Correct installation of refrigeration equipment is not just a matter of aesthetics, but a critical stage of operation, affecting the durability of the compressor and the quality of food preservation. When the device is not level, vibration occurs, which is transmitted to the floor and walls, creating an obsessive hum. Owners often mistakenly believe that the problem lies in a motor malfunction, although it is enough to just set the level correctly.
In this article we will analyze in detail the process of setting up support elements for models of the South Korean brand LG. You will learn how to use a building level, in which direction to rotate the adjusting bolts and why a slight tilt back is a prerequisite for the correct operation of the system self-closing doors.
Why you need to level the refrigerator
The main reason why you need to pay attention to horizontal installation lies in the peculiarities of the compressor. If the body is skewed, vibrations from a running engine are not damped by shock absorbers, but are transmitted to the metal frame, causing rattling. This not only irritates the ears, but can also lead to depressurization solder joints of the refrigerant tubes over time.
In addition, the incorrect position of the housing affects the operation of the oil circulation system in the compressor. If there is severe misalignment, lubricant can accumulate in one of the engine sections, which causes overheating and accelerated wear. Adjusting the legs allows you to ensure stable operation the unit throughout its entire service life.
⚠️ Attention: Operating the refrigerator with a strong distortion may cause refusal of warranty service, as this is considered a violation of installation conditions.
Required tools for setup
Before you begin physical impact on the supports, you need to prepare a minimum set of tools. In most cases, servicing equipment LG does not require complex equipment, but the presence of a high-quality measuring instrument is mandatory.
You will need a construction bubble level at least 40 cm long. Short levels can give an error over a large area of the bottom. You may also need an adjustable wrench or an open-end wrench of the appropriate size if the adjusting nuts are stuck or are tight.
To protect the floor covering from scratches when moving a heavy unit, it is recommended to use a piece of thick cardboard or a special covering. It will not be superfluous to prepare a dry rag to clean the threads from dust.
- 🛠️ Construction level (bubble or laser)
- 🔧 An adjustable wrench or a set of open-end wrenches
- 🧹 A rag for cleaning threaded connections
- 📦 Thick cardboard to protect the floor
Preparation for adjusting the supports
The first stage of work is to free access to the lower part of the case. Do not attempt to rotate the supports while the refrigerator is close to a wall or filled with heavy food. This may result in damage to the adjustment mechanism or back injury.
Move the unit away from the wall enough to allow easy access to the rear and front panels from below. If the model has a decorative base panel, it must be carefully removed. It is usually secured with latches or magnets, but some older models LG may use screws.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This will protect you from electric shock and allow the compressor to cool down.
After removing the panel, inspect the condition of the supports. They can be screw-type or have the form of threaded support pads. Make sure that there is no dirt or carbon on the threads that could interfere with rotation. If necessary, clean the mechanism with a brush.
Step-by-step instructions for adjustment
The adjustment process depends on the type of supports installed. In modern models LG most often there are front adjustable screws and rear fixed or also adjustable supports. The algorithm of actions must be sequential so as not to upset the balance.
First, install the bubble level on the top lid of the refrigerator, parallel to the front wall. If the air bubble is displaced to one side, it is necessary to unscrew or tighten the corresponding front leg. To increase the height, you need to unscrew the leg (rotate counterclockwise), to decrease it, tighten it.
Then repeat the procedure, placing the level perpendicular to the front wall (from the door to the back wall). It is important to achieve a slight tilt back here. This is necessary so that the open door, under the influence of gravity, itself returns to the closed position, providing tightness chambers.
☑️ Adjustment checklist
After rough adjustment, tighten the locknuts, if they are provided for in the design. This will fix the legs in a given position and prevent them from spontaneously turning due to vibration. In some models LG the role of the lock nut is played by the rubber sole itself or a plastic stop.
