Changing the kitchen layout or rearranging furniture often dictates new conditions for the location of large household appliances. Sometimes standard door opening becomes inconvenient, blocking the passage or preventing free access to the countertop. In such situations, the only rational decision becomes rehanging the refrigerator door to the opposite side. This procedure allows you to adapt the unit to the new dimensions of the room without the need to sell or replace it.
Many owners are afraid to take on this work themselves, for fear of damaging the seals or breaking the tightness, but manufacturers provide this option for most modern models. The process requires accuracy, a basic set of tools and an understanding of the device hinge mechanism. If you have minimal technical skills, you can complete the task in 30-60 minutes, saving on calling a technician.
It is important to understand that the design of refrigerators from different brands may differ significantly. In some places it’s enough to just rearrange the hinges, but in others you’ll need dismantling the entire front panel or even removing the freezer door. Before starting work, you need to make sure that your model technically allows such an operation, since some budget series may only have holes for fasteners on one side.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
High-quality preparation is the key to successful completion of the work without scratches on the body and injuries. You will need not only a standard set of household tools, but also several auxiliary items to protect surfaces. Collect everything you need in one place in advance so as not to be distracted during the process when the door is already removed and requires installation.
The main tool will be screwdriver or a set of screwdrivers with different bits (phillips and flat). Some models, for example Bosch or Siemensmay require hex keys, which are often included with the equipment, but it is better to have a complete set. A wrench is also useful for fixing the nuts if the design of the hinges requires their presence.
☑️ Tools for hanging the door
Don't forget prepare masking tape to secure moving elements, and soft rags to protect the floor. If the refrigerator came with plugs holes, be sure to find them to cover the old mounting holes on the new side. The absence of plugs can disrupt the aesthetics and lead to moisture entering the thermal insulation layer.
Analysis of design and compatibility models
Before you start unscrewing the bolts, you must carefully study the instructions for your specific model. The technical documentation contains diagrams of the location of fasteners and warnings about specific components. If the paper manual is lost, the information can be easily found on the Internet using the full model numberindicated on the nameplate inside the camera.
There are several types of door designs. In simple models, the loops are simply transferred to symmetrical holes. In more complex systems, typical for two-chamber refrigerators Indesit or Atlant, it may be necessary to rearrange the handle or dismantle the intermediate panel. Some models have permanent top hinges, which makes rehanging impossible without compromising the integrity of the case.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that there are actually threaded holes on the opposite side of the case. In some budget series, the plastic or metal on the other side may be solid, without factory perforation.
Particular attention should be paid to the control system. If the display or control buttons are located on the door, additional work will be required. In such cases, it is often necessary to change the length of the wires or reconnect the connectors, which requires care not to damage the insulation or contacts. electrical wires. In such cases, it is often necessary to change the length of the wires or reconnect the connectors, which requires care not to damage the insulation or contacts.
What to do if the holes do not match?
If there are no ready-made holes on the back side, but the design allows, you can carefully drill them yourself using a drill according metal and focusing on symmetry. However, this is risky and may damage the thermal insulation, so it is better to check with the manufacturer’s official service center.
Dismantling the top part and removing the door
The process begins by disconnecting the refrigerator from the power supply. This is a mandatory safety condition, especially if you have to work with backlight or display wires. After turning off, release the shelves on the door to reduce its weight, and give the unit a few minutes to stabilize the pressure in the system if it has just been running.
First, remove the top decorative panel if it covers the fasteners. Carefully pry it off with a plastic spatula so as not to damage the latches. Then the top loop is unscrewed. At this stage, it is critical that someone hold it firmlyhold the door, since after unscrewing the last screw it may fall.
If there are wires on the door, they need to be disconnected. The connectors are usually located inside the hinge or under the top cover. Do not pull the wires by force - find the locking mechanism of the lock and press it. For models with a display, such as Samsung or LG, this stage requires special care so as not to damage the cables..
After disconnecting the fasteners and wires, the door is removed from the bottom hinge and placed in a safe place. There is no need to touch the bottom hinge yet if the design does not require complete removal of the frame. It is better to immediately put all removed screws and parts into a container, sorting them by stages of work.
