Changing the opening side of the refrigerator is not just a whim, but often a necessity, dictated by rearranging furniture or features of the kitchen layout. Equipment owners Samsung face this issue regularly, since the ergonomics of the space may change after repair or purchase of a new headset. Fortunately, most modern models of the South Korean brand are designed taking into account the possibility of reversing doorswhich allows you to perform the procedure yourself without calling a specialist.
The process of rehanging requires accuracy, the availability of a basic set of tools and an understanding of the structure of hinge groups. Incorrect actions can lead to damage to the plastic plugs, skewing of the canvas, or even failure of the opening sensors. In this article we will look in detail at how to correctly change the doorso that the equipment operates silently and airtightly, and the seal fits tightly around the entire perimeter.
Before starting work, it is important to make sure that your specific model supports such a modification. Although the vast majority of two-compartment refrigerators Samsung have symmetrical openings for hinges, there are exceptions in designer or built-in series. We will consider a universal algorithm that is suitable for most popular models, including the RB, RL and RT series.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
High-quality preparation is the key to successful completion of the job without scratches on the body and injuries. You don't need complex industrial equipment; a standard home kit is enough. The main requirement for the tool is serviceability and compliance with the size of the fasteners, so as not to tear off the slots on the screws.
To dismantle and install hinges you will need:
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) or a screwdriver with the appropriate bits.
- 🔩 Wrench or an 8 mm head (most often used in Samsung models).
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
- 📦 A small container for storing screws so they don’t get lost.
Free up space in front of the refrigerator. You need to provide access to the equipment from all sides, since sometimes it is necessary to move the unit away from the wall. It is better to cover the floor with cardboard or soft material to avoid damage in case you have to place the refrigerator on the floor with the legs removed or for leveling.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! This is critical because you will be working with metal tools in close proximity to electrical components and wiring running through loops.
Be sure to prepare a place in advance where you will put the removed parts. Small screws tend to roll under the baseboard at the most inopportune moment. Use a magnetic tray or wide-mouth jar. It is also recommended to wipe the hinges from old grease and dust before installing them in a new place.
Dismantling the top hinge and removing the top door
The first stage is removing the top door, which cannot be done without dismantling the top hinge. In refrigerators Samsung with a system No Frost it is through the top loop that the wiring harness that powers the display or lamp often passes, so you need to act carefully.
First, remove the decorative plug from the top hinge. It can be held on by latches or simply inserted into a groove. Carefully pry it off with a flathead screwdriver. If there is a screw on the hinge that secures the decorative cover, remove it. This will give you access to the main mounting bolts.
Unscrew the bolts securing the top hinge. At this moment, the door is still holding, but is no longer fixed at the top. If the model is equipped with electronics in the door, carefully disconnect the wire connectors. Do not pull the wires sharply - it is better to slightly lift the loop to free up the length of the cable and disconnect the chip by pressing the latch.
Remove the top door, holding it with your other hand. It is better to perform this operation together, since even an empty door has significant weight and can cause a foot to fall or damage the floor. Place the door in a safe place, placing it on a soft surface with the outer side up.
☑️ Preparing to remove the door
Flipping the lower door and dismantling the central hinge
After the upper part is removed, the turn comes to the lower door. Here the process is slightly different, since the wires usually do not pass through here, but there are some nuances with fixing the position. The central hinge in refrigerators Samsung often combines the functions of fastening the lower door and the stop for the upper one.
Unscrew the bolts holding the central hinge. Remove it from the pins. Now the lower door is free and is held in place only by its own weight and friction in the lower bushing. Carefully lift it up and remove it from the lower support sleeve. As in the previous case, it is advisable to enlist the help of a partner.
Carefully inspect the removed central hinge. It may have asymmetrical elements, pins or bushings that need to be moved to the other side. In some models rod (the pin) on which the door is placed is removable. It needs to be knocked out or unscrewed and rearranged into a symmetrical hole on the opposite side of the hinge.
If there are still elements for fastening the handle or latch at the end of the door, they also need to be rearranged. To do this, remove the handle by unscrewing the screws from the inside of the end and install it on the other side using the holes provided by the manufacturer. Do not lose the springs and plastic clips.
⚠️ Attention: When moving the center hinge rod, make sure that it snaps or locks completely. An insufficiently screwed or incompletely driven rod will lead to skew of the lower door and a violation of the seal of the chamber.
Now you need to prepare the lower support sleeve. In some models it is symmetrical, in others it requires rotation by 180 degrees or replacement with a mirror version, if one is included in the kit. Check that the axis of rotation is strictly vertical.
Installation of hinges on the new side and assembly of the structure
Assembly is carried out in the reverse order of disassembly, but using mirror holes. Start by installing the bottom door. Slide it onto the bottom bushing, making sure it is level. Then install the center hinge on the new side by lining up the holes and inserting the mounting bolts.
Do not tighten the center hinge bolts “all the way” right away. Leave them a little play so that the door can be aligned. Now it’s the turn of the top door. If you moved the handle and lock elements, make sure that they are in place and do not interfere with closing.
Install the top door on the center hinge. Thread the wiring harness through the hole in the top loop (if your model has one) and connect the connectors. Make sure that the wires are not pinched by metal or twisted, otherwise they may break when the door is opened.
