How to swap the door of a Stinol refrigerator: instructions with photos and nuances

Re-hanging the refrigerator door Stinol is a task that every owner of this equipment faces sooner or later. The reasons may be different: inconvenient opening due to the layout of the kitchen, changing the side of the connection to communications, or a banal desire to update the interior. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided this possibility, and most models Stinol (from classic STN 165 to modern STN RF 385) support re-hanging doors without loss of warranty - provided that the work is carried out correctly.

In this article you will find step-by-step instructions with photosa list of necessary tools, as well as typical mistakesthat beginners can use. We will analyze the nuances for different models Stinol, including refrigerators with two cameras and system No Frost. If you have never done such work, don’t worry: if you follow the algorithm, the process will take no more than 1–1.5 hours.

Before you begin, make sure that your model does support overweighting. This is usually indicated in operating instructions (section “Installation” or “Installation”). If the documentation is lost, check the presence plugs for fastenings on the opposite side of the case - their presence indicates the possibility of overweight.

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1. Preparation: tools and conditions

To hang the door Stinol you do not need a professional tool - a basic set, which is found in every home, is enough. Here is the complete list:

• ✅ Phillips screwdriver (PH2 or PH3 - depends on the model). Some refrigerators use Star screws (Torx T20/T25), so check them in advance.
• ✅ Wrench 10 or 8 mm (for attaching hinges).
• ✅ Hexagon 5 mm (if in your model the hinges are fixed with hex bolts).
• ✅ Making tape or electrical tape (for fixing the door during work).
• ✅ Level (optional, to check the evenness of the installation).
• ✅ Assistant (the refrigerator door weighs 10-15 kg, and holding it alone is inconvenient).

Before starting work be sure to unplug the refrigerator and defrost it (if the model is not No Frost). This will prevent short circuits and make the fasteners easier to access. We also recommend:

• 🧊 Remove all food and shelves from the door (they will add extra weight).
• 📦 Place cardboard or cloth under the refrigerator so as not to scratch the floor.
• 🔦 Organize good lighting - some fastenings are in hard-to-reach places.

⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator Stinol with No Frost and electronic control, after rehanging it may be necessary resetting settings (press and hold the button Super Cool 5-10 seconds). This is due to a change in the position of the sensors.

2. Door fastening diagram: what and where to unscrew

The design of the hinges is standard for most models, but there are nuances depending on the type of refrigerator: Stinol standard for most models, but there are nuances depending on the type of refrigerator:

• 🔹 Single-chamber models (STN 160, STN 175): 2 hinges (upper and lower), secured with 3-4 bolts each.
• 🔹 Two-chamber (STN 185, STN RF 385: 3 loops (two for the refrigerator compartment, one for the freezer). The freezer door is usually lighter, but its fastenings can be hidden by a decorative panel.
• 🔹 Side-by-Side (STN 260 S: 4 hinges (two for each door), plus additional clamps for alignment.

Typical fastening scheme:

On most models Stinol the hinges are symmetrical, that is, there are already holes for fastening on the opposite side. However, in some series (for example, STN 167) you may need rearranging the stops plastic or metal stops that secure the door in the closed state.

Where can I find a diagram for your model?

If you are not sure about the location of the mounts, look for a sticker with the serial number (usually on the back wall or inside the camera). Enter the number into a search engine with the request "Stinol [model] service manual" - often the service instructions have detailed diagrams.

3. Step-by-step instructions: remove and rehang the door

The algorithm of actions is the same for most models Stinol, but we will indicate the nuances for different types of refrigerators. Let's start with single-chamber:

Disconnect the refrigerator from the network|Remove food and shelves from the door|Secure the door with tape (so as not to fall)|Put a soft cloth on the floor-->

Step 1: Removing the top hinge

1. Carefully pry up the decorative plug on the top hinge with a flat-head screwdriver and remove it.

2. Unscrew the 3 bolts with a Phillips screwdriver (or Torx, if in your model). Do not remove the hinge completely - simply loosen the fastening so that the door can be lifted.

3. Have an assistant hold the door while you work on the bottom fastening.

Step 2: Removing the bottom hinge

1. Unscrew the 4 bolts with a 10 mm wrench. In models Stinol STN 185 and older, the lower hinge may have a hidden fifth bolt under the decorative trim - check its presence!

2. Carefully remove the door from its hinges and place it on a prepared surface (for example, on a table covered with a blanket).

Step 3: Rearranging the hinges

1. Transfer the hinges to the opposite side using the existing holes. If there are no holes, they need to drill (drill diameter - 4–5 mm, depends on the bolts).

2. Install decorative plugs on the old holes (they usually come with the refrigerator).

Step 4: Installing the door

1. Place the door on the bottom hinge and secure it with bolts (do not tighten it all the way!).

2. Align the door vertically using a level, then tighten the top hinge bolts.

3. Check the tightness of the seal —if there are gaps, adjust the position of the door by loosening the bolts.

Nuances for two-chamber models

In refrigerators with freezers (Stinol STN RF 385, STN 200) the process is similar, but there are additional steps:

• 🔧 First, the top door (refrigerator) is removed, then the bottom (freezer).
• 🔧 Middle hinge attached to dividing partition —it needs to be unscrewed with a hexagon.
• 🔧 After rehanging, check system operation No Frost: if the fan touches the door, adjustment will be required.

