Changing the kitchen layout or simply wanting to optimize space often leads to the need to change the direction of opening of the refrigerator compartment. This solution allows you to free up the passage, improve the ergonomics of the work area, or simply place the equipment in a more convenient corner. Modern models of household appliances, as a rule, are designed with this possibility in mind, but the process itself requires care and adherence to a certain sequence of actions.
Before starting work, it is important to assess your strengths and the availability of the necessary tools. Rehanging doors is a procedure that takes from 30 to 60 minutes, but requires care so as not to damage the hinges or the body of the unit itself. Improper manipulation can lead to distortion of the canvas, loss of tightness and, as a result, breakdown of the compressor due to increased load.
In this guide we will look at a universal algorithm of actions that is suitable for most popular brands, such as LG, Samsung, Bosch i Indesit. Despite the design differences, the general principle of dismantling and installing elements remains similar. The main thing is to take your time and prepare the workplace in advance, freeing up space in front of the equipment.
Preparation of tools and workplace
Quality preparation is half the success of the entire operation. You will need to collect a certain set of tools so that during the work you will not be distracted by searching for screwdrivers or keys. Not having the right tool can cause you to strip bolt edges or damage decorative caps.
Be sure to make sure you have everything you need on hand. For most models, the standard set looks like this:
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) for removing handles and plugs.
- 🔩 A set of open-end or socket wrenches (most often sizes 8, 10 mm) for removing hinges.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧼 Soft rags and a container for folding small parts so that they do not get lost.
Before starting work, a refrigerator is necessary de-energize. Unplug the power cord from the outlet. This is critical because when removing the doors, the door sensor or light bulb may accidentally short out if the wiring is touched. In addition, the equipment must be on a flat surface.
⚠️ Attention: If the floor in the kitchen is slippery (tiles, linoleum), be sure to place a non-slip mat or cardboard under your feet. A heavy metal door falling on your foot can cause serious injury.
Make room in front of the refrigerator. You will need to move the unit, bend over, and possibly lie on the floor to access the lower mounts. Remove carpets, stools and other objects that may interfere with free movement.
Design analysis and removal of the top panel
The first stage of work is to study the design of your refrigerator. The location of fasteners may vary among different manufacturers. In some models, the top hinge is hidden under a decorative cover, in others it is open. It is also worth paying attention to the presence of display or a control panel on the door.
If there is a screen or control buttons on the door, the process becomes more complicated. You will have to carefully disconnect the wire cables. Typically the connectors are located under the top cover or in a special box. Here it is important not to pull the wires sharply, but first to find the clamps.
Features of working with electronics
In some models, the cables are very thin and fragile. Before disconnecting, it is recommended to photograph the location of the contacts so that during assembly you do not confuse the polarity or direction of connection.
The process of removing the upper part usually looks like this:
- Remove the decorative plug of the upper hinge, if any.
- Unscrew the bolts holding the upper hinge.
- Carefully lift the cover to gain access to the wires (if any).
- Disconnect the connectors by pressing the latches.
After disconnecting the wires, the top cover can be removed completely. You now have access to the top hinge that holds the door in place. Do not attempt to remove the door itself until you are sure that all communications are disconnected.
Dismantling the door and rearranging the hinges
The most crucial moment is removing the door leaf. The top hinge is freed, but the door is still held by the middle (if there is one) and bottom hinges. The weight of the door can be significant, so it is recommended to carry out this operation with an assistant.
Sequence of actions for dismantling:
- 🚪 Holding the door with one hand, unscrew the bolts of the middle hinge (important for two-chamber models).
- 🔓 Remove the middle hinge and carefully set the door aside, leaning on it against the wall (after placing a soft cloth).
- 🔽 Go to the bottom of the refrigerator and remove the base panel if it blocks access to the bottom hinge.
- 🔩 Unscrew the bolts of the bottom hinge.
Now you need to move the fastening elements to the opposite side. Included with the refrigerator are usually plugs for the holes that will become the front ones, and fasteners for the new side. Carefully inspect the ends of the door: there should be threaded holes closed with plastic plugs.
Unscrew the plugs on the new side of the installation and screw them into the vacant holes on the old side. This will provide a symmetrical appearance and protect the case. Loops can also be universal or third-party. If the hinges are symmetrical, simply turn them over or rearrange the pins according to the instructions.