Transfer of fittings and handles
After dismantling the main part, it is time to rearrange the fittings. The handles on many modern refrigerators are symmetrical, but the fastening may be hidden. If the handle is screwed on from the bottom or top, they need to be unscrewed and moved to the opposite side using the provided holes.
In some models, the handle is part of the design and does not require rearrangement, but often you have to swap places. decorative plugs. Old holes on the old side of the door are closed with plugs that come with the kit, or with special stickers in the color of the body. This prevents the accumulation of dust and moisture inside the thermal insulation layer.
If you change the opening side on a two-chamber refrigerator, you may need to reposition the freezer handle itself. The principle is similar: unscrew the fastener, change sides, fix it. It is important not to overtighten the screws so as not to crack the plastic or enamel around the hole.
Installing the bottom hinge and hanging the door
Now we move on to the bottom of the unit. It is necessary to remove the bottom hinge on one side and install it on symmetrical holes on the other. In some designs, the bottom pin is simply unscrewed from the housing and screwed into a new socket. The thread can be lightly lubricated graphite grease to prevent squeaks in the future.
After installing the lower support, the door is hung. This stage is best performed with an assistant, since the finished door can weigh 15-20 kg. Align the holes in the lower hinge with the counterpart on the door, but do not tighten the fasteners tightly yet, so that adjustments are possible adjustments.
If the model includes an intermediate strip between the chambers (in two-chamber models), it must also be rearranged. This often requires removing the top freezer door, relocating the trim, and then putting the doors back on. Follow the diagram in the instructions, since the procedure for brands may differ. data-i="119">Difficulty Liebherr And Beko may vary.
| Work stage | Necessary tool | lead time | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Removing the top hinge | Screwdriver, key | 5-10 min | Low |
| Disconnecting the wires | Tweezers (optional) | 5 min | Medium |
| Handle transfer | Hexagon | 10 min | Low |
| Installing hinges | Screwdriver | 15 min | Medium |
Adjustment and checking tightness
After the door is installed in a new location, it is necessary to make final adjustments. The door should close tightly and evenly around its entire perimeter. If you notice a skew or a loose fit in one of the corners, you should loosen the fastening bolts of the middle or lower hinge and move the door slightly, then tighten the fastenings again.
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 length of the seal. If in some place the paper slides freely, it means it seal does not fit, and the cold will leave, causing the compressor to work harder.
⚠️ Attention: If after adjustment the door still does not fit tightly, the seal may be faulty deformed during storage or lacks elasticity. In this case, warm it up with a hairdryer at low temperature or replace it with a new one.
Also check the operation of the sensors and backlight. When the door is opened, the light should come on, and when closed, it should go out. If you have a model with a display, make sure all wires are connected correctly and the screen is functioning. Do not forget to reposition or reconfigure the magnetic sensors if they are located separately from the main hinge.
Why can a door squeak after rehanging?
Creaking often occurs due to metal-on-metal friction in the hinges or dust. Lubricate the rubbing mechanisms with special oil for refrigerators or silicone grease, avoiding contact with food.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to reverse the door if the refrigerator has a display?
Yes, in most models with a display on the door (for example Samsung Family Hub or LG InstaView) the possibility of reweighing is provided. However, this is more difficult, since you will have to disconnect and rearrange the wiring harness. Often it is necessary to extend the wires or use special adapters, which may be included in the kit.
What to do if plugs for old holes are lost?
If the plugs are lost, the holes can be covered with decorative stickers in the color of the body, which are sold in hardware stores, or use small pieces of plastic placed on glue. The main thing is to close the access of moisture and air inside the case.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging it?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, it is recommended to turn off the unit 10-15 minutes before starting work to stabilize the pressure. If there is a lot of ice in the refrigerator, it is better to defrost it so that water does not flow when the appliance is tilted.
Does re-hanging the door affect the warranty?
According to consumer protection legislation, self-repair or modernization (which includes re-hanging, if it is provided for in the instructions) should not void the warranty if you have not damaged the components. However, if you break a hinge or wire, this case will not be covered under warranty.
What if the door, after hanging, does not hold and moves away?
Most likely, the problem is in the adjustment of the hinges or in the deformation of the seal. Try loosening the screws, pressing the door tighter, and tightening them again. If this does not help, check whether the refrigerator itself is level on the floor - skewed housing also affects the operation of the doors.