Changing the layout of the kitchen or simply the inconvenience of using a refrigeration unit often sets home appliance owners the task of changing the side of opening of the valves. For refrigerators Pozis this procedure is standard and does not require calling a technician if you have a basic set of tools and an understanding of the hinge joints. Unlike many European brands, Russian assembly often provides more accessible fastening units, which simplifies dismantling.
However, despite its apparent simplicity, the process requires attention to detail, since the wrong sequence of actions can lead to distortion of the canvas or damage to the seal. You will be working with heavy structural elements, so it is important to prepare a flat surface and enlist the help of a second person if we are talking about two-chamber models. In this article we will analyze the technical nuances that are often missed in standard manuals.
Before starting any manipulations, you must disconnect the device from the power supply and completely empty the internal space of products. This is not only a safety issue, but also a way to lighten the structure, since the weight of empty shelves and drawers can make dismantling much more difficult. Make sure there is enough room to maneuver around the unit, and the floor is covered with soft material to prevent scratches.
Required tools and workplace preparation
To successfully complete the task of changing the attachment, you will need a minimum set of plumbing tools. The main element will be a 10 mm wrench or socket, since this is the size of the fastener that is most often used in fastening units hinges on equipment Pozis. It is also a good idea to have a flat-head screwdriver on hand to remove decorative plugs and plastic inserts.
It is important to prepare a stable support. The removed door cannot simply be leaned against the wall - it may fall or become deformed under its own weight. A wide table or floor covered with thick cardboard or a blanket is ideal. If you are working on slippery tile surfaces, make sure that the unit will not move while unscrewing the lower fasteners.
- 🔧 A wrench or ratchet with a 10 mm head (the main tool for bolts).
- 🪛 A medium-sized flat-head screwdriver (for plugs and plastic fasteners).
- 🧤 Work gloves (protect hands from sharp metal edges and contaminants).
- 📏 Level or ruler (to check horizontal position during reinstallation).
Some models can be equipped with special bushings or plugs that are hidden in the niches of the case or lie in a separate package with documents. Carefully inspect the top of the refrigerator and the space above the compressor at the back - sometimes manufacturers hide it there backup fasteners. If you have lost the original plugs, they can be replaced with universal analogues from the hardware store.
⚠️ Attention: Never begin to unscrew the hinges until the door is locked in the open position or removed from the support. A sudden tear of the canvas can lead to injury to the legs or damage to the floor covering.
Pay special attention to lighting. Shadows can hide small but important fastening details such as locking pins or hidden screws. Good light will allow you to immediately notice if any structural element has a manufacturing defect or deformation.
Removing the top hinge and dismantling doors
The process begins with the upper fastening unit. On most models Pozis, such as series Mir or Rowan, the top hinge is covered with a decorative plastic cover. It must be carefully pryed off with a flat screwdriver, being careful not to damage the latches. Under the cover you will see two or three bolts that hold the entire structure.
Before finally unscrewing the bolts, the door must be secured. Have a helper hold the door firmly, or place adjustable supports or a stack of books under the bottom edge of the door to take pressure off the hinges. Only after this can you completely unscrew upper bolts and remove the metal hinge plate.
Now carefully lift the door up to remove the lower axle from the bushing, and set it aside in a safe place. At this stage it is important not to lose the bottom sleeve if it is not glued, but simply inserted into the hole. Often, it is the loss of this small part that causes a creaking or misalignment after reinstallation.
If your model has a middle hinge (for two-chamber refrigerators), the algorithm is repeated: remove the decorative cover, fix the bottom door, unscrew the bolts and dismantle the middle panel. Work sequentially so as not to get confused in the order of actions.
Rearranging fittings and hidden elements
The most critical stage is transferring functional elements to the opposite side. At the end of the door, on the side where it was previously secured, there are matching bushings and holes. You need to unscrew them and move them to symmetrical places on the other side. To do this, you usually use the same 10 mm wrench or a Phillips screwdriver, depending on the type of thread.
Pay attention to the handles. If in your model Position the handles are hidden (built into the end of the door) or removable, they also need to be rearranged. In some cases, this requires removing the inner door panel, which complicates the process. However, in most modern series, the handles are simply screwed on from the outside or are part of a structure that does not require disassembly.
| Element | Action | Tool | Nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Reposition to the other side | 10 mm key | Check the symmetry of the holes |
| Lower bushing | Removal and rearrangement | Flat screwdriver | Do not lose the washer |
| Plugs | Replacement | Hands | Hide empty holes |
| Door stop | Rearrangement (if any) | Key/Screwdriver | Located in the area of the middle hinge |
Do not forget about the opening limiter. This is a small plastic or metal pin, often located near the middle hinge or at the bottom of the frame, that prevents the door from swinging open 180 degrees and hitting the wall. It must be moved to the new side, otherwise the door will open too wide, which can damage sealing rubber with a sharp jerk.
