Correct installation of household appliances - This is not just a matter of aesthetics, but a necessary condition for its long and silent operation. When you buy a new LG refrigeratorone of the first tasks is to accurately position it on the kitchen floor. Many users underestimate the importance of the horizontal position of the case, believing that it is enough to simply push the device into a niche. However, this determines how effectively the doors will close and whether the compressor will vibrate.
Modern models are equipped with adjustable supports that allow you to compensate for uneven floor coverings. Even if the floor seems perfectly flat to you, microscopic differences in height can lead to distortion of the entire structure. In this article, we will look in detail at how to correctly set the level, what tools will be needed and why this is critical for compressor and the system No Frost.
Ignoring the adjustment step often leads to the fact that after a few months of operation, owners begin to notice strange sounds or loose seals. To avoid such problems, you need to take time to initially set up the supports. Let's look at the main reasons why this process cannot be postponed “for later.”
Why you need to level an LG refrigerator
The main reason for the need for adjustment lies in the physics of the compressor and doors. If the body is skewed, the load on the internal mechanisms is distributed unevenly. Compressorbeing the heart of the refrigerator, it vibrates during operation. If the device is positioned crookedly, these vibrations are transmitted to the floor and furniture, creating an irritating hum that cannot be eliminated by any other means. Adjustment support legs helps dampen these vibrations.
The second critical point is the tightness of the chamber. Refrigerator doors LG are designed to close tightly under their own weight or with the help of magnets in a strictly vertical position. If the device is tilted forward or sideways, a gap will form between seal and the body. Through this microscopic gap, warm air will constantly flow into the chamber, causing the unit to work for wear.
⚠️ Attention: Constant operation of the compressor due to a loosely closed door can lead to overheating of the motor and a significant increase in electricity bills. Do not ignore even small distortions.
In addition, in models with the system No Frost the condensate must drain into a special pan for evaporation. If there is a strong tilt, the liquid may stagnate inside the housing or leak out, which can lead to the appearance of mold and an unpleasant odor. The correct angle of inclination ensures water flows by gravity in the right direction.
Necessary tools and preparation
Before starting physical impact on the equipment, it is necessary to prepare the workplace and tools. You don't need a complex professional set, but certain items are required. First of all, you will need building level. It is this tool that will allow you to determine the horizontalness of the top panel of the refrigerator with millimeter accuracy.
To rotate the adjusting bolts in some models, you may need a wrench or an adjustable wrench. Manufacturers often complete equipment with a special plastic key, which is hidden in a box with documents or attached to the back wall. It would also be a good idea to prepare a tape measure to check the distances to the walls, and a soft rag to clean the area around the legs from dust.
An important stage of preparation is to free access to the bottom of the device. You will have to move LG refrigerator away from the wall. Do this carefully so as not to damage the floor covering. If the device is full, its weight can be significant, so it is better to enlist the help of a second person or unload the shelves first.
Step-by-step instructions for adjusting the legs
The process of adjusting the supports may vary slightly depending on the specific series, but the general algorithm remains the same. First, locate the adjustment bolts. They are located in the front lower part of the case, often hidden by a decorative panel (base). Remove the panel, if there is one; it is usually held in place by latches or magnets.
Next, you need to loosen the lock nut, if it is present on the thread. After this, begin to rotate the support leg. To raise the angle, rotate clockwise, to lower it, counterclockwise. Your task is to achieve a position in which the air bubbles in the building level will be strictly between the risks. You need to check both the width (left-right) and the depth (front-back).
Once the desired position is achieved, do not forget to record the result. If there is a lock nut on the leg, tighten it tightly, pressing it against the body of the refrigerator so that the thread does not “float” over time. Some models LG use spring-loaded legs that lock automatically, but they are still worth checking for stability.
☑️ Adjustment checklist
Features of models with and without wheels
The design of the support system varies depending on the dimensions and purpose of the device. In large two-door models Side-by-Side combined supports are often used: adjustable screws in the front, swivel wheels in the rear. Wheels are intended solely to facilitate the movement of equipment on the floor. They do not bear the main weight and should not be used for final height adjustment, as they may accidentally turn.
