Changing the kitchen layout or simply wanting to make the interior more ergonomic often leads owners of household appliances to the need to change the direction of opening of the refrigerator. For models LG this procedure is usually provided for by the design, but requires careful attention to detail and sequence of actions. Incorrect rearrangement can lead to leakage or damage to the fasteners, so it is important to strictly follow the algorithm.
Unlike many other brands, South Korean engineers often equip their devices with universal hinges and hidden handle fastening mechanisms. However, depending on the specific series, be it Door-in-Door or the classic two-chamber version, the nuances of dismantling may differ. Before starting work, you need to make sure that you have free space around the unit and the necessary set of tools.
This operation falls into the category of medium complexity and does not require calling a specialist if you have basic skills in working with equipment. The main thing is to take your time and carefully handle decorative plugs and plastic elements, which can easily break if moved carelessly. Below is a detailed analysis of the process that will help you safely perform rehanging.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tools
The first step is organizing the space. The refrigerator must be moved away from the wall so that you can freely walk around it from all sides. Make sure the floor is level and clean so that accidentally dropped parts do not get lost or damaged. It is also extremely important disconnect the device from the power supplyto remove the plug from the socket to avoid any risk of short circuit when working with metal elements.
To perform the work you will need a minimum set of tools, which are usually found in every home. The main tool will be a wrench or a socket of a suitable size (most often 8 mm or 10 mm), as well as a Phillips screwdriver. Some models LG may use hex bolts, so it is better to check the type of fastener in advance.
- 🔧 A wrench or ratchet with a set of heads for unscrewing the hinge bolts.
- 🪛 Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers for removing plugs and plastic linings.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp edges of metal parts.
- 📦 A small container or magnetic tray for folding bolts and washers.
⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator is equipped with a system No Frost with an electronic display on the door, before starting work, make sure that the length of the connecting cables allows you to safely move the door. In rare cases, additional disconnection of the wires may be required.
Do not forget to prepare a clean rag or soft blanket that can be placed on the floor under the door when removing it. This will protect the door covering from scratches and chips if you drop a heavy element. It is also recommended to empty the shelves on the doors to reduce their weight and prevent contents from falling out during dismantling.
Removing the top part and removing the door
The process begins from the top of the refrigerator. In most models LG it is the top hinge that holds the main load and fixes the position of the door. First you need to remove the decorative cover that covers the fastening mechanism. Usually it snaps onto plastic clips or is held on by one screw.
After removing the cover, access to the upper hinge bolts will open. They must be unscrewed, but not removed completely yet, if the design requires the presence of a locking pin. In some series, you must first remove the pin itself that holds the hinge in position. Proceed carefully so as not to lose small parts.
Now the most crucial moment is removing the door. Since the weight of the refrigerator door LG is significant, it is better to perform this operation together. One person holds the door while the second finally unscrews the mounting bolts. After removing the hinge, the door is carefully lowered onto the prepared soft mat.
☑️ Check before removing the door
It is important not to damage the sealing rubber when laying the door on the floor. Place it with the outside facing up or on its side, but make sure there are no bends in the plastic. If a handle is installed on the door, at this stage you can not remove it for now, if it does not interfere with further manipulations with the lower hinges.
Flipping the lower hinge and moving the stops
The lower part of the refrigerator, where the door rotation mechanism is located, requires special attention. Models LG often use a rotating mechanism that needs to be switched to the opposite side. To do this, remove the plinth grille or bottom panel covering the compressor area and fastenings.
Find the lower support hinge. It can be fixed with bolts on one side. You need to unscrew them and move the hinge to the opposite side of the case. Pay attention to the presence of transport plugs or fastening bolts, which must be installed in the vacated holes on the other side to avoid the entry of dust and dirt.
| Element | Action during transfer | Where to install |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom swivel hinge | Remove the fasteners | On the opposite side of the bottom |
| Lock bolt | Unscrew from the active sides | Screw into the plug hole |
| Plastic sleeve | Remove carefully | Into a new seat |
| Decorative plug | Remove from the old side | Install in the vacant space |
Don't forget to check the condition of the plastic bushings and washers. If they have cracks or strong wear, it is better to replace them with new ones, since the smooth movement of the door depends on this. Refrigerators often come with spare parts or a special hanging kit, which is stored in the package or attached to the back wall. LG Often there are spare elements or a special hanging kit, which is stored in the package or attached to the back wall.
