Changing the kitchen layout or just wanting to do To make using household appliances more convenient, owners often face the question of how to rearrange the door of an LG refrigerator. Modern models of the South Korean brand, such as series GA-B, GC-B or GN-B, often allow this possibility, but the process requires care and adherence to technology. Improper reinstallation can lead to leakage, sash misalignment, or even damage to expensive door closer mechanisms.
Before taking up the tools, you need to clearly understand the design of your unit. In some models, it is enough to simply move the hinges, in others, a complete overhaul of the hinge assembly is required. Key point is the presence of a special mounting hole on the opposite side of the body, which is often closed with a decorative plug. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact a service center, but for most enthusiasts, self-repair is quite possible.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for various types of hinges, discuss the nuances of adjusting the gaps and provide a list of the necessary tools. It is important to understand that for two-chamber models and system units No Frost the procedure may differ in the number of elements removed. Let's prepare the workplace and begin to study the technical features.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
The success of the operation depends 90% on proper preparation. You do not need specialized industrial equipment, but the kit must be of high quality. The main tool will be hex wrench (usually 4 mm or 5 mm), since LG actively uses this type of fastener for hinges. You may also need a 7 mm or 8 mm open-end wrench if the bolts have a classic head.
Be sure to prepare a flat-head screwdriver with a wide blade for removing decorative plastic plugs. These elements fit tightly into the grooves, and careless handling can lead to scratches on the body or breakage of the plastic. To protect the floor covering and the unit itself, cover the floor with a soft material, such as a blanket or thick cardboard.
Here is a list of what should be on hand before starting work:
- 🔧 A set of hex keys (the main tool for dismantling).
- 🪛 Flathead screwdriver slot (for careful removal of plugs).
- 🧤 Work gloves (protect hands from sharp metal edges).
- 📏 Level (to control the horizontal installation after transfer).
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! Remove the plug from the socket to eliminate the risk of electric shock and prevent accidental starting of the compressor while manipulating the wiring.
Clear space around the refrigerator. You need access to the unit from all sides, since the door will have to be removed completely and set aside. Remove all food from the door shelves to reduce its weight and avoid heavy cans falling during the dismantling process.
Design analysis and features of LG models
LG refrigerators are divided into several types based on the design of the doorway. In classic two-chamber models, the upper door (freezer) and the lower door (main chamber) can have independent or linked hinge mechanisms. Particular attention should be paid to models with a system Door-in-Door or InstaView, where an additional transparent panel is installed on the outer leaf.
In such complex structures, rearrangement may either be impossible without professional equipment, or require dismantling the electronic control unit, which is often integrated into the end of the door. If you have just such a model, we strongly advise check the official instructions, since the risk of damaging the cables is very high. In standard models Total No Frost the procedure is standardized.
Inspect the end part of the refrigerator body from the opposite side. There should be symmetrical holes for the hinges. If the holes are closed with plastic plugs, they need to be removed. Sometimes, under the decorative strip at the very top of the refrigerator, the upper hinge fastener is hidden, which also requires relocation.
The table below will help identify the type of your hinge system by external features:
| Type of construction | Hinge location | Complexity permutations | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic | Side view, immediately visible | Low | Standard fasteners, minimum electronics |
| Hidden top | Under the decor strip | Middle | Removal of the housing cover is required |
| Door-in-Door | Combined | High | The presence of additional hinges and loops |
| Built-in | On a furniture door | High | Depends on the kitchen facade, complex adjustment |
Understanding the type of construction will allow you to estimate the amount of work in advance. If you are the owner of a built-in model, remember that the door is not attached directly to the refrigerator body, but to the furniture facade, and the hanging technology will be radically different.
Removing the top door and preparing the body
We start the process from the top of the unit. If you have a two-compartment refrigerator, first remove the freezer door. This is necessary to gain access to the lower elements and not create unnecessary load on the structure. Open the door and find the attachment points for the top hinge.
Use a hex wrench to remove the bolts. Do not remove them completely at once - loosen all the bolts, and then unscrew them completely. Important: the door may be heavy, so ask an assistant to hold it while removing the last fastener. Carefully remove the top door and put it in a safe place.
Now you need to dismantle the hinge itself. Remove it from the body and move it to the opposite side, securing it with one bolt until it is completely secure. If there is a plastic plug at the site of future fastening, pry it off with a flat-head screwdriver and remove it. Install a plug into the vacated hole on the side where the hinge was originally.
☑️ Check before removing the door
Some models have a decorative trim at the top that hides the fasteners. It can be held on with latches or screws at the back. Carefully remove this piece to expose the top support pad. Make sure that all the wires going through the top hinge (if your model has them) are not strained.
Moving the main lower door
The most important step is working with the main camera. Unlike the top, there is often an electrical cable running here that connects the control board to the door buttons or indicators. Carefully inspect the connection. In modern LG models, the connector may be located inside the case under the top cover or directly in the hinge area.
