Rearranging furniture in the kitchen or changing the layout of the room often requires changing the direction of opening the refrigerator door. Equipment owners LG are faced with the need to move the attachment to the opposite side in order to provide ergonomic access to products. This procedure is not complicated, but it requires care, a basic set of tools and an understanding of the design of the hinges.
Many users are afraid to start working on their own for fear of damaging facade panels or breaking the tightness of the seal. However, manufacturers of household appliances, including the South Korean concern, include the possibility of changing the opening side in the design of most modern models. Correctly performed re-hanging allows you to extend the service life of the hinges and make the use of the unit more convenient.
In this guide we will analyze in detail the process of dismantling and installing door panels on different models of refrigerators LG. You'll learn the ins and outs of working with electronics, rearranging handles, and adjusting door positions for the perfect fit. Compliance with the sequence of actions guarantees a successful result without calling a specialist.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
Before starting any manipulations with the refrigerator body, it is necessary to clear the space around the unit. You will need access to the device from all sides, as the door will have to be removed and set aside. Remove carpets that can slide, and prepare a soft surface, such as a blanket or thick cardboard, to place the removed door on it and not scratch the floor or the façade itself. The basic set of tools is usually minimal, but its equipment may vary depending on the specific model. In most cases, a Phillips screwdriver, a wrench (often 8 mm in size) and a flat blade are sufficient to remove the decorative caps. Some models with the system facade.
The basic set of tools is usually minimal, but its equipment may vary depending on the specific model LG. In most cases, a Phillips screwdriver, a wrench (often 8 mm in size) and a flat blade are sufficient to remove the decorative caps. For some models with system No Frost may require a hex wrench.
- 🔧 Medium-sized Phillips screwdriver for housing screws.
- 🔩 Wrench or 8 mm socket for hinge bolts.
- 🧤 Construction gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧱 A stand or stool for temporarily placing the removed door.
It is important to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply in advance. Although direct contact with electrical components is minimal when hanging doors, safety should be a priority when working with appliances. If the model is equipped with a display on the door, it will be necessary to disconnect the wires, and the presence of voltage in the network is unacceptable.
⚠️ Attention: Do not attempt to remove the door if there are heavy glass bottles or jars in the door shelves. This will create excess stress on the hinges and may lead to injury or damage to the plastic.
Removing the top panel and accessing the mechanisms
The process begins with removing the top cover of the refrigerator, under which the fastenings of the top hinge are hidden. Depending on the series LG, the cover may be held on by latches or screws. Carefully pry up the trim strip with a flathead screwdriver or plastic spatula, being careful not to damage the paintwork.
After removing the cover, you will see the top hinge and possibly wires going to the lighting or display. If wires are present, they must be disconnected. Connectors usually have a release that you must press before removing the plug. Do not pull on the wires themselves, hold only the plastic part of the connector.
At this stage, it is also recommended to check the condition of the sealing rubber. While the door is removed, it is convenient to assess the integrity magnetic seal. If the rubber has cracks or creases, this is the best time to replace it or restore its shape with a hair dryer. Dirt from the seal is removed with a soft cloth soaked in a soapy solution.
⚠️ Attention: The design of fasteners may vary depending on the year of manufacture of the model. Check the visual location of the bolts with the official diagram in the instructions for your specific device, if it is available.
Removing the refrigerator door
After releasing the top hinge, you can begin dismantling it. Unscrew the bolts holding the hinge and remove it along with the washers. Now the door is supported only by its own weight and the lower hinge (if the design has one) or simply hangs on the hinge that you hold. It is better to carry out this operation with an assistant to avoid distortion and falling of the heavy structure.
Carefully lift the door up, removing it from the lower axis, and set it in a prepared safe place. At this point the lower support sleeve becomes visible. It also needs to be unscrewed or moved to the opposite side, depending on the design of your model LG. Often this requires removing the decorative base of the refrigerator.
Pay special attention to the safety of all small parts. It is better to immediately put washers, bushings and locking rings in a separate container so as not to lose them on the floor. Small metal elements may accidentally roll under the refrigerator, which will create problems during assembly.
- 🔓 Unscrew the bolts of the top hinge and remove the metal bar.
- 🚪 Remove the door by lifting it up and moving it to the side.
- ⚙️ Remove the door part of the hinge on the opposite side of the body.
- 🧹 Clean the ends of the door and body from dust before installation.
If on your model the handle is integrated into the body or has a complex fastening system, rearrange it as well. In some cases, this requires simply unscrewing the screws on the inside of the door, while in others, partial disassembly of the door card itself is required. Be careful with plastic latches, they can be fragile at low temperatures.
Reversing the freezer door
In two-chamber models LG the freezer compartment can be located at the bottom or at the top. If the freezer is located at the bottom, the procedure is similar, but often requires removing the intermediate partition or decorative panel between the chambers. Unscrew the fasteners holding the panel and gain access to the lower hinge of the main door and the upper hinge of the freezer.
Remove the freezer door by first unscrewing the corresponding hinges. Pay attention to the presence of closers or opening limiters. These elements must also be transferred to the new side. The closer mechanism may be hidden inside the hinge body, so carefully inspect the assembly before dismantling.
