The situation when, after purchasing a new refrigerator, it turns out that the door opens in the wrong direction is familiar to many. This is especially true for kitchens with a non-standard layout or when replacing old appliances with a larger model. Fortunately, the design of most modern units, be it Indesit, Bosch or LG, provides for the possibility of changing the side of the hinged sash. Rehanging doors is a procedure that can actually be performed independently, without resorting to the paid services of a service center.
However, despite its apparent simplicity, the process requires accuracy and adherence to the sequence of actions. Incorrectly removed or installed fittings can lead to misalignment of the sash, failure of the seal and even damage to the housing. In this article we will analyze in detail how to prepare for work, what nuances to take into account for different models and how to carry out adjustment after installation.
Before proceeding with dismantling, you need to make sure that your refrigerator really supports this option. Although this occurs in 90% of cases, there are exceptions, especially among built-in models or equipment with a non-standard location evaporator inside the door. If you are convinced that it is possible to change the opening side, you can proceed to preparing the tools.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Quality performance of the work directly depends on the availability of a suitable tool. You don't need complex industrial equipment, but the set should be complete so as not to be interrupted at the most crucial moment. The main tool will be screwdriver or a set of screwdrivers with different attachments, since the mounting screws may differ in the type of slots.
You will also need a wrench, the size of which is often 8 or 10 mm, although the exact parameters depend on the specific model of your refrigerator. To protect the flooring and prevent heavy elements from falling, it is worth preparing a soft cloth or cardboard. Do not forget about the building level, which will help you check the horizontal installation of the unit after completing all manipulations.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This is necessary not only for safety, but also to give the compressor and internal systems time to cool down if the unit has just been running.
Free up space around the refrigerator. You need to ensure access to the device from all sides, since sometimes it is necessary to rearrange the unit for ease of operation. Remove all food, shelves and drawers from the door to reduce its weight and prevent broken dishes or damage to food during dismantling.
☑️ Preparing to rehang the hinges
Analysis of the design and type of hinges of your refrigerator
Before unscrewing the first screw, carefully study the design of the door hinges. They come in two main types: standard and hidden. In most models, the top hinge is fixed with screws, which can be covered with decorative plugs. These plastic covers need to be carefully pryed off with a knife or flat screwdriver.
Particular attention should be paid to models with the system No Frost. In such refrigerators, electrical wires often pass through the top hinge, powering the display or light bulb on the door. Dismantling in this case, greater care is required so as not to damage the wiring or break the contacts.
The lower hinge is usually responsible for axial rotation and experiences the greatest load. This is where problems with skew most often arise if the correct procedure is not carried out. Some manufacturers use non-separable lower hinges, which require a complete replacement of the unit, and not just rearrangement. adjustment. Some manufacturers use non-separable bottom hinges, which require a complete replacement of the assembly rather than just rearrangement.
Features of hinges with sensors
In some refrigerator models, a door opening sensor is located in the area of the bottom hinge. When rehanging, it must also be moved to the opposite side, otherwise the refrigerator will “think” that the door is open and will not start cooling.
If your refrigerator has one door, the process will go faster. Two-door models require sequential rehanging of first the upper, then the lower chamber, which increases the operating time, but does not change the essence of the technology.
Step-by-step instructions: dismantling the door and hinges
The process of removing the door should start from the top. After removing the decorative plugs, unscrew the top hinge mounting screws. If the door is only held on by one screw, it must be unscrewed completely. If the design involves two or three screws, they are loosened, but not completely removed, so that the door does not fall sharply.
When working with models that have electronic controls on the door, after removing the top hinge cover, access to the connectors will open. They must be carefully disconnected. Remember or take a photo location of the wires so as not to mix up the contacts during assembly. After this, you can completely remove the top hinge and carefully set the door aside, placing it on a prepared soft surface.
Now let's move on to the lower part. Remove the refrigerator base panel, if there is one. Remove the screws securing the bottom support hinge. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove the middle partition between the chambers, if the design of the refrigerator allows for this. It is better to immediately put all removed parts, including screws and plugs, into a separate container so as not to lose them.
⚠️ Attention: The refrigerator door is heavier than it seems. When unscrewing the last screws, be sure to hold the door with your other hand or call an assistant to avoid hitting the floor or damaging the floor covering.
After removing the door, inspect the holes on the body. On the opposite side, where you plan to hang the door, there should be technological holes closed with plastic plugs. They need to be removed and rearranged in place of the old holes in order to maintain the aesthetic appearance of the unit.
