The situation when, after purchasing a refrigerator, it turns out that the door opens in the wrong direction is familiar to many. This can block passage in the kitchen, interfere with the opening of adjacent cabinets, or simply disrupt the ergonomics of the space. Fortunately, most modern models Indesit, Beko, LG and Atlant are designed taking into account the possibility of reinstalling the hinges. Remaking the design does not require calling a specialist and takes only 30–50 minutes if you act carefully and according to the instructions.
Before you start work, you need to make sure that your unit generally supports this function. This is usually indicated by plugs on the opposite side of the case, where new fasteners should be located. If you plan to change the opening side, it is important to prepare a flat area next to the installation site so as not to damage the floor and have access from all sides.
In this article we will analyze a step-by-step algorithm of actions that will help you safely dismantle the facade and install it on the other side. We will look at the nuances of working with mechanical hinges, electronics and systems No Frost. Carefully study the requirements for tools and safety precautions to avoid damage to the body or injury.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
Quality preparation is the key to the success of any repair operation. To hang doors, you will need a minimum set of tools, which are usually found in every home. The main requirement is that the tool must be in good working order, and its size must exactly match the fastener, so as not to tear off the threads or bolt heads. This is especially true hex keyswhich are often used in modern household appliances.
In addition to the standard set, it is important to ensure correct fixation of the refrigerator itself during work. The doors are quite heavy, and if the unit shakes at a critical moment, it can damage the floor or even cause the equipment to fall. Make sure the floor is dry and clean and the power cord is unplugged in advance.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to unplug the refrigerator and defrost it if ice has accumulated inside. Working with wet or live parts is prohibited.
To complete the task you will need the following items:
- 🛠️ A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flathead) or a screwdriver with appropriate bits.
- 🔑 A set of wrenches or sockets (most often 8, 10 mm).
- 🔧 Hex key (often included with the refrigerator).
- 🧤 Construction gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 📦 A small container for storing screws and plugs so as not to lose them.
Some models require the use of a specific tool, for example, an asterisk wrench Torx. If the refrigerator came with a special key for hinges, use it, as it fits perfectly with the geometry of the bolts. In rare cases, it may be necessary lubrication for hinges if the old mechanisms begin to creak.
Design features and types of door hinges
The design of door systems from different manufacturers may vary significantly. Understanding the type of fastening will help you avoid mistakes during dismantling. In most cases, upper and lower hinged hinges are used, but there are also more complex systems with closers or hidden installation. It is important to determine whether your model has electronic control on the door.
If there is a display, temperature indicators or control buttons on the facade, the process becomes more complicated. In such models, a wiring harness passes through the top loop, which cannot simply be disconnected or thrown indiscriminately. Often such doors are not intended to be hung by the average user without special knowledge.
The main types of structures that you may encounter:
- 🔩 Classic loops: simple metal fasteners, fixed with screws. Rehanging takes 15–20 minutes.
- 🔌 Hinges with electronics: require disconnecting the loops and being careful with the wires. Typical for models Samsung and LG with a display.
- ❄️ Hidden hinges: located inside the case or under decorative panels. Requires removal of additional plastic covers.
It’s also worth paying attention to the system No Frost. In these refrigerators, the door is usually heavier due to thicker insulation and a complex air duct system. When re-hanging, it is important not to damage the sealing rubber and cold air supply channels. If you hear a characteristic click or crack of plastic when dismantling, stop immediately and check that all the screws are unscrewed.
Step-by-step instructions: dismantling the top part
You should always start work from the top of the refrigerator. This is due to the fact that the door is fixed at the top, and removing the lower fastening without the upper one can lead to the heavy sash falling. First, remove the decorative cap or plastic cover that hides the top hinge fasteners.
Use a flathead screwdriver to carefully pry the cap off. Do not use excessive force to avoid breaking the plastic clips. Under the cover you will see bolts that need to be unscrewed. If the model is equipped with a display, now is the time to be extremely careful.
Algorithm for dismantling:
- Remove the top decorative panel or plug.
- Unscrew the top hinge mounting bolts, but do not remove them completely if the door is not yet fixed assistant.
- If there are wires, carefully disconnect the connectors (after photographing their position).
- Remove the loop itself and put it aside.
⚠️ Attention: When working with models with a display, do not pull the wires sharply under any circumstances. The connectors may have locking latches that must be released first.
After removing the top hinge, the door is still held in place by the bottom pin or magnetic lock, but is no longer secured at the top. Now it can be carefully lifted and removed from the lower mount. It is better to do this with an assistant, since the weight of the door can reach 10–15 kg. Place the removed door on a soft surface (for example, on a spread blanket or cardboard) so as not to scratch the front panel.
