Changing the direction of door opening refrigerator Bosch is often a necessary procedure when moving to a new apartment or rearranging furniture in the kitchen. The situation when the handle rests against a wall or a set is familiar to many owners of German equipment. Fortunately, the design of most models allows for the possibility of reversing, which allows you to adapt the unit to a specific space.
This process does not require calling a specialist if you have basic skills in handling tools. However hinge mechanism it may differ between series, so it is important to act consistently and carefully. Incorrect installation can lead to a loose fit of the seal and loss of tightness.
In this article we will look in detail at how to turn the doors on refrigerators Bosch, what tools you will need and what nuances you should pay special attention to. You will learn how to avoid common mistakes and ensure long service life of equipment after modification.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
Before starting work, you need to clear the space in front of the refrigerator. You will need access to the unit from all sides, as sometimes the position of the housing itself needs to be adjusted. Make sure the floor is level and clean so that accidentally dropped parts do not get damaged or roll away.
To complete the task, you will need a standard DIY kit. The main tool will be hex wrench (usually 5 mm in size), which often comes with the equipment. Also prepare a Phillips screwdriver, pliers and possibly a 10 mm socket for some hinge models.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This safety rule applies not only to electrics, but also to preventing accidental activation of the compressor when manipulating the door sensors.
It is also recommended to prepare a soft cloth or cardboard to cover the floor under the doors. This will protect the floor covering and the equipment itself from scratches during the removal of heavy elements. It will not be superfluous to have a container on hand for folding fasteners so that nothing is lost.
Removing the top panel and top hinge
The process begins from the top of the refrigerator compartment. First you need to remove the top cover of the case, if it is structurally provided for in your model Bosch. It is usually secured with latches or screws hidden under decorative plugs.
After removing the cover, access to the top hinge is available. Here it is important not just to unscrew the bolts, but also to fix the door itself, since after dismantling the fastening it will become unstable. It is better to perform this operation with an assistant who will hold the door.
☑️ Preparing to remove the hinges
Use hexagon to loosen the top hinge mounting screws. Do not remove them completely at once - just loosen enough so that the axle can be removed. In some models, the hinges may be hidden under plastic caps that need to be carefully pryed off with a knife or screwdriver.
Removing the refrigerator door
When the top hinge is freed, you can begin removing the door. This is the most difficult and responsible stage. A sharp jerk can damage the lower bushing or deform the metal, so act smoothly and confidently.
Lift the door up slightly to remove the axle from the lower mounting hole. If the door is tight, you can rock it a little from side to side. After this, carefully place the removed part in a safe place, preferably horizontally on a prepared soft surface.
What to do if the door cannot be removed?
If the door does not budge, do not use excessive force. Check that the hinge adjustment screw is completely unscrewed. Sometimes the metal can “stick”, and then you will need to lightly tap the hinge body with a hammer handle to loosen it, but hitting the door leaf itself is prohibited.
Now you need to dismantle the lower support sleeve or pin on which the door was held. Depending on the model Bosch, this element can be pressed in or simply inserted. Save it as you will need it for installation on the other side.
Re-hanging the middle hinge and freezer door
If you have a two-compartment refrigerator or a model No Frost with a separate freezer door, the process is repeated for the middle hinge. It is the connecting link between the upper and lower compartments.
Remove the middle hinge, having first secured the lower door. Pay attention to the location sealing rubber and the magnetic valve, if any. When rehanging, it is important not to twist or damage these elements.
The freezer door also needs to be removed, the middle hinge must be moved to the opposite side and the door installed in a new place. Here it is critically important to correctly align the holes for fasteners, since they can be asymmetrical.
When installing the middle hinge on the new side, make sure that it lies flat and does not create tension in the structure. Tighten the bolts until they stop, but without fanaticism, so as not to break the threads in the aluminum case.
Installing the freezer door on a new side
The bottom door is installed last. Before installation, it is necessary to move the lower support sleeve or pin to the opposite side of the housing. To do this, you may need to remove the decorative plinth of the refrigerator.
Carefully slide the freezer door onto the installed pin. Align the holes in the top hinge (which will now become the middle hinge for this door) with the matching holes in the door body. Insert the axle and tighten the mounting bolts.
⚠️ Attention: When installing the bottom door, make sure that the wiring (if it goes inside the hinge) is not pinched or pinched. In models with a display on the door, this is especially critical.
Check that the door is installed horizontally. If it is skewed, adjust the height of the support legs of the refrigerator itself. This will ensure proper closing and no spontaneous opening.
Installation of the top hinge and final assembly
The final stage is installation of the top door in its new place. Lift the heavy fabric and place it on the middle hinge pin. Align the top holes and install the top hinge in place.
Tighten all mounting bolts hex wrench. Make sure the hinge is pressed tightly against the frame and door. Now you can install the top cover of the case by snapping the latches or tightening the screws.
Do not forget to rearrange the handle if the design of your model Bosch suggests its symmetrical installation or the presence of plugs on the reverse side. Often the handles are simply screwed on both sides, and the unnecessary side is closed with plastic plugs.
Adjustment and checking tightness
After assembly, you need to check the quality of work. The doors should close tightly, with a characteristic bang, but without excessive force. The gaps around the perimeter should be uniform.
To check the tightness, you can use a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet between the door and the body in different places. If the paper is pulled out with force along the entire perimeter, it means seal it fits correctly.
| Element | Action | Success criterion |
|---|---|---|
| Top hinge | Tightening the bolts | No door play |
| Seal | Visual inspection | Uniform fit all around |
| Refrigerator legs | Height adjustment | Door closes itself when opened by 30° |
| Latch of the lock | Checking the fixation | Click when closing |
If you notice a distortion, loosen the hinge fasteners and slightly move the door, then tighten it again. Micron precision plays a big role here for energy efficiency.
Common mistakes and expert advice
One of the common mistakes is the loss of small parts such as bushings or plugs. To avoid this, lay out the parts in the order of dismantling. Also, you should not ignore the instructions for a specific model, since Bosch there are unique solutions.
Sometimes users forget to remove the shipping bolts or compressor clamps at the back of the refrigerator, thinking that this does not affect the door. However, vibrations from improper installation of the compressor can eventually loosen the newly installed hinges.
⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to bend the metal of the hinge or housing if the holes do not line up. This will lead to irreversible deformation. If it does not match, check the installation side is correct or there are extra washers.
Following these simple rules will allow you to successfully change the opening side and enjoy the convenient operation of the equipment.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to defrost the refrigerator before re-hanging the doors?
Yes, this is highly recommended. Defrosting will lighten the weight of the structure (especially if there is ice in the freezer) and will allow you to safely wash the seals while the doors are removed. In addition, in a defrosted state, it is easier to move the unit itself.
Is it possible to hang the door on a built-in Bosch refrigerator?
In most cases, no, or it is extremely difficult. Built-in models often have specific fastenings for the furniture facade, which do not provide for symmetrical installation. You need to study the specific instructions for the built-in series.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not hold the magnet?
Most likely, the installation geometry is broken or the seal does not fit into the groove. Try heating the seal with a hairdryer (carefully!) to make it more elastic and press it tighter. Also check the adjustment of the legs of the refrigerator - it should stand with a slight tilt back.
Where can I get new plugs for the holes from the handle?
Usually a set of plugs comes with a new refrigerator in a package with documents. If they are lost, they can be ordered at the service center Bosch or select universal plastic plugs of suitable diameter at a hardware store.