Redesigning the kitchen or simply wanting to optimize space often leads to the need to change the direction of opening the door of the refrigeration unit. The situation when the door rests against a wall, furniture or interferes with the passage is familiar to many owners of household appliances. Fortunately, most modern models Indesit, LG, Atlant and other brands provide the ability to reinstall hinges and handles.
This process does not require calling a technician or special skills, but requires accuracy and strict adherence to the sequence of actions. Incorrect assembly can lead to distortion of the blade, loss of seal tightness and, as a result, breakdown of the compressor due to increased load. In this article we will look in detail at how to remake a refrigerator door, what tools you will need and what to pay special attention to when working with fasteners.
Before you begin dismantling, you need to free up the workspace. Remove all products, shelves and drawers to reduce the weight of the structure and avoid broken glass. It is also important to prepare a flat surface where you can put the removed parts without damaging them and the floor covering.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
High-quality preparation is the key to successful completion of the work. You will need a basic DIY kit, which can be found in almost any apartment. The main requirement for tools is serviceability and compliance with the dimensions of the fasteners, so as not to tear off the bolt heads.
Depending on the model of your refrigerator, the set may differ slightly, but the main list remains unchanged. Some manufacturers, such as Bosch or Siemens, can complete the equipment with a special hex key, which is better to keep.
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) for removing decorative plugs and fasteners.
- 🔩 Wrenches or sockets (usually 8, 10 mm) for the main hinge bolts.
- 🧤 Construction gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 📏 Level or ruler to check the symmetry of the installation.
Pay special attention space organization. Cover the floor in front of the refrigerator with a soft material - a blanket, cardboard or other backing. This will save the floor from scratches if the heavy door accidentally slides off, and will allow you to safely put down the removed elements.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to unplug the refrigerator from the power supply! This is critical for safety, since you will be working with metal tools in close proximity to electrical components and wiring.
☑️ Preparing for rehanging
Check that all necessary parts are included in the kit. Sometimes the special plugs for the holes on the opposite side can get lost. If they are not there, the holes will have to be closed with decorative stickers or plugs purchased separately.
Dismantling the top part and removing the door
The process begins with the top hinge, since it is this that holds the main weight of the door. First you need to remove the decorative panel or plug that hides the mounting bolts. It is usually secured with latches or a small screw.
Use a flathead screwdriver to carefully pry off the plastic cover. Act without fanaticism, plastic can be fragile, especially on older models of refrigerators Stinol or Biryusa. After removing the cover, you will see the main mounting bolt.
Do not unscrew the top hinge bolt all the way right away. Loosen it but leave the threads engaged. This is necessary so that the door does not fall on your feet when removing the fixing elements. Have an assistant hold the door while you work with the tool.
Next, you need to remove the top handle, if it is part of the hinge structure. In some models the handle is removed separately, in others it is removed together with the hinge. After this, you can completely unscrew the bolt and remove the metal hinge plate.
Nuances of working with the magnetic seal
When removing the door, it may seem that it is sticking to the body. This is normal - the magnetic seal is working. Do not pull sharply to avoid damaging the rubber. Carefully pry the edge of the door and smoothly move it to the side.
Now the door can be carefully lifted and removed from the lower support sleeve. It is better to shoot heavy two-camera models with an assistant. Place the removed door on a prepared soft surface with the outer side down so as not to scratch the front panel.
Rearranging hinges and fittings
The next step is to transfer the fasteners to the opposite side. There are symmetrical openings at the ends of the door and body of the refrigerator, closed with plastic plugs. They need to be removed and moved to the vacant places.
Remove the lower support sleeve (often a plastic or metal cylinder) and move it into the hole on the opposite side of the case. Make sure it fits snug and straight. How well the door closes depends on this.
Now let's work on the door itself. Find the holes for the hinges at the end and move the plugs there. If at the site of future installation of the upper loop there is a hole for a sensor or wiring, it will need to be used for its intended purpose, and the old one must be closed.
| Type of part | Action during dismantling | Installation location after transfer | Installation features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Remove from the body | Opposite upper end | Requires precise alignment |
| Bottom bushing | Remove from sockets | Opposite bottom corner | Should fit tightly |
| Door handle | Unscrew the screws | On the opposite side | Keep an eye on symmetry |
| Plugs | Remove from holes | Close old holes | May require adjustment |
Install the handle in a new place. In most models, the handles are universal and fit on either side, but the mounting screws can be of different lengths. Always use only those screws that are designed for a specific hole, so as not to pierce the body through.
