How to rearrange the door in the refrigerator Don: complete instructions

Changing the kitchen layout or buying new furniture often dictates their conditions for the arrangement of household appliances. If the refrigerator Don no longer fits into the allotted space due to the direction in which the door opens, the situation can be easily corrected. Re-hanging doors is a standard procedure provided for by the design of most modern models, and it does not require calling a specialist.

The process takes a little time, but requires care and adherence to the sequence of actions. Rearrangement may be necessary to free up the passage or provide more convenient access to the shelves. It is important to understand that the brand’s model range is diverse, and the design of the hinges may differ depending on the year of manufacture and series.

In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for different types of fastenings. You will learn what tools you will need, how not to damage seal during dismantling, and what to do if the sash does not close tightly after installation. Compliance with all steps will ensure that your unit will operate correctly.

Necessary tools and workplace preparation

Before you begin dismantling heavy elements, you need to prepare the space and tools. Working with large equipment requires caution, as careless handling can lead to damage to the floor or the body itself. Make sure there is enough room to maneuver around the unit.

You will need a standard set of household tools. The main work of unscrewing the bolts will be done by hexagon or a Phillips screwdriver, depending on the configuration of your model. Also useful are pliers for removing plugs and a soft cloth to protect surfaces.

The list of necessary equipment includes:

• 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) for different types of screws.
• 🔑 Hex keys (usually 4, 5 or 6 mm) for hinges.
• 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
• 🧶 Masking tape to fix the position of the sash when removing.

Pay special attention to lighting. All work is carried out at the bottom of the case, where technical holes and a base are often located. In poor light, you can miss an important fastener or damage the wiring if it is connected to the door.

Design features of doors of Don models

Refrigerators Don, like many other brands, have a universal design that allows you to change the opening side. However, depending on the modification, the mechanism may differ. In some models, the hinges are hidden with decorative overlays, in others they are open.

The key element is hinge mechanismwhich holds the weight of the entire sash. It bears the main load when opening. When rehanging, it is important not to confuse the upper and lower groups of fasteners, since they may have different geometries.

⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This will protect you from electric shock and prevent accidental starting of the compressor while manipulating the housing.

It is also worth considering the presence of a No Frost or static cooling system. If the doors have built-in air ducts or a condensate drainage system, re-hanging will require rearranging additional elements. In simple models, it is enough to rearrange the hinges and handles themselves.

Study the instructions for your specific model, if you still have one. There are often specific points specified, such as whether a certain panel must be removed before accessing the bolts. If there are no instructions, proceed methodically, photographing each stage of disassembly.

Step-by-step instructions: dismantling the top part

You should always start work from the top of the refrigerator. This allows you to remove the load from the lower fastenings and safely dismantle the door. First, remove the decorative cover or panel hiding the top hinge. It can be held on by latches or screws.

After gaining access to the mechanism, carefully unscrew the bolts securing the top hinge. Do not remove them completely at once, it is better to just loosen them to check the freedom of movement. If the model is equipped with an electronic display on the door, be extremely careful with cable.

Ask an assistant to hold the door while you completely unscrew the fasteners. Abrupt removal may cause it to hit the floor or damage the seal. After removing the top hinge, the door can be carefully lifted and removed from the bottom pin.

Place the door on a soft surface, such as a spread blanket or cardboard. This will prevent scratches on the glossy surface and chips on the corners. Now you can begin preparing the case for installation on the other side.

Rearranging fittings and plugs

The most critical stage is moving all the elements to the opposite side. On the front panel of the case you will see a number of holes: some of them are occupied by fasteners, some are closed with plastic plugs. You need to swap them.

Remove the plugs from the holes where the hinges will be installed and cover the vacated holes on the current side with them. Usually this is done with your fingers, but sometimes you need the help of a flat-head screwdriver. Be careful not to break the plastic.

Now let's work on the handle. If it is asymmetrical, it must be dismantled and installed on the other side. To do this:

• 🔩 Find hidden screws securing the handle (often under decorative caps).
• 🔓 Unscrew them and remove the handle from the old position.
• 🔙 Install the handle on the new holes and tighten the fasteners tightly.

