The need to rearrange kitchen furniture or the specific layout of the room often dictate their conditions, forcing the location of large household appliances to change. Owners of German equipment Bosch may encounter a situation where standard door opening becomes inconvenient or impossible in a new installation location. Fortunately, the design of most models allows for the possibility of reversing the canvas on the opposite side, which allows you to adapt the unit to any interior design.
This process is technically simple, but it requires accuracy, a basic set of tools and an understanding of the design of fastening points. An incorrect sequence of actions or ignoring the nuances of fixation can lead to misalignment of the sash, loss of tightness or damage to the housing. It is important to understand that rehanging the door is a critical operation that affects the further operation of the device.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for various series of refrigerators Bosch, paying special attention to specific points of fastening and adjustment. You'll learn what tools you'll need, how to safely remove the hardware, and how to properly adjust the magnets and seals after reinstallation. Following the instructions will allow you to complete the work efficiently and avoid calling a specialist.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
Before you begin dismantling structural elements, you need to prepare the space and tools. Working with heavy elements requires the stability of the unit, so the refrigerator should be securely fixed to prevent it from tipping over during the process of removing the hinges. Free up space around your equipment by ensuring easy access from all sides, including the top and bottom of the case.
To complete the work, you will need a standard home handyman's kit. The main tool will be hex key (usually 4 mm or 5 mm), which is often included with the equipment, but it is better to have a complete set on hand. You will also need a Phillips and flat-head screwdriver, a wrench (most often 8 or 10 mm) and, possibly, pliers for working with plugs.
- 🛠️ Set of hex keys (metric)
- 🔧 Phillips and slotted screwdriver
- 🔩 Wrench (8-10 mm)
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands
- 🧹 Clean rags for wiping seals
Pay special attention to lighting: shadows can hide small fasteners or cracks in the plastic. Before starting any manipulations, be sure to unplug the refrigerator. This is a critical safety rule that will prevent the risk of electric shock and protect the appliance's electronics from power surges if the wires are accidentally damaged.
⚠️ Warning: Never attempt to re-hang the door while the compressor is running or the appliance is plugged in. Even if you are working only with mechanical components, accidental contact of a tool with live parts can be fatal.
It is recommended to prepare a container in advance for storing screws and bolts so as not to lose them during work. Fasteners may differ in length and diameter for different units, so mixing them up is unacceptable. It is best to use a magnetic tray or labeled bags for each group of parts. Bosch may differ in length and diameter for different units, so mixing them up is unacceptable. It is best to use a magnetic tray or labeled bags for each group of parts.
Removing the top panel and top hinge
The process begins with removing the top decorative cover, if it is provided for by the design of your model. In most modern refrigerators Bosch the top panel is removed by unscrewing the screws located at the end or bottom, after which it moves forward and upward. Be careful not to damage the plastic latches, which may become brittle after prolonged use.
Removing the cover exposes the top hinge. At this stage, it is important to properly fix the door so that it does not fall when unscrewing the fasteners. Have an assistant hold the sash or use stops. Unscrew the screws holding the top hinge using the appropriate hexagon or key.
☑️ Preparing to remove the hinge
After loosening the fasteners, carefully remove the hinge. Pay attention to any bushings or washers that may fall out. They must be saved and installed in a new location in the same sequence. If there are plastic bushings on the hinge axis, check them for integrity: cracks or abrasions may cause noise in the future.
Now you can remove the door from the bottom hinge. Lift the sash strictly vertically upward, removing it from the lower pin. This action is best performed by two people, since the door with the seal and shelves can have significant weight. Set the removed door aside in a safe place, placing it face up on a soft surface to avoid scratching the finish.
Moving the bottom support and removing the base
The bottom of the refrigerator requires special attention, as the base grille and bottom hinge are often located there. To access the fasteners, you must remove the decorative base. Depending on the model Bosch, it can be secured with latches or screws. Carefully pry up the grille with a flat-head screwdriver, having first unscrewed the visible screws, if any.
Under the plinth you will find a lower support and adjusting screws. You will need to remove the bottom hinge that currently holds the axle for the right side (or left, depending on the original position). Unscrew the mounting bolts and remove the hinge. Pay attention to the design: in some models the axis is part of the hinge, and in others it is a separate element pressed into the body or hinge.
| Mounting type | Axle location | Required tools | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Integrated axle | Hinge part | 8 mm key | Easy replacement, the axle is removed together with the hinge |
| Separate bushing | In the body/loop | Pliers | Requires careful removal, may stick |
| Hidden installation | Under decor. cover | 4 mm hexagon | It is necessary to remove the plastic plug |
| Adjustable support | Threaded connection | Adjustable key | Requires subsequent height adjustment |
If the axle is pressed into the housing and needs to be moved to the other side, proceed with extreme caution. Use pliers to loosen and remove the bushing, being careful not to damage the threads or seat. In the new place, the bushing should fit tightly, but without excessive force. If necessary, lubricate the axle with a small amount of silicone grease to facilitate movement.
