Many owners household appliances are faced with a situation when the kitchen layout changes or the initially chosen location of the unit turns out to be inconvenient. A standard right-hand swing may interfere with opening adjacent cabinets or simply not fit into the ergonomics of the room. In such cases, it becomes necessary to change the direction of opening the door, which is quite possible to do on your own without calling a technician.
Refrigerators Biryusa structurally provide for the possibility of reinstalling the hinge, but the process requires care and adherence to a certain algorithm of actions. Improper performance of the work can lead to distortion of the canvas, loss of tightness or damage to the plastic elements of the body. Before starting work, it is important to make sure that the model of your unit really supports this function, since in some budget series there may be holes for hinges only on one side.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the stages of dismantling and reinstalling elements, paying special attention to the nuances of adjusting gaps and replacing handles. You will learn what tools you will need, how not to lose small parts, and what to pay attention to when working with the self-closing mechanism. A competent approach will allow you to adapt the equipment to any operating conditions in one hour.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Before starting disassembly, it is necessary to prepare convenient access to the equipment from all sides. Move it Biryusa refrigerator at least a meter away from the wall so that you can freely walk around it. Make sure you have good lighting in advance, since you will have to work with small fasteners in the lower part of the case, where it is usually dark.
To complete the work you will need a minimum set of household tools that any craftsman can find. The main tool will be screwdriver (usually a Phillips Ph3 or Ph4, less often flat) and a 10 mm wrench. Some models may use hexagon screws, so it is recommended to check the type of fastener visually before starting active operations.
- 🛠️ Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers for removing decorative panels and handles.
- 🔧 Wrench or 10 mm socket for unscrewing the hinges.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧼 Clean rags for wiping surfaces and removing old grease.
It is extremely important to disconnect the unit from the power supply before starting any manipulations. Although we do not work with electrical components directly, safety should be a priority when working with heavy machinery. It is also recommended to completely empty the door shelves of products in order to reduce the weight of the structure and eliminate the risk of bottles falling during the tilting process.
Dismantling the upper part and removing the door
The rehanging process begins with the top hinge, since it is this that holds the main weight of the door. First you need to remove the decorative plug, which is usually located on top of the body or at the end of the door. Hidden underneath are the mounting bolts that secure the hinge. Carefully pry up the plastic cover with a flat screwdriver, being careful not to damage the paintwork.
After releasing the fasteners, do not rush to completely unscrew the bolts. The door is under load, and abruptly removing the lock may cause it to fall. Hold the canvas with one hand or call an assistant who will hold upper part the body. Loosen the bolts completely and remove the upper hinge along with the axle.
⚠️ Attention: The upper hinge often has a complex structure with a spring or pin. Remember or take a photo of the assembly order so that when you reinstall it on the other side there will be no problems with the self-closing mechanism.
Now you can carefully lift the door and remove it from the bottom hinge. Place the removed canvas on a prepared soft surface, such as a spread blanket or cardboard box. This will protect the enamel from scratches and chips. If a magnetic gasket is installed on the door, make sure that it is not stuck to the body and does not interfere with removal.
Rearranging handles and plugs
One of the most noticeable operations is moving handles. Refrigerator cases Turk usually have hidden holes on the opposite side, closed with plastic plugs. First you need to remove the handles from their current location. Depending on the model, they can be attached to screws on the inside of the door or snapped on the outside.
If the handles are screw-type, unscrew the fasteners from the inside using a long Phillips screwdriver. Be careful not to drop the screw inside the door cavity - getting it out will be problematic. After removing the handles, locate the plastic plugs on the opposite side. They need to be carefully removed by prying them off with a knife or thin screwdriver.
- 🔩 Save all screws and plugs in a separate container so as not to lose them.
- 🔄 Install the plugs in the vacated holes on the working side.
- 🖐️ Screw the handles to the new place, making sure tight fit.
It is important to check that after installation the handles do not dangle or have any play. If the holes on the new side seem too deep or shallow, you may need to get washers of the appropriate thickness. In some models handles may have an asymmetrical shape, which requires careful study of the instructions before installation.