In some models Don the holes for the handles are already drilled on both sides and closed with plugs. In other cases, you may need to drill yourself, but this is rare with modern rulers. Check for threads before installation.

What to do if the holes do not line up?

If you find that there are no threaded holes on the new side, do not drill the housing yourself. This may damage the insulation. In such cases, special adapters are often used or the door itself needs to be replaced with a universal model.

Installing the door on a new side

When all the preparatory work is completed, you can begin installation. Place the bottom hinge in its new location. Insert a pin into it on which the door will rest. Make sure that the hinge is level and fits snugly against the body.

Lift the door and carefully slide it onto the bottom pin. Make sure that the hole in the bottom of the door aligns exactly with the axis. It is more convenient to do this together, since the sash is heavy and can move to the side.

Now install the top hinge. Insert it into the grooves and start tightening the bolts. Do not tighten them all the way right away. First, just tighten all the screws so that the mechanism can “walk” a little for alignment.

Align the door so that the gaps around the perimeter are the same. They must be symmetrical relative to the body. Only after precise positioning can you finally tighten it fastening bolts with a wrench.

Adjusting a tight fit and eliminating misalignments

After installation, there is often a need for fine tuning. If the door is skewed, cracks may form in the corners through which the cold will escape. This will lead to increased load on the compressor and the formation of ice.

Check the sealing rubber around the entire perimeter. It should touch the body evenly. If a gap is visible in some place, try slightly loosening the upper hinge bolts and moving the door in the desired direction.

To adjust the height, the adjustment supports at the bottom of the refrigerator are often used. By rotating them, you can raise or lower the front corner of the unit, which will change the angle of inclination of the entire structure and help the door close under its own weight.

There is a simple leak test: squeeze a sheet of paper between the door and the body and try to pull it out. If the paper comes out easily or falls out on its own, it means that in this place seal it does not fit tightly enough and further adjustment of the hinges is required.

Common mistakes and troubleshooting

When rehanging independently, users often make typical errors. One of them is the loss of fasteners. Small bolts easily roll under the refrigerator or get lost in the carpet. We recommend using a magnetic tray or jar to store all the parts.

Another mistake is overtightening the bolts. Excessive force may strip the threads in the aluminum housing or damage the plastic of the hinge. Tighten the screws tightly, but not fanatically. If a torque wrench is used, follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

⚠️ Attention: Do not turn on the refrigerator immediately after rearranging. Allow the oil in the compressor to settle (1-2 hours), especially if the unit was tilted strongly during operation. Also check if the hoses or wires are pinched.

If after installation the door begins to open too tightly or, conversely, too easily, check the position of the stops. Some models Don have special clamps that limit the opening angle, which must be adjusted manually.

Table and solutions

Below is a table with the main problems that may arise after re-hanging and ways to eliminate them. This will help to quickly diagnose the malfunction.

Regularly check the condition of the seal after the procedure. If the rubber was deformed during installation, you can try to restore it by heating it with warm air from a hair dryer at minimum power, but without bringing it too close.

Properly done rehanging will extend the life of your refrigerator Don. Make sure all tools are put away and the work area is clear of debris. Now you can enjoy a convenient kitchen layout.

Is it possible to rearrange the door yourself if the refrigerator is two-chamber?

Yes, you can. The principle of operation is similar, but it is better to do the work in stages: first remove the upper (freezer) door, then the lower one. This will reduce the risk of damage to the equipment and make the process easier.

What to do if one of the plastic plugs is lost?

Plugs can be purchased at service centers or ordered from the manufacturer. Temporarily, the hole can be covered with a decorative sticker or a piece of plastic, matched in color, to prevent dust from getting in.

Does it need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging it?

It is advisable. Complete defrosting will lighten the weight of the unit and allow you to remove all products and shelves, which will make the process of removing doors safer and easier.

Does re-hanging the door affect the warranty?

Re-hanging the doors yourself, as a rule, is not a basis for voiding the warranty if no parts were damaged in the process. However, if you break the thread or break the glass, the warranty case will not be recognized.