Changing the opening side of the refrigerator door is a standard procedure that is often required when moving or remodeling a kitchen. Equipment owners Leran can perform this task independently, without contacting a service center, if they strictly follow the algorithm of actions. Modern models of Russian refrigerators are designed taking into account the possibility of re-hanging, which greatly simplifies the adaptation of the unit to a new space.
Before starting work, you need to understand that the process requires accuracy and the availability of a basic set of tools. Incorrect assembly can lead to leakage or damage to the hinges, so it is important to prepare a flat surface and ensure good lighting of the workplace. Careful preparation is the key to successful completion of the operation without unnecessary nerves and costs.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the stages of rehanging doors for various models Leran, including the nuances of working with electronics and magnetic seals. You will learn what tools are needed, how to avoid common mistakes and what to do if after installation the door does not fit tightly.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
For high-quality rearrangement of doors, you will need a minimum set of tools that can be found in every home. The main attention should be paid to the screwdrivers: they must exactly match the size of the screw heads so as not to tear off the slots. Often a special key is included with the refrigerator, but it may not be enough to remove old fasteners.
Be sure to free up space around the refrigerator. You will need access to the unit from all sides, as well as a place to temporarily store the removed parts. Cover the floor with cardboard or soft cloth to avoid damaging the flooring and the equipment itself if elements accidentally fall.
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat-head) or a screwdriver with the appropriate bits.
- 🔑 8 mm wrench or socket (often required for lower hinges).
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
- 📦 A container for folding screws so that they do not get lost.
It is important to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply in advance. This is not only a safety requirement, but also a necessity, since some models have door opening sensors that can respond to manipulations when the power is on. Let the unit stand for 10-15 minutes before starting work.
Design features of Leran refrigerators
Refrigerators Leran are distinguished by a reliable hinge design and a well-thought-out handle fastening system. In most models, such as series RC or RF, the hinges are made of durable steel that can withstand repeated re-hangings. However, the design may vary depending on the year of manufacture and the specific modification.
⚠️ Attention: In models with a display on the door or a system No Frost with removed control buttons, be sure to disconnect the wire cables before removing the door. A sharp jerk can break the contacts, the restoration of which will require soldering.
Particular attention should be paid to the type of handle. In some models it is integrated into the body and does not require dismantling, in others it is mounted with screws from the bottom or side. Identification of fastening type The handle is the first step that needs to be taken before disassembling. If the handle is hidden (pocket type), the process is simplified.
Magnetic seals in technology Leran usually removable, which makes them easier to replace or warm up to restore shape. When rehanging the door, the seal often has to be moved to the opposite side or heated with a hairdryer if it has become deformed during the storage of spare parts.
Step-by-step instructions: dismantling the upper and lower doors
The process of removing doors should begin strictly from top to bottom. This rule is dictated by the design of the hinges: the upper door rests on the lower one, and removing the lower hinge with the upper door installed is impossible without the risk of the structure falling. First, remove the top cover of the refrigerator, if there is one, by unscrewing the fixing screws.
Next, remove the top hinge. Supporting the top door with one hand (or asking an assistant), remove the bolts securing the hinge to the refrigerator body. Carefully remove the door and set it aside in a safe place. Now you have access to the intermediate hinge or the upper part of the lower door.
☑️ Removal steps
Removing the lower door occurs in a similar way: the decorative plug is removed (if it covers the holes for the hinges), the lower support hinge is unscrewed, and the door is removed from the axis. Immediately sort all removed screws and plugs so as not to mix them up during assembly.
If shelves are installed on the door, it is better to remove them in advance to reduce the weight of the structure and avoid broken glass. It is also recommended to remove all products and containers from the door pockets. Empty door Weighs significantly less, which reduces the risk of injury and damage.
Reversing the hinges and moving the handles
After dismantling all doors, it is necessary to move the hinges to the opposite side side. There are usually technological holes on the body of the refrigerator and on the doors themselves, closed with plastic plugs. Remove the plugs from the working side and install them on the side that will become non-working to close the resulting voids.
The hinges on the working side are transferred to new places. Please note that the top and bottom hinges may have different shapes, so it is important not to mix them up when installing. Tighten the bolts tightly, but without excessive force, so as not to strip the threads in the metal case.
| Element | Action | Nuance |
|---|---|---|
| Upper loop | Transfer to the opposite upper corner | Check the alignment of the holes |
| Bottom hinge | Transfer to the lower corner + install the pin | The pin should point up |
| Plugs | Rearrangement from the new side to the old | Close the through holes |
| Handles | Dismantling and installation from the reverse side | Requires removal of decorative trims |
Moving handles is the most time-consuming step if they are not integrated. It is often necessary to remove decorative trims to get to the mounting screws. In some models Leran the handles are attached to latches, which need to be carefully pressed out with a thin screwdriver.
