranging, you will need to carefully pass the wires through the new hole or use the provided channels. The main thing is not to damage the contacts and assemble the connectors correctly.
What to do if the holes on the new side do not match?
In 99% of cases, refrigerators Pozis have symmetrical drilling. If the holes do not line up, check to see if you have mixed up the left and right hinges, or if you forgot to remove the shipping plugs from the holes. You cannot drill new holes in the factory - this will damage the thermal insulation.
Do you need to wait before turning on the refrigerator after re-hanging?
No special waiting is required, since the refrigerant is not affected. However, if you tilted or laid down the refrigerator strongly during work, it is recommended to let it stand in an upright position for 2-4 hours before turning it on, so that the oil in the compressor flows into the crankcase.
Where can I get new plugs if the old ones are lost?
Plugs are a consumable item. They can be ordered at service centers Pozis according to the catalog number of your model, or you can select universal plastic plugs of suitable diameter in a hardware store. You can also use decorative screw caps.