The situation when the refrigerator Biryusa no longer fits into the updated kitchen interior or interferes with opening adjacent cabinets, familiar to many owners. Often the problem is solved not by purchasing new equipment, but by the simple procedure of reversing the sashes on the opposite side. This allows you to optimize space and make the operation of the unit more convenient.
Many users are afraid to start working on their own for fear of damaging the hinges or breaking the tightness of the seal. However, the design of most models Biryusa provides for the possibility of such servicing without calling a technician. The main thing is to strictly follow the algorithm of actions and take your time.
In this article we will analyze in detail the process of changing the door opening side for different modifications of refrigerators. You will learn what tools are needed, how to properly dismantle the fittings and what to pay special attention to so that the equipment lasts a long time.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Before starting any manipulations with the refrigerator body, it is necessary to prepare the workspace. Clear the area in front of the equipment to ensure easy access from all sides. It is best to carry out the work together, as the door panels have significant weight and can slide off.
To complete the task, you will need a basic DIY kit. In most cases, a standard Phillips screwdriver and open-end wrenches are sufficient. Some models may have specific bolts, so always check the package.
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flathead) for removing handles and plugs.
- 🔩 Open-end wrenches (usually sizes 8, 10 or 12 mm) for unscrewing hinges.
- 🧤 Construction gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 📏 Level or ruler to check the evenness of the installation (optional).
It is extremely important de-energize refrigerator before starting work. Unplug from the outlet and wait a few minutes until the system turns off completely. This is a safety measure that will prevent accidental electric shock when working with metal elements.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to carry out work on hanging doors while the refrigerator is plugged in. Moisture or accidental shorting of contacts can damage the electronics.
Prepare a container for storing fasteners. Bolts, screws and decorative plugs are very small and can easily be lost during operation. Lay them out in the order in which you removed them so as not to be confused when reassembling.
Design features of different Biryusa models
Refrigerators Biryusa are produced in various modifications, and the design of the hinges may differ. In classic two-chamber models, the hinges are usually located at the top and bottom of the door. In more modern versions, there may be hidden installation or special closers.
If you have a model with freezer compartment from below, the process will consist of two stages: first, the upper door of the refrigerator compartment is hung, then the lower one. It is important not to confuse the fasteners, since the load on the lower hinges of the freezer is much higher.
In models with the system No Frost or Low Frost you need to be especially careful with the wires. Often cables run through the top hinge to indicate the door is open or control the display. They need to be carefully disconnected or transferred to the other side.
- 🏗️ Classic models: open type hinges, fastening with 2-3 bolts.
- ❄️ Models with a display: require disconnecting the power and control cable.
- 🚪 Single-chamber refrigerators: have only one door and one top loop.
Before purchasing or starting work, read the product data sheet. It indicates specific dimensions of the mounting holes the presence of factory plugs on the reverse side. If there are no plugs, you will have to make them yourself or order them.
What to do if the instructions are lost?
If the paper instructions are lost, find the sticker with the serial number inside the camera. Using this code, you can find the exact diagram on the manufacturer’s official website or on the specialized forums of Biryusa equipment owners.
Removing the refrigerator door
The process should always start from the top of the unit. First, remove the trim panel or cover covering the top hinge mounting bolts. Usually it is pryed off with a flat-head screwdriver or simply removed by hand.
Using an open-end wrench, loosen the bolts securing the top hinge, but do not unscrew them completely yet. You need to hold the door so it doesn't fall. It is best if one person holds the door and the other operates the key.
After loosening the fasteners, carefully lift the door and remove it from the lower pin. Place the door in a safe place after removing all shelves and containers to lighten the weight. Now access to the internal mechanisms is open.
If your model Turk provides for rearranging the handles, do this now. Unscrew the fastener from one side and transfer it to the opposite side using the prepared holes. Make sure the handle fits tightly.
⚠️ Attention: The refrigerator door is heavy and has glass shelves. When dismantling, be sure to remove all the contents of the shelves to avoid injury and broken glass.
