Rearranging kitchen furniture or changing the layout often requires moving large household appliances. Owners of refrigeration units Samsung are faced with the need to change the side of the door opening in order to provide ergonomic access to products. Manufacturers provide this possibility, but the process itself requires accuracy, the presence of a specific tool and an understanding of the design of the loops.
The procedure, known as reversing the doors, allows you to move the hitch from the right side to the left and vice versa. This is not just a mechanical action, but a complex operation involving the control system (in models with displays), magnetic seals and the closing mechanism. Errors at the dismantling stage can lead to damage to the decorative panels or disruption of the seal of the chamber.
Before starting work, you need to make sure that your model Samsung technically supports reverse. Most modern two-chamber models and Side-by-Side units have symmetrical openings in the body, but there are exceptions. Careful preparation and study of the structure of a particular unit is the key to successful completion of the operation without calling a specialist.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tools
The success of the operation directly depends on the quality of preparation. The refrigerator is a heavy device, so the first step is to completely clear the space around it. You will need access to the unit from all sides, including the top and back, where fastening elements and cables are often located.
To complete the work, you will need a standard DIY kit, supplemented by a few specific items. The main tools will be a screwdriver or a set of Phillips and flat head screwdrivers, as well as wrenches. Some models Samsung use bolts with a specific head, so make sure that the tool fits tightly in the head so as not to tear off the edges.
Pay special attention to protecting the surfaces. When removing heavy metal doors, there is a high risk of scratching the floor or damaging the door itself if it accidentally falls. Prepare in advance soft pads, old blankets or thick cardboard on which you can safely place the removed elements.
- 🛠️ A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) for screws of different lengths.
- 🔧 8, 10 mm wrenches or sockets (often used in hinges Samsung).
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧶 Scotch tape or masking tape for fixing the doors in the closed position.
- 🧊 Plastic spatula for carefully snapping off the plugs.
Do not use power tools at maximum speed when screwing screws into plastic. Samsung are often made of load-sensitive polymer. which easily cracks when tightening. It is better to tighten the fasteners manually, controlling the force.
Design features of Samsung refrigerators
Refrigeration units of the Korean brand have their own design features that distinguish them from equipment from other manufacturers. In models with the system No Frost the doors can be much heavier due to built-in air ducts and additional ones. insulation. This requires special care when dismantling, since it is almost impossible to hold a heavy door with one hand while unscrewing the hinges.
An important element is the control system. In modern models Samsung with a display on the door (Digital Inverter), the electrical cables pass directly through the hinges. This means that you can simply remove the door by unscrewing it. bolts, it won’t work - first you need to carefully disconnect the connectors. Ignoring this nuance will lead to a break in the cable and costly repair of the electronics.
It is also worth considering the type of seal in the doors Samsung often has a complex shape and can be glued or fixed in a special groove. When re-hanging the doors, it is sometimes necessary to rearrange or replace them. magnetic seal to ensure a tight fit on the new side.
Nuances of Side-by-Side models
In Side-by-Side refrigerators, the procedure is complicated by the presence of a central partition and water filters. Often, re-hanging such doors requires the participation of two people and complete draining of water from the system, if it is provided for by the design.
The closer mechanism is another element worth paying attention to. Some premium models are equipped with a soft closing system. When changing the opening side, the closer mechanism must also be rearranged or reconfigured, otherwise the door will slam too sharply or, conversely, not completely.
Dismantling the upper and lower doors: step-by-step algorithm
Process Removing the doors should begin strictly in a certain sequence so as not to disturb the balance and damage the fastening elements. Usually, work begins with the upper door, since it blocks access to the lower fastenings in some configurations, or vice versa, depending on the specific series. First, you need to fix the door in the closed position. Use masking tape to glue the door to the refrigerator body in several places. spontaneous opening when the hinges are already loosened, but not yet removed. After fixing, remove the decorative plugs from the hinges by prying them up with a thin screwdriver or a plastic spatula. Samsung.
First you need to lock the door in the closed position. Use masking tape to adhere the door to the refrigerator body in several places. This will prevent spontaneous opening at a time when the hinges are already loosened but not yet removed. After fixing, remove the decorative plugs from the hinges by prying them off with a thin screwdriver or plastic spatula.
Unscrew the bolts securing the upper hinge. If a display is installed on the door, do not immediately pull the door towards you to gain access to the connector, and only then disconnect the plug completely. remove the top door and put it in a safe place. Similar actions are carried out with the bottom door if you need to re-hang it.
☑️ Dismantling checklist
When working with the bottom door, often There is a problem with the rotation axis. In some models, the lower axis is pressed into the door or into the body. If the axis remains in the body, it must be unscrewed or knocked out (depending on the design). If the axis remains in the door, it must be carefully knocked out with light blows of a hammer through the wooden spacer so as not to damage the metal. Re-hanging the handles and rearranging them. fittings Samsung the lower axis is pressed into the door or body. If the axle remains in the housing, it must be unscrewed or knocked out (depending on the design). If the axle remains in the door, it must be carefully knocked out with light blows of a hammer through a wooden spacer so as not to damage the metal.
