Changing the direction of opening the refrigerator door Beko is not just a cosmetic procedure, but often a necessary measure to optimize the kitchen space. Owners are faced with a situation where the standard arrangement of handles interferes with opening adjacent cabinets or is simply inconvenient in the new kitchen layout. Fortunately, most modern models Beko are designed taking into account the possibility of reinstalling hinges without the involvement of service engineers.
The process overhanging requires care and adherence to the sequence of actions so as not to damage the seals or fixing mechanisms. It is important to understand that the design of the upper and lower hinges may differ depending on the series of your unit. Before taking up the tools, it is necessary to free up the space around the refrigerator, ensuring access from all sides.
It is worth noting that improper assembly can lead to a loose fit of the door, which will cause ice build-up and increased energy consumption. If you doubt your abilities or notice complex electronic wiring, it is better to turn to professionals. However, for most mechanical models, this task can be completely solved at home with a basic set of tools.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
Before starting any manipulations with the body of the equipment, it is necessary to prepare a flat surface and a set of tools. You will need a Phillips screwdriver, a hex wrench (usually 4mm or 5mm), and a flat blade to remove the plugs. It would be a good idea to invite an assistant, since the refrigerator doors Beko are quite heavy, and holding them with one hand while unscrewing the hinges is dangerous.
Free the shelves on the doors and the refrigerator itself from food to reduce the weight of the structure and avoid falling contents. It is better to cover the floor in the work area with soft material or cardboard to prevent the floor covering from being scratched by fallen parts or tools. Also prepare a container for storing screws so that they do not get lost during work.
☑️ Tools and preparation
Pay special attention Electrical safety. Although we are working with mechanical components, there may be backlight or display cables running inside the case. Unplug the refrigerator by removing the plug from the outlet. This will eliminate the risk of a short circuit in case of accidental damage to the wire insulation during manipulations with the loops.
Dismantling the top door and removing the top hinge
We start the process from the top of the refrigerator, since the structure is usually assembled from top to bottom. First you need to remove the decorative plugs hiding the top hinge mounting bolts. They can be round or rectangular, depending on the design of the model Beko. Gently pry them open with a flathead screwdriver, being careful not to scratch the metal.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use excessive force when removing the plugs, as the plastic on older models can be brittle. If the plug does not budge, try warming it up slightly with a hairdryer.
After removing the decor, you will see the mounting bolts. Do not unscrew them completely at once - loosen them, but leave them on the threads. Now you need to lock the door in the closed position or ask an assistant to hold it. Only after this can you completely unscrew the bolts and remove the top hinge. If your model has wiring going through the top hinge, you need to carefully disconnect it, first remembering or photographing the location of the connectors.
After removing the hinge, carefully lift the top door up, removing it from the axis of the bottom hinge. Put it in a safe place; it is better to lay it flat on the prepared cardboard so as not to deform the seal. Now you have access to the upper part of the body and the intermediate hinge, if your model has one.
Re-hanging the lower door and intermediate hinge
The next stage is working with the lower door and the central support. On many models Beko the middle loop is a load-bearing loop and requires a special approach. First you need to remove the handle or decorative panel covering the middle hinge fastener. Often this requires removing the bottom door itself, having first loosened the fasteners.
To remove the bottom door, lift it up to remove it from the bottom support sleeve. Be careful, the magnetic seal may stick to the body, so some force is required. After removing the door you have access to the middle hinge. It must be completely dismantled by unscrewing all the bolts securing it to the refrigerator body.
Wiring features in two-chamber models
In some Beko models, control cables pass through the middle loop. If you find wires running through the hinge axis, you cannot simply cut them. It is necessary to carefully disconnect the connectors, pass them through a new hole in the case (if the design provides an alternative path) or transfer them to the provided channel on the other side.
Now the most important point is the rearrangement of the elements. On the opposite side of the refrigerator body there should be symmetrical holes closed with plastic plugs. Take out these plugs and install them in the places where the hinges just were. This is necessary for aesthetics and to maintain thermal insulation.
Install the middle hinge on the new side using the same bolts. Make sure the hinge pin is facing up and ready to accept the bottom door. If there are plastic bushings on the hinge, check their integrity and, if necessary, replace them with new ones from the repair kit, since the old ones may have worn out.
Installing the upper door on a new side
After installing the middle hinge in a new place, you can install the lower door in its place. Place it on the middle hinge pin and check for ease of movement. Do not tighten the fasteners completely yet, the door should “walk” so that the final adjustment can be made.
