Moving the refrigerator door to the other side: a complete guide with photos and diagrams

Hanging the refrigerator door to the other side is a task faced when moving, renovating a kitchen, or the banal need to optimize space. It would seem that what is so difficult here? But in practice, many encounter unforeseen difficulties: from lost fasteners to damage to the seal. This article will help you avoid common mistakes and complete the job carefully, even if you have never repaired equipment before.

We will analyze the process step by step: from preparing tools to final adjustment of the hinges. We will pay special attention models with a water dispenserto two-chamber refrigerators and nuances for brands Samsung, LG, Indesit i Atlant. You will also find out when it is better to entrust the work to professionals - and why it can be cheaper than repairing it yourself.

We'll warn you right away: if your refrigerator is under warranty, moving the door with your own hands will automatically void the warranty. Please check this point with the service center before starting work. Also note that some modern models (for example Samsung Family Hub or LG InstaView) have built-in electronic modules in the door - rehanging them requires special care.

On average, the work takes from 1 to 3 hours - depending on the design. The main rule: take your time and follow the sequence of actions. Even if the instructions for your model are lost, universal principles (which we will describe below) will help you cope with the task.

Preparation: tools and safety

Before you begin, make sure you have everything you need. The absence of even one tool can delay the process for hours. Here minimum setwhich will be required in 90% of cases:

• ⚒️ Screwdrivers: cross (PH2) and flat (3–5 mm) - most often the hinges are attached with a cross screw, but some models (for example, Beko) use flat
• 🔧 Wrench or 10 mm socket - for lower hinge bolts (found at Atlant i Stinol)
• 📏 Ruler or tape measure - to symmetrically mark new holes
• 🖌️ Marker or pencil - for marking
• 🔌 Hexagon (size depends on the model) - used in refrigerators Liehberr i Bosch
• 🧲 Magnet —to avoid losing small screws and washers

Also prepare soft cloth or towel —they can be used to wrap the door when removing, so as not to scratch the body If in the refrigerator. yes water dispenser or ice maker, additionally you will need:

• 🔩 Pliers - for removing plastic latches
• 💧 Water container - to drain the remaining residues from the system
• 🔗 Star key (TORX) - for some models Whirlpool

⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator is connected to a water supply (for example, Samsung RS68A8840before work be sure to turn off the water disconnect the hose. Otherwise, you risk flooding the kitchen when removing the door.

Work in a well-lit place. If the refrigerator is built-in, first remove it from the niche - otherwise you will not be able to remove the top hinge. For models with electronic display (for example LG GC-B247SLUV), take a photo of the location of the wires in advance - this will simplify reassembly.

Disconnect the refrigerator from the mains|Empty the shelves and drawers|Prepare tools|Take photos of the fasteners|Turn off the water (if there is a dispenser)-->

Removing the old door: step-by-step instructions

Start with the top hinge - it is usually easier to dismantling. Do not try to remove the door immediately: it is heavier than it seems and can damage the case if it falls. Follow this algorithm:

1. Remove the decorative plugs from the hinges (if there are any) - pry them off with a flat screwdriver.
2. Unscrew the screws of the top hinge. In most models (Indesit, Aristonthere are 2-3 of them. Hold the door with your hand so that it does not fall.
3. Lift the door up and remove from the bottom pin. If the hinge is stuck, slightly swing the door left and right.
4. Unscrew the bottom hinge. There may be screws for a wrench (for example, in Atlant MXM 1708).
5. Remove the handle (if it is in the way). It is usually secured with two screws under the decorative trim.

For some models (for example, Samsung RB30J3000WW) the lower hinge has hidden lock. To press it out, you will need a thin screwdriver. Insert it into the groove on the hinge and gently press down - the door will release.

⚠️ Attention: If the door “jams” when removing, do not force it! models Liehberr i Bosch the lower hinge may have spring mechanism. Try to lightly press the door down while pulling it towards you.

After removing the door, inspect sealing rubberIf it is deformed or torn, it is better to replace it immediately - otherwise, after rehanging, the refrigerator will not close well. Also check magnetic inserts in the seal: they should be intact and not crumble.

What to do if the hinge screws are rusty?

If the screws do not come off due to rust, use WD-40 or an equivalent. Apply the product, wait 10–15. minutes, then try again. Do not use force - a broken screw will complicate assembly. In extreme cases, drill it with a drill with a thin drill (⌀2-3 mm).

