The need to change the direction of opening of the doors often arises when remodeling a kitchen or installing new refrigeration equipment in a niche. Equipment owners Samsung face this when the standard configuration interferes with convenient access to products. Fortunately, the design of most models provides the possibility of reversing hinging.
The process requires care and adherence to the sequence of actions, since incorrect assembly can lead to distortion of the blade or damage to the sealing rubber. Before starting work, it is important to make sure that the model of your unit supports this function, which is usually indicated in the instructions. In this article we will look in detail at how change doors safely and efficiently.
The main difficulty is dismantling heavy doors without damaging decorative panels and hinges. Inspection door position is not just a mechanical action, but also fine adjustment of gaps. We will consider all the nuances, including working with electronics if they are located on the facade.
Preparation of the workplace and tools
Quality completion of the task is impossible without the appropriate tools and space preparation. You will need a set of keys, usually these are end or hexagon heads, the size of which depends on the specific series of the refrigerator. You also cannot do without a flat screwdriver for removing plugs and plastic clips.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This is critical for safety, especially if there are displays or touch control panels on the door.
Make room in front of the unit so you can step back when removing heavy items. It is better to cover the floor with soft material, for example, a blanket or cardboard, so as not to scratch the coating of the doors when they are temporarily placed. It is recommended to enlist the help of a second person, since door leaf has significant weight.
Prepare a container for small parts so as not to lose screws and plugs during operation. Often fasteners have different lengths, so it is better to sort them by disassembly stage. A clean rag will be needed to wipe off old grease or dust from the hinges.
Make sure you have access to the side and top edges of the device. If the refrigerator is built into a kitchen unit, it may be necessary to temporarily remove adjacent cabinets or the base. Without free access from the side, it will not be possible to carry out high-quality work. installation it won't work well.
☑️ Ready for rehanging
Removing the top panel and electronics
The first step is always to remove the top cover of the case, which covers the top hinges. Depending on the model Samsung, it can be secured with latches or screws. Carefully pry the cover with a flathead screwdriver or unscrew the retaining elements from the back.
If there is a control panel installed on the top of the case or on the door itself, it must be disconnected. Find the wire connectors going to displayand carefully disconnect them. Do not pull on the wires, hold on to the plastic connectors.
It is better to immediately put the removed control panel in a safe place so that dust or moisture does not get on it. Some models require complete dismantling of the control unit before removing the door, others allow it to be left hanging on the wires, but this creates a risk of damage to the cable.
Nuances of working with NoFrost
In models with the NoFrost system, an additional wiring harness for sensors often passes through the top loop. Be extremely careful when disconnecting them, as the contacts may be tight.
After releasing the upper part, open access to the upper hinge mechanism. It is he who holds the bulk of the door leaf. Make sure that all the screws that interfere with the removal of the hinge are unscrewed and the decorative plugs are removed.
Removing the door leaf and lower hinges
Now you need to fix the door in the open position or ask an assistant to hold it firmly. Remove the bolts securing the top hinge to the refrigerator body. After this, the door can be carefully lifted and removed from the lower axis.
Put the removed panel on a prepared soft surface with the outer side down. Now work on the bottom of the structure. Remove the plinth grille at the bottom of the refrigerator to get to the lower fasteners and support rollers. Remove the bottom hinge if it interferes with relocation, or simply free up the seats for new holes. In some models support rollers.
Remove the bottom hinge if it interferes with relocation, or simply free up the seats for new holes. Some models Samsung the lower support is screwed into the body and requires a special key for unscrewing.
| Element | Mounting type | Tool | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Hex bolts | 5-6 mm key | Holds the main weight |
| Lower support | Threaded connection | Adjustable wrench | Height adjustment |
| Stoppers | Plastic plugs | Flat screwdriver | Fix the position |
| Control panel | Latches and screws | Phillips screwdriver | Requires caution |
Carefully inspect the removed hinges for play or damage. If it is planned rehanging, the old holes on one side are closed with plugs, and new slots are freed on the opposite side.
Rearranging handles and fittings
The most time-consuming stage is moving the handles and hidden accessories. On many models, the handles are attached with hidden screws, access to which is only possible after removing the decorative trims. Use a thin screwdriver or knife to pry off the plugs.
After removing the handle from one side, move it to the opposite side using the holes provided by the manufacturer. Make sure the mounting screws are tightened evenly to avoid misalignment. Sometimes it is necessary to replace the screws themselves with longer or shorter ones depending on the side.
⚠️ Attention: When installing handles on a new side, check that they will not touch adjacent cabinets or walls when opening. The gap should be at least 5-7 cm.
If on your model Samsung the handles are integrated into the profile or are part of the design, the procedure may differ. In such cases, it is often necessary to completely replace the decorative panels or use special adapters from the kit.
Do not forget to rearrange the opening limiters if they are present in your modification. These small plastic or metal pins prevent the door from hitting the frame when opened suddenly. Rearranging them takes seconds, but preserves geometry the unit.
Installing hinges and hanging the door
After preparing all the elements, proceed to assembly on the new side. Install the lower support sleeve or hinge into the prepared socket on the opposite side. Tighten it with a wrench, but do not use maximum force yet to be able to adjust.
Ask an assistant to lift the door leaf and put it on the lower axle. Align the holes on the top hinge with the holes on the refrigerator body. Insert and tighten the mounting bolts, making sure the door is level.
Now you can finally tighten all the fasteners. Check the tightness of the door around the entire perimeter. If you did everything correctly, seal should evenly touch the body without gaps.
In models with two doors, the lower one is hung first, then the upper one. It is important to follow the sequence so that the upper leaf rests correctly on the lower one through the central hinge.
Adjusting gaps and checking operation
The final stage is fine-tuning the position of the doors. If the door is warped or loose, use the adjustment bolts on the bottom hinge. Rotation clockwise usually raises the angle, counterclockwise lowers it.
Check the operation of the magnetic lock and the tightness of the seal. There should be no gaps between the rubber and the body. If the door opens by itself or, on the contrary, requires effort, it is necessary to re-tilt the refrigerator body using the front legs. calibration tilt the refrigerator body using the front legs.
⚠️ Attention: Do not turn on the refrigerator immediately after moving the doors. Let the compressor oil drain into the crankcase if the unit has been tilted, and wait 2-4 hours before starting.
Turn on the equipment and listen to the operation. The door should close smoothly, with a characteristic suction sound at the end of the stroke. If you notice creaking or friction, check whether the shelf contents or the door itself are touching protruding parts.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to change the door on a Samsung refrigerator with a display yourself?
Yes, this is possible, but it requires increased caution. The main thing is not to damage the cables and connect the connectors correctly. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to call a specialist, since replacing the cable costs more than the re-hanging service.
Are special tools needed for Side-by-Side models?
For Side-by-Side refrigerators, the procedure is similar, but due to the large weight of the doors, the participation of two people is strongly recommended. You may also need a larger key to dismantle the central hinges.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not close tightly?
Most likely, the installation geometry is broken. Check that the refrigerator is level on the floor and adjust the height of the front supports. Also make sure that the seal is not folded inward and is not being pressed on by shelves.
Will the warranty remain after you change the opening side yourself?
Reversing the doors yourself usually does not void the warranty unless you damage the frame, electronics, or hinges in the process. However, if damage occurs due to misalignment, the service center may refuse free repairs.