If the connector is in the access area, carefully disconnect it. Do not pull on the wires; hold on to the plastic housing of the connector. If the cable passes through the hollow hinge pin, it will need to be threaded through a new hole during reassembly. This requires special care to avoid damaging the insulation.
- 🔌 Disconnect the electrical connector (if provided).
- 🔩 Loosen the bottom hinge bolts while holding the door.
- 🚪 Remove the door and lay it horizontally on a soft surface surface.
- 🔄 Move the lower hinge to the opposite side of the body.
After the hinge has been moved, you can begin installing the door in a new location. Align the holes in the door with the holes in the new hinge. Insert the bottom pin or bushing into the door groove. Make sure the door is level and does not fall down.
⚠️ Attention: When installing the door, make sure that the electrical cable is not pinched or twisted. This may result in a short circuit or failure of the control panel.
Attach the door to the bottom hinge, but do not tighten the bolts “all the way” yet. Leave a little play for later adjustment. Now you need to install the upper part of the door in its place, aligning it with the lower one through the central hinge (if the design is two-door and solid) or simply mount the upper door separately.
What to do if the holes do not match?
Sometimes when rearranging doors on older models, the holes may not match perfectly due to deformation of the seal or skew of the body. In this case, force cannot be used. Try loosening all the fasteners and re-adjusting the geometry. If the holes are structurally displaced (defects or rare modifications), it may be necessary to drill new holes, but this is an extreme measure that will void the warranty.
Installation and connection of electrical components
We return the electrics to their place. If your model Smart Diagnosis or the display is on the door, the cable must be connected. Insert the connectors until you hear a characteristic click. Check that the wires lie in the channels intended for them and do not protrude beyond the dimensions of the case, otherwise the door will not close hermetically.
Finally secure the top hinge. Now that the door is installed on both sides (top and bottom), you can begin the final fixation. Tighten all bolts using maximum force, but without fanaticism, so as not to strip the threads. The metal of the hinges must be motionless relative to the body.
Check the operation of the door. It should open smoothly, without creaking or jamming. The closer (if there is one) should operate at the end of the stroke, pulling the sash tightly. If the door opens on its own or, conversely, does not close completely, adjustment will be required.
Adjusting gaps and eliminating sagging
After rearrangement, the need for adjustment often arises. If you notice that the door does not fit tightly or one of the corners is protruding, do not panic. LG refrigerators are designed with adjusting screws or the ability to change the position of the hinge using oval holes.
For vertical alignment, use the adjusting supports at the bottom of the refrigerator. By rotating them, you can raise one of the corners of the unit, which will visually align the line of the door. Horizontal displacement is achieved by loosening the fastening bolts of the hinge and shifting it in the desired direction by 1-2 mm.
Main problems and methods for solving them:
- 📉 The door does not stick: check the cleanliness of the seal and adjust the tilt of the body back.
- 📏 Uneven gap around the perimeter: loosen the hinge bolts and move the door in the desired direction.
- 🔊 Creak when opening: lubricate the hinges and check if the door is clinging to the body.
Checking the tightness is the final stage. Take a piece of paper, hold it against the door and try to pull it out. It should be removed with noticeable force around the entire perimeter. If in some place the paper slides freely, it means that the pressure there is broken.
⚠️ Attention: If after adjusting the gaps cannot be set evenly, the sealing rubber may have been deformed during storage or transportation. Warm it with a hairdryer (not too hot air) or pour boiling water over it to restore elasticity.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to rearrange the door on an LG refrigerator with the Door-in-Door system?
In most cases, rearranging doors on models with technology Door-in-Door is not provided by the manufacturer or requires very complex intervention in the electronic system. The mechanism for opening an additional window is often tied to a specific side. It is recommended to study the product passport, where in the “Technical Specifications” section it is indicated “Reversible door: No.”
What to do if the hex key that came with the kit is lost?
It is not necessary to look for the original key. Any standard hex socket of the appropriate size (usually 4, 5 or 6 mm), which can be purchased at a hardware store, will do. The main thing is that the edges of the key sit tightly in the bolt so as not to lick the head of the fastener.
Why does the door not close completely after rearranging?
Most likely, the angle of the refrigerator is broken. For proper gravity closure, the body must be tilted slightly backwards. Tighten the front leveling feet to raise the front of the unit. Also check if there is anything in the way on the shelves or if the cable is kinked.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before moving the door?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, if there is a lot of ice in the freezer, the weight of the door increases, making installation difficult. In addition, when the unit is tilted (if required for convenience), water may flow inside the mechanisms, so the presence of ice is undesirable.
Will the warranty remain valid after independently moving the door?
According to the law, the consumer has the right to self-repair if it does not lead to a breakdown. However, if you damage the hinges, break the glass or break the cable during the rearrangement process, the service center may refuse warranty service for these units. Proceed with caution.