Changing the kitchen layout or moving to a new apartment often confronts the owner with the need to change the direction of opening the refrigerator compartment. The units of the South Korean brand LG were initially designed so that the door opens to the right, which is standard for most models. However, modern interior solutions may require left-hand opening for ergonomic use of space.
The rehanging process is not a very complex engineering task, but requires accuracy, an understanding of the hinge structure and the availability of a basic set of tools. Incorrect dismantling can lead to damage to the decorative panels or failure of the seal, so it is important to strictly follow the manufacturer's technological map.
In this article we will look in detail at how to rearrange the door on the refrigerator LG, consider the differences in the design of single-compressor and double-compressor models, and also pay attention to the intricacies of setting up the fittings. You can do the work yourself, saving on calling a technician if you pay attention to details.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tools
Before starting any manipulations with the body of the equipment, it is necessary to prepare the workspace. A refrigerator is a heavy unit and you need a clear area around it to operate safely. Remove the rugs and make sure the floor is level and dry to prevent slipping when the body moves.
The critical step is to fill the defrosting chambers. Even if the model is equipped with a No Frostsystem, condensation or ice may remain inside, which, when tilted or moved, will flow onto the floor or damage the electronics. Unplug the appliance, remove all shelves and drawers, leave the doors open for at least 2-3 hours.
As for tools, you will need a standard home handyman's kit. Do not use screwdrivers that are too long to avoid damaging the internal mechanisms. Also prepare a container for small parts, since bolts are easy to lose.
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers: Phillips (PH2) and flat for removing plugs.
- 🔩 Wrench or 8 mm (sometimes 10 mm) socket for removing hinges.
- 🧤 Work gloves: metal edges of shelves or sharp edges of the case can injure your hands.
- 🧹 Rags: for wiping dust at fastening points.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! Working with live electrical appliances is prohibited by safety rules.
Some models LG are equipped with special decorative plugs and spare bolts in the technical documentation or on the back wall. Check the availability of these elements so that you don’t have to look for analogues in a hardware store.
Design features of doors of various LG models
The design of hinges and canopies may vary significantly depending on the series of the refrigerator. Budget models, such as the GAseries, often have a simpler mounting system that is easier to dismantle. At the same time, premium lines DoorCooling+ or models with a display on the door require a more delicate approach.
Particular attention should be paid to the presence through holes in the body. On many modern models, the holes for the hinges are already drilled on both sides of the top panel and closed with plastic plugs. If there are no holes, relocation may not be possible without drilling, which automatically voids the warranty.
In models with a system Multi Air Flow or Linear Cooling the power wires for the display or temperature sensors often pass through the loop. This complicates the process, since it is necessary not only to physically move the door, but also to switch the electrical connectors.
| Model type | Presence of wires | Complexity | An assistant needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single chamber (without display) | No | Low | Desirable |
| Two-chamber (Top Freezer) | Often no | Medium | Required |
| Side-by-Side | Yes (display) | High | Required |
| With display on the door | Yes (wire harness) | High | Required |
It is important to understand that the bottom hinge in most cases has an adjustment screw to level the height of the door. When rearranging, this mechanism will need to be moved to the opposite side, keeping the adjusting element.
Dismantling the upper part and removing the door
The process of removing the door always begins with the upper fastening. This is due to the fact that the door hangs on the bottom hinge, and the top one only fixes its position. First, remove the top decorative panel, if there is one, or look for hidden screws under the caps.
Use a flathead screwdriver to carefully pry up the plastic caps on the top cover of the refrigerator. Act without fanaticism, plastic on older models LG may be fragile. Under the plugs you will find the top hinge mounting bolts.
Ask an assistant to hold the refrigerator door. It is heavy and can tilt sharply when unscrewing the top bolts. Fix the door in the open position or press it firmly against the body before completely unscrewing the bolts.
Unscrew the bolts of the top hinge and remove the hinge itself. If your model is equipped with a display, now is the time to carefully disconnect the wire connectors. Do not pull the wires, disconnect only the plastic connector chips.
- 🔌 Disconnect the connectors, remembering their location (it is better to take a photo).
- 📸 Take a photo of the wire connection diagram before dismantling.
- 🧱 Fold all the bolts and washers into a magnetic tray.
⚠️ Attention: If you accidentally damage the insulation of the wires during dismantling, operating the refrigerator with a display may be dangerous. Check the integrity of the cables.
After removing the top hinge and disconnecting the communications, lift the door up to release the bottom hinge pin. In some cases, it may be necessary to slightly rock the door from side to side.