Re-hanging handles and rearranging fittings
After dismantling the doors, it is necessary to rearrange the fittings. Handles on refrigerators Samsung often have hidden fasteners, which are accessible only after removing certain decorative elements or plugs. Carefully inspect the inside of the handle: there may be screws covered with plastic plugs.
To rearrange the handle. on the other side you will need to remove it by unscrewing the fixing bolts. Then plugs are installed on the free space on the opposite side (usually they come with the refrigerator or are already installed from the factory on the unused side). If there are no plugs, the holes can be closed with decorative stickers matched to the color of the case.
It is important to check the condition of the holes for the fasteners. If moisture or dirt gets into them, clean them before. when installing the handle in a new place. When tightening the screws, make sure that the handle fits tightly and without distortion. Misalignment of the handle may result in the door not closing tightly or clinging to the body.
| Element | Action during dismantling | Action during installation | Nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper loop | Unscrew 2-3 bolts | Tighten on the opposite side | Watch the display cable |
| Medium hinge | Remove after dismantling the upper door | Turn the axle over or move it 180° | Often has an asymmetrical shape |
| Bottom support | Unscrew or knock out axis | Install in a symmetrical hole | Requires height adjustment |
| Handle | Unscrew hidden screws | Secure on the new side | Close the old holes with plugs |
Pay special attention to the middle hinge if you have a two-chamber refrigerator. It often has complex geometry and must be installed with a strictly defined side up. Non-reversible hinges If installed upside down, the door will not open or will jam.
Installation of doors on a new side and adjustment
Installation of doors on a new side is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. First, the lower door is installed (if it was removed), then the upper door is hung. When installing the bottom door, make sure the pin fits correctly into the hinge hole. This requires precision and, possibly, an assistant who will hold the sash.
After installing the hinges and hanging the doors, but before the final tightening of all bolts, it is necessary to make preliminary adjustments. Doors should close tightly, without gaps. If you notice a misalignment, you can eliminate it by adjusting the height of the lower support of the refrigerator. Rotating the adjusting screws on the legs allows you to raise or lower the corners of the unit.
The final stage is connecting the electrical connectors. Carefully connect the backlight and display wire plugs. They have a special shape and keys that prevent them from being connected incorrectly, but require confident pressing until a characteristic click is heard. After connecting, check the operation of the display and lamps by turning on the refrigerator.
Check the tightness of the seal around the entire perimeter. To do this, you can use a sheet of paper: clamp it between the door and the body at different points. If the sheet is pulled out with force, then the seal is ok. If the paper falls out freely, additional adjustment of the hinges is required.
Typical errors and precautions
When performing work independently, beginners often make mistakes that can lead to equipment breakdown. One of the most common is an attempt to remove the door without fixing it. A heavy sash can fall and damage the floor, its own corners, or injure the master’s legs.
Another common mistake is the loss of fasteners. Bolts and washers from different hinges may differ in length and diameter. To avoid mixing them up during assembly, it is recommended to lay out the parts in the order in which they were removed, or use markings. The loss of even one washer can lead to the door playing.
⚠️ Attention: Never leave the refrigerator with the doors removed open for a long time, especially if there are children in the house. This poses a risk of suffocation. If work is interrupted, be sure to securely fasten the doors or remove them completely and put them in a safe place.
It is also worth mentioning the risk of damage to the coating. Tools often slip off bolt heads and scratch the metal or plastic of the housing. To avoid this, work carefully and, if possible, use a tool with rubber grips on the handles or wrap the work surfaces with a soft cloth.
⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator has a water supply system, be sure to turn off the water supply valve and disconnect the hose before starting work. Remaining water in the system may spill out and damage the flooring or electronics.
Do not ignore the instructions if you still have them. It may indicate specific points for your model Samsung, for example, the need to remove the base panel to access the lower mount or a specific procedure for disconnecting cables.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to hang the door on a Samsung refrigerator Side-by-Side?
In most Side-by-Side models, reversing the doors is impossible or extremely difficult due to the asymmetrical design, the presence of an ice maker and a complex air duct system. Only some models allow this, and the process requires complete disassembly of the front panel. It is recommended to check the instructions for the specific model.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not close tightly?
Most likely, the problem is in adjusting the height of the legs of the refrigerator or in incorrect installation of the middle hinge. Try unscrewing the front adjustment feet so that the body tilts back slightly - this will ensure automatic closing. Also check if anything is interfering with the seal.
Do you need to wait after rehanging before turning it on?
If you did not tilt the refrigerator more than 40 degrees and did not lay it on its side, there is no need to wait. However, if transportation or tilting was significant, it is recommended to let the unit stand in an upright position for 2-4 hours before turning it on, so that the oil in the compressor flows into the crankcase.
Where can I get new plugs for the holes for the handles?
The plugs usually come with the new refrigerator, secured with tape on the back wall or inside the chamber. If they are lost, they can be ordered at the service center Samsung by model number or use universal furniture plugs of a suitable color and diameter.