Transferring the hinges to the other side: marking and drilling

This is the most critical stage. An error in the markings will cause the door to hang crookedly and the seal to fit loosely, causing the camera to freeze. Follow these rules:

1. Remove the plugs on the opposite side of the case, under them you will see factory holes for the hinges (they are covered with plastic. inserts).
2. Check the symmetry. Measure the distance from the edge of the refrigerator to the center of the hinges on both sides - it should match.
3. Move the markingsIf there are no factory holes, use the template from the old side. loop to the new location and trace with a marker.
4. Drill holes. Use a drill 0.5–1 mm thinner than the diameter of the screws. For plastic cases (Samsung, LG) 3-4 mm is enough, for metal ones (Atlant) 5–6 mm.

The table below shows standard distances for popular models. If yours is not on the list, use the factory holes.

For models Side-by-Side (for example, Samsung RS68A8840) markings are complicated due to the weight of the doors. Here it is better to use laser levelso that both doors hang strictly parallel. If there are no holes on the opposite side, you will have to drill the housing. In this case: laser level data-i="167">🧹 After drilling, remove the shavings with a vacuum cleaner - they should not get into the compressor.

• 🛠️ Apply masking tape to the drilling site - this will prevent the enamel from chipping.
• 🔄 Drill at low speeds so as not to deform the metal.
• 🧹 After drilling, remove the shavings with a vacuum cleaner - they should not get into the compressor.

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators with vacuum insulation (for example, Liehberr ICBN 3366) drilling the body is strictly prohibited! This will break the seal and lead to loss of cooling capacity. In such cases, re-hanging the doors is only possible at a service center.

Installing the hinges and door on the new side

Now we move on to assembly. Start with bottom hinge —it fixes the position of the door. Follow this sequence:

1. Install the bottom hinge to the new location and tighten the screws. Do not tighten them completely - you need to align the door first.
2. Put the door on on the bottom pin. Ask an assistant to hold it to avoid distortion.
3. Install the top hinge and lightly tighten the screws. Check that the door hangs level.
4. Adjust the position. The door should open smoothly, without effort. If it clings to the body, loosen the screws and adjust.

For models with dispenser (for example, LG GC-B247SLUV) you additionally need:

• 💧 Reconnect water supply hose to the opposite side. Use new O-rings.
• ⚡ Reconfigure door opening sensor (if any). In some models, it is attached with magnets - just move it to the new side.

After installation, check the gaps:

- There should be a uniform gap of 2-3 mm on the sides of the door.

- At the bottom, the gap may be a little wider (up to 5 mm) - this is normal.

- If the upper corner of the door is “stuck” inward, loosen the top hinge and adjust the position.

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators with electronically controlled (for example, Samsung Family Hub) after reweighing, the calibration of the temperature sensor may be lost. To fix this, hold down the button Power Cool for 5 seconds - the system will perform self-diagnosis.

Adjusting and checking the tightness

Even if the door hangs level, this does not guarantee tightness. Poor fit seal leads to:

• ❄️ Freezing of the rear wall due to the entry of warm air.
• 💰 Increased energy consumption (up to 20%!).
• 🦟 The appearance of condensation and mold on the seal.

To check the tightness, use test with a sheet of paper:

1. Insert a sheet of paper between the seal and the body.
2. Close the door and try to pull out the sheet.
3. If the sheet comes out easily, the seal is needed adjust.

To adjust:

• 🔧 Loosen the hinge screws and slightly move the door towards the seal.
• 🧲 Check the magnetic inserts in the seal - they should be attracted to the body.
• 🔥 If the seal is deformed, warm it with a hair dryer (temperature 50–60°C) and shape it with your hands.

In refrigerators with two chambers (for example, Atlant MHM 2808), separately check the tightness freezer compartment. Its seal is usually tougher, and for the test use two sheets of paper.

⚠️ Attention: If after adjustment the door still does not close well, check refrigerator level. An uneven floor can cause misalignment. Use a builder's level and adjust the legs.

How to fix a sagging door a month after rehanging?

If the door sagged over time, it means that the hinges were not strong enough tightened. Tighten the screws (especially the bottom hinge) and check the play. If the problem recurs, replace the hinges with stronger ones - for example, with bearings (the article number depends on the model).

