Changing the layout of the kitchen or moving to a new apartment often dictates the conditions for the arrangement of large household appliances. Owners of refrigeration units of the Korean brand LG often face the need to change the direction of opening the doors in order to provide convenient access to products. Fortunately, the design of most modern models provides for this possibility, allowing you to perform door reverse without contacting a service center.
The rehanging process requires accuracy, a basic set of tools and an understanding of the structure of the hinge group. An incorrect sequence of actions can lead to damage facade panel or failure of the seal. In this article we will analyze in detail the technical nuances of the procedure for various types of structures.
Before starting work, it is important to clear the space around the unit and prepare a flat surface. Remember that the weight of the removed door can be significant, so it is better to carry out all manipulations with an assistant. This will avoid accidental falling of a heavy element and damage to the floor covering.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tools
High-quality preparation is the key to successful completion of the operation of changing the opening side. You will need not only physical strength, but also the right set of tools that will allow you to quickly unscrew the fasteners without the risk of stripping the threads. Make sure in advance that you have everything you need on hand so as not to interrupt the process at the most crucial moment.
The main tool will be a wrench or socket head of the appropriate size, usually 8 or 10 mm. A Phillips screwdriver PH2 for dismantling decorative plugs and internal fastening elements will also be an indispensable assistant. Some models may require the use of hexagons.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the electrical outlet. This is critical for safety, as removing the doors may damage wiring or contacts.
Cover the floor in the work area with soft material, such as a blanket or thick cardboard. This will protect the surface from scratches if small parts or tools are dropped. In addition, prepare a container for folding the screws so that they do not get lost in the carpet pile or floor cracks.
Removing the top panel and preparing to remove the sash
The first stage of work is always dismantling the top cover of the refrigerator, if it is structurally provided for by the model. On many devices LG this panel hides the top hinges and fasteners, so further actions are impossible without removing it. The process is usually not difficult, but requires care.
Inspect the back of the top cover: there may be screws that secure it to the case. Unscrew them counterclockwise and carefully slide the panel forward or up, depending on the type of latches. Be careful not to damage the plastic clips.
Removing the cover will reveal access to the top hinge. If you have a model with a display or control buttons on the door, you must first disconnect electrical connector. Gently press the connector lock and pull out the plug, having first remembered or photographed the position of the wires.
☑️ Preparation for dismantling
Removing the top door and rearranging the hinges
Now we move on to the most crucial moment - the direct removal of the door leaf. The top sash is usually held on by one or two hinges that need to be removed.
Using a wrench, loosen the top hinge mounting bolts. You shouldn’t completely unscrew them right away: it’s better to leave one bolt slightly tightened so that the hinge doesn’t fall, and then quickly remove it while holding the door. After this, carefully remove the door from the lower support and put it in a safe place.
- 🔧 Unscrew the bolts securing the upper hinge to the refrigerator body.
- 🚪 Remove the door and place it on a prepared soft surface.
- 🔄 Dismantle it yourself hinge from the door by unscrewing the screws, if the design requires it.
- 🕳️ Find the plugs on the opposite side of the case and move them to the vacated holes.
On the vacated side of the case you will find threaded holes closed with plastic plugs. They must be removed and installed in place of the newly vacated holes on the other side. This will provide an aesthetic appearance and protection of the inside of the case from dust.
Features of working with the models No Frost and lower chamber
If your refrigerator is equipped with a system No Frost, the process may have its own characteristics associated with the presence of additional air ducts or a more complex sealing system. In such models, it is often necessary to remove the intermediate partition between the chambers to access the lower fastenings.
When working with the lower door (freezer), the algorithm of actions is similar, but the step of removing the upper flap is added if it interferes with access. Often the bottom door is attached to a common axial stud or has its own bottom support hinge, which also needs to be rearranged.
⚠️ Attention: In models with a multi-flow cooling system Multi Air Flow be careful with the plastic air supply ducts. Their damage will lead to disruption of cold circulation.