Modification of the lower support and axis
The lower part of the structure requires special attention, since this is where the support axis and often the light or electronics control mechanism are located. In older models Biryusa the lower hinge could be welded, but in modern versions it is removable. You will need to remove the decorative plinth at the bottom of the refrigerator to gain access to the fasteners.
The supporting axis (pin) on which the door is placed often needs to be rearranged. It can be pressed into a loop or screwed into the body. If the axis is part of the lower loop, then the loop is simply dismantled and moved to the other side. If the axis is screwed into the bottom of the housing, it is unscrewed and screwed into a symmetrical threaded hole on the other side.
| Element | Action | Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom loop | Dismantling and rearrangement | 10 mm wrench |
| Support axis | Repositioning into thread | Pliers |
| Plug base | Replacing the installation side | Hands/Screwdriver |
| Fixing screws | Repositioning to new holes | Phillips screwdriver |
Pay attention to the condition of the rubber bushings or washers on the axle. If they are cracked or have lost their elasticity, it is better to replace them immediately to avoid noise when the compressor operates. Metal should not rub against metal - this will lead to rapid wear and the appearance of an unpleasant squeak.
Installing the door and final assembly
After preparing all the elements, you can begin reassembly. Place the bottom hinge in its new location and securely secure it with the mounting bolts. Insert the support axle if it is separate and make sure it sits perfectly vertical. Now you can put the door in place.
Place the bottom hole of the door onto the installed axle. It is better to perform this action with an assistant, since the canvas is heavy and must be held strictly vertical so as not to break the thread or bend the axle. When the door is seated on the lower support, proceed to installing the upper hinge.
☑️ Assembly checklist
Install the top hinge so as to ensure the correct gap between the door and the body. Do not tighten the bolts completely at once - first tighten them, visually align the door, and then make the final tightening. Check the operation closer (if there is one): when opened to a certain angle, the door should close itself.
⚠️ Attention: If after installation the door does not close tightly or, conversely, too tightly, the height of the hinges will need to be adjusted. Loosen the top hinge fasteners and add or remove shims.
Adjusting the magnetic seal
The last and critical step is to check the tightness. When hanging the door, the magnetic seal (elastic band around the perimeter) could be deformed or displaced. If the door does not fit tightly, warm air will enter the chamber, which will cause the compressor to work harder.
Carefully inspect the seal around the entire perimeter. If you notice creases or areas where the elastic has pulled away from the door, try warming them up with a hairdryer. Heating will make the material elastic, and it will more easily take the desired shape. After heating, press the seal tightly to the body and hold for a few seconds.
How to check the tightness without instruments?
Take a regular sheet of A4 paper. Clamp it with the refrigerator door around the perimeter. If the sheet is pulled out with noticeable force, the seal is good. If the paper falls out or is pulled out too easily, the seal needs to be repaired in this area.
Also check the operation of the light switch (if it is mechanical and located on the body and not on the door). When moving the door to the other side, the sensor may stop pressing. In this case, you may need to move the switch itself or place a rubber gasket under it to increase the travel.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to hang the door on a two-chamber Biryusa refrigerator?
Yes, on most two-chamber models Biryusa there is the possibility of reversing both doors. However, the process will be more complicated, since you will have to dismantle and rearrange the intermediate partition or take its presence into account when adjusting the gaps. It is recommended to act sequentially: first the upper chamber, then the lower one.
What to do if there are no holes for hinges on the new side?
If you find that there are no symmetrical holes, then your model does not provide for overhanging. It is strictly forbidden to drill new holes in the housing - this will damage the thermal insulation and may damage the cooling circuit. In this case, you will have to leave the door as is or consider options for remodeling the kitchen.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rearranging it?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, if there is a lot of ice or food in the chamber, it is better to remove them to make the design lighter. The main thing is not to tilt the operating refrigerator by more than 45 degrees, so that oil from the compressor does not enter the refrigerant circulation system.
Why did the door begin to close worse after the rearrangement?
Most likely, the geometry of the hinge installation was broken or the magnetic seal was deformed. Check the horizontal installation of the refrigerator itself using a level - the legs should be unscrewed so that the body has a slight winding back. Also check if anything from the inside (plates, bags) is preventing it from closing tightly.