Changing sides opening the refrigerator door Samsung is a standard procedure that is often required when moving or remodeling a kitchen space. Many owners of household appliances are afraid to perform this operation themselves, considering it difficult or risky for the mechanism. However, having a basic set of tools and understanding the design of loops, you can successfully carry out reversing in one hour.
Modern models of the Korean brand are designed with the possibility of reverse, which makes the process accessible even to inexperienced users. It is only important to strictly follow the sequence of actions and not to apply excessive force to the plastic elements. In this material, we will analyze in detail how to change the opening direction, what tools you will need and what to pay special attention to.
Before starting any work, you must empty the refrigerator of food and completely defrost it, if the model does not have a system No Frost with automatic moisture removal. Even in this case, it is recommended to disconnect the appliance from the power supply at least an hour before starting work in order to stabilize the temperature and avoid condensation inside the mechanisms.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
To perform the task efficiently, you will need a minimum set of home craftsman. The main tool will be an open-end or socket wrench, the size of which depends on the hinge model, most often the sizes are 8, 10 or 13 mm. You also cannot do without a Phillips screwdriver PH2 to dismantle decorative plugs and plastic elements.
Be sure to prepare a soft bedding, such as a blanket or thick cardboard, to place on the floor in front of the refrigerator. This will protect the floor covering from scratches if parts fall, and will also preserve the integrity of the door itself when it is temporarily placed. It is not recommended to use metal tools with damaged edges, as they can strip the threads of the bolts.
Pay special attention to organizing the space around the refrigerator. You will need free access from all sides, so it is better to move the equipment away from the wall at a distance of at least one meter. If the kitchen is cramped, consider temporarily dismantling adjacent furniture or moving work to a larger room.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to remove all shelves and drawers from the door. This will not only make the design easier, but will also prevent the glass elements from falling out when the hinges are disconnected.
To fix the position of the body during operation, you can use small wooden wedges that are placed under the front legs of the refrigerator. This will prevent unwanted movement of the unit when force is applied to the mounting bolts. Make sure that the floor at the work site is level and dry.
Dismantling the top hinge and removing the door
The process begins from the top of the refrigeration chamber, since this is where the main supporting loop is located. First you need to remove the decorative cover that usually covers the mechanism. It can be secured with latches or a small screw that needs to be carefully unscrewed.
After removing the cover, access to the bolts securing the top hinge will open. Before unscrewing them, be sure to ask an assistant to hold the door so that it does not fall under its own weight. If you are working alone, you can use masking tape to temporarily secure the position, although this is less secure.
After unscrewing the bolts, carefully lift the top hinge up. In some models, a rod or bushing can be removed along with the hinge, which must not be lost. Now the door can be removed by simply lifting it up so that it comes out of the lower sleeve, and put it in a safe place on a prepared bedding.
- 🔧 Remove the decorative panel of the upper hinge by unscrewing the fixing screw.
- 🔩 Loosen and unscrew the main hinge mounting bolts with the appropriate key size.
- 🚪 Carefully remove the door from the bottom support and place it on a soft surface.
- 🧹 Wipe the ends and fastening points from dust before installing it on the new side.
At this stage, it is important to inspect the removed hinge for damage. If the metal shows signs of corrosion or deformation, the element may need to be replaced. For models with a display on the door, you will also need to disconnect the wiring harness by carefully pulling the connector out of the case.
Transferring the fastening elements to the opposite side
The next step involves transferring all fasteners to the opposite side of the case. At the end of the refrigerator you will see technological holes closed with plastic plugs. They must be removed using a thin screwdriver or knife and moved to the place of the vacated holes.
A special re-hanging kit is often supplied with the refrigerator, including additional bushings or stoppers. If there are such parts, they must be installed in the corresponding holes on the new side. Some models require moving the hinge rod from one corner to another. Samsung A special hanging kit is often supplied, including additional bushings or stops. If there are such parts, they must be installed in the corresponding holes on the new side. Some models require the hinge rod to be moved from one corner to another.
Pay special attention to the hole for the door lock. There is usually a mechanism at the bottom of the frame that holds the door closed. It also needs to be moved to the new side, following the instructions for your specific series of refrigerator.
What to do if the plugs are lost?
If the plastic plugs were lost, they can be replaced with decorative screws of a suitable color or the holes can be sealed with furniture stickers, although this is less aesthetically pleasing. The main thing is to ensure the tightness of the thermal insulation.
