The need to change the direction of opening the refrigerator door often arises when moving to a new apartment or after remodeling the kitchen, when the standard location interferes with convenient access to products. Modern models of the German brand Bosch were originally designed with this possibility in mind, which makes the hanging process quite accessible for doing it yourself without calling a specialist. However, the design of the units can vary significantly depending on the series and year of manufacture, so it is important to take into account the technical nuances of a particular model.
Before starting work, you need to make sure that your device has a factory reverse capability, since some budget or built-in models may not have appropriate mounting holes on the opposite side. Re-hanging the door requires care and adherence to the sequence of actions so as not to damage seals or cooling system. In this article, we will analyze in detail the process of dismantling and installing elements on a new side, focusing on the specifics of the equipment Bosch.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tools
Quality preparation for work is the key to success and safety, so free up the space in front of the refrigerator in advance to ensure easy access to it from all sides. You will need a flat surface where you can temporarily place the removed parts, as well as good lighting, since some fasteners may be hidden in the shadows.
To perform the operation, you do not need a complex professional tool; a standard home craftsman’s kit, which many people have, is sufficient. The main tool will be a set of screwdrivers, including both Phillips and flat slots of different sizes, and possibly socket wrenches or an 8 or 10 mm socket depending on the type of bolts.
☑️ Tools for rehanging
Special attention Pay attention to the presence of a second person, as refrigerator doors, especially in models, can be quite heavy due to the built-in air circulation systems and thick insulation. One person will not be able to safely hold the heavy sash and at the same time unscrew the fastening bolts, which can lead to the part falling and damage to the floor or the unit itself. Bosch, especially in models NoFrost, can be quite heavy due to built-in air circulation systems and thick layers of insulation. One person will not be able to safely hold the heavy sash while unscrewing the mounting bolts, which could result in the part falling and damaging the floor or the unit itself.
Dismantling the upper part and removing the door
The process begins by disconnecting the device from the power supply, which is a mandatory safety requirement for any manipulation of household appliances. After this, open the door and carefully remove all shelves, containers and drawers to minimize the weight of the structure and avoid them falling during operation.
The next step will be to dismantle the top panel or visor, if it is provided for in the design of your model. Bosch. Usually it is attached to latches or screws hidden under decorative plugs, which need to be carefully pryed off with a flat screwdriver or a special spatula so as not to leave scratches on the glossy surface.
⚠️ Attention: Decorative plugs and plastic fastening elements on older models can be fragile due to the drying of the plastic, so proceed without sudden jerks, preheating them with a hairdryer at a low temperature if they do not give in.
Now you need to unscrew the top hinge, having first fixed the door in the open position or asking an assistant to hold it. After removing the bolts, the upper hinge can be dismantled, and the door itself can be carefully lifted and removed from the lower pin, and then put in a safe place.
Flipping the handle and rearranging the plugs
On most refrigerator models Bosch the handle is an integrated or removable part that must be moved to the opposite side to maintain an aesthetic appearance and ergonomics. If the handle is overhead, it is usually attached to screws on the inside of the door, which can be accessed after removing the decorative trims.
It is important to correctly dismantle the handle without damaging the plastic clips, and install it on the prepared holes on the other side, using the same fasteners. In some cases, it may be necessary to turn the handle itself 180 degrees, if its shape is asymmetrical, so that it looks organic.
After moving the handle, it is necessary to close the resulting holes on the old side with special plugs, which often come with the refrigerator or are already installed in free slots. Included with new Bosch refrigerators, the plugs are often included in bag with documents or attached with tape to the inner surface of the camera.
- 🔧 Carefully remove the plugs from the spare set or from the opposite side.
- 🔧 Clean the holes from dust and dirt before installing new plugs.
- 🔧 Insert the plugs until a characteristic click or light tapping, ensuring they fit tightly.
What to do if the plugs are lost?
If the original plugs are lost, you can order them by part number at the service center or use universal furniture plugs of a suitable color and diameter, having previously degreased the surface for better glue adhesion.