☑️ Removing the upper part
Working with the bottom part and removing the door
After the door removed and set aside in a safe place, you can proceed to the lower part of the structure. This is often where the pin on which the door rests is located, or the lower support sleeve. In some models, especially two-chamber ones, you first need to remove the intermediate jumper between the freezer and refrigerator compartments.
Dismantling the lower hinge or pin is carried out in the same way as the upper one: unscrew the fasteners, remove the elements. If you find that the bottom pin is rusted or stuck, do not try to knock it out with a hammer. Treat the joint with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and wait 10-15 minutes.
It is important to keep all removed parts in order. Even if it seems that some washer or bushing is extra, put it next to the main parts. When assembling on the new side, these elements may be needed to properly adjust the gaps. Often, users lose small plastic bushings, which leads to the door being warped after installation.
If your refrigerator has a system freezing with a separate chamber, make sure that you do not damage the seals when removing the intermediate panel. Any microcrack in the plastic can break the seal and lead to the formation of ice.
Installing hinges on the new side and assembling
Now that all elements have been dismantled, the installation process on the opposite side begins. You should see holes on the refrigerator body covered with plastic plugs. Remove them carefully. If the holes are threaded, great, if not, check the package: sometimes you need to screw in special pins or use a different set of fasteners.
Install the lower support loop or pin in a new location. Tighten the fasteners, but do not tighten them all the way yet, so that adjustments can be made if necessary. Next, install the top hinge in its new location, using the same caution. Make sure that all holes line up perfectly.
Table of typical assembly problems and their solutions:
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Door does not close tightly | Incorrect adjustment of the hinges | Loosen the screws and level the door |
| A squeak is heard | Lack of lubrication or metal friction | Lubricate the hinges and check gaps |
| The display does not light up | Wrong connection of the cable | Check the tightness of the contacts |
| The door is skewed | The screws are not fully tightened | Check the tightness of all fastening bolts |
Nuances for two-compressor models
In refrigerators with two compressors, it is often necessary to rehang not only the external doors, but also the internal partitions. Make sure that you do not mix up the length of the screws for different sections, as this may lead to breaking through the chamber wall.
After installing the hinges in place, you can return the door to its rightful place. Slide the door onto the bottom pin, align the holes in the top hinge, and secure them with screws. If the model has electronics, connect the wire connectors, observing the color markings or photographs taken earlier.
Adjustment and leak testing
The final stage is checking the quality of the work performed. The door should open and close smoothly, without jerking or jamming. The most important parameter is the tightness of the seal around the entire perimeter. If the door is skewed, warm air will enter the chamber, which will cause the compressor to work harder.
To check the tightness, use a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet with the door in different places around the perimeter. If the paper is pulled out with force, the seal is good. If the sheet falls out or is removed too easily, it requires height adjustment hinges.
How to adjust the door position:
- 📏 Loosen the hinge mounting screws half a turn.
- 👐 Slightly raise or lower the door to the desired level.
- 🔨 Gently tap on the end of the door (through the gasket) to set the gaps.
- 🔩 Tighten the screws securely and re-check the result.
⚠️ Attention: Do not leave the hinge screws loose. Vibration during compressor operation will weaken the fasteners over time, and the door will warp again, which can damage the housing.
Also check the operation of the magnetic lock or closer, if they are provided for in the design. The door should close on its own when opened to an angle of more than 30–40 degrees. If a hand push is required to close, it means that the angle of the body or the position of the hinges is set incorrectly.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can it be re-hung door on the refrigerator if there is a display on it?
Yes, this is possible, but the process is more complicated. You will need to carefully disconnect the wire harnesses running through the top loop. It is important to remember or take a photo of the connection order so that you can put everything back together correctly. In some models Samsung or LG the length of the wires may not allow moving the door to the other side without extending the cable.
What to do if there are no holes for hinges on the new side?
If there are no technological holes and plugs on the body, it means This refrigerator model does not provide for re-hanging the doors by the manufacturer. Attempting to drill new holes may compromise the seal of the cooling circuit and will void the warranty. In this case, you will have to change the layout of the kitchen.
Why, after rehanging, does the door not fit tightly?
Most likely, the installation geometry is broken. You may not have fully tightened the screws or may have warped the door during installation. The cause may also be deformation of the rubber seal during removal. Try heating the rubber band with a hairdryer and straightening it, and then readjust the position of the hinges.
Do you need to wait after installation before turning on the refrigerator?
If you just hung the door and did not touch the freon tubes, you do not need to wait. The refrigerator can be turned on immediately. However, if you tilted the unit strongly (more than 40 degrees) during work, it is recommended to let it stand for 2-4 hours before starting, so that the oil in the compressor flows into the crankcase.