After transferring all the elements, check that nothing interferes with the tight fit of the door to the body. Make sure that the threaded holes are free of factory grease or dirt that may have entered during transportation. Clean connections guarantee reliable fixation.
Installing the door and bottom hinge
Now you can begin installing the door on the new side. First, install the lower support sleeve or hinge into which the door stem will be inserted. Make sure that it sits tightly in its slot and does not wobble.
Place the door on the lower support, holding it in a vertical position. This is the most crucial moment that requires precision. Align the top hinge holes on the door with the holes on the refrigerator body.
Install the top hinge in place and tighten the bolts by hand. Do not tighten them all the way straight away. First you need to make sure that the door is level and the gap between it and the body is the same along the entire length.
| Work stage | Required tools | Completion time | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Removal top hinge | 8-10 mm key, screwdriver | 5-7 minutes | Low |
| Transfer plugs | Thin screwdriver | 3-5 minutes | Low |
| Installation on a new side | Key, assistant | 10-15 minutes | Medium |
| Adjusting the gaps | Key, level | 5-10 minutes | Medium |
After preliminary fixation, you can finally tighten all the bolts. The movements must be confident, but without fanaticism, so as not to break the threads in the aluminum case. Check that the hinge does not turn when opening the door.
Adjusting the position and checking the tightness
The final stage is adjusting the position of the door. Often, after rehanging, it is necessary to adjust the height of the legs of the refrigerator or the hinges themselves in order to achieve a perfect fit of the seal around the entire perimeter.
Checking the tightness is carried out by a simple method: close the door on a sheet of paper sandwiched between the seal and the body. If the paper is pulled out with force along the entire perimeter, it means it seal works correctly. If the paper slides freely, the hinges need to be tightened or the seal needs to be replaced.
Also check the operation of the magnetic lock and mechanical locks. The door should open smoothly, without creaking or jamming. If you hear unusual sounds, the hinge may be installed askew and needs to be loosened and re-centered.
⚠️ Attention: Do not leave the refrigerator open for a long time during adjustment. This can lead to defrosting of the evaporator and increased load on the compressor when first starting.
Make sure that the gap between the doors (in two-chamber models) is uniform. If the upper part of the door protrudes more than the lower part, this may indicate incorrect installation of the lower bushing or deformation of the door itself, which requires specialist intervention.
Features of models with a display and the No Frost system
Owners of modern models with a screen on the door need to exercise additional caution. When rehanging such doors, you need to reconnect the display cable that runs inside the door leaf.
To do this, you need to remove the top decorative panel, find the connector and carefully disconnect it. When installing on a new side, the cable may require switching to another port or changing the configuration in the menu, if this is provided by the manufacturer.
☑️ Check after installation
For systems No Frost it is critically important not to damage the cold air supply channels, which may pass near the hinge attachment points. When working, be careful with the tool so as not to pierce the thermal insulation layer or plastic air ducts.
If, after rehanging, the refrigerator begins to work louder or to hold the temperature worse, check whether the seal is pinched and whether the door is installed correctly. Sometimes it takes several hours of operation for the system to return to normal mode after intervention.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
One of the most common mistakes is ignoring the floor level. If the refrigerator is placed on an uneven surface, the overhanging door may open spontaneously or, conversely, not close completely. Always use a building level to check.
Another mistake is the loss of small parts. The bolts from the upper and lower hinges may differ in length and diameter. It is recommended to lay them out on a magnetic mat or signed paper to avoid confusion during assembly.
Some users try to save time and do not remove the door completely, but try to turn the hinges by weight. This is an extremely risky method and often results in thread breakage or finger injury. Completely removing the door is the only safe way.
Is it possible to rehang it alone?
Technically possible if the model is single-chamber and light. However, for two-compartment refrigerators Samsung it is strongly recommended that a second person help hold the door and align the hinges.
Do you need to wait after turning on the refrigerator?
Yes, after transporting and re-hanging work, it is recommended to let the refrigerator stand in an upright position for 2-4 hours before turning it on, so that the oil is in compressor glass in the crankcase.
What to do if the door sag after installation?
The sagging is usually eliminated by adjusting the front leg of the refrigerator or tightening the bolts of the top hinge. If this does not help, the hinge mechanism itself may be damaged.
Does re-hanging affect the warranty?
Independently re-hanging the door, as provided for by the design, does not void the warranty unless you damage other components. However, keep all the removed parts in case you call for service.
How often do you need to change the seal after rehanging?
You need to change the seal only if it is damaged or has lost its elasticity. The re-hanging procedure itself does not necessarily require replacing the tires if they are in good condition.