⚠️ Attention: Do not mix up the top and bottom hinges. They may have a different angle of inclination or design of the closer mechanism. Installing the bottom hinge upward will make it impossible to close the door.
Install the bottom hinge in a new place and temporarily secure it with one bolt without fully tightening it. This will allow you to align the door later.
Installing the magnetic seal and handles
After rearranging the main fasteners, you need to pay attention to magnetic seal. In some models it is asymmetrical and also needs to be reinstalled. If the seal is simply inserted into the groove, it can be carefully removed, turned over and inserted again so that the magnetic strip is on the desired side.
Door handles also require relocation. There will be holes in the old places that need to be closed with decorative plugs (usually included in the kit). New holes on the opposite side may already be drilled and closed with plugs, or you will have to drill them yourself using a template.
| Element | Action when rehanging | Nuances |
|---|---|---|
| Upper loop | Rearrange to the other side | Check for the presence of a locking pin |
| Bottom hinge | Rearrange, often requires adjustment | May have an axle that needs to be removed |
| Handle | Dismantle and install mirrored | Hide old holes with plugs |
| Sealant | Turn over or replace | Monitor the integrity of the magnetic tapes |
When installing the handles, make sure that they are screwed tightly. A loose handle is not only unsightly, but also dangerous, since a sharp jerk can damage the fastening point in the door plastic.
Installation of the door and final adjustment
Now you can begin installing the door in a new location. Lift the door leaf and place it on the bottom hinge. This action is best performed by two people, since the weight of the door with shelves can reach 20-30 kg. Have a helper hold the door while you tighten the top hinge bolts.
After the door is installed on the hinges, do not tighten the fasteners completely. First you need to check the geometry. The door should open and close freely, without distortions or jams. The gap between the door and the body along the entire perimeter should be the same.
Adjustment is carried out by tightening the hinge bolts and, in some models, using the adjusting screws on the lower support of the refrigerator. If the door is skewed, slightly loosen the fasteners, straighten the leaf and tighten the bolts again.
☑️ Final installation check
Make sure that when the door closes light sensor and the light goes out. If this does not happen, it is possible that the magnet on the door does not fall within the range of the sensor, and additional adjustment of the position of the door or the sensor itself will be required.
Frequent errors and troubleshooting
Even if you follow the instructions, problems may arise. One of the most common mistakes is tightening the bolts. Excessive force can lead to deformation of the hinge metal or breakage of the threads in the aluminum door body, which is almost impossible to fix without replacing the part.
Another common problem is the loss of small parts. Bolts, washers and plugs are very small and easily get lost in the carpet pile or roll under the refrigerator. Use a magnetic tray or jar to collect all the removed elements.
⚠️ Attention: If you find that after assembly the door does not fit tightly in one of the corners, do not try to solve the problem by force. Most likely, the geometry of the hinges is broken. Loosen the fastenings and re-position the door.
It is also worth mentioning the specifics of some brands. For example, refrigerators Indesit and Ariston often have plastic bushings in the hinges, which can crack if dismantled carelessly. For models LG i Samsung attention should be paid to the complex system of air ducts if they pass through the door.
If after all the manipulations you hear extraneous noise or a knock when closing, check whether the door is touching protruding shelves or body elements. Sometimes it is necessary to move the shelves or change their height.
Do you need to call a specialist to rehang the doors?
Calling a specialist is necessary if you are not confident in your abilities, you do not have tools, or the refrigerator model has complex electronic components on the door that you are afraid of damaging. However, for most standard models, the procedure is within the capabilities of a home craftsman.
What to do if the plugs for the holes are lost?
Plugs can be purchased at specialized hardware stores for household appliances or ordered from an official dealer of the brand. As a last resort, the holes can be sealed with a decorative sticker in the color of the body, although this is less aesthetically pleasing.
Is it possible to rehang the door without draining the oil from the compressor?
Yes, rehanging the doors does not require tilting the refrigerator on its side at a critical angle and does not affect the cooling system. The compressor remains in the operating position, so there is no need to drain the oil or wait for the equipment to settle.
Why does the door open by itself after rehanging?
Most likely, the angle of the refrigerator itself is broken. The door should close on its own under the influence of gravity. Check the adjusting supports at the bottom of the refrigerator: the front legs should be unscrewed so that the body is slightly tilted back.