What to do if the holes do not match?
In rare cases, on older models or after poor-quality repairs, the holes may not match perfectly. Do not attempt to drill through metal yourself. Check that you have chosen the correct bushings - sometimes they have different diameters for the top and bottom. If the problem is in the geometry of the body, use adjusting washers.
Installing the door on a new side
After preparing all the holes and transferring the fittings, it is time for installation. Install the lower bushing into the prepared socket on the opposite side of the housing. Make sure it fits snug and straight. If the bushing has an asymmetrical shape, check the correct orientation by checking the part you removed earlier.
Take the door and carefully slide its lower axis onto the bushing. This action is best performed by two people, since even an empty door has significant weight. Align the top holes on the end of the door with the holes on the refrigerator body. At this moment, it is important to avoid misalignment, otherwise the bolts will not fit into the threads.
- 🧊 Insert the upper hinge into the grooves and tighten the bolts by hand without tightening them completely.
- 🧊 Check the vertical installation of the door using a level.
- 🧊 Tighten the bolts with a wrench, using a cross pattern to ensure even pressure.
If you are installing the door of a two-chamber refrigerator, first install the lower chamber, then install the middle hinge, and only after that the upper door is hung. Violation of this sequence will make installation impossible. Make sure that there are no gaps between the doors when closed, and that the magnetic lock operates along the entire length.
⚠️ Attention: When tightening the top hinge bolts, do not use excessive force. The aluminum alloy that hinges are often made from can crack and threads in the housing can break. Moderate force is sufficient.
☑️ Installation check
Adjusting gaps and tightness
After the door is installed, it may be necessary adjustment of gaps. If you notice that the door is askew (one corner fits tighter than the other), don't panic. In most models Position the height of the legs of the refrigerator is adjustable, which allows you to compensate for a slight tilt of the body and level the position of the doors.
Also on some hinges it is possible to (fine-tune) the position of the blade relative to the body. Loosen the fastening bolts a little and move the door slightly in the desired direction, then tighten the fasteners again. The gap between the door and the body should be the same at the top and bottom.
Check the operation of the seal. It should be adjacent to the body around the entire perimeter without gaps. If a gap has formed in some place, try heating this area with a hairdryer (at low temperature) and pressing with your hand so that the rubber straightens. Often, after transportation or long-term storage, the seal can be deformed.
Turn on the refrigerator and let it run for a couple of hours. During this time, you will be able to assess whether the door opens spontaneously (which indicates an incorrect tilt angle of the body back) and how tightly it closes. Light resistance when closing in the last 10-15 degrees of travel is considered normal.
Frequent errors and troubleshooting
In the process, beginners often make mistakes that affect the durability of the unit. One of the most common is the loss of small washers or bushings. Without them, the door will creak and quickly wear out. Always check the contents before throwing away the packaging or putting the parts aside.
Another mistake is ignoring the floor level. If the refrigerator is placed on an uneven floor, the overhanging door may begin to open on its own or, conversely, not close completely. Use a spirit level to check that the frame is level. Adjusting the height of the front legs solves this problem in 90% of cases.
If after all the manipulations the door does not close tightly, check if something inside is in the way: a bottle of water, the edge of a shelf or a bag of groceries. Also make sure that you have installed the opening limiter correctly. Sometimes its rearrangement is forgotten, and the door rests against the side of the refrigerator, preventing the seal from closing.
Is it possible to rehang the door yourself on a single-chamber refrigerator?
Yes, on single-chamber models Posis this is even easier to do, since there is no middle hinge. However, the principle of operation remains the same: remove the top hinge, rearrange the bushings and handles, and install on the new side. The main thing is not to forget about the limiter.
What to do if one of the plugs for the holes is lost?
The holes can be closed with universal plastic plugs sold in hardware stores, or even carefully sealed with a decorative sticker to match the color of the case. The main thing is that dust and moisture do not get inside.
Do you need to wait after re-hanging before turning it on?
No special waiting time is required if you do not overdo it with tilting the refrigerator. If during work the unit was tilted strongly (more than 45 degrees), it is recommended to wait 2-4 hours before turning it on so that the oil in the compressor flows into the crankcase.
Why did the door begin to close tighter after re-hanging?
This is normal for a new installation. The seal has not yet been developed, and the hinges have not gotten used to it. After a few days of active use, the ride will become smoother. If the tightness persists for a long time, check whether the hinge bolts are overtightened.
Is it possible to change the opening side on a refrigerator with a display?
On models Pozis with an electronic display on the door, the procedure is more complicated, since the cable must be disconnected. If you do not have experience working with electronics, it is better to contact a service center so as not to damage the control wires when moving the door.