Changing the kitchen layout or moving often dictates new conditions for placing household appliances. Bosch refrigerator This is reliable equipment that lasts for many years, but sometimes standard the door opening configuration ceases to be convenient. Owners are often faced with the need to change the opening side in order to provide free access to shelves or fit the unit into a narrow opening.
Fortunately, the engineers of the German brand have provided this option for most models. Re-hang the door you can do it yourself, without resorting to the expensive services of a service center. This process requires care, a basic set of tools and strict adherence to the sequence of actions so as not to damage the hinges or the body.
In this article we will analyze in detail how to properly dismantle and install the facade, what nuances exist for different series Bosch and what to pay special attention to in order to maintain tightness and aesthetics of the device. It is important to understand that haste is unacceptable here, since the weight of the door is significant.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tools
Before starting the active phase of work, it is necessary to organize the space around the refrigerator. Tools It should be at hand so as not to be distracted by searching during the work process. Free up space in front and on the sides of the unit, ensuring that you can easily move around the equipment.
To complete the task, you will need a standard set of home craftsmen. Usually a Phillips head screwdriver and perhaps an 8mm wrench or socket will suffice. Some models Bosch require the use of a hexagon, which is often included with purchase.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This is critical for safety, since you will be working with metal elements in close proximity to electrical components.
Pay special attention to fixing the position of the refrigerator itself. It should not wobble or slide on the floor when you make efforts to unscrew the bolts. If the floor is slippery, place rubber mats under the feet or have someone hold the body.
Design features and types of hinges
The design of hanging systems for refrigerators Bosch may vary depending on the series and year of manufacture. There are models with top and bottom hinges, as well as options where the top hinge is hidden by a decorative cover, and the bottom one is supporting. Understanding the type of your design is the key to successful rehanging.
In modern models, you often find a system where the upper hinge is attached directly to the body, and the lower one has adjusting screws for alignment. Mechanism closerif it is provided by the model, it also requires careful handling so as not to disturb its operation when rearranging.
The table below shows the main types of fastenings found in the line Boschand their characteristics:
| Hinge type | Location | Fastening features | Required tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper hidden | Under the decorative cover | Requires removal of the plug | Screwdriver, spatula |
| Bottom support | At the bottom of the body | Holds the weight of the door | 8 mm key |
| Medium (for NoFrost) | Between chambers | Complex system of levers | Set of heads |
It is important to note that in two-chamber models with the system NoFrost a third, intermediate loop is added. It connects the freezer and refrigerator compartments, and rehanging it requires a special sequence of actions. Errors here can lead to misalignment and loose seals.
Why can't you ignore the type of loop?
Ignoring design features can lead to you breaking the thread or breaking the plastic holder. Always check the technical documentation for your specific model, since even within the same brand, fastenings may differ.
Dismantling the top part and removing the door
We begin the disassembly process from the top of the unit. If you have a single-compartment model or are working with the top compartment of a two-compartment refrigerator, the first step is to remove the decorative hinge cover. It usually simply snaps into place or is held on by one screw.
After removing the cover, access to the mounting bolts will open. Do not unscrew them completely at once - loosen the fastening, but leave the loop attached to the thread. Now you will need an assistant: one person should hold doorso that it does not fall while the second one finally unscrews the bolts.
- 🔧 Carefully remove the top hinge along with the door, lifting the structure up.
- 🚪 Set the door aside in a safe place, it is advisable to place it on a soft surface with the outer side down.
- 🔩 Remove the middle hinge (if there is one) and dismantle the second door in a similar way.
- 🧊 Free the case from all removable elements that interfere with access to the mounting points.
⚠️ Attention: Refrigerator doors Bosch are quite heavy due to the built-in shelves and the thickness of the insulation. Do not try to remove them alone, risking injury to your back or dropping the unit on your feet.
After removing the doors, you must remove the hinges themselves from the refrigerator body. Keep all screws and plugs in a separate container so they don't get lost. Often included with the refrigerator or in the technical data sheet there are special plugs for the holes that are formed after rehanging.
