Modern kitchen dictates its own rules of ergonomics, and it often happens that the standard location of the refrigerator door becomes inconvenient. You could buy an excellent model, but when arranging the furniture, it turned out that the handle rests against the wall or interferes with the passage. Fortunately, most models of the domestic brand Biryusa structurally allow you to change the opening side. This process does not require calling a specialist and can be done independently with a minimum set of tools.
Before starting work, it is important to understand that rehanging a door is not just a rearrangement of fittings, but a serious intervention in the design of the unit. Incorrect actions may lead to leakage or damage electronic cablesif the model is equipped with a display on the facade. Carefully study the features of your modification, since the algorithm of actions for different series may differ significantly. Below we will analyze in detail all the stages of the procedure.
Preparation of tools and workspace
Quality performance of work directly depends on preparation. You don't need a complex professional tool; a basic home craftsman's kit is enough. The main thing is to provide yourself with free access to the refrigerator from all sides, since you will have to walk around it several times.
Free up the space in front of the unit and remove all foreign objects. The floor should be level, and the lighting should be sufficient so that you can distinguish small details of fasteners and structural elements. If the floor is slippery, lay a rug or cardboard to avoid tools falling or damage to the coating by the legs of the refrigerator.
For work you will need the following tools:
- 🔧 A set of open-end or socket wrenches (most often sizes 8, 10, 13 mm).
- 🪛 Screwdrivers: flat and Phillips (slotted and Phillips).
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧼 Rags and mild detergent for cleaning the ends.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure the floor can support the weight of the refrigerator if you need to tilt it slightly. In some models without the No Frost system, it may be necessary to drain the oil from the compressor if the compressor is tilted strongly, so try not to tilt the unit on its side more than 40 degrees.
Design features of different Biryusa models
The Biryusa plant has been producing refrigeration equipment for many decades, and during this time the design of hinges and fasteners has changed. Old models, often popularly called “Krasnoyarsk-2M” or simply “Biryusa-6”, have simple mechanics, where the hinges are screwed directly to the body. Modern lines, such as New Frost or models with displays, require a more delicate approach.
The key difference lies in the presence of an electronic control unit. If your door has a screen or buttons, simply repositioning the hinges will not work - you will need to extend the wires or resolder the connectors. In such cases electrical diagram must be reassembled taking into account the new length of the cable, which requires skills in working with a soldering iron.
It is also worth paying attention to the type of handle. In some models, the handles are integrated into the door profile and do not require dismantling, while in others they are attached to screws that must be unscrewed before removing the leaf. Study product data sheets will help you understand the specifics of your model.
Is it possible to rehang the door if there is only one?
Yes, in single-chamber refrigerators and models with one door the procedure is similar, but simpler, since you do not need to coordinate the operation of the upper and lower hinges of two circuits.
Dismantling the upper part and removing the door
You must begin work strictly by disconnecting the device from the power supply. Unplug the plug from the outlet to avoid electric shock and damage to the electronic module. Next, open the door and completely empty the shelves of products to reduce the weight of the structure and prevent heavy objects from falling.
The first step is to remove the top decorative panel, if present. It is usually held in place by latches or hidden screws. Carefully pry it off with a flathead screwdriver, being careful not to damage the plastic. Below the panel you will see the top hinge that holds the door in place. Unscrew the fastening bolts, but do not remove them completely yet; if the door is heavy, ask an assistant to hold it.
After loosening the fastenings, carefully lift the door leaf and remove it from the lower pin. Place the door on a prepared soft surface (for example, on a spread blanket or cardboard) so as not to scratch the enamel or damage sealing rubber. Now you can completely dismantle the upper hinge and pin.
☑️ Removing the door
Flipping the bottom hinge and moving the fittings
The most labor-intensive part of the process is the work with the lower part of the body. You will need to remove the plinth grill (if there is one) and gain access to the bottom support. In models with two doors, the lower hinge of the lower door often supports the upper door, so the sequence of actions can be strict.
Unscrew the bolts that secure the lower support pad. Pay attention to its design: it is often symmetrical, and to flip it you just need to turn it 180 degrees or move it into the mirror holes on the other side of the case. If the holes are closed with plastic plugs, remove them and install them in the vacant spaces to maintain an aesthetic appearance.
