Changing the opening side of the refrigerator door is one of the most popular procedures when moving or remodeling a kitchen. Owners of household appliances Whirlpool often face the need to adapt the dimensions of the device to suit limited space or new design solutions. Fortunately, the design of most models of this brand provides for the possibility of symmetrical rehanging, which saves time and money on calling a specialist.
The process requires accuracy, the presence of a basic set of tools and strict adherence to the sequence of actions. Incorrect installation can lead to misalignment of the sash, loss of tightness, or even damage to the housing. In this material, we will analyze in detail all stages of work, paying special attention to the nuances of dismantling and adjusting the hinge mechanisms.
Before starting active operations, it is strongly recommended to empty the refrigerator of food and completely defrost it if it is a model with a drip system. It is also worth preparing a soft floor covering so as not to scratch the floor or the unit itself when tilted. Safety above all, so be sure to disconnect the device from the power supply by removing the plug from the socket.
Determine which way the door will open after reinstallation. Usually complete with refrigerators Whirlpool there are plugs for holes that will become visible after moving the fittings. Make sure that all the necessary parts are available so as not to interrupt work at the most inopportune moment.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
Quality preparation is the key to successful completion of the repair. To work with hinge fasteners, you will need a standard DIY kit. Do not use unsuitable tools, as this can lead to thread stripping or damage to screw heads.
- 🔧 Screwdriver or a set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat-head) - the main tool for dismantling.
- 🔩 Open-end wrenches or socket heads (often a size of 8, 10 or 13 mm is required) — for hinge nuts.
- 🧤 Protective gloves —metal edges of shelves and doors can be sharp.
- 📦 Container for small parts —to avoid losing screws and plugs during work.
Organize the space around the refrigerator. You will need free access to the unit from all sides, especially if you plan to completely dismantle the doors. Remove carpets and foreign objects that may interfere with the movement of the heavy case.
⚠️ Attention: The refrigerator door Whirlpool weighs quite a lot. If you are working alone, be sure to hold the removed sash or ask someone to help you to avoid falling and injury.
Check the contents. On some models, the hanging hardware may be packaged separately and attached to the back wall or located inside the refrigerator compartment in a bag with documents. The lack of necessary bolts or bushings can become an unpleasant surprise in the middle of the process.
Dismantling the top door and preparing the case
We begin direct work with the case. The first step is always to remove the top door, since it creates the main load on the structure and interferes with access to the lower fasteners. If you have a Side-by-Side or two-chamber refrigerator, the sequence may differ slightly, but the general principle remains the same.
Remove the top decorative panel if it covers the top hinge fasteners. In models Whirlpool it is often held on by latches or one screw. Carefully pry out the plastic with a flat-head screwdriver, being careful not to damage the paintwork.
Unscrew the bolts securing the top hinge. It is important here not to remove them completely at once if the door is not fixed. It is better to loosen the fasteners, holding the sash, and then completely unscrew the screws. Immediately remove the hinge itself from its seat.
☑️ Preparing to remove the door
After removing the upper hinge, carefully lift the door and remove it from the lower support sleeve. If the door is heavy, go slowly. Place the removed door on a prepared soft surface with the outer side down so as not to scratch the facade.
Now you need to dismantle the mating part of the hinge on the opposite side of the body, where you plan to move the door. Often there are shipping plugs or simple screws installed there. Save them; they will be needed for reinstallation on the freed side.
Hanging the bottom door and working with mechanisms
The bottom door in refrigerators Whirlpool often has its own fastening features. In some models it is attached directly to the body through the lower support sleeve, in others - through an intermediate hinge connecting both doors. Let's look at the most common option with a common axis or separate fastenings.
Remove the base panel from the bottom of the refrigerator if it interferes with access to the bottom bolts. It is usually secured with latches or a couple of screws. This will give you access to the base and lower fasteners.
Unscrew the lower support sleeve or bracket. A large-lever wrench may be required here since these connections are tightened sufficiently to ensure structural stability. Be careful not to strip the thread.
| Type of fastening | Tool | Feature | Tightening torque |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top loop | Phillips screwdriver / Key 10mm | Holds the weight of the door | Medium |
| Bottom sleeve | Key 8mm or 10mm | Axle fixation | Strong |
| Intermediate hinge | Hex / Key | Door connection | Medium |
| Door handle | Hexagon | Hidden fastener | Weak |
Move the lower support sleeve to the opposite side. The refrigerator body should already have threaded holes provided by the factory. Screw the bushing into a new place, ensuring its tight fit to the surface.
