Modern kitchens often dictate their own rules of ergonomics, and standard The location of the refrigerator door may not fit into the new interior or simply interfere with free passage. Many equipment owners LG are faced with the need to change the direction of opening the sash in order to optimize space. Fortunately, the design of most models of this brand provides the possibility of reverse installation hinges, which allows you to perform the procedure yourself without calling a specialist.
The process of rehanging requires care, accuracy and a minimal set of tools. Improper execution of work can lead to damage facade or leakage, so it is important to strictly follow the algorithm of actions. In this article, we will analyze all the nuances of rearranging the door, paying special attention to hidden fasteners and adjusting the position of the body.
Before you begin, you need to make sure that your model really supports this function. Although this is the standard for most modern units, in budget or specific series the design may be fixed. If the technical documentation confirms the possibility modifications, you can safely begin preparation.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any manipulations, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Working with live electrical appliances is unacceptable, even if you only touch mechanical parts.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
High-quality preparation is the key to successful completion of the operation. You don't need a sophisticated professional tool, but you should have items on hand that provide a secure grip and precision. The main element will be a set of screwdrivers, including Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers, and possibly also hex wrenchwhich often comes with equipment.
In addition to the main tool, it is critical to prepare a soft bedding. The refrigerator door is heavy and fragile, and if dropped on a hard floor, it may dent or chip. Use a thick blanket, blanket or several layers of cardboard to protect both the floor and the sash itself sash during dismantling.
- 🧰 A set of screwdrivers (Phillips and flat) for loosening screws.
- 🔑 Hex wrench (usually 4 mm or 5 mm) for adjusting hinges.
- 🧤 Construction gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🛋️ Soft backing (blanket, mat) for laying the removed door.
It is also recommended to free up space around refrigerator. You will need to be able to move freely around the unit and be able to lay the door horizontally next to it. Remove all foreign objects to avoid tripping at a critical moment.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that you have free space for temporary storage of the removed door. It takes up a significant area, and in a cramped kitchen this can become a problem.
Removing the top panel and handle
The first stage of work is to remove the top cover of the refrigerator (if it is structurally provided for in your model) and dismantling the handle. In some models LG the handle can be integrated into the body, but most often it is secured with screws. To access the top hinge fasteners, it is often necessary to remove the decorative panel or visor.
Carefully inspect the top of the door. If there are plugs, carefully pry them off with a flathead screwdriver. Beneath these are screws that hold the handle or top of the hinge in place. Unscrew them and set them aside, being careful not to lose them. Be careful not to damage plastic clips.
After removing the handle or decorative trim, access to the top hinge will open. It is this that holds the main weight of the door. Do not rush to unscrew the hinge bolts right away - first you need to make sure that nothing else interferes with the free movement of the sash. Check if there are any additional fasteners in the upper part that could block the opening mechanism. damage the coating mechanism opening
Removing the door from the bottom hinge
The most crucial moment is the direct removal of the door. After the top hinge is freed from the decorative elements, it is necessary to unscrew the main fasteners holding the door to the body. Here
It is best to perform this operation together. One person holds the door, fixing its position, and the second unscrews the bolts of the lower and upper hinges. If there is no assistant, use a stable stand or ask someone to simply support the structure with their hands at the moment disconnection.
Carefully remove the door from the bottom pin and place it on a previously prepared soft surface with the outer side facing up. Be careful with the seal - do not allow it to become bent or damaged. Also keep an eye on the wires if the doors have a built-in display or No Frost system with indication.
☑️ Preparing to remove the door
Flip the loop and transfer the plugs
Now you need to prepare the door itself to be installed on the other side. To do this, you need to move the bottom loop (pin) from one side to the other. There are symmetrical threaded holes at the bottom of the door and on the body of the refrigerator. On one side they are occupied, and on the other they are closed with plastic plugs.
Remove the plugs from the side where you plan to hang the door, and install them in the vacated holes on the opposite side. This will provide an aesthetic appearance and protect the internal cavities from dust. Then twist the lower support pin to a new location using hexagon or a key.
A similar procedure is often required to be carried out with the upper hinge if the design of the model involves its complete dismantling and reinstallation. In some cases, the hinge simply needs to be turned over or the fasteners rearranged in a mirror order. Study instructions for your specific model LGas the hinge configuration may vary.
⚠️ Attention: When rearranging the plugs, proceed carefully. Plastic can be fragile, especially if the refrigerator has been in use for a long time. Use a thin knife blade or an awl to remove the plugs.