Features of transferring handles and fittings
The most delicate part of the work is transferring the handle. Modern models LG often use hidden fastening mechanisms that are not obvious at first glance. The handle can be attached to screws that are covered with decorative overlays, or fixed with powerful latches.
If you see holes for screws, they can be closed with plugs that match the color of the door. Gently pry them off with a flathead screwdriver. If there are no holes, then the handle is held on by latches. In this case, force is required: you need to sharply but controlledly pull the handle to the side (usually up or away from the door) to release the retaining elements.
The secret to removing hidden handles
Sometimes, to remove the handle, you first need to remove the entire door panel. In Door-in-Door models, the outer sash is removed separately, providing access to the main handle fasteners.
After removal, the handle is moved to the opposite side. It is important to install it symmetrically and secure it tightly. If screws are used, tighten them evenly without pinching the plastic to avoid cracking around the mounting holes. Make sure that the handle does not wobble and is parallel to the floor.
⚠️ Attention: When removing handles from series models InstaView (with a transparent window), exercise maximum caution. The glass of the panel is very sensitive to mechanical pressure and can crack if the fasteners are handled carelessly.
Also check for the presence of magnetic fasteners or closers, if they are provided for in the design. They may also need to be moved to the other side so that the door closes correctly and fits tightly to the refrigerator body.
Door installation and final assembly
When all the preparatory work is completed and the bottom hinge has been moved, you can begin installing the door. Lift the door and place its bottom hole on the axis of the installed hinge. Make sure the door is level and vertical. Now you need to secure the top loop.
Attach the top hinge to the body and door, aligning the holes. Insert the bolts and start tightening them, but do not tighten them all the way yet. This is necessary in order to be able to adjust the position of the door. After the initial fixation, you can finally tighten all the fasteners.
- 🔩 Check the vertical installation of the door using a level.
- 🚪 Make sure that the door opens and closes freely, without jamming.
- 🧲 Check the tightness of the seal around the entire perimeter.
- 🔌 Connect the refrigerator to the network and check the operation of the interior lighting.
If your model has a display or control button on the door, now is the time to carefully connect the cable if you disconnected it earlier. The wires must be laid so that they are not pinched and do not touch the moving parts of the mechanism.
Adjusting the gaps and eliminating distortions
After installing the door, a situation often arises when it does not fit perfectly or is warped. Refrigerators LG are equipped with a system for adjusting the height of the legs and the position of the hinges. If the door is skewed, this will be visually noticeable by the different width of the gap at the top and bottom.
To eliminate the skew, you can use the adjusting screws on the top hinge (if the model allows it) or change the height of the front leg of the refrigerator on the corresponding side. Rotating the leg clockwise raises the angle, counterclockwise lowers it. Achieve a symmetrical position.
Also check the operation of the magnetic seal. Carry out a test with a sheet of paper: clamp the sheet between the door and the body at different points. If the sheet is removed easily without resistance, it means that the tightness in this place is broken. This may require replacing the seal or fine-tuning the position of the door.
In some cases, if the door is installed correctly, but there are still gaps, it is worth checking whether something inside the refrigerator (protruding shelves, food packaging) is preventing it from closing tightly. After all the manipulations, let the refrigerator stand for 2-3 hours before turning it on if it has been in a horizontal position for a long time.
Is it possible to move the door yourself if the refrigerator is under warranty?
Yes, in most cases LG allows the user to independently change the side of the door opening, since this is a standard procedure described in the manual. However, if in the process you break the thread, break the plastic or damage the cables, the warranty case may not be recognized. Keep all the removed parts and act as carefully as possible.
What to do if, after rearranging, the door does not close tightly?
First of all, check whether the lower pivot hinge is installed correctly and whether something is interfering with it. Then inspect the seal - it may have become twisted during installation. If there are no mechanical obstacles, try adjusting the height of the legs of the refrigerator to change the angle of the body.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before moving it?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, it is better to remove the products to lighten the weight of the door and avoid their damage in case of delay. If there is a lot of ice in the freezer, the door may become too heavy, which will complicate precise installation on the hinges.
Where should the holes from the handle on the old side go?
Included with the refrigerator LG usually there are special plastic plugs that are inserted into the holes on the front panel. They may be in a bag with documents or attached to the back of the device. If there are no plugs, the holes may remain visible, but this does not affect the functionality.