Now move on to the door itself. Remove the mating part of the loop and the handle from it. Install the handle on the opposite side using the (pre-provided) holes. If there are protruding screws or bushings left on the old side, they must be unscrewed and covered with decorative plugs, which are usually included in the kit or are already installed on the reverse side.
| Element | Action when dismantling | Action when installing on the new side |
|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Unscrew, remove from the door | Install into the mirror holes on the body |
| Bottom support | Unscrew from the body | Screw into the holes on the opposite side |
| Door handle | Unscrew the fastening screws | Screw it on the other side of the leaf |
| Pin (axis) | Remove from the lower support | Install at a new reference point |
⚠️ Attention: When moving the lower support, check its condition. If there are burrs on the thread or it is deformed, it is better to replace the part with a new one, otherwise the door will not close well or will sag after a short time.
Installing the door and adjusting the gaps
After all the elements are prepared and moved to new places, you can begin assembly. Place the lower support pad in its new location and tighten the mounting bolts securely. Insert the bottom pin (axle) into the hole in the support. Now is the time to put the door leaf in place, carefully sliding it onto the pin.
It is important to monitor the vertical position of the door during installation. Once the blade is in place, attach the top hinge to the body and tighten the bolts. Don't tighten them all the way right away - you need to align the door first. Use a spirit level against the end of the door to make sure it is perfectly vertical.
Adjusting the gaps is a critical step. The gap between the door and the body must be uniform along its entire length. If you notice misalignment, loosen the top hinge and move the door slightly to the left or right, then tighten the bolts again. A correctly adjusted door should close tightly, but without excessive force, and magnetic lock should operate around the entire perimeter.
Nuances for models with electronics and a display
Owners of modern models Biryusa with a display on the door will have to face additional difficulties. The wires leading to the control module are of limited length. With standard assembly, they are designed for a specific opening side. When turning the door over, the length of the standard harness may not be enough.
In some cases, an additional supply of wire is provided inside the door or body, which can be carefully pulled out. However, more often than not, wire extensions are required. To do this, it is necessary to disconnect the connectors, extend cables of a similar cross-section and properly insulate the joints. Use soldering, as twists under vibration and humidity conditions can oxidize and lead to electronic failure.
If you do not have the skills to work with electrical circuits, for such models it is better to contact a service center. Incorrect connection can lead to a short circuit and failure control unit, the cost of which is a significant part of the price of the refrigerator.
⚠️ Attention: Specifications and location of connectors may vary depending on the year of manufacture. Always check the current diagram in the instructions for your specific model before starting any electrical work.
Frequent errors and troubleshooting
Even if you carefully follow the instructions, beginners can make mistakes. One of the most common is the loss or confusion of screws of different lengths. This may cause the long screw to hit the inside wall of the chamber and damage it or the evaporator. Always compare the length of the fastener before tightening.
Another problem is insufficient tightening of the bolts. Over time, the weight of the door may weaken the fastenings, which will lead to misalignment and a characteristic creaking sound. After installation, check all connections after a day of active use. Also make sure that the sealing rubber does not tuck when closing.
If after rehanging the door does not close tightly:
- 🔍 Check if anything inside is in the way (shelf, pan).
- 🧊 Make sure that the refrigerator is level (legs can be adjust).
- 🌡️ Give the seal time to straighten out if it was compressed during storage.
What to do if the door slams?
If the door slams when closing, the hinges may be too tight or the body is warped. Try slightly loosening the top fastenings and changing the angle.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging?
It is advisable, but not strictly necessary if you work quickly. However, if there is a lot of ice in the freezer, when you tilt or remove the door, water may leak onto the floor or into the mechanisms. It is better to carry out the defrosting procedure in advance.
Is it possible to re-hang the door yourself if the refrigerator is under warranty?
Formally, independent intervention in the structure (and re-hanging the hinges is considered such intervention) may become grounds for refusal of warranty service if you damage the unit. If the refrigerator is new, it is better to call an official technician.
Where to put the holes from the handle on the old side?
The Biryusa refrigerator usually comes with white or silver plastic plugs (nickels), which are inserted into the vacated holes. If they are lost, you can order them at the service center or pick up similar colors at a hardware store.
Why does the door not stick after rehanging?
Most likely, the geometry of the hinges is broken or the body is skewed. Check the level of the floor under the legs of the refrigerator and the uniform tightening of the top hinge bolts. Also make sure that the seal is clean and elastic.