The need to change the direction of opening the refrigerator door Biryusa occurs quite often, especially when moving to a new apartment or remodeling the kitchen space. The standard configuration laid down by the manufacturer does not always fit the specific geometry of the room, where every centimeter counts. Fortunately, the design of most models of this Russian brand provides the possibility of reweighing doors on the opposite side.
This process does not require calling a specialist and can be done independently if you act carefully and consistently. The main thing is to understand that you are working with heavy elements a complex hinge mechanism that requires careful handling. Incorrect assembly can lead to misalignment of the doors, failure of the seal and, as a consequence, failure of the compressor due to increased load.
Before starting work, it is necessary to prepare the workplace and tools, and also make sure that refrigerator is disconnected from electrical networks. In this article, we will analyze in detail the stages of dismantling, moving accessories and final adjustment, so that your equipment will last a long time and work silently.
Preparation for work and the necessary tools
The success of the operation largely depends on quality preparation. You will need not only a basic set of tools, but also free space around the unit. The refrigerator Biryusa must be stable, so make sure the floor is level and there are no slippery mats under the feet. It is advisable to have an assistant nearby, since the doors, especially the bottom one, can be heavy and uncomfortable to hold with one hand.
To carry out work on dismantling and subsequent installation, you will need the following tools: Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers (preferably with a magnetic tip), wrench or a set of heads (most often 8 or 10 mm), as well as a spatula or knife with a blunt blade. The latter will be needed to carefully remove the decorative plugs. It would be a good idea to prepare a soft rag or cardboard to place the removed parts on the floor and not scratch them.
Particular attention should be paid to lighting. Because many fasteners are located at the bottom of the case or in hard-to-reach areas, poor light can cause you to miss an important part or strip a screw spline. It is also recommended to clear the shelves doors of food and cans in advance to make the design easier.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to unplug the refrigerator and defrost it if there is ice inside. Working with wet or icy mechanisms is dangerous and can lead to damage to the seal.
☑️ Tools for hanging doors
Dismantling the top door and removing the fittings
The conversion process always starts from the top chamber. First of all, you need to remove the top cover of the refrigerator, if it is structurally provided for in your model Biryusa. It is usually secured with latches or screws at the back. After removing the cover you will have access to the upper door mounting assembly. Carefully unscrew the fasteners holding the top hinge.
Next comes the most crucial moment - removing the door itself. Since it is only held on by the bottom hinge (or by weight if you have already loosened the top), it needs to be held firmly. Remove the door from the bottom stud and place it in a safe place, placing it face up on prepared cardboard or soft cloth. Now you can begin to dismantling the hinge and pin itself, moving them to the other side.
There will be holes in the free space of the top panel. You need to insert the plastic plugs that came with the refrigerator into them (usually they are in a bag with documents or attached to the inner wall). If the plugs are lost, you can use those already on the opposite, “closed” side of the panel, moving them to the open holes. This is necessary to preserve aesthetics and protect the insides from dust.
What to do if the screws are stuck?
If the mounting screws cannot be unscrewed due to factory paint or corrosion, do not use excessive force to avoid tearing them off carving Apply some penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) to the joint and wait 10-15 minutes. If there is no lubricant, you can gently warm the screw head with a hairdryer, but be careful with the plastic parts around it.
It is important to remember the sequence of removing washers and bushings. When assembling on the new side, they will need to be installed in the same order, otherwise the mechanism will not work correctly. Some models Biryusa have a magnetic holder for the upper door, which also needs to be moved to the opposite end of the case, having first unscrewed the old one.
Working with the lower door and freezer
After the upper part is disassembled, we move on to the bottom door, which in most models Biryusa leads to the freezer. The principle of operation is similar, but there are some nuances. First, remove the trim strip if it is covering the bottom hinge fastener. Then unscrew the bolts securing the door to the lower axis.
Remove the lower door and set it aside. Now your task is to dismantle the bottom hinge. Unlike the top one, it is often screwed directly to the body of the refrigerator or to a special support leg. When moving to the other side, it may be necessary to move the support leg itself, if the design requires this. Use a wrench to securely secure the new fasteners.
Don't forget about magnetic locks or mechanical latches if your model has them. They also need to be moved to the opposite side so that the door can close tightly. Often, to do this, it is enough to turn the mechanism over or rearrange it into the symmetrical holes provided by the manufacturer.
The inside of the freezer door may also have technical holes. If, after moving the handle or lock, there are any extra holes left on the façade, they must be closed with plugs. This is not only a matter of appearance, but also an important aspect thermal insulation, since warm, moist air will enter through the open holes.