When installing the door in a new location, it is important to correctly align the holes. Refrigerator cases LG usually have technological holes on both sides, closed with plastic plugs. You will need to remove the plugs from the new side and install them on the old, vacated holes to maintain an aesthetic appearance.
☑️ Checklist before installing hinges
Don't forget about the electrics. If there are wires running between the cameras (for example, to control modes or backlighting), they must be carefully transferred or switched to the appropriate connectors on the new side. The wires should lie freely, without being pinched when closing the door.
Installing hinges and hanging doors
Installation is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. First, install the bottom support or hinge for the freezer door (if it is bottom). Then the door itself is hung. It is important to ensure the vertical position so that the door sits evenly the first time. Misalignment may result in the magnetic seal not fitting tightly.
After hanging the bottom door, install the middle hinge (in two-chamber models) and hang the refrigerator door. There is no need to tighten the hinge bolts completely yet. Leave a small gap to be able to adjust the position of the door relative to the body.
| Stage | Action | Tool | Nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Installing the lower bushing | Nut key | Tighten until it stops |
| 2 | Hinging the bottom door | Assistant | Control the vertical |
| 3 | Installing the middle hinge | Screwdriver/Key | Do not tighten completely |
| 4 | Hinging the top door | Assistant | Keep an eye on the wires |
| 5 | Fixing the top hinges | Key | Tighten after adjustment |
The final mechanical step is to install the top hinge and connect the wires to the display or control module, if located on the door. Make sure the connectors click into place. After this, you can finally tighten all the bolts and install the upper decorative cover.
Adjusting the position and checking the tightness
After all the doors are installed in new places, it is necessary to carry out the final adjustment. If the door is warped or does not fit tightly, loosen the hinge mounting bolts and tilt the door slightly in the desired direction to achieve the ideal gap. The gap between the doors and the body must be uniform around the entire perimeter.
Checking the tightness is a critical step. Take a sheet of A4 paper and clamp it with the refrigerator door. The sheet should be pulled out with noticeable effort. If the paper falls out or is pulled out too easily, it means seal it is not sealing in that place. In this case, you will need to re-adjust the height of the hinge or check the evenness of the door itself.
⚠️ Attention: After hanging the doors, it may take several hours for the sealing rubber to straighten out and take the correct shape. Don’t panic if you notice small gaps immediately after installation - let the equipment stand for 2-3 hours.
What to do if the door does not close tightly?
If, after adjusting the hinges, the door still does not fit, check if something inside is in the way: a pulled out shelf, food packaging, or an overturned bottle. The reason may also be the tilt of the refrigerator itself - try tightening the front support legs so that the body tilts slightly back.
Make sure that you don’t hear any extraneous creaks or knocks when closing the door. Metal elements should not rub against each other. If you hear a grinding noise, perhaps one of the hinges is installed askew or the lubricant on the rubbing elements of the mechanism has been forgotten.
Common mistakes when re-hanging yourself
One of the most common mistakes is the loss or confusion of fasteners. The bolts for the right and left sides may have different lengths or threads. Using the wrong fasteners can lead to stripping of the threads in the refrigerator body, which is serious damage that is difficult to repair at home.
Another mistake is ignoring electrical connections. Users often forget to replace the plugs in the wire holes on the opposite side of the door. As a result, a hole gaps in the hole, violating the thermal insulation, or moisture gets in there. All unused holes must be closed with standard plugs.
- ❌ An attempt to remove the door without fixing the body (the refrigerator may fall).
- ❌ Tightening the bolts, leading to metal deformation.
- ❌ Forgetfulness when connecting wiring connectors.
- ❌ Lack of checking the floor level before installation.
It is also worth mentioning a bug related to the strength of the application. Excessive force when unscrewing soured bolts can lead to breakage of the plastic hinge fastening elements. If the bolt does not go, try using a penetrating lubricant, but be careful so that the chemical does not get on the plastic parts of the interior.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before hanging the doors?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you are working quickly. However, if there is a lot of ice in the freezer, the door may become significantly heavier, making removal more difficult. In addition, when tilting the refrigerator (which is sometimes required for access), water from melted ice may flow into the mechanisms. It is better to carry out the procedure when the unit is empty and defrosted.
Is it possible to rehang the door on an LG refrigerator with a display?
Yes, on most models LG with a display, rehanging is possible. However, this requires greater care when handling wires. The length of the cables usually allows you to move them to the other side, but in some rare cases it may be necessary to lengthen the wires, which is best left to a specialist.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door opens by itself?
This indicates an incorrect angle of inclination of the refrigerator. The body should be tilted slightly back so that gravity forces the door to close. Adjust the height of the front legs of the refrigerator by unscrewing them a little further than the rear ones.
Will the warranty remain valid after re-hanging the doors yourself?
According to consumer protection legislation, independent repair of components that do not affect the tightness of the circuit and the compressor (such as re-hanging the doors) should not void the warranty if you have not damaged technique. However, if you break the hinge or the housing, it will not be covered under warranty. Keep all removed parts.