Adjusting the rear supports and wheels
The rear supports in refrigerators LG are often made in the form of plastic wheels or stationary coins. If your model is equipped with wheels, they serve for ease of movement, but should not bear the main weight load during operation.
Ideally, after installation, the refrigerator should rest on the front adjustable legs and rear fixed points, and the wheels should only lightly touch the floor or be 1-2 mm from it. If the wheels take on the weight, the refrigerator may spontaneously move away from the wall when the door is opened.
To adjust the height of the rear wheels (in models where this is provided), you may need a special key or a powerful screwdriver inserted into the end of the axle. Rotation of the axle raises or lowers the wheelset relative to the body.
| Type of support | Location | Function | Tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screw foot | Front corners | Levelling and slope | Key or manually |
| Wheel (roller) | Rear corners | Transportation | Wrench/screwdriver |
| Fixed support | Rear corners | Height fixation | Not requires |
| Central support | In the middle (rarely) | Additional. support | Key |
If the rear wheels are worn out or damaged, their replacement is mandatory, as this may disrupt the geometry of the entire body. Check the integrity of the plastic elements before final installation.
What to do if the leg is torn or broken?
If the thread on the support pad is torn off or the plastic part of the leg is cracked, the refrigerator cannot be used. You can temporarily use wooden blocks or plastic spacers at an angle to level the body, but this is an emergency measure. It is necessary to order an original spare part according to the model number of the refrigerator. Installing non-original bolts can lead to instability of the structure.
Checking the result and eliminating distortions
After completing the adjustment, it is necessary to carry out a final check. Press firmly on different corners of the refrigerator - it should not wobble. If there is play, it means that one of the legs does not reach the floor or, conversely, raises the opposite corner.
Check the operation of the doors. Open the front door to a 45 degree angle and release. It should smoothly but confidently begin to close on its own. If the door stays in place or opens wider, the angle of the frame is not sufficient. It is necessary to slightly reduce the height of the front supports or increase the height of the rear ones (if possible).
⚠️ Attention: Excessive tilt back (more than 2 degrees) can lead to the fact that the products on the upper shelves will begin to “roll” towards the back wall, and the door latch mechanism will be overloaded.
Plug in the refrigerator and listen to its operation through 10-15 minutes. There should be virtually no vibration. If the hum persists, check whether the condenser tubes or compressor are touching the walls of the niche or each other.
Frequent installation mistakes
One of the common mistakes is trying to level the refrigerator only along the front legs, ignoring the condition of the floor. If the floor has a clear slope, simply removing the screws may not be enough. In such cases, it may be necessary to place rigid spacers under the supports.
Also, users often forget to secure the position with locknuts. Over time, due to constant microvibration, the legs may spontaneously unscrew, and the refrigerator will “fall” on its side again. Periodically check the tightness of the supports.
Another mistake is installation on a soft surface (linoleum with a thick base, carpet) without wide support areas. Thin legs can simply push through the coating, and over time the refrigerator will warp again. In such cases, metal or plastic coins with a diameter of 5-7 cm are placed under the legs.
CriticalQuestions and answers
Is it possible to adjust the legs without moving the refrigerator completely?
If there is access to the front panel from below and the gap to the wall allows you to stick your hand with a key to the rear supports (if they are adjustable from the front), then you can. However, to properly check the level and absence of vibration, it is better to move the unit away.
Why does the LG refrigerator hum even after adjustment?
The hum can be caused not only by misalignment. Check that the interior shelves or food are not touching the walls of the chamber. Also, the source of noise may be an incorrectly installed egg container or bottle holder on the door.
How often should you check the position of the legs?
It is enough to check once a year or every time after general cleaning, when you move the refrigerator to wash the floor. Over time, the weight of the food may cause the legs to sag a little.
What to do if the thread on the leg is rusty and does not spin?
Do not use excessive force so as not to break the thread. Treat the connection with a penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40), wait 15-20 minutes and try to carefully move it with a wrench. If the leg is plastic and cracked, just replace it.