Installing doors on a new side
Assembly is carried out in the reverse order of disassembly, but on the opposite side side of the body. Start by installing the bottom hinge and stud. Make sure it is level and pressed tightly against the body. Place the bottom door onto the pin. At this stage, it is better to ask an assistant to hold the door so that it does not fall and damage the seal seal.
Then move to the top part. Install the top hinge onto the bottom door stud (or directly onto the frame, depending on the model) and secure the top door. When installing screws, do not tighten them all the way right away. First, simply tighten all the fasteners so that the structure falls into place, but maintains minimal mobility for adjustment.
Check the operation of the opening mechanisms. Doors should move freely, without creaking or jamming. If you hear metal grinding or feel strong resistance, it means that the hinge axes are not aligned or are mixed up. In this case, it is better to immediately disassemble the assembly and check the correctness of assembly, rather than trying to “pull apart” the mechanism by force. bushings. In this case, it is better to immediately disassemble the assembly and check the correctness of assembly rather than try to “pull apart” the mechanism by force.
⚠️ Attention: When installing doors, ensure the integrity of the sealing rubber. If during installation you accidentally turn the edge of the seal inward, the seal will be broken and the refrigerator will stop freezing.
Only after making sure that everything is in place can you begin the final tightening of the bolts. Use a screwdriver or wrench to secure the hinges. Excessive zeal is also not necessary here: the threads in the metal body of the refrigerator Biryusa can be torn off if the jerk is too strong.
Adjusting the gaps and tightness
After installing the doors on the new side, often A situation arises when they do not fit perfectly tightly or are skewed. This is normal, since the hinges could fit with minimal displacement. Adjustment is carried out using screws that secure the hinges to the body. By loosening or tightening them, you can change the position of the door in the vertical and horizontal planes.
Check the gap around the entire perimeter. It should be uniform. If the door fits tightly at the top, but there is a gap at the bottom (or vice versa), you need to tighten the corresponding screws. In some models Biryusa to adjust the height of the door, thrust bearings or adjusting screws on the legs of the refrigerator themselves are used.
The leak test is simple: close the door on a sheet of paper clamped in the middle. Pull the sheet. If it is pulled out with noticeable effort around the entire perimeter, it means seal good. If the paper falls out or is removed too easily, further adjustment of the hinge in this place is required.
Pay attention to the operation of magnetic locks. After repositioning, the magnet must fall exactly into the mating part on the housing. If the displacement is large, you may have to loosen the striker a little and move it in the desired direction.
Table of common problems and solutions
Even if you carefully follow the instructions, unexpected difficulties may arise. Below is a table that will help diagnose the problem and find a solution based on the experience of repairing equipment. closes completely Biryusa.
| Problem | Possible reason | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The door doesn't close all the way | The seal is twisted or the shelf is in the way | Straighten the rubber, check the position of the products |
| The door is severely skewed | The hinge screws are not tightened or the threads are broken | Tighten the fasteners, if necessary, replace the pin |
| The door opens by itself | The refrigerator is not level (tilted back) | Adjust the front legs by unscrewing them |
| Creak when opening | Lack of lubrication in the hinges | Remove the door and lubricate the mechanism |
| The holes do not match | The model does not provide for re-hanging | Check the instructions, they may be needed adapters |
It is important to understand that some older or budget refrigerator models may not have a full set of holes for hanging. In such cases, the manufacturer clearly indicates in the passport that reverse doors are not possible. Attempting to drill new holes in the housing is strictly prohibited, as you can damage the cooling circuit, which will lead to freon leakage and expensive repairs.
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics and design of refrigerators may vary depending on the year of manufacture and the specific series. Always check the official instructions for your model before starting work.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to rehang the door if the refrigerator is still under warranty?
Re-hanging it yourself doors, as a rule, is not a basis for voiding the warranty if parts were not damaged during the process, threads were torn off, or the integrity of the body was compromised. However, if you doubt your abilities, it is better to contact an authorized service center Biryusato keep the warranty card completely safe.
What to do if the plugs for the holes are lost?
Plugs are consumables material, and their loss is not critical for the operation of the refrigerator, but does affect the appearance. You can order them at a service center, buy universal ones at a furniture fittings store, or even carefully seal them with a decorative sticker in the color of the body if the hole is in a visible place.
Do you need to wait after installation before turning it on?
If you just changed the opening side and did not tilt the refrigerator much (more than 40 degrees), then you do not need to wait. But if during the work the unit had to be placed on its side or tilted strongly to access the lower hinges, it is recommended to let it stand upright for 2-4 hours before turning it on, so that the oil in the compressor drains into place.
Why, after re-hanging, did the door begin to close worse?
Most likely, the problem is in the adjustment. When moving loops to a new side, it is difficult to immediately get into the ideal plane. Try loosening the hinge screws and, holding the door closed, tighten them again. Also check that the edge of the sealing rubber is not curled.