Changing the installation location of household appliances often requires redesigning the kitchen space, and standard door opening can become an obstacle. If you purchased a model Bekothat initially opens in one direction, but you need it to open in the other, do not panic. The design of most modern units of this brand allows you to change the side of the hinge without calling a technician.
The process of reinstalling the door leaf takes a little time, but requires care and adherence to the sequence of actions. Incorrect assembly can lead to a loose seal, misalignment of the sash, or even damage to the hinges. In this article we will analyze a universal algorithm that is suitable for most models, including the popular series CNE, RKNE i RCNE.
Before starting work, you need to prepare a workplace and free up space around the refrigerator. You will need access to the back wall and sides from all sides. Make sure the floor is level and there is enough lighting to work with small fasteners.
Necessary tools and preparation
To successfully complete the task of hanging a door, you will need a minimum set of tools that are usually found in every home. The main tool will be a screwdriver, but depending on the specific model Beko, other devices may be required. Prepare everything you need in advance so as not to be distracted during the work process.
Most often, Phillips screwdrivers of different sizes are used, since the mounting screws may differ in diameter and length. You may also need an 8mm or 10mm wrench or socket to remove the main hinge bolts. On some models, a flat-head screwdriver or knife is required to remove the decorative plugs.
- 🔧 Phillips screwdriver (PH2) for the main fasteners.
- 🔩 Wrench or ratchet with a head (usually 8-10 mm).
- 🪛 Flat a screwdriver or spatula for removing plugs.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges.
- 🧹 Clean rags for wiping the mounting points.
It is important to make sure that the refrigerator is completely defrosted and disconnected from the power supply. The water from the internal containers must be drained, and the shelves and drawers must be removed. This will not only protect you from electric shock, but will also significantly lighten the structure, reducing the risk of heavy elements falling during dismantling.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to unplug the refrigerator and let the compressor cool for 15-20 minutes. This will prevent accidental damage to the cooling system pipes when moving the unit.
Check the equipment of your model. In some cases, a special hanging kit is supplied with the refrigerator, including additional screws or plugs. If there is no such set, make sure that all the removed parts will be used on the new side. Beko A special re-hanging kit is supplied, including additional screws or plugs. If there is no such kit, make sure that all the removed parts will be used on the new side.
Removing the top panel and handle
The process begins with removing the top cover of the refrigerator, if it is structurally provided for in your model. Many two-chamber refrigerators Beko the top panel is fixed with screws that are hidden under decorative plugs or located on the front.
Carefully remove the plugs using a flat-head screwdriver and unscrew the fastening screws. The panel can then be slid back and removed. This will give access to the top hinge, which will need to be rearranged. Be careful not to scratch the surface of the case.
Next, you should remove the door handle. Depending on the model, it can be attached with screws from the inside or screwed from the outside through special holes. If the screws are hidden, you may need to slightly bend the seal or remove the decorative trim.
- 🚪 Remove the top decorative panel by unscrewing the screws from the front.
- 🔓 Unscrew the top hinge mounting bolts.
- 🖐️ Remove the handle, by removing the screws from the inside of the door.
- 🛡️ Save all plugs and screws in a separate container.
After removing the handle, inspect the mounting location. Often there will be holes left that will need to be plugged on the new side. Do not lose these elements, as they provide an aesthetic appearance to the refrigerator Beko after rearrangement.
Removing the door and rearranging the hinges
The most critical stage is removing the door. To do this, you need to release the middle and bottom loops. Have a helper hold the door as it is heavy and could fall, damaging the floor or finish. Unscrew the bolts holding the door on its hinges and carefully remove it.
Now attention turns to the bottom of the refrigerator. The bottom hinge is often hidden by a plastic plinth or decorative panel at the bottom of the case. Remove this item to gain access to the axle mount. Unscrew the bolt securing the lower hinge and move it to the opposite side.
Similar actions are performed with the upper hinge. Remove the pin or axle from one side and install it into the prepared holes on the other side. Make sure that all holes fit tightly and the threads are not stripped.
