Situation, When, after purchasing new kitchen appliances or rearranging furniture, it turns out that the refrigerator door opens in the wrong direction, it is familiar to many. This creates inconvenience: the passage is blocked, it is difficult to get food, and the ergonomics of the workspace are disrupted. Fortunately, most modern models provide the ability to reverse openingwhich allows you to independently change the side of the hinge without calling a specialist.
The process of re-hanging doors is not technically difficult, but requires care, accuracy and a minimum set of tools. Improper execution of the procedure can lead to damage to the seal, skewing of the canvas or breakage of fittings. In this article, we will analyze all the stages of work, consider the features of different brands and give recommendations that will help you avoid common mistakes.
Before starting work, it is important to make sure that your refrigerator model actually supports this function. This is usually indicated in the instruction manual or indicated by plugs on the opposite side of the housing. If the design allows, you can turn over door in 30–60 minutes, freeing up space in the kitchen and making the use of the unit more comfortable.
Necessary tools and preparation for work
The success of the operation is 90% dependent on proper preparation of the workplace and the availability of suitable tool. You don't need fancy professional equipment, but using the wrong tools (such as a knife instead of a screwdriver) can result in scratches or stripped screw slots. Collect everything you need in one place in advance.
For dismantling and subsequent installation of hinges you will need:
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) or a screwdriver with the appropriate bits.
- 🔑 A wrench or socket (often a size of 8 mm or 10 is required mm).
- 📏 Construction level (preferably to control distortions).
- 🧤 Work gloves (to protect hands from sharp edges and dirt).
- 🧼 Masking tape (for securing doors during work).
It is important to free up space around the refrigerator. Move the unit away from the wall so that you have access from all sides, including the rear where the bottom mounts may be located. It is better to cover the floor with cardboard or soft cloth so as not to damage the floor covering with fallen parts or tools.
Design features and search for hidden fasteners
The design of door hinges varies depending on the manufacturer and model of the refrigerator. For some brands, such as LG or Samsung, the top loop may be hidden under a decorative plastic cover. In other cases, for example, for models Bosch or Siemens, the mounting bolts may be closed with plugs that need to be carefully pryed off.
Particular attention should be paid to models with the system No Frost. They often have an electrical cable running through the top hinge, powering the light bulb and door sensors. When removing the top cover, do not jerk the door up sharply - you must first disconnect the wiring connector. Ignoring this rule will lead to wire breakage.
What to do if the screws are rusty or stuck?
If the fastener does not yield, do not use excessive force so as not to strip the thread. Apply a special product (for example, WD-40) to the threads and wait 10-15 minutes. If there is no access to the thread, you can gently heat the metal part of the hinge with a hairdryer, but be careful with the plastic elements of the body.
The lower hinges usually have adjusting screws that allow you to set the height of the door relative to the body. Before removing the door, it is recommended to measure the current position or make notes with a marker, so that after rehanging you do not spend a lot of time aligning the gaps.
Step-by-step instructions: dismantling the upper part
You should always start work from the top hinge, since it is this that holds the main weight of the door canvases. First, remove the decorative cover from the top of the refrigerator. It can be secured with latches or screws. Be careful not to break the plastic clips.
Removing the cover will give you access to the top hinge. If you have a two-chamber refrigerator, first we work with the top door (freezer or refrigerator, depending on the design). Unscrew the mounting bolts, but do not remove them completely until you are sure that the door is secure.
Use masking tape to stick the door to the refrigerator body in several places. This will prevent it from falling when you finally remove the bolts. Then:
- 🛠️ Completely unscrew the bolts of the upper hinge.
- 🚪 Carefully remove the hinge from the door.
- ⚡ If there are wires, disconnect the connectors (memorize or photograph their location).
- 🆙 Remove the top door by lifting it up and moving it to the side.
After removing the upper door, we move on to the lower (main) chamber. The procedure is similar: remove the decor, unscrew the middle hinge (which now becomes the top hinge for the lower door), disconnect the wires and remove the door leaf.
Removing doors and rearranging fittings
When the door leaves are removed, they need to be placed on a flat, soft surface (for example, on a blanket). Now you need to remove the handles, if they are non-removable, and the hinges themselves from the door body. In some models, the handles are simply moved to the other side, in others, decorative plugs need to be replaced.
Threaded sockets will be visible on the freed holes from the hinges on the door body and on the refrigerator itself. On the opposite side, where we will hang the door, these holes are closed with plastic plugs. They need to be removed. Often, a special recess or hook is provided for this on the hinge itself.
Algorithm for rearranging elements:
- 🔄 Remove the hinges on one side of the door and screw them on the other using the prepared holes.
- 🕳️ Remove the plugs from the working sides and install them in the empty holes.