Attach the top hinge to the new location, but do not tighten the bolts “all the way” yet. Leave a little play so that you can adjust the position of the door after hanging. This will simplify the final adjustment of the gaps.
Features of hanging doors in two-chamber models
Owners of refrigerators with two chambers (for example, Indesit or Atlant) will have to tinker longer. It is important to follow a strict sequence here: first the upper door (freezer compartment) is removed, then the lower one (refrigerator compartment).
There is often an intermediate hinge between the chambers, which also requires relocation. When dismantling it, be careful with the plastic bushings and washers - they may crumble or roll away. It is better to carry out work in good lighting.
- 🔌 Remove the upper door according to the instructions described above.
- 🔩 Remove the intermediate hinge, freeing the lower door.
- 🚪 Remove the lower door and move the lower support bushing.
- 🔄 Install all elements in mirror order on the new side.
The wiring deserves special attention. If your model has a door temperature indicator or display, there may be a cable running through the hinges. In such cases connectors you need to carefully disconnect. Do not pull on the wires, use clamps.
⚠️ Attention: When working with models that have electronic controls on the door, it is extremely important not to damage the connector contacts. Before assembling, make sure that the wires are not pinched by the metal of the hinge.
When reassembling a two-chamber unit, first hang the bottom door, align it and fix it. Only after this is the upper chamber installed. This ensures the correct geometry of the entire block.
Adjusting gaps and tightness
After the door is installed in a new place, it may turn out that it is skewed or does not fit tightly to the body. This can be fixed. Adjustment is carried out by loosening the hinge mounting bolts and moving the door in the desired direction.
Use a building level, applying it to the end of the door. The gaps around the perimeter should be uniform. If the door is skewed, place a thin washer or shim under one side of the hinge (if provided by the design).
Checking the tightness is a critical step. Take a sheet of paper, clamp it with the door and try to pull it out. The paper should be pulled out with noticeable force along the entire perimeter. If in some place the sheet flies out freely, it means that seal it does not fit tightly.
To adjust the height of the door, adjusting screws on the lower support are often used. By rotating them, you can raise or lower the corner of the door, achieving the ideal horizon. After adjustment, do not forget to tighten the lock nuts, if any.
Let the refrigerator stand off for 2-3 hours before turning it on. This is especially important if the unit was tilted strongly during work. The oil in the compressor needs time to drain into the crankcase.
Common mistakes and troubleshooting
Even experienced technicians sometimes make mistakes. The most common of them is the loss of small parts. Washers, bushings and screws have a tendency to mysteriously disappear into floor crevices. Be careful and use a magnetic tray for fastening.
Another problem is overtightening the bolts. Excessive force can cause the metal hinge to become deformed or, worse, cause a crack in the plastic door body. Tighten the fasteners with moderate force, using a sense of proportion.
- ❌ They forgot to remove the shipping bolts (if they interfere with the installation of hinges).
- ❌ They mixed up the length of the screws when installing the handles.
- ❌ They did not check the horizontal installation of the refrigerator itself on floor.
If after rehanging the door begins to open on its own, check the tilt of the body. The refrigerator should be tilted slightly backwards (the top is further from the wall than the bottom). This ensures self-flowing closure under the influence of gravity.
In some older models Minsk or Zil the holes for the hinges may not line up perfectly due to manufacturing defects or deformation of the case over the years of use. In such cases, careful drilling or the use of adapter bushings may be required.
⚠️ Attention: If you find that the holes on the body and door do not match even with the correct orientation, do not drill new holes yourself! This may damage the thermal insulation and lead to corrosion. Contact the service center.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Is it possible to hang the door on a refrigerator that is more than 15 years old?
Technically, this is possible if the design provides symmetrical openings. However, on older models, the metal of the hinges may be weakened by corrosion, and the plastic may become brittle. It is recommended to lubricate the hinges with graphite grease before installation and act with extreme caution.
What to do if plastic plugs for the holes are lost?
The plugs perform an aesthetic function and protect from dust. They can be purchased at hardware stores for household appliances or ordered from the manufacturer. You can temporarily seal the holes with decorative film or use plugs from a computer case of a suitable diameter.
Do you need to call a technician if the refrigerator has a display on the door?
If you do not have experience working with electronics, it is better to call a specialist. The risk of damaging cables or connectors is high, and replacing the control module is expensive. In simple models without electronics, re-hanging is a task for a beginner.
Why does the door close with a knock after re-hanging?
Most likely, the adjustment of the gaps is broken or the refrigerator body is skewed. Check the horizontal installation of the refrigerator legs. Also make sure that the products on the shelves do not interfere with tight closing.