Installing the hinges on the new side and installing the door
Installation begins with installing the lower support hinge in a new place. Insert the hinge pin into the corresponding hole on the housing and tighten the mounting screws securely. Make sure that the hinge fits tightly and does not wobble, as the stability of the entire structure depends on this. If the refrigerator came with special bushings or washers for rearranging, install them according to the diagram.
Next, install the door. Lift the sash and place its bottom hole on the pin of the installed hinge. This action requires physical strength and precision. After the door is in place, we move on to the upper fastening. Attach the top hinge, aligning the holes, and begin tightening the screws.
At this stage, it is important not to tighten the screws “all the way” right away. Bait them first to leave room for (adjustment). If your model has wires, carefully feed them through the provided channels in the loop and connect the connectors. Make sure that the wiring is not pinched by metal parts, otherwise when closing the door the insulation may be damaged, resulting in short circuit.
After fixing the top hinge, check the ease of movement of the door. It should open and close smoothly, without squeaks or jams. If the door warps, loosen the fasteners and try to align the position of the leaf relative to the body.
Adjusting the door position and eliminating distortions
Correct adjustment is the key to the tightness of the refrigeration chamber. If the door is skewed, warm air will enter the chamber, which will lead to the formation of ice and increased load on the compressor. To check the tightness of the seal, use a simple test with a sheet of paper: clamp the sheet between the door and the body around the perimeter. It should be pulled out with force.
If the paper is pulled out too easily or, conversely, the door does not close completely, it is necessary to adjust the height of the door. This is done by tightening the adjusting screws on the lower or upper hinge. Some models have a special adjustment pin for this.
Also check the operation of the magnetic seal. After adjustment, the door itself should “magnetize” to the body when opened by approximately 30-45 degrees. If this does not happen, the seal itself may need to be replaced or a finer adjustment of the angle of inclination is required.
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution method |
|---|---|---|
| The door does not close tightly | Distortion of the sash or contamination of the seal | Adjusting the height of the hinge, washing the seal |
| Strong creaking when opening | Lack of lubrication or metal friction | Lubricating the hinges silicone grease |
| The door comes off at the top | The upper fasteners are loose | Tightening the screws of the upper hinge |
| The refrigerator is not level | The support ones are not adjusted legs | Unscrewing the front legs to tilt back |
Do not forget that after rearranging the doors, it may take time for the seal to “straighten out” and take the desired shape. During the first 24 hours, monitor the operation of the unit.
Common mistakes when re-hanging yourself
One of the most common mistakes is the loss of fasteners. Screws from different hinges may differ in length and thread. If you confuse them and try to screw a long screw into a short hole, you can damage the threads in the case or pierce the wall of the refrigerator, which will leak refrigerant and make repairs economically unfeasible.
The second mistake is ignoring electrical connections. By forgetting to connect the connectors or by connecting them incorrectly, the user may experience a non-functional display or control system error. Always check connections before final assembly.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use harsh chemicals or wire brushes to clean hinge holes. This can damage the anti-corrosion coating, and in the future rust will begin to appear in these places.
The third mistake is excessive tightening force. The aluminum alloys used in some models tear off easily. Use a torque wrench or just act carefully, without fanaticism. The final tightening should be confident, but not “dead.”
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Is it possible to rehang the door on a refrigerator with No Frost system?
Yes, you can. However, such models often have wires going to the sensors or display. When removing the door, they must be carefully disconnected, and when installing a new side, they must be correctly connected to the corresponding connectors on the opposite side.
What to do if there are no holes for hinges on the new side?
If there are no technological holes, it means that the model of your refrigerator does not provide for reversing the doors. Attempting to drill new holes may damage the internal circuit or the evaporator. In this case, changing the opening side is impossible.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging the hinges?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, it is necessary to disconnect the device from the network. If there is a lot of ice in the chamber, it is better to wait until it melts so that water does not get on the electrical contacts or wet the floor when tilting the door.
What if the door touches the body after rehanging?
This indicates incorrect adjustment. Loosen the hinge mounting screws, align the door evenly with the frame, and tighten the screws again. Also check whether the opening limiters are installed correctly, if your model has them.
Will the warranty remain valid after independent re-hanging?
According to the law, the consumer has the right to independently service the equipment. However, if during the re-hanging process you damage the housing, break the threads or damage the wiring, a warranty claim for these damages will not be considered. Proceed with caution.