Changing the direction of opening the refrigerator door is a procedure that may be required when rearranging a kitchen set or changing the layout of the room. Equipment owners Bosch often wonder whether it is possible to perform this operation on their own without calling a technician. Fortunately, the design of most models of the German brand provides for the possibility of re-hanging doors at home, which greatly simplifies the adaptation of equipment to new operating conditions.
However, before starting work, you must clearly understand which model you are dealing with, since the hinge fastening systems may differ. Incorrect actions can lead to damage to decorative panels or failure of the seal. In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions, the necessary tools and specific features characteristic of various series of refrigeration equipment.
Assessment of the design and preparation of the workplace
The first stage is a thorough visual inspection of your unit. Most modern models equipped with the system have hidden hinges that require careful handling. You need to make sure that there are appropriate technological holes and plugs on the side wall where you plan to hang the door. If there are no holes, then your particular modification may not support reverse opening, and further action may be futile. Bosch, equipped with a system NoFrost, have hidden hinges that require careful handling. You need to make sure that there are appropriate technological holes and plugs on the side wall where you plan to hang the door. If there are no holes, then perhaps your particular modification does not support reverse opening, and further action may not be useful.
Space preparation plays a critical role in process safety. A refrigerator is a heavy and large item, so working alone is not recommended, especially when it comes to two-chamber models. You will need free space around the case for unimpeded movement and stowage of the removed elements. Empty shelves, drawers and door baskets in advance to reduce the weight of the structure and avoid breaking glass or plastic.
- 🛠️ Prepare a set of screwdrivers (Phillips and flat-head) and hex keys, which often come with equipment.
- 🧤 Use a soft mat or cardboard to do not scratch the floor and front panel during operation.
- 📏 Have a level on hand to check the horizontal installation after installation is completed.
⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator is built into a kitchen niche, it must be completely removed before starting work. Trying to turn the doors over without providing access from all sides is almost guaranteed to result in damage to the facades or cabinet walls.
Necessary tools and safety measures
To successfully complete the task, you will need a minimum set of tools that can be found in every home. The main tool will be a screwdriver with a magnetic tip, since the screws are small and can easily be dropped inside the case or lost. Some models Bosch series Vario or KGV may require special TORX keys, so it is better to prepare them in advance by studying the package.
Safety is priority number one. Refrigerator doors, especially the bottom ones, can be quite heavy due to the shelves and seals installed. Sudden removal or improper grip may result in foot injury or damage to the flooring. It is recommended that two people do the work: one person holds the door, the second unscrews the fasteners.
Particular attention should be paid to the condition of the sealing rubber. Before dismantling, check for any cracks or creases. When re-hanging, the rubber profile experiences bending load in a new direction, and if the material is old, it may not straighten, which will break the tightness. In this case, it is better to immediately plan to purchase a new seal.
Dismantling the top door and removing the top hinge
The process begins with the top door, since it is usually lighter and easier to access. The first step is to remove the decorative plug that hides the fastenings of the upper hinge. It can be made in the form of a plastic cover or sticker, which must be carefully pryed off with a knife or flat screwdriver. Do not use excessive force so as not to damage the paintwork of the case.
After opening access, you will see the mounting bolts. Their number varies from two to four depending on the series Bosch. Use a magnetic screwdriver to unscrew them. It is important at this moment to hold the door securely with your second hand or ask an assistant, since after unscrewing the last bolt it may fall. Carefully remove the door and put it in a safe place, placing it on a soft surface with the outer side up.
| Fasting element | Tool type | Dismantling nuances | Action after removal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top hinge | Phillips screwdriver / TORX | Requires door fixation | Move to the opposite side |
| Decorative cover | Flat-head screwdriver | Fragile plastic | Install in a new hole |
| Lock pin | Pliers | Maybe tight | Move to the bottom hole of the hinge |
| Hinge sleeve | Without tools | Moves freely | Save for reinstallation |
What what to do if the screws are rusty?
If the fasteners are soured and cannot be unscrewed, do not use brute force - you can tear off the cap. Treat the joint area with a penetrating lubricant (eg WD-40) and wait 15-20 minutes. After this, try to carefully loosen the screw.