What to do if the axle is rusty?
If the lower axle is rusty and cannot be removed, do not use excessive force to avoid breaking the housing. Treat the joint with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and leave for 15-20 minutes. After this, try to carefully loosen the axle with pliers. If the threads are stripped, the entire hinge assembly may need to be replaced.
Installing the door on the new side
After preparing all the components, you can begin installing the door on the new side. Install the bottom hinge into the hole provided for it on the opposite side of the case. Secure it with the bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet - this will allow you to adjust the position of the door when hanging.
Insert the lower axle into the hole on the door (or put the door on the axle if it is already secured in the hinge). Align the top hole of the door with the top hinge attachment point. At this stage, it is critical that an assistant firmly holds the sash in a vertical position, ensuring that the holes line up accurately.
- 🔩 Install the top hinge in the new location
- 🔧 Insert and tighten the mounting screws
- ⚖️ Check the vertical installation level
- 🔨 Tighten all bolts completely
Secure the top hinge and tighten all fasteners tightly. Make sure there are no gaps between the body and the hinge and that the hinge itself sits straight. If the design provides for the use of locking screws to fix the position, install them according to the diagram in the instructions.
Adjusting gaps and magnets
After installing the door on the new side, it is necessary to carry out a thorough adjustment. The door should open freely, without jamming, and fit snugly around the entire perimeter of the body. If you notice misalignment or a loose fit at the top or bottom, use the adjustment screws on the bottom support or top hinge.
Pay special attention to the magnets. Refrigerators Bosch often use magnetic locks or latches to keep the door closed. When reversing the door, the active magnet may end up on the opposite side of the counter metal plate. You will need to move the magnet or plate to the new side.
To do this, carefully remove the magnet from the socket (it can be held on by glue or latches) and install it in a symmetrical hole on the other side. If the magnets are hidden under the seal, act as delicately as possible so as not to damage the rubber profile. After rearranging, check the tightness: the door should slam shut with a characteristic sound and hold.
⚠️ Attention: Incorrect installation of magnets may result in the door not closing completely, which will cause continuous operation of the compressor and freezing of food. Make sure that the magnet and the mating part strictly match in height.
Rearranging handles and plugs
The final stage of the mechanical part is rearranging the handles and installing decorative plugs. If your model Bosch equipped with hidden handles or integrated profiles, this step may be missing. However, in models with overhead handles, they must be removed and installed on the opposite side.
Unscrew the handle using a hex key (usually through the holes inside the handle or below). Transfer it to the new side and secure it with standard fasteners. The remaining holes on the old side are closed with plastic plugs that come with the refrigerator or remain from the previous installation.
Check that all plugs are installed evenly and do not protrude beyond the plane of the case. This is not only a matter of aesthetics, but also of protecting internal elements from dust and moisture. If the plugs are lost, you can order them at the service center or use universal analogues of a suitable color.
Checking operation and tightness
After all installation work, it is necessary to check the quality of the work performed. Plug in the refrigerator and let it work. During the first hours of operation, listen to the sounds: creaking hinges or knocking on the body are unacceptable. If you hear a creaking sound, lubricate the rubbing parts of the hinges.
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 pulled out with force along its entire length, it means it fits correctly. If in some place the sheet falls out freely, additional adjustment of the door height or replacement of the seal is required. seal fits correctly. If in some place the sheet falls out freely, additional adjustment of the door height or replacement of the seal is required.
Also make sure that when the door opens 90 degrees, it does not touch adjacent furniture or walls. If the gap is too small, you may need to move the refrigerator forward a little or adjust the opening angle using limiters, if they are provided for in the design.
Is it possible to re-hang the door yourself if the refrigerator is under warranty?
In most cases, re-hanging the door does not void the warranty on the refrigerator yourself Bosch, since this operation is provided for in the user instructions. However, if during the work you damage the case, break the glass or break the thread, the warranty claim for these damages will not be considered. Keep all removed parts and act carefully.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not close tightly?
Most often, the problem lies in incorrect adjustment of the height of the lower support or misalignment of the upper hinge. Try loosening or tightening the adjustment screws a little. Also check if anything inside the refrigerator (shelves, food) is preventing it from closing tightly. Make sure that the magnets are rearranged correctly.
Do you need to wait after rearranging before turning on?
There is no special waiting time required after mechanically rearranging the door. You can turn on the refrigerator immediately after checking the reliability of the fasteners and completing all work. However, if you tilted the unit strongly during work, it is recommended to let it stand in a vertical position for 30-60 minutes before starting the compressor.
Is it possible to change the opening side on two-door models (Side-by-Side)?
For most models Bosch Side-by-Side type overhanging doors not provided design due to the complexity of the cooling system and the presence of a single control unit between the doors. In such cases, it is impossible to change the opening direction without seriously reworking the body, which is impractical. Check the possibility of reweighing in the instructions for a specific model.