The need to change the opening direction of the refrigerator door often arises when moving or remodeling the kitchen space. Equipment owners Samsung face this problem when the standard arrangement of handles interferes with convenient access to products or fitting the unit into a new interior. Fortunately, the design of most modern models of the South Korean brand provides the ability to reversing the hinges.
The re-hanging process does not require special engineering skills, but it absolutely requires accuracy and the presence of a basic set of tools. It is important to know that independent intervention in the design will not void the warranty if the factory seals on the compressor or electronic unit are not damaged. Incorrect performance of operations can lead to distortion of the canvas and loss of tightness cameras.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for various types of refrigerators, including models with the system No Frost and conventional evaporators. You will learn about the nuances of dismantling the top panel, moving fittings and adjusting the tight fit of the seal. Following the sequence of steps will allow you to complete the work in one hour.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Working with live electrical appliances is strictly prohibited by safety rules.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
The success of the operation directly depends on the quality of preparation. You don't need complex professional tools, but you should have reliable tools at hand. The base of the set is Phillips screwdriver, the slot size of which corresponds to the hinge screws (usually PH2 or PH3). You may also need a flat-head screwdriver to remove decorative plugs.
In addition to screwdrivers, prepare an 8 mm and 10 mm wrench or socket, since some models Samsung use bolted connections for the lower supports. To protect the floor covering and the unit itself from scratches when tilting, use thick cardboard or a special soft covering. An assistant will be helpful to hold the heavy door while unscrewing the lower hinges.
Organize your workspace so that small parts do not get lost. Metal screws and washers tend to roll into the most inappropriate places. Use a magnetic tray or small container to store fasteners. This will save time and nerves during reassembly.
☑️ Tools for hanging the door
Dismantling the top panel and removing the door
The first stage of work is to free the upper part of the case. On most models Samsung the top cover is secured with several screws, which can be hidden under decorative plugs. Carefully pry up the plastic elements with a flat-head screwdriver to gain access to the mounting bolts.
After unscrewing the top screws, the cover must be moved back and removed. Do this carefully so as not to damage the wires going to the display or light bulb if they are routed in this channel. In some models, the wires may be secured with clips that require careful snapping.
Now you can proceed to removing the door itself. Holding the blade with one hand (or asking an assistant), unscrew the bolts of the upper canopy. Once the fastening is loosened, carefully lift the door up, removing it from the lower pins. Place the removed part on the prepared soft covering with the outer side down so as not to scratch the facade.
Moving fittings and strike plates
The removed door must be prepared for installation on the other side. To do this, dismantle the handle, if it is removable, and move it to the opposite side using the holes provided by the manufacturer. In models with hidden handles, this stage is skipped, since an integrated profile is used.
Next, attention turns to the strike plates and pins. On the body of the refrigerator, on the side where the door will open, you need to install a lower support pin. Often there is already a threaded hole on the opposite side, closed with a plastic plug. Remove the plug and screw the pin to a new position.
Similar actions are carried out with the upper canopy. Remove the fasteners from one side of the hinge and fasten them on the other, symmetrical side. Make sure all screws are tightened to the manufacturer's recommended torque to avoid future looseness. Mechanical strength connections are critical here.
What if the holes don't line up?
Some older or specific models may have factory plugs covering the holes. If you do not see threads, carefully drill out the plastic plug with a small diameter drill bit, without touching the metal of the housing. In rare cases, the use of adapter bushings included in the kit is required.
Features of models with a display and the No Frost system
Owners of modern refrigerators Samsung with a display on the door or system Multi Flow should be especially careful. In such models, electrical cables pass through the upper canopy, supplying power to the control panel and fan. Simply removing the door, as in older models, will not work here.
After removing the top cover, you will see the wire connectors. They must be carefully disconnected by pulling the plastic housing of the connector, and not the wires themselves. Often connectors have locking latches that need to be pressed out. After rearranging the door, the wires are laid along a new path, often through special channels in the housing.
When assembling, make sure that the cables are not pinched by the metal parts of the hinges and do not have creases. Damage to the insulation can lead to a short circuit or incorrect operation of the electronics. If the length of the wires is not sufficient to transfer to the other side (which happens in rare cases), it may be necessary to extend the cable, but this is a task for the service center.
| Model type | Availability of wires | Complexity | Execution time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic (mechanics) | No | Low | 20-30 min |
| With display on the door | Yes (loop cables) | Medium | 40-50 min |
| Side-by-Side | Yes (many) | High | 60+ min |
| With cooling system | Depends on the model | Average | 40 min |
Installing the door and final adjustment
When all the elements are prepared and transferred, the installation stage begins. Install the door onto the lower support pin of the new side. Make sure it is level and rotates freely around its axis. Now put on the top canopy and screw it with bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet.
At this stage it is necessary position adjustment. Open the door slightly and release it: it should be smoothly brought closed by the magnet, but not slam shut from its own weight. If the door warps, loosen the top bolts, level the leaf and tighten the fasteners again.
Check the tight fit sealing rubber along the entire perimeter. Gaps are unacceptable, as they will lead to loss of cold and the formation of ice. If you notice any leaks, try heating the problem area with a hairdryer at a low temperature or placing a thin cord under the rubber band to temporarily correct the shape.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use regular machine oil or WD-40 to lubricate the hinges. These substances can destroy plastic and rubber seals. Use only silicone grease.
Typical errors and ways to eliminate them
Even following the instructions, beginners can make mistakes. One of the most common is the loss or confusion of screws of different lengths. Driving a long bolt into a short hole may damage the inner chamber or penetrate the insulation. Always check the dimensions of the fasteners before installation.
Another common problem is the door skewing after installation. This happens if you do not level the refrigerator horizontally before starting work or loosely tighten the lower support pin. Use a building level and the adjustable legs of the unit to eliminate the skew of the body.
If, after rearranging, the door begins to close tightly or, conversely, does not hold, check the position of the stops and magnets. Sometimes it is necessary to readjust the door height by tightening the lower support. In models with electronics, check whether the cable is pinched, which can block the mechanism.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before hanging the door?
There is no special need to defrost the unit, unless you plan to wash it at this moment. However, if there is a lot of ice in the freezer, it is better to wait for defrosting so that water does not flow out when tilting the case during work.
Is it possible to change the opening side on a two-door refrigerator (Side-by-Side)?
In most Side-by-Side models, rearranging doors is impossible or extremely difficult due to the complex system hinges and central partition. The possibility of reversing depends on the specific model Samsung, information about this should be found in the technical documentation.
What to do if after reversing there is an extra bolt left?
If after assembly you are left with a bolt that has nowhere to screw in, and at the same time one of the sides (where the door was previously) has an open hole, then you forgot install a plug there or rearrange the fastening element. Check the instructions for your model.
Does re-hanging the door affect the warranty?
According to official rules, re-hanging the door yourself is not grounds for removal from warranty service if the unit components, wires or housing were not damaged in the process. Keep receipts and monitor the integrity of the seals on the compressor.