Redesigning the kitchen or simply inconvenient location of the household technicians often pose the question to owners about how to change the direction of opening the sash. For many models of refrigeration equipment Haier this procedure is provided by the design and can be performed independently. Properly performed rehanging will not only improve the ergonomics of use, but will also extend the service life of the seals, providing a tighter fit.
The process requires accuracy, a basic set of tools and an understanding of the structure of the hinge group. This is the first and most important safety rule that cannot be ignored under any circumstances.
In this article we will analyze in detail the stages of dismantling and installing elements on the opposite side. You will learn about the nuances of working with different types of hinges and how to adjust the gaps after installation is complete. Carefully following the instructions will help avoid damage to the facade or closing mechanism.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Before starting the active phase of work, you should prepare everything you need. Not having the right tool at hand can cause the process to take longer and the risk of damaging parts to increase. Models Haier most often require a standard DIY kit, but there are also specific requirements.
You will need a set of screwdrivers, including Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, as well as wrenches or sockets of the appropriate size. The sizes 8 mm, 10 mm and 13 mmare often used. It would also be a good idea to prepare a container for folding fasteners so that they do not get lost during work.
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) for working with case screws.
- 🔩 Wrenches or ratchet heads for hinge bolts.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧹 Clean rags for wiping the fastening points from dust.
Organize your workspace so that nothing interferes with walking around the refrigerator. Remove carpets that may slip and ensure the work area is well lit. If the floor is slippery, lay down thick cardboard or a rubber mat.
☑️ Preparation for re-hanging
Removing the top part and door removal
You should always start work from the top hinge, since it is this that holds the bulk of the door leaf suspended. First you need to remove the decorative plug that hides the fasteners. Usually it is fixed with latches or simply inserted into a groove.
After removing the cover, you will see the bolts securing the top hinge to the refrigerator body. They must be unscrewed, but not removed completely until the door is secured. At this stage, it is critical to hold the door so that it does not fall under its own weight.
⚠️ Attention: Do not attempt to remove the top hinge unless the door is secured by a second person or a stop. Falling a heavy door can cause injury to your feet or damage to the flooring.
When the bolts are loosened, carefully lift the door up, removing it from the bottom axis. If the model is two-chamber, then the upper door is removed first, then the lower one. In some cases, it is necessary to remove the handle or decorative panel before dismantling the door itself.
The folded door is best placed on a soft surface, such as a folded blanket or cardboard, face up. This will prevent the glossy finish from scratching or dents. Make sure that no one will walk in the place where the door is stored.
What to do if the bolts are rusty?
If the fasteners do not unscrew, do not use excessive force so as not to strip the threads. Treat the joint with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and leave for 10-15 minutes. After this, try to carefully turn the key again.
Rearranging the lower support and fittings
After removing the door panels, you need to move the lower support axis to the opposite side. In the lower part of the refrigerator body Haier there are usually technological holes on both sides, closed with plastic plugs. You need to remove the plug from the new side and install it in place of the old hole.
The lower hinge often has a complex structure, including a pin on which the door is placed and a closer mechanism. When rearranging, it is important to orient the parts correctly. The pin should point straight up, and the mechanism itself should correspond to the opening direction.
Do not forget to rearrange the stops or clamps, if they are provided for in the design of your model. These elements are responsible for fixing the door in the closed position and preventing spontaneous opening. Their location directly depends on the side of the hinge.
| Element | Action with left hingement | Action with right hinge |
|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Installation on the left | Mounting on the right |
| Bottom axis | Screwed into the left hole | Screwed into the right hole |
| Plugs | Placed in the right holes | Placed in the left holes |
| Handle | Rearrangement (if symmetrical) | Remains in place |
When installing a new lower support, make sure that it fits into the groove all the way and is secured with a locking screw, if any provided. An under-rotated axis can lead to door misalignment and rapid wear of the seal.
Installing doors on a new side
The installation process begins with the bottom door (in two-chamber models). Carefully slide the door leaf onto the installed lower axle. Make sure that the hole in the end of the door aligns exactly with the pin. This requires some dexterity, so the help of a second person will be very helpful.
After installing the bottom door, it is necessary to mount the middle partition or strip if it was dismantled. The pin for the top door goes through it. Make sure that all the holes match and bolt the intermediate element to the refrigerator body.
Now it’s the turn of the top door. The principle is the same: we put the canvas on the axle, align it and prepare it for fixing with the top loop. At this stage there is no need to tighten the top hinge bolts “all the way”. Leave a small play for subsequent adjustment position.
Check how the doors close. They should fit tightly around the entire perimeter, without gaps. If you notice a misalignment or the door touches the body, then additional adjustment of the height of the hinges is required.
Adjusting the position and gaps
The final stage is fine tuning. Even with careful installation, slight distortions may occur. Adjustment is carried out by loosening the fastening bolts of the upper hinge and moving the door leaf in the desired direction.
If the door warps to one side, slightly loosen the bolts and raise or lower the corresponding corner. Once the ideal position is achieved, re-tighten the fastener. Check the operation of the magnetic lock: the door should be magnetized with a characteristic sound at a distance of 2-3 cm from the body.
- 📏 Check the horizontal installation of the refrigerator itself using a level.
- 🚪 Make sure that the opening angle allows you to fully extend the shelves.
- 🔍 Inspect seal around the entire perimeter for creases.
Pay special attention to the seal. After rehanging it may be slightly deformed. To straighten the rubber, you can gently heat it with a hairdryer at a low temperature or simply leave the door closed for several hours.
⚠️ Attention: Over-tightening the bolts can lead to deformation of the metal hinge bar or stripping of the threads in the body. Tighten the fasteners with moderate force.
Frequent errors and ways to eliminate them
When doing work on their own, beginners often make common mistakes. One of them is the loss or confusion of fasteners. The bolts for the upper and lower hinges may differ in length and thread, so it is recommended to sort them during the dismantling process.
Another common problem is ignoring the adjustment of the refrigerator legs. If the unit is not level, the door may not close completely or, conversely, open on its own. Use adjustable supports to set a strictly horizontal position.
It is also worth mentioning the risk of damage to the coating. Using metal tools without protection (for example, without a cloth pad) often results in chipping of the enamel around the mounting holes. Be extremely careful when working in close proximity to the body.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Do I need to call a specialist to re-hang the door Haier?
No, if you have minimal technical skills and the right tools, you can do it yourself. However, if the refrigerator is under warranty, it is better to clarify the conditions, since independent intervention can sometimes affect the warranty obligations.
What to do if the holes for the hinges do not match?
In some refrigerator models Haier the design of the case does not provide for re-hanging the doors. If there are no threaded holes or plastic bushings on the opposite side, then this operation for your model is impossible without drilling, which is not recommended.
How long does the glue on the handles dry after rearrangement?
If the handles are attached to screws, no drying time is required. If glue was used to fix decorative elements, it is recommended to wait at least 12-24 hours before active use, following the instructions for the specific adhesive composition.
Is it possible to damage the compressor when turning the refrigerator over?
When rehanging the doors, the refrigerator does not need to be turned upside down, it remains in a vertical position. Therefore, the risk of damage to the compressor or refrigerant circulation system is completely eliminated if you do not tilt the unit excessively.