Modernization of the lower support and hinge
The lower part of the refrigerator requires special attention, since this is where the main support hinge and, often, the closer or stopper mechanism are located. In models Bosch the lower support can be symmetrical, requiring only the rearrangement of the pin, or asymmetrical, which must be physically flipped over or moved to the other side of the case.
To access the lower mount, it is often necessary to remove the plinth grille or decorative strip at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment. After removing the protection, you will see the hinge structure, which must be dismantled by unscrewing the fastening bolts and moved to the opposite side using the holes provided by the factory.
| Structural element | Action when turning over | Feature for Bosch |
|---|---|---|
| Lower bushing | Turn over or rearrange | Often has an asymmetrical profile |
| Support pin | Rearrange to a new hole | May require replacement with mirror |
| Door stopper | Move to the opposite groove | Located inside the hinge |
| Decorative cover | Move to the other side | Attached with latches |
When installing the bottom hinge to a new location, make sure that it fits tightly to the body and has no play, since the correct operation of the entire opening system depends on this. If the design includes a door opening stopper, it must also be moved to the corresponding slot on the new side.
Installing the door and adjusting the gaps
After preparing all the components, you can begin the final assembly, starting with installing the door on the lower pin of the new hinge. This step will again require the help of a second person, who will need to accurately align the hole in the top of the door with the seat for the top hinge.
Install the top hinge into place and tighten the mounting bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet to leave room for adjusting the position of the sash. After preliminary fixation, check the smooth movement of the door and the absence of distortions, which can lead to a loose fit of the seal.
⚠️ Attention: If after installation you notice that the door does not fit tightly or opens spontaneously, do not try to solve the problem by force - precise adjustment of the height of the support screws is necessary.
For final adjustment, use the adjusting screws located on the front of the lower support or in the upper hinge structure, by rotating which you can change the inclination of the door relative to the horizontal. A correctly adjusted door should open to an angle of up to 90 degrees and close tightly under its own weight in the extreme position.
Frequent errors and troubleshooting
In the process of re-hanging refrigerator doors on their own Bosch masters often make a number of typical mistakes that can negate all the work or lead to breakdown. One of the most common problems is missing or mixed-up fasteners, especially when the top and bottom bolts are of different lengths and threads.
Another mistake is ignoring the need to replace or rearrange the locking elements, which causes the door to open too far and can damage furniture or walls. Also, users often forget to check the horizontal installation of the refrigerator itself after completion of work.
- 🚫 Tightening bolts without first checking the position of the door.
- 🚫 Using excessive force when dismantling plastic elements.
- 🚫 Forgetfulness in installing plugs on old holes.
If after assembly you hear a creak or feel resistance when opening, check whether the door is touching the body or internal elements, and if necessary, loosen the fasteners for re-adjustment. In rare cases, it may be necessary to lubricate the rubbing surfaces of the hinges with a special lubricant that is safe for food production.
Why does the door not close hermetically after turning over?
Most often the reason lies in contamination of the seal or incorrect adjustment of the tilt of the case - make sure that the refrigerator is strictly horizontal and the rubber band is clean and elastic.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before reversing the door?
Defrosting is not a mandatory technical requirement for changing the side of the door, but it is recommended to empty the refrigerator compartment and remove all shelves to lighten the weight and prevent food spoilage during work.
Is it possible to rehang the door on a built-in Bosch refrigerator?
Yes, on built-in models this is possible, but the process is more complicated, since you first need to dismantle the front furniture overlay, rehang it, and then work with the metal door of the refrigerator.
What to do if the holes for hinges do not match?
If the factory holes do not match or are not there on the right side, it means that your specific model does not support door reversal, and independent drilling of new holes is strictly not recommended.
Will the warranty still apply after self-reversing?
According to the rules of most service centers, Re-hanging the door yourself will not void the warranty on the compressor and electronics, unless other components of the unit were damaged in the process.