Secure the top hinge with bolts. Now that the entire structure is assembled, you can begin the final adjustments. It is at this stage that it is determined how tightly the refrigerator will close and whether it will not fall to the side.
What to do if the wires do not reach?
In rare cases, when the doors turn over in older models, the length of the harness may not be sufficient. If the wires are strained, do not turn on the refrigerator under any circumstances. You will need to carefully disassemble the plastic hinge box and extend the wires or re-solder the connector, which requires the skills of an electrician.
Adjusting the position of the doors and checking the tightness
Correct adjustment is the most important stage that is often ignored. If the doors are skewed, the cold will escape and the compressor will work without stopping. In refrigerators Samsung adjustment is carried out using the fastening bolts of the hinges and, in some models, adjusting screws at the end.
Adjustment sequence:
- 📏 Check the verticality of the doors using a level. They should be parallel to each other and to the body.
- 🔧 Loosen the center hinge bolts and use light hand force to align the bottom door, then tighten the bolts.
- 🔝 Align the top door in the same way, adjusting the position of the top hinge.
- 🚪 Check the tightness of the seal around the entire perimeter. Gaps should be minimal and uniform.
There is a simple leak test. Take a sheet of paper, clamp it with the door and try to pull it out. The paper should be removed with noticeable force. Walk like this around the entire perimeter. If in some place the paper falls out freely or pulls out too easily, additional tightening or loosening of the bolts on that side is required.
| Problem | Possible cause | Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| The door is not all the way closes | Distortion of hinges or interfering object | Loosen the bolts, level the door, check the floor |
| Gap in the upper corner | Incorrect height of the front leg | Tighten the adjuster front support |
| It is difficult to open the door | The hinges are too tight | Slightly loosen the central hinge fasteners |
| Knock when closing | Impact on the body or shelf | Check the location of products and shelves |
Pay attention to the magnetic tape of the seal. It should fit closely to the metal of the case. If you see a gap, try warming up this area of the seal with a hairdryer (not too hot air) and pressing it tightly with your hand. The rubber will become more elastic and take the desired shape.
Frequent errors and technical nuances of Samsung models
When doing their own repairs, users often make typical mistakes that can negate all the work. One of the most common is ignoring the condition of the fasteners. Old bolts may have broken threads or be oxidized. Use of rusty bolts It is unacceptable in a new place, as they can burst under load.
Another nuance concerns models with a display on the door. In such refrigerators Samsung the wiring harness passes through all the loops. When turning over, it is important not only to rearrange the loops, but also to make sure that the cable is not frayed or has any kinks. Sometimes it is necessary to remove the plastic casing with wires and reinstall it.
Do not forget about the plugs. There will be holes where the loop used to be. The refrigerator comes with plastic plugs (usually at the bottom, in the document drawer or on the back wall). They need to be installed to prevent dust and moisture from getting into the holes, as well as for aesthetics.
⚠️ Attention: The design of the hinges and the location of the holes may vary depending on the year of manufacture and series of the refrigerator. If you do not find symmetrical holes or fasteners, check the official instructions for your specific model on the manufacturer's website.
It is also worth mentioning lubrication. Before installing the hinges in a new location, it is recommended to apply a small amount of graphite grease or lithol to the rubbing metal parts. This will ensure silent operation and smooth door movement in the future. Do not use liquid oils, they will drain and stain the floor.
Completion of work and initial startup
After all the doors are installed, adjusted and checked, you can proceed to the final stage. Reinstall all the trim caps and plastic trim that you removed at the beginning of the process. They not only decorate the equipment, but also protect the hinge mechanism from dust.
Plug in the refrigerator. Let it idle for at least 2-3 hours before loading it with food. During this time, the compressor will reach the required temperature, and you will be able to monitor the operation of the unit. Listen to see if there is any new noise from the hinges or vibration.
Check the operation of the door opening sensor (if there is one). When the door is opened, a light should come on (in some models) or a signal should sound after a certain time. If the sensor does not respond, it is possible that a magnet was forgotten during assembly or the connector was connected incorrectly.
Now your refrigerator Samsung is ready for use from the new opening side. Correctly performed re-hanging will extend the life of the seals and ensure effective energy saving. Regularly check the tightness of the doors during the first weeks of operation, as new seals may “shrink” a little.
Do you need to call a specialist to rehang the doors?
In most cases, calling a specialist is not required. The process takes 30-60 minutes and requires a minimal set of tools. However, if you are not confident in your abilities, are afraid of damaging the electronics, or you do not have an assistant to hold heavy doors, it is better to contact an authorized service center.
Is it possible to change the opening side in a single-chamber refrigerator?
In single-chamber models (refrigerator compartment only), the procedure is similar, but simpler, since there is no central hinge. However, in many budget single-chamber models, door overhang is not structurally provided for. Be sure to check the presence of symmetrical holes on the body and the end of the door.
What to do if the door opens on its own after turning over?
This is a sign that the body is tilted incorrectly. The refrigerator should be tilted slightly backwards. Adjust the front support feet by unscrewing them to raise the front of the unit. This will create a gravity flow to close the door under the influence of gravity.
Where can I get new plugs for holes if the old ones are lost?
Plugs are often lost or broken. They can be ordered from a Samsung service center using the model code of your refrigerator. Also suitable are universal furniture plugs of suitable diameter, which are sold in hardware stores, if you choose them by color.