Changing the kitchen layout or buying a new set often dictate their terms, demanding to change the direction of opening the door of the refrigeration unit. For equipment owners Nord Frost this problem can be solved without calling a technician, since the design of most models allows for the possibility of re-hanging the sash. The process requires care and accuracy, but is not technically difficult if you follow the sequence of actions.
Before starting work, you need to clear the space around the refrigerator to ensure access to the ends from all sides. It is important to understand that incorrect installation can lead to a violation of the seal of the chamber, therefore adjusting gaps is a critical step. In this article we will analyze all the nuances of rearranging doors on various brand models.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
The success of the operation directly depends on how well you prepared for the process. You will need not only a basic set of household tools, but also a few specific items that will help avoid damage to the case. Collect everything you need in one place in advance so as not to be distracted by searching at the most crucial moment.
The main tool will be hex wrench or a set of screwdrivers, since fastening bolts in equipment Nord are often hidden under decorative plugs. It would also be useful to have an assistant who will hold the heavy sash while unscrewing the hinges, preventing the metal from falling and deforming.
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (Phillips and flat-head) or a screwdriver with the appropriate bits.
- 🔑 Hex keys (usually 4 mm or 5 mm) for adjusting screws.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧼 Soft rags for wiping the hinge installation areas from dust.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply by removing the plug from the outlet. This safety rule is basic, but often ignored, which can lead to electric shock if the wiring is accidentally damaged.
Removing the top and removing the door
The process begins from the top of the refrigerator, where the main hinge is usually located. First, carefully remove the decorative trim that hides the fasteners. It may be held on by latches or simply sit tightly in the grooves, so do not use excessive force to avoid breaking the plastic.
After gaining access to upper hinge, loosen the bolts, but do not remove them completely yet. At this stage, you will need an assistant to hold the door firmly, removing the load from the fasteners. Only after making sure that the sash is fixed can you completely unscrew the screws and remove the hinge.
The disconnected door should be carefully set aside, having first cleared the shelves and containers in order to reduce the weight of the structure. If the model is equipped with a display or control buttons on the door, you first need to disconnect electrical connector the wires coming from the refrigerator body.
What to do if the wires are short?
If the length of the wires does not allow you to move the door freely, do not pull them. Carefully remove the top panel of the refrigerator body (usually it is secured with latches at the back) to gain access to the wiring harness and carefully pull them through the access hole.
Removing the bottom hinge and preparing the body
Once the door is removed, attention turns to the lower part of the structure. There is a support loop here, which also needs to be dismantled. In some models Nord Frost there may be an adjusting washer or bushing under the bottom hinge - do not lose these small parts, they will be needed during reassembly.
Inspect the free space on the body. Often there are traces of old fasteners or technological holes that will now become redundant. For aesthetics and to prevent dust from entering, these places are closed with special plastic plugsplastic plugs
Now you need to move the fastening elements to the opposite side. The refrigerator body already has threaded holes on the other side, closed with plastic plugs. Carefully remove the plugs from the new side and install them in the old places to maintain the symmetrical appearance of the unit.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use excessive force when tightening the bolts into the new seats. If the threads do not fit, check the alignment of the holes so as not to break the threads in the metal body of the refrigerator.
Installing the door on the new side
The most important step is installing the door in a new place. Lift the sash and align the bottom hinge hole with the mating hole in the frame. Install the lower support loop and tighten the mounting bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet to leave room for.
Next, the upper loop is installed. Align the holes in the top of the door with the holes in the refrigerator body. Insert the bolts and start tightening them. At this stage, it is important to monitor the vertical position of the door so that it does not warp relative to the body.
After installing all the fasteners, you can begin the final fixation. Tighten all bolts evenly, moving diagonally to ensure that the hinge rests evenly on the surface. Check that there are no gaps between the hinge and the body.
☑️ Installation checklist
Adjusting the door position and gaps
Just screwing the door is not enough - it must close tightly and without distortions. If you notice that the sash is skewed or does not fit tightly against the seal, you will need height adjustment. To do this, adjusting screws are used, located at the bottom of the front panel or directly in the structure of the lower hinge.
By rotating the adjustment key, you can raise or lower one of the corners of the door. Do this smoothly, checking the result after each half turn. The ideal condition is when the door, open to 45 degrees, closes independently under the action of a magnetic seal.
Pay special attention to the gap between the door and the body. It should be the same along the entire length. If the gap in the upper part is larger than in the lower part, or vice versa, this indicates incorrect installation of the hinges or deformation of the door itself.
| Problem | Possible cause | Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| The door does not close completely | Distortion of the body or floor | Adjusting the support legs of the refrigerator |
| Large gap at the top | The lower hinge is lowered | Tighten the adjusting screw from below |
| It is difficult to open the door | The hinges are too tight | Loosen the top hinge by 0.5 turn |
| Whistling or creaking when opening | Metal friction or dryness | Lubricate the hinges with silicone grease |
Frequent errors and ways to eliminate them
Even with instructions, beginners often make typical mistakes that can negate all the work. One of the most common is ignoring the floor level. If the refrigerator is on an uneven floor, opening geometry it is broken, and the door may open spontaneously or close loosely.
Another mistake is overtightening the bolts. Excessive force can cause the metal hinge bushing to deform or even crack the housing casting. Tighten the fasteners with enough force to secure them, but without fanaticism. They also often forget about installing plugs, which spoils the appearance of the equipment.
If after all the manipulations you hear extraneous sounds or feel resistance, do not ignore it. Disassemble the structure again and check whether foreign objects have entered the hinge mechanism and whether the rotation axis is positioned correctly.
⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator model has a door equipped with a “No Frost” system with a cold air supply channel, make sure that the air ducts are not pinched when rehanging. This can interfere with air circulation and lead to compressor failure.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
You can 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 carefully disconnect the cable that goes to the control panel. It is important to remember or photograph the connection order, and also make sure that the wires are long enough to transfer to the other side. In rare cases, it may be necessary to extend the harness.
What to do if plastic plugs for old holes are lost?
Plugs can be purchased at hardware stores for household appliances or ordered from an authorized dealer Nord. As a last resort, you can use decorative stickers of a suitable color, although this is less aesthetically pleasing. Sometimes plugs from other equipment of a similar design help.
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging it?
Full defrosting is not necessary if this does not interfere with access to the fasteners. However, if you plan to work for a long time, it is better to turn off the unit in advance so that condensation does not damage the electrical contacts when removing the door.
Why does the door not close completely after rehanging?
Most likely, the angle of the refrigerator itself is broken. To function properly, the closing mechanism requires the housing to be tilted slightly backwards. Adjust the front support legs by unscrewing them to raise the front of the refrigerator by 1-2 cm.