☑️ Checklist for rearranging hinges
In some models Beko with the system No Frost it may be necessary to rearrange additional plastic elements or opening limiters. Carefully inspect the inside of the case for symmetrical holes.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use excessive force when tightening screws into new holes. If the screw does not fit, check to see if the hinge is skewed or if the internal thread is in the way.
Installing the door on a new side
After all the hinges have been moved to the opposite side, you can begin installing the door. Lift the door and slide its bottom hole onto the installed bottom hinge pin. Make sure it fits snugly and evenly.
Then align the top holes of the door with the top hinge. Insert the mounting bolts and begin tightening them, but do not tighten them all the way yet. This will allow you, if necessary, to adjust the position of the door for a perfect fit.
Check the horizontal installation of the door. If a distortion is noticeable, loosen the fasteners a little and level the position by placing washers or adjusting the height of the refrigerator legs. After alignment, finally tighten all bolts.
Install the handle in its new location. Tighten the screws from the inside and cover the holes with the decorative caps you removed at the beginning of the process. Make sure that the handle is held tightly and does not wobble.
Adjustment and leak testing
The final stage is checking the quality of the installation. The door should open smoothly, without creaking or jamming. When released, it should be automatically brought to close with a magnet, if the opening angle is not too large.
Pay special attention to the seal. It should fit equally tightly to the body around the entire perimeter. Check it visually and by touch. If there are gaps, cold air will escape and the compressor will work harder.
| Check item | Normal condition | Symptom of problem | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seal | Tight fit all around | Gaps, loose fit | Adjusting hinges or heating with a hairdryer |
| Door movement | Smooth, silent | Creak, friction against the body | Lubricating hinges, checking gaps |
| Fixation | Spontaneous closing | The door bounces or does not reach | Checking the tilt of the refrigerator back |
| Fasteners | All bolts are tightened | Loose handle or hinges | Tightening fasteners with a screwdriver |
To check the tightness, you can use a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet with the door in different places around the perimeter. If the sheet is pulled out with force, then the seal is working correctly. If the sheet falls out or moves freely, adjustment is required.
Common mistakes and troubleshooting
When re-hanging refrigerator doors on their own Beko beginners often make common mistakes. One of the most common is the loss of small parts. The screws from the left and right sides may differ in length, and mixing them up can lead to damage to the frame or the door itself.
Another mistake is ignoring the level. If the refrigerator is not level, the door may not close on its own or, conversely, open spontaneously. Always adjust the front legs so that the body is slightly tilted back.
- ❌ Forgot to remove the shipping bolts or clamps inside the camera.
- ❌ Mixed up the long and short screws when installing the hinges.
- ❌ Did not check the horizontal installation after overhang.
- ❌ The seal was damaged with a sharp tool during dismantling.
If after installation you hear extraneous sounds or see condensation on the walls, the door may not fit tightly. In this case, you should not immediately disassemble the structure again. Try to slightly loosen the hinge screws and press the door against the body, then tighten the fasteners again.
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics and design of refrigerators may vary depending on the year of manufacture and the specific modification. Always check the official instructions for your model if the steps in the article differ from the diagram in the manual.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Do you need a special tool to hang a Beko door?
In most cases, a standard set of household tools is enough: a Phillips screwdriver and a wrench. Specialized equipment is required only for complex industrial models, which are rarely found in everyday life.
Is it possible for one person to hang the door independently?
Theoretically, it is possible, but the doors of two-chamber refrigerators are heavy and bulky. It is recommended to call an assistant to safely remove and install the door without damaging the floor covering or the unit itself.
Will the warranty still apply after re-hanging the door?
If you don't break anything in the process and don't drill new holes, the warranty will usually still apply. However, if the hinges or body are damaged during self-installation, the service center may refuse free repairs.
What to do if the door does not close tightly after rehanging?
Most likely, the installation geometry is broken. Check the level of the refrigerator - it should be tilted slightly backwards. Also try loosening the hinge screws, pressing the door and tightening them again. If the seal is deformed, warm it up.
Is the process different for models with the No Frost system?
The process is fundamentally the same, but in models No Frost it is important not to damage the air ducts and wiring that may go through the loops. Be careful when removing the top panel.