Models with a bottom freezer are characterized by the presence of a central cross member. It also needs to be dismantled by unscrewing the fastening bolts and installed on the opposite side using the holes provided by the factory. Do not forget to rearrange the door travel limiters, if they are included in your configuration.
Installing the door on the new side and adjusting
After preparing all the holes and rearranging the plugs, you can begin installing the door on the new side. Place the door on the bottom support hinge or pin, making sure it sits evenly in place. Now you need to fix the top hinge with new holes.
Insert the bolts into the holes in the top hinge and start tightening them by hand so as not to damage the threads. Then use a wrench for final tightening. It is important not to overtighten the bolts, but also not to leave them loose, otherwise the door will sag.
Adjusting the position of the door is a critical step. If you notice a skew or a loose seal, use adjusting bolts (if provided by the design) or shims. The door should close tightly and evenly around the entire perimeter.
Table of sizes and tightening torques for different LG series
Different series of refrigerators LG may have differences in the diameter of the fastening bolts and the recommended tightening force. Using the wrong tool or force can damage the threads in the body, which is made of thin metal.
Below is a reference table with the main parameters for popular series. Please note that the data is a guideline, and in case of doubt, it is better to refer to the official documentation of the specific model.
| Refrigerator series | Hinge type | Bolt size | Tightening torque (Nm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| LG GA-B409 | Upper/Lower | M8 x 25 | 15-18 |
| LG GC-B409 | Upper | M8 x 30 | 18-20 |
| LG DoorCooling+ | Hidden | M6 x 20 | 10-12 |
| LG Instaview | Reinforced | M10 x 35 | 25-30 |
When tightening the bolts, try to maintain uniformity. If the hinge is attached to two or three bolts, tighten them gradually, moving from one to another until the required force is achieved. This will help to avoid distortion of the hinge itself relative to the plane of the door.
Checking tightness and eliminating distortions
After installing all the elements, it is necessary to conduct a final quality check of the work performed. The main criterion is the tightness of the fit sealing rubber along the entire perimeter. Loose closure will lead to constant operation of the compressor and increased energy consumption.
Carry out a visual inspection: the door must fit against the body without gaps. To check for leaks, you can use a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet with the door in different places around the perimeter: it should be removed with noticeable force. If the sheet falls out or is removed too easily, adjustment is required.
- 👀 Visually assess the uniformity of the gap along the entire contour of the door.
- 📄 Carry out a test with a sheet of paper to check the pressing force of the seal.
- 🔊 Listen: when closing you should hear a characteristic pop indicating the creation of a vacuum.
If a misalignment is detected, check the installation level of the refrigerator itself. Often the problem lies not in the hinges, but in the fact that the unit is standing on an uneven floor. Adjust the front support legs to ensure that the body tilts slightly backwards - this helps the door close itself.
⚠️ Attention: If after adjustment the door still does not fit tightly, the seal may have become deformed during storage or installation. In this case, you may need to replace it or heat it with a hair dryer to restore its shape.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to rehang the door if there is a display on it?
Yes, this is possible, but it requires more caution. You will have to disconnect the electrical connector of the control cable.
What to do if the holes on the new side do not match?
In the original refrigerator cases LG the holes for reversing are always provided by the factory and are closed with plugs. If you don't see any holes, inspect the surface carefully. It is strictly forbidden to drill new holes - this will damage the thermal insulation and structure of the housing. If there really are no holes (in very old or specific models), it is impossible to rehang the door.
Do I need to wait after turning on the refrigerator?
After completing the rehanging work and connecting to the network, the refrigerator needs time to stabilize the temperature. It is recommended not to load products for 2-4 hours. This will allow the unit to enter operating mode without increased load on the compressor.
What to do if the door begins to touch the body when opening?
This is a sign of incorrect adjustment of the height of the support legs or misalignment when installing the hinge. Check that the refrigerator is installed horizontally. Also make sure that all trim and stops are installed correctly. Sometimes slightly loosening the hinge bolts, closing the door and re-tightening it when closed helps.