The need to change the opening direction of the Vestel refrigerator door arises quite often, especially when moving or rearranging furniture in the kitchen. The standard configuration, in which the door opens from right to left, may be inconvenient in conditions of a narrow passage or a specific layout of the suite. Fortunately, most models are Vestel designed with this possibility in mind, allowing the user to independently perform the re-hanging without calling a technician.
The repositioning process requires care and adherence to a certain sequence of actions so as not to damage fittings or sealing rubber bands. Unlike old Soviet units, modern two-chamber refrigerators have a complex system of hinges, magnetic locks and opening sensors, which requires a careful approach. If you plan to change the opening side, you will need a set of basic tools and about an hour of free time.
Before you start work, make sure that you have the necessary physical capabilities, as the doors of modern models, especially with the system NoFrost, can be quite heavy. It is also critical to free up space around the unit for maneuvering. Incorrect assembly can lead to a loose fit of the sash, which will lead to increased energy consumption and rapid wear of the compressor.
First you need to prepare the workplace and tools. You will need a Phillips screwdriver, a wrench (usually 8 or 10 mm, depending on the model), pliers, and preferably a second person to hold the door. Before starting any manipulations, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply by removing the plug from the outlet. This is a standard safety measure, the neglect of which is unacceptable when working with household appliances.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, carefully check the equipment of your refrigerator. Some budget models Vestel may not have holes for attaching hinges on the back side or may be supplied without plugs included. If there are no holes, rearranging the doors is impossible without drilling the body, which will void your warranty.
Necessary tools and preparation
To efficiently complete the task of hanging the doors on the refrigerator Vestel it is important to prepare all the tools in advance. Failure to use the correct wrench in the middle of the process can lead to stripped threads or damaged bolt heads. The main tool will be a set of screwdrivers, including a flathead and Phillips, as well as open-end or socket wrenches of the appropriate size.
In addition to the main tool, you will need auxiliary materials. Prepare masking tape or duct tape to secure moving parts during dismantling. It would also be a good idea to have a container on hand for folding fasteners so as not to lose small screws or washers that could roll under the refrigerator.
- 🛠️ A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) for removing decorative panels.
- 🔧 Wrench or 8/10 mm socket for unscrewing the main bolts loops.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges and grease.
- 📏 Level or ruler to check the horizontal installation after installation.
Pay special attention to the condition fasteners. If the refrigerator has been in use for a long time, the bolts may be coated with oxides or factory grease, which will make them difficult to unscrew. In such cases, penetrating lubricant can be used, but should be used with caution so as not to contaminate the inside of the camera or the food.
Removing the top part and removing the door
The process begins with the top door if you have a two-chamber model, or with the single door in a single-chamber refrigerator. The first step is always to remove the decorative cover or panel that hides the top hinge hardware. On models Vestel this panel is usually held on by latches or one screw that needs to be carefully unscrewed.
After gaining access to the hinge, do not rush to unscrew it immediately. First you need to loosen, but not completely remove, the mounting bolts. Then you need to lock the door in the open position or have an assistant hold it to prevent falling. Abrupt dismantling can damage magnetic seal or deform the hinge.
Completely unscrew the bolts holding the upper hinge and remove the hinge itself. The door can now be carefully lifted and removed from the bottom pin. If the model is equipped with a door opening sensor, carefully disconnect the wiring connector, first remembering or photographing the position of the contacts. In some cases, the wires may be threaded through the hollow axis of the hinge, which requires special care when pulling out.
The removed door should be put in a safe place, preferably on a soft surface, so as not to scratch the facade or floor. Now inspect the top of the case: you will see mounting holes on one side and possibly threaded holes or plugs on the other. This is where we will move the hinge.
☑️ Removing the top door
Working with the lower hinge and base
The lower part of the refrigerator requires no less careful attention, especially when working with two-chamber models Vestel. This is where the bottom hinge of the main door is located and often the support area for the freezer. Before starting work, you may need to remove the plinth grille (plinth) at the bottom of the unit.
The plinth is usually secured with latches or screws. Gently pry it open with a flathead screwdriver or pull it towards you if it has clips. Under it you will find fasteners for the lower support platform. Unscrew the bolts securing this platform and remove it. Pay attention to the adjusting screws that are responsible for the height of the refrigerator leg - it is better to remember their position so that after rearranging you do not have to re-align the unit.
If you have a model with a bottom freezer, then after removing the main door you will have to work with the freezer door. The principle of operation is similar: remove the upper (in this case, middle) loop separating the cameras, and the lower support loop. It is important not to confuse the washers that can be installed between the hinges. guide bushings and washers that can be installed between the hinges.
⚠️ Attention: When removing the lower hinge, be careful with the axial pin. It may be press-fit or have a retaining ring. Do not use excessive force to avoid breaking the plastic hinge body, which on some models Vestel is made of durable but fragile polymer under impact loads.
After removing all the metal elements on one side, inspect the back side of the housing. There should be threaded holes covered with plastic plugs. These plugs must be removed and moved to the free side in order to maintain the aesthetic appearance of the refrigerator.