4. Typical mistakes and how to avoid them

Even with the apparent simplicity of the process, many make mistakes that lead to door skewed, loose closure or even hinge breakage. Here are the most common:

• ❌ Uneven tightening of the bolts → the door warps. Solution: Tighten the bolts crosswise (like the wheels of a car), checking the level.
• ❌ Ignoring the stops → the door does not lock in the closed position. Solution: Move the plastic stops to the new side (they are attached with latches or screws).
• ❌ Damage to the seal → loss of tightness. Solution: Glue before work seal with masking tape, and after rehanging, check its integrity.
• ❌ Lack of lubrication on the hinges → creaking and rapid wear. Solution: Apply a little silicone grease on the hinge axis after installation.

Another common problem is mismatch of the holes on the new side. This is true for older models Stinol (before 2010), where the hinges are not symmetrical. In this case:

1. Take measurements from the existing holes.
2. Transfer the markings to the opposite side using scribers or a marker.
3. Drill new holes with a drill (use a metal drill if the body is metal).

⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator Stinol s display on the door (STN 260 S, STN RF 420, after rehanging it may be necessary reconfiguring sensors. This is usually done through the service menu (press the buttons Super Cool + Fridge Temp for 5 seconds).

5. Adjusting the door after rehanging

Even if you followed the instructions exactly, after rehanging the door may poorly closing or opening spontaneously. This is due to:

• 🔹 Incorrect position of the hinges (needs to be adjusted vertically/horizontally).
• 🔹 Deformation of the seal (especially if the refrigerator is old).
• 🔹 Uneven floor (the refrigerator must be strictly level).

How to adjust:

1. Check vertical position doors using a level. If it is tilted to the side, loosen the hinge bolts and level it.
2. Adjust seal clamp:
   • 🔧 If the door does not close - loosen the top hinge and move the door closer to the body.
   • 🔧 If the door closes too tightly - loosen the bottom hinge.

Check magnetic field of the seal with a sheet of paper: it should be held around the entire perimeter. If the paper falls out somewhere, the seal needs to be replaced or heated with a hairdryer.

For models with No Frost after adjustment, run the test mode:

1. Turn off the refrigerator for 5 minutes.
2. Turn on and set the temperature to -18°C in the freezer.
3. After 2 hours, check if there is ice on the back wall.

6. Features for models with a display and No Frost

Refrigerators Stinol premium segment (STN 260 S, STN RF 420) are equipped with electronic control panels and system No Frost. When rehanging them, you need to consider:

• 📺 Display on the door:
  • Before removing the door disconnect the power cable (it is usually attached to a latch inside the hinge).
  • After check the overweight connection polarity - an incorrect connection can damage the display.
• ❄️ No Frost system:
  • The fan and evaporator are located behind the rear wall. After rehanging, make sure that the air flow is not blocked. the door.
  • If the refrigerator becomes to make more noisecheck whether the fan is touching the seal.

For models with ice maker (Stinol STN ICE), you additionally need:

1. Turn off the water supply.
2. Remove the ice tray and move it to the new side.
3. Check tightness of connections after rehanging (water leaks can damage the electronics).

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators Stinol with an inverter compressor (STN RF 385 Inverter) after rebalancing may work vibration protection. If the refrigerator does not turn on, turn it off for 10 minutes and restart.

7. When is it better to contact a specialist?

Although hanging the door Stinol is a task that is feasible for most users, in some cases it is better to trust a professional:

• 🔧 If your model older than 2005 - the hinges could be deformed, and their replacement will require welding work.
• 🔧 If the refrigerator is on guarantees - independent repairs can void it.
• 🔧 If re-hanging the seal or hinges are damaged —the technician will be able to select original spare parts.
• 🔧 If after re-hanging malfunction (the display does not work, does not freeze, extraneous sounds are heard).

The cost of re-hanging the door at the service center Stinol is 1500–2500 rubles (depending on the model and region). If you doubt your abilities, compare this amount with the cost of possible repairs in case of an error.

However, in most cases, problems do not arise. The main thing is to follow the instructions and use a quality tool. If something goes wrong, you can always return the door to its original position. don’t rush, follow the instructions and use a quality tool. If something goes wrong, you can always return the door to its original position.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about hanging the door Stinol

Is it possible to hang the door on the refrigerator Stinol s No Frost on your own?

Yes, the process is no different from conventional models, but after re-hanging you need to:

1. Check the operation of the fan (there should be no extraneous noise).
2. Make sure that the seal fits tightly - otherwise it will build up ice.
3. If necessary, reset the settings (hold Super Cool for 5-10 seconds).

What to do if the door does not close after rehanging?

Causes and solutions:

• 🔹 The hinges are skewed → Loosen the bolts and level the door.
• 🔹 Worn seal → Replace it (original art. 9000399926/27).
• 🔹 The shelves are in the way → Check whether the door rests against the internal elements.
• 🔹 Uneven floor → Adjust the legs of the refrigerator.

Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging?

Absolutely, if:

• 🔹 You have a model without No Frost (otherwise condensation will get on the electronics).
• 🔹 Refrigerator hasn't been turned off for more than a month —ice may interfere dismantling.

For models with No Frost defrosting is not necessary, but it is recommended to turn off the power for 30 minutes before use.

How to move the handle to the other side?

In most models Stinol the handle is attached to symmetrical latches:

1. Pry up the decorative plugs with a flat screwdriver.
2. Unscrew the screws (usually 2-3 pieces) and remove the handle.
3. Install it on the opposite side using the existing holes.

If there are no holes, they need to be drilled (diameter 3-4 mm). For models with built-in handle (for example, Stinol STN 260 S), transfer is not possible - you will have to buy a new one.

How long does re-hanging take?

Time depends on experience and models:

• 🔹 Single-chamber refrigerator — 30–40 minutes.
• 🔹 Double-chamber — 1–1.5 hours.
• 🔹 Side-by-Side or with display —up to 2 hours (due to additional connections).

If you are doing this for the first time, allow +30% of the time for adjustment.