Changing the opening side of the refrigerator door LG is a popular procedure that is often required when moving to a new apartment or remodeling kitchen space. Equipment owners are faced with a situation where the standard arrangement of handles blocks the passage or interferes with the opening of adjacent cabinets. Fortunately, the design of most models of the Korean brand provides the possibility of reverse installation hinges.
This process does not require calling a specialist, as it is carried out by one person in 20–40 minutes. However, in order not to damage the façade or internal wiring, the sequence of operations must be strictly followed. It is important to understand that on models with a display on the door the first step is always to turn off the power cable, otherwise there is a high risk of burning the control board.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for various series of refrigerators, indicate the necessary tools and pay attention to the nuances specific to the equipment LG. You will learn how to properly dismantle old fasteners and install them on the opposite side, maintaining the tightness and appearance of the unit.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Before starting work, you should prepare all the tools so as not to be distracted by searching in the process. You will need a standard DIY kit, including a flathead and Phillips screwdriver, and an open-end wrench or 8mm socket. In some cases, especially when working with massive models Side-by-Side, a hexagon may be required.
Be sure to free up space in front of the refrigerator. The door must have free movement when opening 180 degrees so that it can be safely removed from its hinges. It is better to cover the floor with thick cardboard or fabric, since the removed doors are heavy and can scratch the coating if accidentally dropped.
To fix the position of the case and prevent it from falling when removing one of the sides, it is recommended to use stops. If you are working alone, have someone hold the unit or rest the top of the unit against a wall using a soft pad. This will ensure the stability of the structure during dismantling top hinge.
The importance of turning off the power and defrosting
The first safety rule for any manipulation of household appliances is to completely disconnect from the power supply. Remove the plug from the socket to eliminate the risk of a short circuit, especially if the model is equipped with an electronic control or a display on the facade.
⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator LG has a display on the door, under no circumstances begin disassembly without disconnecting the wire from the board. Even low voltage can damage the contacts when the cable is pulled.
It is also strongly recommended to pre-defrost and empty the shelves. An empty door weighs significantly less than a full one, which reduces the load on the master’s joints and minimizes the risk of dropping a heavy structure. In addition, food may spoil while you are fiddling with the hinges.
After defrosting, wipe the interior surfaces dry. Moisture should not get into electrical contacts or hinge mechanisms. Make sure that there is no ice in the doors, which, when removed, could crumble and get into the mechanisms or onto the floor.
Removing the top hinge and removing the door
The process begins from the top of the unit. Carefully remove the decorative cap that hides the top hinge mounting bolts. Usually it is held on by latches or moved to the side. Underneath it you will see two or three bolts that need to be unscrewed.
After loosening the fasteners, do not rush to remove the hinge completely. If you have a model with a display, now you need to disconnect the wiring connector. Gently pull the plastic connector without pulling on the wires themselves. Remember or photograph the position of the cable so as not to mix up the contacts during assembly.
Now you can remove the door itself. It is better to perform this operation together: one person holds the door by the end, and the second finally unscrews the bolts and removes the hinge. The door should be placed in a safe place, placing it on a soft surface with the outer side down.
☑️ Check before removing the door
Move the fittings to the other side
The removed door must be prepared for installation on the new side. To do this, the mating parts of the hinges, opening limiters and, if necessary, the handles themselves are removed from it. At the ends of the door you will see plugged holes on one side and open ones on the other - this is where we will transfer the fasteners.
Unscrew the axis of the lower bushing and move it to a symmetrical hole on the opposite side. If the design involves the use of locking screws to fix the opening angle, they also need to be rearranged. Pay attention to the condition of the seal: if it is deformed, it is better to replace it before reinstallation.
Handles on modern models LG are often attached in a hidden way or with screws from below. To move them, you may need to remove decorative trims. Proceed with caution, the plastic on the freezer can be fragile, especially if the room is cold.
Installing the bottom hinge and installation body
After preparing the doors, we move on to the refrigerator body itself. The bottom hinge is usually hidden under the baseboard or decorative panel at the bottom of the unit. Remove the panel to gain access to the fasteners.
Unscrew the bolts of the lower support sleeve and move it to the opposite side, into the hole pre-provided by the manufacturer. In some models LG it is also necessary to rearrange the stop pin, which limits the movement of the door so that it does not swing open too wide and does not hit the furniture.
Make sure that the new position of the bushing is securely fixed. If the refrigerator came with special plugs for old holes, install them now to prevent dust and moisture from getting into the cavities. This is especially important for the lower part, where debris often accumulates during cleaning.
Installing the door and adjusting the gaps
Now the most important step is hanging the door. Lift the door and place it with the bottom hole on the installed bushing. While holding the structure upright, align the top holes with the mating part of the top hinge that you previously attached to the body.
Insert the bolts into the top hinge, but do not tighten them all the way yet. This is necessary in order to be able to align the door. Check the vertical installation using a level. The gaps between the door and the body must be uniform along the entire length.
| Element | Action | Nuance for LG |
|---|---|---|
| Top hinge | Fastening bolts | Keep an eye on the cable |
| Bottom bushing | Installation in the case | Requires removal of the base |
| Limiter | Rearrangement at the end | Adjusts the angle 90-110° |
| Handle | Installation on a new side | Hidden fasteners from below |
After After alignment, finally tighten all bolts. Check the operation of the magnetic seal: the door should close tightly, without distortions or gaps. If the door does not fit tightly, the height of the refrigerator legs may need to be adjusted.
Features of models with a display and the No Frost system
For refrigerator owners LG with the system Total No Frost and the display on the door you need to be careful. The wiring in such models runs inside the hinge or along the end of the door. When moving the door, it is important not to twist the wiring harness.
Some complex models may require reconnecting the wires inside the hinge body itself. To do this, remove the plastic hinge cover, disconnect the contacts and reassemble them according to the diagram, which is often printed on the inside of the hinge cover.
⚠️ Attention: Specifications and location of connectors may vary depending on the model year. If you are not sure about the correct connection of the wires, check the official diagram in the instructions for your specific model LG.
After assembly, turn on the refrigerator and check the operation of the display and control buttons. If the screen does not light up or errors are displayed, check the tightness of the cable connection. Perhaps the contact came loose during installation.
What to do if the door does not close completely?
If after rehanging the door does not hold with a magnet, check if something is interfering with the seal. Often the problem is that the case is skewed - try unscrewing the front legs of the refrigerator a little so that it leans back.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do I need to wait after turning on the refrigerator if I defrosted it?
Yes, after defrosting and any electrical work, it is recommended to wait 2–4 hours before turning on. This is necessary so that the refrigerant settles in the system, and the compressor is not in the dry or liquid fraction, which can shorten its service life.
Is it possible to reverse the door on an LG refrigerator with a French door (Door-in-Door)?
On models with the system Door-in-Door (when in The main door has an additional window) the procedure is more complicated. Often such doors require reconfiguring the mechanisms for opening an additional compartment, and simply rearranging the hinges may not be sufficient. It is better to contact the service.
Why does the door slam after rehanging?
A slam when closing indicates too much pressure or lack of an air cushion. Check whether the opening limiter is installed correctly. Also make sure that the refrigerator is strictly horizontal, and the angle of inclination of the body back is sufficient for self-closing.
Where can I get new plugs if the old ones are lost?
Plugs for the holes for the hinges are a standard element. They can be ordered at the service center LG according to the catalog number of your refrigerator. As a last resort, the holes can be carefully sealed with a decorative sticker in the color of the body, selected at a hardware store.