- 🔩 Check the package: sometimes the reverse side requires additional studs or bushings included in the kit.
- 🧲 Make sure that the magnetic lock (if any) has been moved to the new side or turned over.
☑️ Ready for installation
It is important not to confuse the upper and lower parts of the door during installation, especially if they have different shapes or locations of fastening pins. Also pay attention to the stops that prevent the door from opening too wide - they also need to be moved into the corresponding slots on the opposite side.
Installing doors on a new side
Installation is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. First we install the bottom door (which will now hang on the bottom hinge attached to the new side). Insert the bottom hinge pin into the door hole, align the panel and secure it with masking tape.
Then install the middle hinge (now it separates the two chambers). Pass the wires through the service holes, if necessary. Be careful: the wires should not be pinched by the metal of the hinge or the body, otherwise when the door slams, the insulation can be damaged, which will lead to a short circuit.
Next, install the upper door. Align the holes with the hinge, insert the mounting bolts and tighten them, but do not tighten them all the way yet. This will allow you to adjust the position of the doors after installation.
| Element | Action | Nuance |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom hinge | Attached to the body first | Adjusts the height and gap from below |
| Middle hinge | Holds both doors | Wires often pass through it |
| Upper hinge | Fixes the top door | Closed with a decorative cover |
| Door stops | Rearranged into new slots | Limit the opening angle |
After installing all the hinges and doors, carefully remove the fixing tape. Check how doors open and close. They should move smoothly, without squeaking or jamming. The gap between the door and the body should be uniform around the entire perimeter.
Adjustment and leak testing
The final stage is adjustment. If the door is warped or does not fit tightly, use the adjustment screws on the hinges (usually located on the bottom or middle hinge). By rotating them, you can raise or lower the corner of the door, achieving a perfect fit of the seal.
Checking the tightness is critical to the energy efficiency of the refrigerator. If the door does not fit tightly, warm air will flow in, the compressor will work without stopping, and ice will form on the walls.
How to check the quality of the installation:
- 📄 Test with paper: hold a sheet of paper with the door and try to pull it out. It must be removed with force along the entire perimeter.
- 👀 Visual inspection: when the door is closed, there should be no visible cracks or gaps around the perimeter.
- 👐 Tactile check: run your hand along the seal - there should be no sudden changes in temperature (blowing).
⚠️ Attention: If after adjustment the door still does not fit tightly, the seal may be deformed or damaged during relocation. In this case, you need to replace it or try to restore its shape using a hair dryer (gently warming it up and straightening it).
Why can the door open on its own?
This happens if the refrigerator is not level. The tilt should be slightly backward so that the center of gravity of the door shifts towards closing. Adjust the front legs of the refrigerator by unscrewing them to the desired level.
Common mistakes and expert recommendations
Even following the instructions, beginners often make mistakes that can cost expensive repairs. One of the most common is the loss or confusion of fasteners. Bolts for different hinges may differ in length and thread diameter. Screwing a long bolt into a short hole will damage the housing.
Another mistake is ignoring the wires. When reassembling, they forget to connect the connectors or pinch the cable. As a result, the light, indication or open door sensor stops working, and the refrigerator begins to “buzz” or maintain the temperature incorrectly.
Recommendations from the experts:
- 📸 Take photos at each stage of disassembly. This is the best cheat sheet for assembly.
- 🧹 Clean the hinges from old grease and dust before installing them in a new location.
- 🔧 Do not use an impact tool (hammer) to hammer in the plugs - only hand force.
⚠️ Attention: The design of the loops and the location of the wires may vary depending on the year of manufacture and the specific modification of the model. If you see that the diagram is radically different from the one described, stop and find the official diagram (Service Manual) for your specific serial number.
Compliance with technology and accuracy will allow you to successfully complete the task. A correctly hung door will extend the service life of the seal and ensure proper operation of the refrigeration unit for many years.
Is it possible to re-thread the hinges on a built-in refrigerator?
Yes, it is possible, but it is more difficult. You must first dismantle the façade furniture cover, then remove the refrigerator itself from the niche or work in very cramped conditions. Often, complete disassembly of a furniture box is required.
What to do if a decorative plug is lost?
You can order an original spare part by catalog number or use universal plugs of a suitable color. As a last resort, the hole can be sealed with a piece of plastic in the color of the body, but this will be noticeable.
Do you need to wait after turning on the refrigerator?
After rearranging and plugging into the network, the refrigerator requires time (from 2 to 4 hours) to reach operating mode and set the temperature. Do not load products right away.
Does re-hanging the door affect the warranty?
Re-hanging the doors yourself, as a rule, does not void the warranty unless parts are damaged in the process, the seal on the compressor is broken, or the integrity of the wiring is compromised. However, in the event of a breakdown associated with the door, the service may refuse free repairs.