Now you can completely unscrew the bolts of the top hinge and remove it. Carefully inspect the hinge axle for scoring or rust. If necessary, lubricate the mechanism with graphite grease before reinstallation.
☑️ Removing the door
Reversing the freezer door
If your refrigerator has a bottom freezer, the procedure is repeated in a similar way, but taking into account less door height. First, remove the decorative panel from the top of the freezer.
Unscrew the bolts securing the top freezer hinge. In some models Turk the same hinge can serve as a support for a shelf or drawer, so proceed with caution. Remove the freezer door and set it aside.
Pay special attention to the bottom supports. Unlike the refrigerator compartment, the height of the legs of the refrigerator itself may need to be adjusted to ensure proper closing after hanging.
- 🧊 Remove all drawers and baskets from the freezer.
- 🔧 Use a key of the appropriate size so as not to strip the edges of the bolts.
- 🧹 Clean the seal and the end of the body from ice before installation.
When reinstalling the door on the new side, make sure that the magnetic seal fits tightly around the entire perimeter. Gaps are unacceptable, as they will lead to the formation of ice and increased load on the compressor.
Transfer of fasteners and plugs
The most important stage is rearranging the fasteners. There should be pre-prepared holes on the back of the refrigerator body, closed with plastic plugs. Carefully remove them and install them in place of the vacated holes.
If the factory holes do not match or are missing, you will need to drill new ones. In this case, it is extremely important to use a drill with a depth limiter so as not to pierce the chamber wall and damage the insulation.
| Element | Action during transfer | Important nuance |
|---|---|---|
| Upper loop | Move to the opposite side | Check the length of the bolts |
| Bottom pin | Unscrew and screw into the new hole | Do not lose the washer |
| Handle | Dismantle and secure on the other side | Maintain symmetry |
| Plugs | Rearrange to vacated holes | For tightness |
When tightening the bolts, do not use excessive force. The metal of the case may be thin and there is a risk of stripping the threads. The fixation should be reliable, but without fanaticism. Use medium force when tightening.
After installing all the elements, check the geometry of the doors. They should close tightly, without distortion. If the door does not fit tightly, you may need to adjust the height of the legs of the refrigerator.
Assembly, adjustment and leak testing
The final stage is to assemble the structure in the reverse order. Place the doors in their new locations, insert the axles into the bottom bushings, and secure the top hinges with bolts. Carefully tighten all fasteners.
After assembly, be sure to check the operation of the doors. Open them 45 degrees and release them - they should close on their own under the influence of magnets and the tilt of the case. If the door remains open, it means the angle of inclination is broken.
To check the tightness, use a simple test with a sheet of paper. Squeeze the sheet with the door and try to pull it out. If the paper comes out with force around the entire perimeter, then the seal is working properly.
- ✅ The door closes tightly and silently.
- ✅ There are no gaps between the body and the seal.
- ✅ The handles are installed symmetrically and securely.
Plug in the refrigerator only after making sure the assembly is correct. Let it work for several hours without loading food to reach operating mode.
⚠️ Attention: After moving the refrigerator and rehanging the doors, you must let the equipment stand in an upright position for at least 2-4 hours before turning it on, so that the oil in the compressor flows into the crankcase.
Do you need to call a technician to rehang the doors?
In most cases, calling a technician is not required. If you have basic tool skills and the physical strength to hold the door, you can do it yourself in 30-40 minutes. A technician will only be needed if the body is damaged or the hinge is broken.
What to do if the door does not close after rehanging?
Check that the hinges are installed correctly and that the bolts are not mixed up. Often the reason is that the case is skewed - try adjusting the front legs of the refrigerator by twisting or unscrewing them. Also check if anything inside (shelf, plate) is in the way.
Will the warranty remain valid after re-hanging it yourself?
According to the consumer protection law, independent servicing that does not result in a breakdown does not void the warranty. However, if you damage the case, break the threads or break the glass when rehanging, the warranty case will not be recognized. Proceed carefully.