Many owners of household appliances are faced with a situation where the standard arrangement of refrigerator doors becomes inconvenient. This may be due to the redevelopment of the kitchen, the peculiarities of the arrangement of furniture, or simply personal comfort. Biryusa refrigerator This is a popular Russian brand, the design of which often allows you to change the hinge of the doors without calling a specialist.
The remodeling process requires attentiveness and a basic set of tools. Unlike complex French systems, the classic models of this brand have a fairly understandable structure. However, before you start work, you need to make sure that your model technically allows such a modification. Not all series have symmetrical seats for hinges.
In this article we will analyze the stages of work, features of dismantling the fittings and the nuances of adjustment. Correctly performed re-hanging will extend the life of the seals and ensure the tightness of the chamber. The main thing is to act consistently and not to use excessive physical force where it is not required.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
Before starting any manipulations with the body of household appliances, you should clear the space around the unit. You will need access from all sides as the doors will have to be removed and moved. Remove food, shelves and drawers to reduce the weight of the structure and avoid broken glass.
Pay special attention to the stability of the refrigerator itself. If it is placed on an uneven floor, there is a risk of tipping over when removing one of the doors. Use a level to check horizontalness. It is also extremely important disconnect the device from the power supplyto remove the plug from the socket. This is a basic safety rule when working with electrical appliances.
To complete the task, you will need a minimum set of tools. In most cases, different types of screwdrivers and wrenches are sufficient. Prepare a container for storing screws in advance to avoid losing small parts. Masking tape will help hold moving parts in place as you work.
- 🛠️ Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers (sizes may vary depending on model).
- 🔧 Set of wrenches or sockets (size 8, 10 or 13 mm is often required).
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧼 Rags for wiping parts and removing old grease.
Sometimes a special hex key is included with the refrigerator. If you have saved the instructions and packaging materials, please check that they are included. The lack of the necessary tool can lead to the edges of the bolts breaking off, which will significantly complicate the process.
Diagnostics of the model and checking the possibility of overhang
Not all Biryusa refrigerators are designed the same. There are models with a fixed hinge, where holes for hinges are provided only on one side. In such cases, re-hanging is impossible without serious modification of the body, which is not recommended.
Inspect the side wall on which the door is currently hung. You should see hidden or plugged holes on the opposite side. It is their presence that indicates that manufacturer possibility of changing the configuration.
⚠️ Attention: If there are no threaded holes or technological bosses for hinges on the sidewall, an attempt to drill them yourself can lead to destruction of the heat-insulating layer and depressurization of the circuit.
You should also pay attention to the handle. In some models it is asymmetrical and cannot be rearranged. In other cases, the handle is integrated into the door profile and requires replacement or complex rearrangement. Study the technical data sheet specific model Biryusa to clarify this point.
Dismantling the upper part and removing the door leaf
The process begins with the upper hinge, since it is this that holds the main weight of the door. First remove the decorative cap, if there is one. It is usually held on with snaps or glued. There is a mounting bolt hidden under it.
Unscrew the upper hinge bolt, but do not remove it completely until the load is removed. Have a helper hold the door or use a stop. After loosening the fasteners, remove the hinge completely. Now you can carefully lift the door and remove it from the lower pin.
It is better to immediately put the removed door in a safe place so that it does not interfere with further work. If a magnetic opening sensor is installed on the door, carefully disconnect the wires or simply move the magnet to a new location, if the design allows it.
Rearranging the fittings and lower fastening
The next stage is working with the lower part of the structure. This is often where the pin on which the door rests is located. It needs to be unscrewed from the current hole and moved to the opposite side. Some Biryusa models use an asymmetrical pin that needs to be turned over.
Remove the mating part of the lower hinge from the body. Clean the vacated hole from dust and dirt. Install the cap in the old location to maintain the aesthetic appearance. Now fasten the loop to the new side using the prepared holes.
It is important not to overtighten the fasteners at this stage. Initial assembly is performed to check the geometry. Make sure that the axis of rotation coincides with the center of the hole in the housing. Play or misalignment will lead to a loose fit.
☑️ Check before installing the door
Installing the doors on the new side
Now you can put the door leaf in place. Carefully slide the bottom hole of the door onto the installed pin. Make sure it sits straight and stands upright. Holding the door, install the top hinge in place.
Insert the top hinge mounting bolt, but for now, tighten it by hand or lightly grab it with a tool. Full tightening is done after adjustment. If the model is two-chamber, the process is repeated for each chamber separately, starting from the top.
Check the operation of the mechanism. The door should open and close smoothly, without squeaks or jams. Pay attention to the work closerif it is provided for by the design. If necessary, lubricate the rubbing parts with a special compound.
What to do if the door is skewed?
If after installation you notice a skew, try loosening the middle hinge (if there is one) and install washers or shims. Sometimes lightly tapping the loop to get it in place helps.
Adjusting the position and tightness of the fit
The final stage is adjustment. Even with careful installation, the position of the sashes may need to be adjusted. Adjustment is carried out by loosening the fastening bolts and moving the door in the desired direction.
Check the tightness of the seal around the entire perimeter. To do this, you can use a sheet of paper: clamp it with the door and try to pull it out. It must come out with force. If the paper falls out freely, adjustment is required.
| Problem | Possible cause | Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| The door does not close completely | An obstacle in the opening or misalignment | Check the shelves, adjust the legs |
| Large gap at the top | Weak pressure on the top hinge | Tighten the top bolt or replace the hinge |
| The door opens itself | Tilt the body back | Unscrew the front adjusting supports |
| It is difficult to open the door | The pressure is too strong | Loosen the fastening of the hinges on half a turn |
Also check the tilt level of the refrigerator itself. The front legs are often made slightly higher than the back legs so that the door closes itself under the influence of gravity. Use adjusting screws at the base of the case for adjustment.
Frequent errors and operating tips
Beginners often make the mistake of ignoring the condition of the sealing rubber. When re-hanging, an old, stiff seal may not straighten out immediately, creating the illusion of a loose fit. Give it time or treat it with silicone.
Another common problem is loss of fasteners. The hinge bolts of the Biryusa refrigerator may have a specific thread or length. Do not replace them with random screws from a hardware store, this may lead to stripping of the threads in the case.
⚠️ Attention: Be careful when working with plastic plugs and decorative elements. The plastic on older models becomes brittle and can burst if handled carelessly.
After completing all work, let the refrigerator stand turned off for about 2-3 hours before plugging it in. This is necessary to stabilize the refrigerant if the unit was tilted strongly during operation.
Questions and answers
Do you need to call a specialist to rehang Biryusa doors?
In most cases, you can handle it yourself with basic skills. However, if you do not have tools or are afraid of damaging your equipment, it is better to contact a service center.
Is it possible to rehang a door if it has a glass shelf?
Yes, you can. The main thing is to first remove all the shelves and contents in order to reduce the weight and the risk of damage to the glass during dismantling.
What to do if, after rehanging, a whistle appears when closing?
The whistle usually indicates a too tight fit or air escaping through a narrow gap. Try to slightly loosen the hinges or check the integrity of the seal.
Where can I get new plugs for old holes?
Plugs are often included with a new refrigerator in a package with documents. If they are lost, you can order them at the service center or select universal analogues.