⚠️ Attention: When moving the lower door, monitor the position of the stops and limiters. If they are not rearranged or installed incorrectly, the door may open at the wrong angle or hit the body.
If your model is equipped with a system No Frost, check the condition of the air ducts. When hanging the doors, make sure that they do not overlap and cold air will circulate freely between the chambers.
What to do if the holes do not match?
In rare cases, if there is a manufacturing defect or non-original spare parts are used, the holes may not match. Never drill new holes in the refrigerator body yourself! This will damage the thermal insulation and lead to corrosion. Contact the service center to select original adapters.
Installing handles and moving accessories
One of the most noticeable stages is moving handles. In refrigerators Whirlpool handles are often attached in a hidden way through special holes in the end of the door or on the inside. To dismantle them, you may need to remove the decorative plugs.
Find the handle mounting screws. They can be located on the top, bottom or side of the handle, hidden by plastic caps. Carefully remove the caps and unscrew the screws with a suitable screwdriver.
Move the handles to the opposite end of the door. In most cases, the door design is symmetrical, and the holes are already prepared. If there are factory plugs in the new location, remove them. Install the handles and tighten the fasteners, but do not use excessive force to avoid cracking the plastic.
Don't forget about the holes that were left empty after moving the handles. The refrigerator usually comes with plastic plugs that match the color of the case. Cover the old holes with them to maintain an aesthetic appearance and protect the metal from moisture.
Check the operation of the latch mechanism. After moving the handles, make sure that the magnetic lock or mechanical latch is at the correct level with the mating part on the case. If necessary, the position of the latch can be slightly adjusted by loosening its screws.
Installation of doors and final assembly
Now we proceed to reinstalling the doors in new places. Start with the bottom door. Slide it onto the previously installed lower support sleeve. Make sure that the door is level and does not fall to the sides.
If the model is two-chamber, install the middle hinge (if provided for by the design) and hang the top door. Align the holes in the top hinge with the holes in the refrigerator body.
Screw in the bolts of the top hinge. Simply tighten them by hand first to make sure they are positioned correctly, then tighten them with a wrench or screwdriver. It is important to tighten the bolts crosswise, ensuring that the hinge fits evenly.
Check the vertical installation. The door should hang parallel to the body, without distortions to the left or right. The gap around the perimeter should be uniform. If you see a clear misalignment, loosen the fasteners, straighten the door and tighten again.
Adjusting the position and checking the tightness
After installation, it is necessary to fine-tune it. Even with perfect installation, it may be necessary to adjust the height of the doors so that they close tightly and at the same level. In refrigerators Whirlpool an adjusting screw in the bottom support or stud is often responsible for this.
Use a building level, placing it on the end of the open door to check the horizontal position. If the door is skewed, tighten the adjusting screws in the bottom hinge. Turning clockwise usually raises the corner, counterclockwise lowers it.
Check the tightness of the seal. Take a piece of paper and clamp it around the perimeter of the door. The paper should be pulled out with noticeable force. If the sheet slides out freely, it means that the seal does not fit in this place, and additional adjustment of the hinge is needed.
⚠️ Attention: The design and location of the adjusting screws may vary depending on the specific series of the refrigerator. Always check the official instructions for your model, as details may change.
Allow the refrigerator to stand in an upright position for at least 2-3 hours before turning it on, especially if it was tilted strongly during operation. This is necessary to allow the compressor oil to drain back into the crankcase.
Do you need to completely defrost the refrigerator before moving the doors?
Complete defrosting is desirable, but not always necessary if you work quickly. However, if there is a lot of ice inside, when the doors are tilted or removed, water may leak into the mechanisms or onto the floor. It is better to play it safe and defrost the unit in advance.
What to do if the Whirlpool refrigerator door does not close tightly after rearrangement?
There may be several reasons: the door is skewed during installation, damage to the seal during installation, or incorrect installation of the stops. Check the adjustment of the hinges and make sure that nothing interferes with the tight fit of the magnetic tape.
Is it possible to rearrange the door if the refrigerator is built-in?
With built-in models, everything is more complicated. Often it is necessary to rehang not only refrigerator doors, but also decorative furniture facades. This is a labor-intensive process that requires precise fitting. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to entrust this to professionals.
Where to find original plugs if they are lost?
Original plugs can be ordered from authorized service centers Whirlpool according to the catalog number of your model. Universal furniture plugs are also suitable if you choose the right diameter and color.
Does rearranging doors affect the warranty?
Rearranging doors yourself, carried out according to instructions, usually does not void the warranty unless parts are damaged in the process. However, if you strip the threads or break the glass, it will be considered a non-warranty event. Keep all removed parts.