Now we move on to the upper door. If you previously removed the wiring, now is the time to re-route it. The case often has special grooves or clips for fixing the cable. Pull the wires carefully, without tension, and connect the connectors according to the photographs taken earlier.
Install the top hinge on the new side, aligning the holes with the mounting sleeves on the body. Insert the bolts and tighten them, but do not tighten them all the way. Lower the top door onto the spindle, making sure that the mating part of the hinge fits into the groove. Now you can tighten all the top hinge bolts evenly.
Check that all screws are tightened tightly. Weak fasteners will cause the door to warp and it will no longer close tightly, which is critical for the operation of the compressor. Make sure that the decorative plugs are installed in their places on the new side, and the old holes are closed with plugs.
Adjusting the position of the doors and checking the tightness
After installing the doors in a new place, they must be installed adjustment. Doors may hang crookedly or not fit tightly to the body due to uneven floors or small errors during assembly. An adjustment screw is often located on the front of the lower hinge (or middle, depending on the model).
By rotating this screw, you can raise or lower the corner of the door. Your task is to achieve an ideal horizontal position of the upper edge of the door relative to the floor. Also check the gap around the entire perimeter - it should be the same. If the door is skewed, it will allow warm air to pass through.
| Problem | Possible cause | Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| The door does not close completely | Casing skewed or hinges | Adjusting the height of the refrigerator legs or hinge screws |
| The gap between the door and the body | Wear of the seal or weak bolts | Tightening the fasteners or replacing the sealing rubber |
| It is difficult to open the door | The pressure is too strong | Lower the door corner with the adjusting screw |
| The door slams when closing | Incorrect tilt angle | Checking the installation level of the refrigerator |
To check the tightness, use a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet with the door around the perimeter. If it is pulled out with noticeable force and breaks, the seal is good. If the sheet falls out or is pulled out freely, the cold will go away in this place.
Features of models with a display and the No Frost system
Owners of modern models Beko with the system No Frost and the electronic display on the door you need to be especially careful. In such refrigerators, not only the backlight wires pass through the loops, but also the panel control cables. A connection error can damage the electronics.
When reversing a door with a display, it is often necessary to move the control panel itself or transfer the wiring harness to another channel. In some models, the wires are long enough to be re-routed, in others they may require extension, which is already a complex technical task. Carefully study the diagram in the instructions, if available.
⚠️ Attention: If in your model the wires run inside the hollow axis of the loop, they cannot be cut and extended without professional skills. In such cases, it is better to call a technician, since the risk of damaging the insulation and causing a short circuit is very high.
Also note that in No Frost systems it is important not to damage the cold air supply channels that may pass through the door leaf. When removing and installing the door, avoid sharp jerks and impacts on the body so as not to disturb the internal structure of the thermal insulation and air ducts.
Common mistakes and tips for care after reinstallation
One of the common mistakes is ignoring the time for the refrigerator to “rest.” After active manipulations, tilts and movements, the unit should be allowed to stand in an upright position for 2-4 hours before turning on. This is necessary so that the oil in the compressor flows into the crankcase.
Another mistake is overtightening the bolts. Excessive force can strip the threads in the metal frame or burst the plastic hinge bushing, causing the door to hang loose. Tighten the fasteners tightly, but without fanaticism, using moderate force.
After installing new plugs on the old holes, check their fit. If they do not fit tightly, you can add a drop of glue, but only if you are sure that you do not plan to change sides back in the near future. Regularly check the condition of the seal in the first weeks after reinstallation.
Is it possible to change the door on a Beko refrigerator yourself without losing the warranty?
According to the rules of most service centers, if during the rehanging process you did not damage the components, did not break the threads or break the electrical circuits, the warranty remains valid. However, if you damage the wiring or break the display glass, warranty repairs may be denied. Keep all the removed parts.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not close completely?
Most likely, the horizontal level of the refrigerator itself is broken. Try adjusting the front leveling feet by lifting the front of the unit. This will create a natural slope back, and the door will close under its own weight. Also check whether the products on the shelves are in the way.
Is it necessary to change the sealing rubber when changing the opening side?
As planned - no. The seal Beko is symmetrical and does not depend on the opening side. However, if you notice that the old rubber has lost its elasticity, is cracked or deformed, replacement at this stage would be a logical solution, since access to the door fasteners is already open.
Where to put the old plugs and fasteners on the other side?
Under no circumstances throw away the dismantled parts. Keep them in a bag and put them in a safe place along with the instructions. If you decide to move or sell the refrigerator, having all the original plugs and fasteners will significantly increase the liquidity of the equipment and simplify its re-installation for new owners.