In compact models or built-in series, only four screw supports can be used. It is important to follow the sequence here: first the rear axle is aligned (if there are screws), then the front. If there are fixed wheels at the rear, then the entire leveling load falls on the front adjusting bolts. There is a common misconception that wheels allow the refrigerator to “float” and self-level. This is wrong. If you leave the device only on wheels without fixing it with screw supports, it will wobble every time the door is opened. Always use screw stops to create a rigid fulcrum, lifting the body above the wheels by 2-3 millimeters. adjusting bolts.
There is a common misconception that wheels allow the refrigerator to “float” and self-level. This is wrong. If you leave the device only on wheels without fixing it with screw supports, it will wobble every time the door is opened. Always use screw stops to create a rigid point of support, raising the body above the wheels by 2-3 millimeters.
What to do if the leg rotates but does not rise?
The thread may be stripped or the support sleeve rotates along with the bolt. In this case, you need to carefully remove the plastic casing of the leg, clamp the metal part with pliers (through the fabric so as not to damage it) and rotate the plastic part. If the thread is completely torn off, a replacement part will be required.
Rule of reverse tilt of doors
One of the most important nuances that is often forgotten is the rule of reverse tilt. In order for the refrigerator doors LG to close independently and fit tightly to the body, the front part of the device must be slightly raised relative to the back. The recommended height difference is from 1 to 2 centimeters.
This tilt is created artificially by twisting the front support legs higher than the rear ones. In this case, gravity works for you: when you let go of an open door, it tends to close under its own weight. If you make the refrigerator strictly horizontal or, worse, tilted forward, the doors will open by themselves or remain half-open.
You can check the correctness of the settings with a simple test. Open the refrigerator door to about 45 degrees and release. If it moves smoothly and confidently towards closing, you did everything right. If the door stands still or opens even wider, you need to unscrew the front support screws a little more support screws.
Diagnosis of problems after adjustment
After completing all manipulations, it is necessary to conduct a final diagnosis. Plug in the refrigerator and listen. If the hum disappears, then the vibration has been successfully compensated. However, sometimes new questions may arise. Below is a table that will help compare symptoms with possible causes related to the installation.
| Symptom | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Door does not close all the way | Case distortion or seal contamination | Check the level, clean the magnetic tape |
| Strong vibration of the floor | The support does not touch the floor or is loosely tightened | Tighten the leg all the way, check lock nut |
| The refrigerator “walks” when touched | The device stands only on wheels | Lower the screw supports until they contact the floor |
| Water inside the chamber | Incorrect tilt angle (no drainage) | Adjust the front legs higher |
If after adjustment you notice that the refrigerator begins to make more noise than before the adjustment, you may have unscrewed one of the legs too much, creating tension in the body, or, conversely, leaving a gap. In this case, it is worth repeating the procedure, acting more smoothly. Also check whether the back wall of the heating pipe or furniture is touching, as this can also transmit vibration.
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics and design of supports may vary in different modifications. Always check the official instructions included with your specific model LGas the location of the adjustment elements may vary.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to adjust the feet without unplugging the refrigerator?
Technically, you can unscrew the supports while the compressor is running, but this is not recommended. The vibration of a working unit makes it difficult to accurately set the level, and there is also a risk of accidentally touching internal communications when the body swings strongly. It is better to carry out the adjustment before turning it on for the first time or during defrosting.
What to do if the threads on the leg are rusty or soured?
Do not use excessive force so as not to tear off the plastic body of the support. Try putting a little penetrating lubricant (like WD-40) on the threads and wait 10-15 minutes. If the leg still does not spin, you may need to replace it with a new one, since the plastic thread may have become deformed.
Is it necessary to level the refrigerator if the floor is perfectly flat?
Yes, definitely. Even on a perfectly flat floor, it is necessary to create that slight tilt back for the doors to close correctly. Without adjusting the front supports, the doors may not stay closed, which will lead to a violation of the temperature regime.
How often do you need to check the position of the legs?
It is enough to check the setting immediately after installation and, possibly, after a year of operation. Over time, the weight of the food and vibration can cause the nuts to loosen and the level to go out of whack. If you notice that the doors begin to open on their own or noise appears, first check the supports.