Modern kitchens often dictate their own ergonomic conditions, and the standard door location refrigerator LG may no longer suit the owner after remodeling or purchasing new furniture. The need to change the opening direction arises quite often, especially when the appliance is tightly integrated into a set or simply moved to another corner of the room. Fortunately, most models of the South Korean brand structurally allow this maneuver to be performed without contacting a service center.
The process reversing doors requires accuracy, a basic set of tools and an understanding of the structure of hinge mechanisms. Errors at the dismantling stage can lead to damage to the decorative plugs or disruption of the tightness of the seal. In this article, we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for different types of hinges and structures.
Before starting work, it is critical to make sure that your specific model LG supports reverse. Some budget or specific series may have asymmetrical cases, where holes for hinges are provided only on one side. Checking the technical documentation or visually inspecting the ends of the case for hidden technological holes is the first step that cannot be ignored.
It is necessary to prepare the workplace in advance, freeing up the space in front of the refrigerator. This will provide unobstructed access to the lower part of the unit and will allow you to safely lay the removed heavy elements on the prepared surface.
Preparation of tools and workplace
The success of the operation is 90% dependent on proper preparation. You don't need fancy industrial equipment, but using the wrong tools can strip threads or scratch the metal. The main tool will be a set of hex keys (hex keys), since it is this type of fastener that the manufacturer most often uses in their products.
In addition to the keys, you will definitely need a Phillips screwdriver, pliers and, preferably, a building level. To protect the floor covering and the unit itself from scratches when moving, it is worth laying down thick cardboard or soft rags. Also stock up on masking tape - it will help secure the moving parts during work.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work on dismantling the refrigerator components be sure to disconnect the device from the power supply. This will eliminate the risk of a short circuit if the wiring running through the loops is accidentally damaged and will protect you from electric shock.
For the convenience of storing small parts such as screws, plugs and washers, prepare a small container. The loss of even one specific screw can stop the entire process, since it can be difficult to find an analogue in regular stores.
List of required equipment:
- 🔧 Set of hex keys (the main tool for hinges).
- 🪛 Phillips screwdriver (PH2) for removing decorative panels.
- 📏 Construction level for horizontal control after installation.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 📦 Capacity for sorting fasteners.
Analysis of the design of hinges and type of refrigerator
Before you pick up the keys, you need to clearly understand what kind of structure you are dealing with. Refrigerators LG are divided into models with regular hinges and devices with system Door-in-Door or hidden hinges. In classic two-chamber models, the upper hinge is often combined with a decorative panel, and the lower one has an adjustment mechanism.
Particular attention should be paid to models with a display on the door. In such cases, a cable of wires passes through the upper loop, which requires extremely careful handling. Disconnecting the connector should be done only after removing the retaining clips and without applying excessive force to avoid damaging the contacts.
If you have a Side-by-Side or French door model, the procedure may be completely different. In some cases, complete reversal is not possible due to an asymmetrical cooling system or compressor location. In such situations, the manufacturer sometimes provides the possibility of rehanging only one of the sections, but this is rather an exception.
How to distinguish a reversible model from a non-reversible one?
Carefully inspect the side ends of the refrigerator body. If the model supports overhang, then on the opposite side you will find the same threaded holes for hinges, closed with plastic plugs. If there are no holes or they are “blind” (without threads), rearrangement is impossible.
The table below will help you quickly navigate the types of structures:
| Type of construction | Wire arrangement | Complexity outweighing | Do you need an assistant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic (Top Freezer) | Through the top loop | Medium | Desirable |
| With display | Through a hinge and hinge | High | Required |
| Hidden hinges | Absent or hidden | Low | Desirable |
| Side-by-Side | Complex wiring | Very high | Required (2 people) |
Understanding the type of your model will allow you to choose the right strategy of action and avoid fatal errors during dismantling.
Dismantling the upper part and removing the door
The process begins with the upper door, since it is a load-bearing element for many structures. The first step is to remove the decorative cover of the top hinge. It is usually held in place by latches or a single screw, which is often hidden under a sticker or rubber plug. Carefully pry it off with a flat screwdriver.
After removing the cover, access to the mounting bolts will open. If your model has a display, now is the time to disconnect the electrical connector. The connector body often has a locking tab that must be pressed before pulling out the chip. Do not pull on the wires themselves!
⚠️ Attention: The refrigerator door is heavier than it looks, especially considering the glass shelves inside. Before finally unscrewing the bolts of the upper hinge, be sure to ask an assistant to hold the door or prop it up with a wedge so that it does not fall and damage the floor or its own hinges.
After unscrewing the bolts of the upper hinge, carefully lift the door, removing it from the lower hinge. Place the removed element on a prepared soft surface with the outer side facing down to avoid scratching the front panel. Now you can begin removing the handle or the mating part of the hinge, if the design requires it.
☑️ Dismantling the top door
At this stage, it is important not to lose the original bolts, since their length and thread pitch may differ from standard hardware. Place them in a prepared container.