☑️ Dismantling checklist
Rearranging the fittings and preparing the holes
The most important stage is transferring the fittings to the opposite side. At the end of the removed door you will find holes into which the mating parts of the hinges are screwed. You need to unscrew the locking screws or pins and move them to the symmetrical holes on the other side.
Pay attention to handle. If it is non-removable and integrated into the profile, then there should be a similar plug on the reverse side. If the handle is removable, it also needs to be dismantled and installed on the desired side using the standard holes.
Now we move on to the refrigerator body. On the opposite side there should already be technological holes closed with plastic plugs. Remove them carefully. If there are no ready-made holes at the site where the lower hinge will be installed, you may need to remove the base panel.
It is important to check the condition of the sealing rubber. During long-term use, it could become deformed. Before installing the door in a new place, it is recommended to heat the seal with a hairdryer at a low temperature to restore its elasticity and original shape. This will ensure tightness after rehanging.
Installing the door on the new side
Installation is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. First, the lower support loop is installed in a new location. Make sure it fits snugly against the body and the bolts are tightened evenly. Then the door is put on the lower axis (first the lower one, if there are two of them).
After installing the lower part, you need to fix the upper hinge. Here again you will need the help of a second person to hold the door closed or slightly open while you screw in the mounting bolts. Do not tighten them all the way right away.
First, simply tighten all the screws so that the structure falls into place. Then, using a level or visually assessing the gaps, make the final tightening. Gaps between the door and the body should be uniform along the entire length.
If your model is equipped with a system AutoClose or a door closer, check them work. The door should open smoothly and close on its own when opened to a certain angle. Creaks or jamming indicate a misalignment that needs to be corrected by adjustment.
Adjusting the position and checking operation
The final stage is This is fine tuning. On most models Bosch the bottom hinge is equipped with an adjusting screw that allows you to raise or lower the door angle. By rotating this screw, you can achieve a perfect fit of the seal around the entire perimeter.
Check the operation of the lock (if there is one) and the magnetic seal. A sheet of paper sandwiched between the door and the body must be removed with force along the entire perimeter. If in some place it falls out freely, then additional adjustment of the hinge height is required.
- 👀 Visually inspect the symmetry of the gaps between the doors (in two-chamber models).
- 👐 Run your hand along the joint - there should be no sharp changes or cracks.
- 🔊 Listen: when closing there should not be a loud bang, just a soft click.
After completing all mechanical work, turn on the refrigerator. Let it run for a few hours without load to make sure the seal is intact and the temperature rises correctly. If the compressor operates in normal mode, but it is cold inside, the operation was successful.
⚠️ Attention: If, after hanging, the door begins to touch the body or shelves, do not use excessive force. Return to the adjustment step and loosen the fasteners to re-align the door.
What to do if there are extra holes left?
To close the holes on the old side, use the supplied plugs. If they are lost, they can be ordered at a service center or selected in a matching color and diameter at a furniture fittings store to maintain an aesthetic appearance.
Do you need to completely defrost the refrigerator before rehanging it?
Full defrosting is not strictly necessary if you work quickly. However, if the refrigerator has a lot of food and is running at full capacity, internal pressure and weight can make the process a little difficult. It is recommended to reduce the amount of food, but complete defrosting is only required if you plan to wash the unit.
Is it possible to hang the door on a refrigerator with a built-in handle?
Yes, on most models Bosch this is possible. The door profile has symmetrical holes for fastening. You will need to remove the decorative plugs from the back side and install the handle there using standard fasteners.
What to do if the length of the studs is not enough when rearranging?
Usually the kit comes with studs of different lengths for different sides. If you are using old studs and they are short, do not try to force them in as this will damage the threads. Contact the service center to select original components of the required length.
Will the temperature settings be lost after a shutdown?
Modern refrigerators Bosch save user settings in memory even during a short-term shutdown. However, after turning it on, it is recommended to check the set temperature mode, since in some models the factory reset may be activated.
How often can you rehang the door?
Technically, there are no restrictions on the number of rehangs, but each time you act on the threaded connections. Frequent rearrangement (more than once a year) can lead to wear and tear of the seats. If you often change your layout, consider installing a refrigerator in the center of the kitchen.