What to do if the screws do not fit?
In rare cases, the equipment may differ, and the old screws will not fit on the new side. In such a situation, use screws of similar size and thread from your set, after making sure that their length will not damage the inner door trim.
Installing doors in the reverse order
Assembly is carried out in the reverse order of disassembly: first the lower door, then the upper. Place the bottom door onto the bottom hinge, making sure the pin fits into the hole. While holding the door, screw the middle hinge (or the top hinge for the bottom door) to the body.
When installing the top door, it is important to accurately align the hinge holes with the mounting points on the body. Have a helper hold the door while you tighten the bolts. Do not completely tighten the bolts until you are sure that the doors close tightly and evenly.
⚠️ Attention: When installing the doors, watch the wire harnesses (if any). They must be placed in special grooves and must not be pinched or strained. Damage to the insulation can lead to a short circuit.
After fixing all the hinges, check the vertical installation of the doors using a level. If the door is skewed, loosen the fasteners and adjust the position by placing washers or changing the angle of inclination, if the design allows. Then finally tighten all the screws.
Adjusting the gaps and tightness
After installing the doors, you need to check the tightness of their fit to the body. Take a sheet of paper, clamp it with the door and try to pull it out. If the sheet is removed with force along the entire perimeter, then the seal is working correctly. If the paper falls out or comes out too easily, adjustment is required.
Often the problem is that the door height is incorrect. Adjustment is made using the refrigerator's support legs or hinged screws. By rotating the adjusting screws, you can achieve the ideal gap between the door and the body.
If the door is skewed diagonally, check the installation of the hinges. Perhaps one of the bolts is tightened more than the others, which creates a misalignment. Loosen all hinge fasteners, align the door and tighten them again, moving diagonally.
It is important to consider that new seals may not fit immediately. Let the refrigerator stand closed for several hours so that the magnetic layer expands and takes the desired shape. During the cold season, this process may take longer.
Frequent errors and ways to eliminate them
One of the most common mistakes is ignoring instructions for rearranging handles. Owners often try to force the handle into the wrong holes, which leads to breakage of the plastic. Always check the diagram in the device passport or carefully study the symmetry of the holes on the door.
Another mistake is insufficient tightening of the hinges. Over time, under the weight of food, the door may begin to sag, which will lead to constant loose closing and an increase in energy consumption. Control check tightening the bolts a day after installation will help avoid this problem.
If after rehanging the refrigerator begins to make noise or vibrate more than usual, check whether it is touching the door behind the body or floor when opening. Sometimes additional adjustment of the support legs is required to level the entire unit relative to the floor.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use aggressive chemicals to clean the seal after work. They can destroy the rubber structure, and the door will no longer retain heat. Use only warm water and mild soap.
If you encounter difficulties with the electronics (the lamp does not light up, the display does not work), check the connectors. Often, when reassembling, they forget to snap the connectors until they make a characteristic click. If the problem persists, it is better to contact a specialist.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to defrost the refrigerator before moving the doors?
Yes, this is highly recommended. Complete defrosting will remove excess moisture, reduce the weight of the unit and make working with the internal shelves more comfortable. In addition, this is a good opportunity to wash the refrigerator before installing it in a new place.
Is it possible to move the door alone, without an assistant?
Technically possible, but highly not recommended. Refrigerator doors Leran are heavy and bulky. Without an assistant, there is a high risk of dropping the door, damaging the floor, fingers or the equipment itself. Involve a second person for insurance.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not hold and opens on its own?
Most likely, the angle of the refrigerator is broken. For proper closing, the unit must be tilted slightly backwards. Adjust the front support legs by unscrewing them so that the front part of the refrigerator rises 1-2 cm higher than the back.
Will the warranty remain valid after you independently rearrange the doors?
According to the law, independent reversal of the doors is not grounds for denial of the warranty if the components and assemblies were not damaged in the process. However, if you break the thread or break the glass, this case will not be considered under warranty. Keep all removed parts.
How long can you not turn on the refrigerator after rearranging?
If you just changed the side of the doors and did not tilt the refrigerator more than 45 degrees, you can turn it on immediately. If the unit was tilted strongly or transported lying down, let the oil in the compressor drain back - wait 2-4 hours before starting.