Typical mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when hanging doors. Here are the most common of them and ways to prevent them:

• 🔨 Drilling holes without markings → leads to crooked installation of hinges. Solution: always use a template or ruler.
• 🧲 Loss of screws or washers → the door will hang. Solution: put all the parts in a separate box.
• ⚡ Damage to the wiring (in models with a display) → may damage the electronic block. Solution: take photographs of the location of the wires before removing.
• 💧 Forget to drain the water from the dispenser → leakage when removing the door. Solution: disconnect the hose and drain leftovers into the container.
• ❄️ Do not check tightness → chamber freezing. Solution: test with paper is required!

Errors occur especially often when working with built-in refrigerators. For example, in models Bosch KIV38X20 the hinges are hidden under the decorative panel. If it is damaged during removal, you will have to buy a new one (cost - from 3,000 ₽). Therefore:

- Use plastic mediator to remove the panel.

- Do not apply force - the latches are fragile.

Another typical problem is the door is skewed after installation. This happens if:

- The hinge screws are not tightened evenly.

- The holes are drilled out of level.

- The seal interferes with closure (for example, it is bent inside).

In such cases, do not try to “rub” the door by force - this will lead to breakage of the hinges. It’s better to loosen the fastenings and start adjusting again.

When it is better to call a specialist: 5 signs

Despite the apparent simplicity, in some cases it is better to entrust the hanging of doors to professionals. Contact the service center if:

• 🔧 Your refrigerator under warranty —self-repair will invalidate it.
• ⚡ The model has electronic display or touch control (for example, LG InstaView).
• 💧 The refrigerator is connected to the water supply, and you are not sure about the tightness of the connections.
• 🛠️ The housing has vacuum insulation (for example, Liehberr), and is required drilling.
• 🔄 You have already tried to hang the door, but it does not close hermetically.

The cost of work at the service center varies from 1,500 to 4,000 ₽ depending on the complexity. For comparison: replacing a broken hinge will cost 2,000–6,000 ₽, and repairing an electronic unit will cost from 5,000 ₽. Therefore, if you are not confident in your abilities, it is better not to risk it.

⚠️ Attention: In some regions, service centers refuse to re-hang doors on refrigerators older than 5 years, citing a lack of spare parts. this moment in advance.

If you still decide to act on your own, but encounter difficulties, use video instructions for a specific model. For example, for Atlant look for videos marked “Minsk” (since the brand is Belarusian, many nuances are covered in local services). For Samsung and LG the channels of official service partners are useful.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to hang the door on the refrigerator with an ice maker?

Yes, but it is more complicated due to additional hoses and wiring. In models Samsung RS68A8840 or LG GR-B247SLQB you will need to:

• Disconnect the water supply hose and drain the remaining residue.
• Move the sensor opening the door (if any).
• Reinstall the ice maker control unit.

Without experience, it is better to contact the service - an error when connecting the hoses can lead to a leak.

What to do if, after re-hanging, the refrigerator begins to work loudly?

This is normal in the first day - the compressor adapts to the change loads. But if the noise does not go away, check:

• The tightness of the seal (perhaps the motor works more intensely due to the entry of warm air).
• The level of the refrigerator - when it is skewed, the vibration increases.
• Attachment of the hinges - if they are loose, the vibration is transmitted to the body.

How to move the door on a refrigerator Indesit with electronic control?

In models Indesit EWD 62052 or Indesit ITF 118 the algorithm is as follows:

1. Disable refrigerator and remove the top cover (it is secured with 2 screws).
2. Disconnect the door sensor connector (it is located under the top hinge).
3. Move the hinges and door as described above.
4. Connect the sensor on the new side and check its operation (it should beep when open door).

If after re-hanging the display shows an error E1 or E2, reset the settings by holding the button Super Cool 10 seconds.

How much does it cost to re-hang doors in the service center center?

Prices depend on the region and model:

• Simple single-chamber refrigerators (Biryusa, Atlant) — 1 500–2 500 ₽.
• Double-chamber refrigerators with a dispenser (Samsung, LG) — 3 000–4 500 ₽.
• Premium models (Liehberr, Bosch with vacuum insulation) - from 5,000 ₽.

The price usually includes adjustment and testing for tightness. Check whether the service provides a guarantee for work (standard - 3 months).

Is it possible to reverse the door on a built-in refrigerator?

Technically, yes, but it is more difficult because decorative panels. In models Bosch KIV87VS30 or Electrolux ENE34200OX you will need:

1. Remove the front panel (it is attached with latches or magnets).
2. Remove the hinges hidden under the panel.
3. Move the fastenings for the facade to the other side.

Without experience, you risk damaging the panel (the cost of a new one is from RUB 8,000).