Working with the bottom door and central hinge
The bottom door in refrigerators Bosch often has a large mass, especially in models with a large freezer compartment. To remove it, you need to dismantle the central partition or hinge, which also serves as a support for the upper compartment. In some designs, you must first remove the upper door to gain access to the fasteners of the lower one.
The algorithm of actions is similar: remove the decorative elements, unscrew the bolts of the central hinge. It is important here not to lose the special bushings and washers that ensure smooth running. They may fall out when the parts are separated. Remember or photograph the order of their location, since when assembling on the new side they will need to be installed in the same sequence.
- 📸 Take a photo of the location of all small parts before removing them - this will simplify assembly.
- 🧹 Clean the holes for the bolts from dust and dirt accumulated during operation.
- 🔍 Check the hinge axis for any play; if necessary, lubricate it with graphite grease.
⚠️ Attention: On models with a door display or system MultiAirflow, where the air ducts pass through the hinge, there may be additional electrical connections. Make sure the wires are disconnected or have enough length to transfer to the other side.
Rehanging Handles and Rearranging Plugs
One of the most noticeable parts of the process is transferring the handle. Depending on the model Bosch, the handle can be attached to screws on the inside of the door or be integrated. If the handle is removable, unscrew it and install it on the opposite edge using the prepared holes. Often, in a new location, the holes are closed with plastic plugs, which need to be removed and moved to the old location.
If the handle is made in the form of a hidden profile or recess in the body, then this step is skipped. However, if you have a model with overlay trim panels, they may also need to be reoriented. Plastic plugs (anthers) tend to get lost, so put them in a separate container. Their function is not only aesthetic, but also protective - they prevent moisture and dirt from entering the holes.
☑️ Checklist before assembly
It is important to consider symmetry. Make sure that when you transfer the handle to the new side, it will be at the same height and with the correct slope if the design calls for one. In some cases, it is necessary to turn the handle itself 180 degrees so that it fits ergonomically in the hand in the new opening direction.
Assembling the mechanism and final adjustment
Assembling is done in the reverse order. First, the lower door is installed on the lower hinge, then the central partition is mounted, and only then the upper door is hung. When installing the hinges, make sure that the axes fit into the seats. Tighten the bolts first by hand to ensure correct positioning, and only then tighten with a tool.
Adjustment is key. After installing all doors, check the tightness of the seal around the entire perimeter. The door should close easily, but tightly, without distortion. If you notice that the door is warped or does not fit in one of the corners, use the adjusting screws, usually located on the bottom support of the refrigerator or in the hinge structure. By turning them, you can change the tilt of the door forward or backward.
The finishing touch will be the installation of all decorative trims and plugs. Make sure that all screws are tightened with the same force, but not too much, so as not to strip the threads in the plastic elements. After connecting the refrigerator to the network, listen to the operation: there should be no extraneous knocks or creaks when opening.
Common errors and nuances
When re-hanging doors themselves, users often make typical mistakes. One of them is the loss of special washers or bushings, which they then try to replace with improvised means. This cannot be done as they provide precise clearance. Another mistake is to ignore adjusting the height of the refrigerator legs. After re-hanging, you may need to re-level it so that the doors close themselves under the influence of gravity.
It is also worth mentioning models with a system VarioZone or other unique solutions Boschwhere the internal configuration can affect the location of the fastening elements. Always check technical documentation if available. If during the process you find a crack on the hinge body, you cannot continue operation - the part must be replaced.
Is it possible to rehang the door if a display is installed on it?
Yes, it is possible, but this requires more caution. It is necessary to carefully disconnect the cables going to the display, remember their markings and pull them through new holes in the case or use the provided channels. It is important not to pinch the wires when installing the hinges.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not close completely?
Most likely, the angle of the refrigerator is broken. Check the adjustment screws on the front bottom of the housing. The front legs should be twisted a little more than the back legs so that the body leans back. This ensures that the door closes automatically.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, it is recommended to empty the chambers of food in order to reduce the weight of the doors and prevent food spoilage if the process drags on or the door has to be kept open for a long time.