☑️ Preparing to remove the door
Rearranging the bottom hinge and fittings
When the door is removed and put in a safe place (it is better to put it on soft surface face up), you can proceed to the bottom part. The bottom hinge is usually attached to the base of the housing and often has an adjustment pin.
Unscrew the bolts holding the bottom support. In some models LG there is a spring mechanism or stop under the hinge. It must be removed and moved to the opposite side. Carefully inspect the structure: sometimes it is necessary to rearrange the axis of rotation itself.
On the free side of the body, install a hinge using the standard holes. If there was a plastic plug there previously, remove it and cover the hole on the new side with it. Tighten the bolts, but do not apply maximum force yet so that adjustment can be carried out.
Requires special attention door stop. This is a plastic or metal element that prevents the door from opening further than 90-110 degrees. It must be moved from one side to the other for the stop to work correctly after rehanging.
If your model provides for rearranging the handle, now you need to remove the decorative trims and move the fasteners. In most modern refrigerators LG the handles are symmetrical or have hidden installation that does not require rearrangement.
What to do if the bolts do not fit?
The refrigerator often comes with special extended bolts for alternative installation. Check the documentation package. If they are not available, use standard ones, but make sure that they hold the structure securely.
Installing the door in a new location and connecting
Now comes the most important stage - installing the door on a new hinge. It is extremely difficult for one person to do this and is risky for the back and the integrity of the equipment. One person holds the door, the second directs the bottom hole of the hinge onto the axle.
Carefully lower the door onto the bottom axle. Make sure it fits snug and straight. Now you need to put on the top loop. If you have a display model, pass the wire harness through the hole in the hinge and connect the connectors to the appropriate sockets.
Secure the top hinge with bolts. At this stage, do not tighten them all the way. First you need to align the door so that the gaps around the perimeter are the same, and the door itself does not warp.
Check the operation closer (if any) and the tightness of the seal. The door should close easily but firmly, snapping into place with a magnetic lock. If the door slams or, conversely, does not reach the end, you will need to adjust the height of the lower support.
- 🚪 Check the tightness of the seal around the entire perimeter.
- 📏 Make sure that the gaps between the door and the body are the same at the top and bottom.
- 🔊 Listen: when closing there should be no grinding of metal on metal.
Tighten all fastening bolts completely. Reinstall the decorative caps and panels. If you moved the handle, check that it is securely fastened.
Position adjustment and final check
After installation, it often turns out that the door hangs a little crookedly or does not fit tightly on top. For correction, use the adjusting screw on the lower hinge. By rotating it clockwise, you raise the door; counterclockwise, you lower it.
In models with Multi Door system or French Door, adjustment may be more difficult. Here it is important to synchronize the position of both sashes so that the joint line is even. Use the hex key that is often included.
Plug in the refrigerator. Let it run without loading for 2-3 hours. During this time, check whether ice appears on the seal, which indicates a loose fit. Also make sure that the display (if any) works correctly and does not go out when the door is opened.
⚠️ Attention: The design and location of fasteners may vary depending on the specific modification and year of manufacture. Always check the official instructions for your model LGas details may change.
If you notice that the door begins to touch the body when opening or, conversely, a gap has formed, repeat the adjustment procedure. Sometimes several iterations are required to achieve the ideal result.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to rearrange the door on an LG Side-by-Side refrigerator on your own?
Technically this is possible, but it is highly not recommended to do it alone. Side-by-Side doors are very heavy and the hinge system is complex. There is a high risk of dropping the door and damaging the floor or the unit itself. It is better to involve professionals.
What to do if the display wires are too short?
In the original design LG the wires usually have sufficient margin for rearrangement. If they are missing, you may have disconnected the connector incorrectly or you have a non-original modification. Extending the wires yourself is dangerous - it can lead to a fire.
Does the seal need to be changed when rehanging?
No, the rubber seal (cuff) is symmetrical and does not require replacement or turning over. It retains its properties regardless of the opening side.
Why does the door not close completely after rearranging?
Most likely, the refrigerator is not level. Check the legs: the front of the refrigerator should be slightly higher than the back so that the door closes automatically under the influence of gravity. Also check if the products on the shelves are not in the way.
Will the warranty still apply after re-hanging the door?
If you don't damage the frame, hinges or electricals in the process, the warranty will still apply. However, if you break the plastic fastener or break the display wire, the service center may refuse free repair, citing violation of the operating rules.