Installing the door on a new side
After preparing all the elements, you can begin installation. Lift the door and carefully slide it with the bottom hole onto the installed pin. Make sure it sits straight and fits snugly against the body. Now you can start fixing the top part.
Install the top hinge in a new place, aligning the holes in the door and the refrigerator body. Insert the mounting screws and begin tightening them, but do not tighten them all the way yet. This is necessary for the subsequent adjustments position of the door. If your model has wires (for the display or lamp), carefully place them in the designated channels, avoiding pinching.
Attach the handle or decorative panel on the new side, using the same holes that were previously covered with plugs. Make sure all screws are tightened evenly. Now the door is installed, but the work is not finished yet - final adjustment is required.
Adjusting the position and checking for tightness
Final stage - door alignment. Often, after rehanging, the sash may be positioned asymmetrically or may not fit tightly to the body. To make adjustments, use the adjustment bolts located at the bottom of the refrigerator (usually hidden under the decorative grille at the front). By rotating them, you can raise or lower the corresponding corner of the unit.
Checking leaks is a critical point. Take a piece of paper or a banknote, clamp it around the perimeter of the door and try to pull it out. If the paper comes out with force along the entire contour, then it seal works correctly. If in some places the paper falls out freely or is pulled out too easily, additional adjustment of the height or tilt of the door is required.
Also pay attention to the gaps between the door and the body. They should be uniform over the entire height. If you notice misalignment, loosen the top hinge screws, straighten the door, and tighten them again. Correct installation guarantees energy efficiency and long service life compressor.
| Working stage | Required tools | Key action | Important detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Blanket, screwdriver | Disconnection from the network | Protection of the floor and covering |
| Dismantling | Key hexagonal | Removing the top hinge | Door support |
| Rearranging | Awl, knife | Moving plugs | Changing sides studs |
| Installation | Screwdriver | Installation on a stud | Wire control |
| Adjustment | Key adjustable | Alignment of gaps | Checking the seal |
What to do if the door does not close tightly after rearrangement?
If after all the adjustments the door still does not fit tightly, check the condition of the rubber seal. It may have been damaged or dirty during dismantling. The cause may also be a misalignment of the refrigerator body itself - try tightening the front legs to change the tilt of the unit backwards. In rare cases, it is necessary to replace the seal or hinge if the old parts are worn out.
Frequent errors and ways to eliminate them
In the process of work, beginners often make typical mistakes that can complicate life. One of the most common is over-tightening the screws during the initial installation. This makes it impossible to adjust the position of the door, and in the end you have to disassemble everything again. Always leave a little play for adjustment.
Another mistake is ignoring the wires. On models with a display or system Smart Diagnosis the cables run inside the door. If they are not secured with special clips or placed incorrectly, when closing the door the wires may be pinched, which will lead to broken contact or damage to the insulation.
Do not forget about cleanliness. While the door is removed, it is an excellent opportunity to wipe the ends of the refrigerator and the door itself from dust and dirt, which usually accumulate in hidden places. This will improve the fit of the seal and the overall hygienic status of the device.
Do you need to call a technician to rehang the LG door?
In most cases, calling a technician is not required. The process is quite simple and is described in the instructions. However, if you are not confident in your abilities, are afraid of damaging the expensive coating, or the model has a complex design with two displays, it is better to entrust the work to a professional.
Will the warranty remain valid after self-rearrangement?
Independent rearrangement of the door, as a rule, does not void the warranty, unless the refrigerator components were damaged in the process, threads were stripped or damaged refrigerant However, if a refrigerator breakdown in the future is associated with improper installation of the door (for example, a compressor misalignment due to leakage), the service center may refuse free repairs.
What to do if a creaking appears after the rearrangement?
A creaking may occur due to metal-on-metal friction in the hinges or due to incorrect gap Try lubricating the hinges with silicone grease. If this does not help, check whether the door touches the body or floor when opening, and adjust the height of the legs of the refrigerator.
Is it possible to reverse the door on a Side-by-Side refrigerator?
On most models of Side-by-Side (side-by-side) refrigerators, it is impossible to reverse the doors. Their design, cooling system and arrangement of communications are initially designed for a specific opening side. Exceptions are extremely rare and should be clearly indicated in the technical documentation.
How to check if my LG model supports door reverse?
Look at the bottom and top of the door and refrigerator body. If you see symmetrical mounting holes on both sides (one of which is covered with plugs), then the model supports overhang. This information can also be found in the user manual in the "Installation" section or on the manufacturer's official website by model number.