The situation when, after a purchase or move, it turns out that Pozis refrigerator does not fit into the allotted space due to the direction the door opens, is familiar to many owners. Fortunately, the design of most models of this brand provides the ability to change the side of the hinge, which allows you to adapt the equipment to the kitchen layout without extra costs. This process does not require calling a specialist, but requires basic skills in working with tools and attention to detail.
Before starting work, it is important to understand that rehanging the doors is a mechanical operation that requires care so as not to damage the enamel or break the thread. In the article we will analyze the algorithm of actions for models with an upper and lower freezer compartment, and also pay attention to the nuances of removing the handles and adjusting the tight fit.
It is worth noting right away that not all models support this function, so the first step is always to study the technical documentation. If the instructions indicate that mounting is fixed, attempts to change the side may result in damage. For most modern units Pozis this option is available and is implemented by a standard set of tools.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
The success of the operation is 90% dependent on proper preparation. You do not need complex professional equipment, but you should have high-quality one at hand. tool kit. The base will be a Phillips screwdriver, preferably with a magnetic tip, so that small screws do not fall inside the case or onto the floor. You may also need a wrench or a 10 mm socket if the hinges are secured with bolts.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This is not only a safety measure, but also a way to avoid accidentally turning on the compressor while manipulating the door.
Free up space in front of the refrigerator. You will need a place to put the removed shelves and perhaps temporarily put the unit itself aside. Cover the floor with soft material or cardboard so that a fallen tool or part does not scratch the coating. To fix the position of the doors when unscrewing the hinges, it is better to call an assistant.
Removing the top panel and door handle
The process begins from the top of the refrigerator. On models with a top freezer or single-compartment units, remove the top cover first. Usually it is secured with several self-tapping screws, which are hidden under decorative plugs or located at the back. Use screwdriver to unscrew them.
Next we move on to the handle. Depending on the model Pozis, the handle can be screw-mounted at the front, rear, or hidden. If the screws are located at the front, their heads are often covered with plastic caps that match the color of the case. Carefully pry them off with a knife or thin screwdriver. If the handle is solid and covers the end of the door, check the presence of fasteners on the inside of the end.
- 🔧 Unplug the refrigerator and move it away from the wall.
- 🔧 Remove the top decorative panel by unscrewing the fixing screws.
- 🔧 Remove the handle doors, gaining access to the top hinge.
- 🔧 Prepare a container for folding small fasteners.
After removing the handle, access to the top hinge opens. It is she who holds the door in a vertical position. Do not rush to unscrew all the bolts at once; if the door is not secured, it may fall. In some models, this stage requires an assistant who will hold the door leaf.
Removing the door and rearranging the hinges
The key stage is the direct removal of the door. After removing the top hinge fasteners, carefully lift the door up to remove it from the bottom support sleeve. Place the removed door on a prepared soft surface with the outer side down so as not to damage the seal.
Now attention turns to the lower part. You need to remove the bottom support or bushing and move it to the opposite side. The refrigerator Pozis often comes with spare plugs for holes that will become visible after rearrangement. If they are not there, you can use those that were installed on the other side initially.
☑️ Check before installation
The top loop is also transferred to the new side. Pay attention to the hinge pin: it should point straight up. When installing a new position, make sure that the holes in the body and the door line up. If used asymmetrical hingemake sure it is installed the correct way round.
⚠️ Attention: When tightening the hinge bolts, do not apply excessive force. Aluminum alloys used in some components can be easily damaged by over-tightening, which will lead to door play in the future.
Features of models with a bottom freezer
If you are the owner of a refrigerator Pozis with a No Frost system or simply with a bottom location of the freezer, the process has its own nuances. There are two independent doors here, and both need to be outweighed. As a rule, they start from the top door of the refrigerator compartment, following the algorithm described above.
The bottom door of the freezer is attached to its own hinge, which is often hidden under the decorative panel of the plinth or is located in the lower part of the case. Access may require removing the front panel or simply unscrewing the screws on the bottom. It is important not to confuse the length of the fastening elements, since they may differ for the upper and lower doors.
| Model type | Hinge location | Complexity | Nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-chamber | Top and bottom | Low | One door, minimum fasteners |
| Two-chamber (top frost.) | Top, bottom, | Middle | You need to remove both doors |
| Two-chamber (low frost.) | Separate | High | Two independent circuits |
| Side-by-Side | Hidden | High | Requires removal of panels |
When working with two-door models, it is critically important to correctly set the gap between the doors. If it is too small, the doors will touch each other when opening. If it is too large, the aesthetics and tightness will be compromised.
Installing the handle and final assembly
After the hinges have been moved and the doors are put in place, it is time to install the handles on the new side. It is important here not to lose the decorative plugs. The holes that remain free on the old side must be closed with the plugs from the kit or those that were removed from the new side.
Secure the handle using the same screws. Make sure it fits snugly and doesn't wobble. If the model Pozis has an integrated handle (cutout in the body), this step is skipped, but the integrity of the end part of the door is checked.
What to do if the holes do not match?
If you mixed up the sides or the model does not provide for overhanging, the holes may not match. In this case, do not drill new holes! Return everything to its original positions. A discrepancy indicates that either the hinge is installed upside down, or the wrong side is selected for your specific modification.
The final touch is the installation of the top decorative panel. Check that all wires (if they went through the top panel to the lamp or display) are not pinched and have sufficient range to open the door 90 degrees or more.
Adjusting and checking tightness
After assembly, it is necessary to check the operation of the mechanism. The door should open easily, without squeaks, and close tightly with a slight push. If the door closes by itself or, conversely, does not hold, it requires tilt adjustment casing.
For this, front adjustable supports are used. By twisting or unscrewing them, you change the angle of the refrigerator backwards. When in the correct position, the door should tend to close on its own from the open position. Also check the tightness of the seal around the entire perimeter.
- 🧊 The door should close tightly along the entire perimeter.
- 🧊 The gap between the door and the body should be uniform.
- 🧊 When closing, a characteristic pop should be heard.
- 🧊 Make sure that the shelves do not interfere with closing.
⚠️ Attention: The design of refrigerators may vary slightly depending on the year of manufacture. If you find that the mounting holes are located non-standardly, check the paper instructions included in the box, as the diagrams may change.
Possible problems and their solutions
Difficulties may arise during the rehanging process. The most common of them is that the door is warped and does not close. This can be solved by loosening the hinge fasteners, leveling the fabric and re-tightening. Another problem is scratches on the case. They can be masked with a special restoration pencil if the damage is deep.
Sometimes users forget to rearrange the plastic bushings or pins, which leads to metal-on-metal friction and squeaking. If noise appears after installation, remove the door again and check for the presence of all lubricated elements in the friction units.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to hang the doors on a Pozis refrigerator without an assistant?
Theoretically, it is possible if the model is single-chamber and light. However, the doors of double-compartment refrigerators are heavy and bulky. Without an assistant, there is a high risk of dropping the door, damaging the floor, or getting injured. It’s better to work together.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging?
Yes, this is a prerequisite. Water from melted ice can leak out when tilted and damage wiring or get on the floor. In addition, a full refrigerator is too heavy to safely remove the doors.
Will the warranty still apply after re-hanging it yourself?
According to the law, doing your own repairs or modifications (which includes re-hanging) will not void the warranty unless you damage the components. However, if you strip threads or break glass, warranty repairs may be denied. Proceed carefully.
Where should I put the holes from the old handle?
The refrigerator usually comes with plastic plugs that match the color of the body. If they are lost, you can order them at the service center or use universal furniture plugs of a suitable diameter.