Flipping the bottom hinge and transferring the elements
The bottom hinge is the foundation on which the door stands. In most models LG it is secured with three or four bolts. Before unscrewing them, it is also necessary to ensure the stability of the refrigerator, since the center of gravity will shift. If necessary, you can slightly tilt the unit back by supporting it on adjustable legs or placing blocks.
After dismantling the lower hinge on one side, it must be moved to the opposite side. Pay attention to the orientir (landmarks): often the hinge has an asymmetrical shape or the screw holes are not symmetrically located. The new side will have matching threaded holes. Make sure that you use the correct holes, since there may be several rows of them in the body.
In parallel with moving the metal hinge, it is necessary to rearrange the plastic stop (latch), which is located on the opposite end of the door. It prevents the door from slamming and sets a stopping point. To move it, you may need to remove the end cap.
- 🔩 Unscrew the bottom hinge bolts from the current side.
- 🔄 Move the metal hinge to the opposite side of the body.
- 🛑 Move the plastic door travel stop to the new one end.
- 🔍 Check that all holes match without distortions.
When securing the loop in a new place, do not tighten the bolts “all the way” immediately. Leave a small gap so that in the future you can adjust the position of the door in height and vertically.
Installing the door on a new side
Now that the lower support is ready, you can put the door in place. This is the most crucial moment requiring coordination of actions. One person holds the door, the other guides the lower hinge into the hinge hole. It is important to get exactly into the groove so as not to damage the plastic sleeve or the pin itself.
After installing the door on the lower hinge, the upper hinge is mounted. If the model has a display, first carefully lay the cable cable through the provided channel so that it does not fall under rubbing surfaces. Then connect the connector and check its fixation with a characteristic click.
After securing the top hinge, check that the door is installed vertically. It should fit snugly around the entire perimeter of the body. If skew is noticeable, loosen the fastenings of the lower hinge and, manipulating (manipulating) the position of the unit or placing washers (if the design allows), achieve the ideal gap.
After the final fixation of all bolts, check the operation of the door. It should open smoothly, without creaking or jamming. The seal must evenly adhere to the body along the entire contour.
Adjustment and elimination of distortions
Even with careful installation, final adjustment may be required. If the door does not fit tightly or, conversely, closes too tightly, you need to adjust the position. Adjustment is usually made by unscrewing or tightening the adjusting bolts on the bottom hinge or changing the height of the support legs of the refrigerator itself.
Use a building level, applying it to the end of the closed door. The bubble should be strictly in the center. If the door is skewed, it may not close tightly, which will lead to the formation of ice and increased energy consumption.
⚠️ Attention: If, after rehanging, the door begins to close by itself too sharply or, conversely, does not reach the end, check the angle of the entire refrigerator. For the self-closing mechanism to work correctly, the body must be slightly tilted back (the back is lower than the front).
It is also worth checking the horizontal gap between the door and the body. It should be the same on top and bottom. If this is not the case, the hinge may be installed misaligned or deformed.
Correct adjustment is the key to long service life of the compressor and preservation of products.
Common mistakes and expert advice
Many users make typical mistakes when trying to save time. For example, ignoring the need to secure the door when dismantling the top hinge often leads to a heavy element falling and damaging the flooring or foot injuries. Another common mistake is losing the hole plugs on the old side of the hinges.
Don't forget that after moving the door, the refrigerator needs time (about 2-4 hours) to stabilize the temperature, especially if it was in a horizontal position for a long time or without power. Do not download products right away.
It is also worth mentioning the plugs. There will be holes where the hinges used to be. They must be closed with the supplied plastic plugs to maintain an aesthetic appearance and prevent dust and moisture from getting inside the case.
What to do if the door does not fit tightly after rehanging?
First of all, check the adjusting bolts on the bottom hinge. Try loosening them and re-aligning the door, checking the gap around the perimeter. If the problem cannot be solved, the seal may be deformed - it can be heated with a hairdryer or replaced. Also check if anything from the inside (shelves, packaging) is preventing the door from closing tightly.
Is it possible to hang the door if there is a display on it?
Yes, it is possible, but it requires more caution. The main difficulty is the length of the train. Make sure the wires have enough length to run along the new path. If the cable is stretched, this can lead to its breakage or poor contact. Some models require flashing or setting the display operating mode through the menu.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging?
Full defrosting is not strictly necessary if you work quickly. However, if there is a lot of ice in the freezer, the door will be heavier, which complicates the dismantling process. In addition, when tilting the refrigerator (which is often required to access the lower screws), water may flow out of the pan, if there is any there.
Will the warranty remain valid after re-hanging it yourself?
According to the legislation and rules of most service centers, re-hanging the door yourself is not a basis for voiding the warranty if no components were damaged in the process unit (threads are torn off, plastic is broken, wires are broken). However, if you doubt your abilities, it is better to call a specialist.
Where to put the old plugs on the new side?
Do not throw away the plugs and screws removed from the “new” side (which has become working). Place them in a bag and stick them with tape on the back wall of the refrigerator or put them in an appliance box. If you ever decide to return everything back or move to an apartment with a different layout, these parts will be extremely necessary.