Rearranging fittings and handles
The most critical stage is moving all fastening elements to the opposite side. Take the top hinge and install it on the new mounting points using the pre-prepared holes. Tighten the bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet, so that micro-adjustment of the door position remains possible.
Door handles require special attention. On most models Vestel the handles are symmetrical or consist of two parts, which allows you to rearrange them without problems. However, on some designer series the handles may be asymmetrical. In this case, the kit should include additional elements or plugs for the old side. If the handle is solid and asymmetrical, rearrangement may not be possible without replacing the part.
To rearrange the handle, it is usually enough to unscrew the screws on the inside of the door (accessible when the door is open) or remove the decorative trims. After moving the handle to a new place, make sure that it does not touch the body of the refrigerator when opening and fits tightly to the surface.
| Element | Action when moving | Nuances for Vestel |
|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Transfer to the opposite side | Check for bushings |
| Lower support | Removal and installation on the other side | Keep the adjusting screws |
| Door handle | Rearrangement or replacement with a symmetrical one | It may be necessary to remove the plugs |
| Door sensor | Transferring the magnet or the sensor itself | Important for the operation of the backlight and signal |
Do not forget about the magnets or counterparts of the door opening sensors. They are usually located at the top of the doorway and on the door itself. They must be rearranged strictly symmetrically, otherwise the refrigerator will “think” that the door is open and will not turn off the backlight or sound a beep.
What to do if the plugs are lost?
If the plastic plugs for the holes are lost, do not leave the holes open - dust and moisture will get there. You can carefully seal them with furniture stickers in the color of the body or use a piece of black plastic cut to size.
Assembling and adjusting the position of the doors
After transferring all the fittings, the reassembly stage begins. Install the door on the lower support axis, having first placed it on the pin. Then mount the top hinge and tighten the mounting bolts. At this stage, it is important not to tighten the fastenings completely, since it will be necessary adjustment (alignment) of the position of the sash.
Close the door and visually assess the gaps around the perimeter. They should be uniform from top to bottom and from the sides. If you notice a misalignment, slightly loosen the top hinge bolts and move the door in the desired direction. After achieving the ideal position, tighten all the bolts tightly with a wrench.
Next, install the plinth grille and decorative panels in place. Check the operation of the door lock (if there is one) and the tightness of the seal around the entire perimeter. The seal should evenly touch the body without forming folds or gaps.
⚠️ Attention: After installing the door, check whether it touches adjacent pieces of furniture or walls when fully opened to 90 degrees or more. Also make sure that the shelves on the door do not interfere with closing and do not touch the contents of the main chamber.
Checking operation and typical errors
The final stage is checking the functionality of the refrigerator Vestel after rearranging the doors. Plug in the unit and listen to the compressor operate. Make sure that the backlight comes on when opening and goes off when closing. If the backlight is constantly on, it means that the door sensor is installed incorrectly or is not pressed.
A common mistake when rearranging yourself is incorrect installation sealing rubber. During dismantling, it could stretch or jump out of place. If you notice that the door does not close tightly, try warming the seal with a hairdryer (carefully, without overheating the plastic) or adjust it with your finger, inserting it into the groove.
Another common problem is the mixed sides of the hinge installation, when the left hinge is placed on the right side without turning over. This is physically impossible to do without breaking it, but sometimes users try to force the process. Remember that all elements have a clear geometry.
- ✅ The door closes tightly and silently along the entire perimeter.
- ✅ The gaps between the door and the body are the same width.
- ✅ The light inside goes out when closed doors.
- ✅ The refrigerator stands level, without swaying on the floor.
If after all the manipulations you find that the door is hanging crookedly and adjusting with bolts does not help, the assembly order may have been violated or one of the washers/bushings has been lost. In this case, it is recommended to disassemble the unit again, checking the instructions.
Is it possible to rearrange the doors on the Vestel NoFrost refrigerator yourself?
Yes, the system NoFrost does not prevent the rearrangement of doors. The only difference is the presence of additional air ducts at the end of the door. When removing the door, act carefully so as not to damage the plastic cold air supply channels, but their design usually allows for standard dismantling.
What to do if the holes on the reverse side do not have threads?
Most models Vestel have threads on both sides. If the holes on the side you need are smooth, then this model does not provide for overhanging. Drilling new holes yourself is dangerous - you can damage the cooling circuit or insulation.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before moving the doors?
Complete defrosting is not necessary, but it is recommended to empty the shelves on the door to reduce its weight and prevent food from falling. If there is a lot of ice in the freezer, it is better to wait until it melts so that water does not flow out when the door is tilted during work.
Will the warranty remain valid after rehanging the doors?
If you did not damage the case, did not drill new holes or break the seals on the compressor, the warranty is valid Vestel is saved. However, if the breakdown of the refrigerator is associated with improper installation of the door (for example, a misalignment led to a broken hinge), the service may refuse free repairs.