Changing the location of the refrigerator in the kitchen often confronts owners with the need to change the direction of door opening. This may be dictated by a new layout, room ergonomics, or simply a desire to refresh the interior. For owners of Korean brand equipment LG this procedure is not always obvious, since the design may differ depending on the series.
In this article we will analyze in detail how to rearrange the handles on an LG refrigeratorwithout damaging the coating and mechanisms. Correct completion of all steps guarantees a tight fit of the doors and a long service life of the hinges.
Before starting work, it is important to understand that you will be working with heavy structural elements. Hanging the doors requires accuracy and, preferably, the help of a second person. Incorrect installation can lead to misalignment, due to which the door will no longer close tightly, which will affect the operation of the compressor.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tools
The success of the operation is 80% dependent on proper preparation. You don't need to be a professional craftsman, but you need to prepare a basic set of tools. The main requirement is a clean, level and spacious place where you can safely place or tilt the unit.
To work, you will need a standard DIY kit. In most cases, a Phillips screwdriver, a wrench (usually 8 or 10 mm) and pliers will suffice. Some models LG require hexagons, which are often included with the equipment.
- 🔧 Phillips and flathead screwdrivers for removing decorative elements.
- 🔩 Wrench or socket with a wrench for removing hinge bolts.
- 🧤 Construction gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧼 Soft rags for wiping the mounting points from dust.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Remove the plug from the outlet to avoid accidental short circuit or electric shock when working with metal tools near wiring.
Clear space around the refrigerator. You need access from all sides as the door will have to be removed and set aside. If the floor is slippery, place thick cardboard or an old blanket under the unit to avoid scratching the coating when moving.
Design features of LG doors and types of hinges
Refrigerators LG may have different designs. In classic two-compartment models, the freezer door is often located at the top and the refrigerator compartment at the bottom. However, there are also Side-by-Side models and French doors. Overhanging each case has its own nuances.
The main attention should be paid to the type of fastening of the handles. In some models, the handle is part of the body and is simply moved along with the door to the other side; in others, the handle is dismantled and installed in new holes. Modern models LG often have hidden hinges that require a special approach when removing.
It is important to determine whether your model has automatic closing (closer). If the mechanism is built into the bottom hinge, rearranging may require replacing the hinge element itself or re-fabricating it. Carefully study the instructions specifically for your series, since there is no universal solution for all years of manufacture.
It is also worth checking for an electronic display on the door. If the screen is built into the door leaf, simple re-hanging is impossible without re-soldering the cables or extending the wires, which requires the qualifications of an engineer. In such cases, it is better to contact the service.
Removing the top panel and top hinge
The process begins from the top of the unit. The first step is always to remove the top cover of the refrigerator. It can be secured with latches or screws. Carefully pry up the plastic panel with a screwdriver or find the screws on the back side.
After removing the cover, you will have access to the top bracket. It is he who holds the door in a vertical position. Before removing the bolts, make sure that the door is securely fixed or supported by an assistant, otherwise it may fall and damage the floor or.
- 🔌 Disconnect the wires if control cables are connected to the top panel.
- 🔩 Unscrew the top hinge mounting bolts with a wrench.
- 🚪 Remove the hinge and set it aside, remembering the orientation.
- 🧱 Remove the door from the bottom pin and put it in a safe place.
Now you need to clear the holes for the hinges on the opposite side. There will be plastic plugs at the end of the door and on the body of the refrigerator. They need to be carefully removed with a flat screwdriver. These holes will later be used to install fasteners.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use excessive force when removing the plugs. Plastic on older models LG may be fragile. If the plug does not fit, warm it slightly with a hairdryer or pry it off with a thin blade.
After dismantling the top hinge, the door is removed from the bottom pin. At this point, it is important not to lose any washers or gaskets that may be between the hinge and the body. They are responsible for the correct height and gap.
Removing and rearranging door handles
The most important stage is working with the handles. If your model has removable handles, they can be screwed on the inside of the door or snapped on from the outside. In the first case, you need to open the door and unscrew the screws holding the handle.
If the handle is solid and covers the end of the door, it needs to be moved to the side or removed completely. On some models LG the handles are symmetrical, and they can simply be turned over. In other cases, the refrigerator comes with additional plugs for the holes that become visible after removing the handles.
To install the handles in a new place:
- Find hidden holes or threaded bushings on the opposite end of the door.
- Install the handle, aligning the fasteners elements.
- Fix with screws, but do not tighten them all the way right away.
- Check the symmetry of the installation visually.
Adjusting the gaps between the handle and the door leaf is critical. If you tighten the screws too much at once, the plastic may crack or the handle may become crooked. It is better to first tighten all the screws, align the position, and then finally tighten them.
What to do if the holes do not match?
In some budget or specific models, holes for handles can be drilled only on one side. In this case, drilling new holes yourself is not recommended, since you can damage the internal contour of the insulation or the outer enamel. Check the package - sometimes the plugs on the reverse side are decorative, and the holes for fastening are hidden under them.
Installing doors on a new side
After preparing the holes on the body and door, you can begin installation. Place the bottom hinge on the new side. For this purpose, a number of holes are usually provided in the lower part of the refrigerator body, closed with plugs. Move the pin or the entire bracket to the opposite side.
It is important to correctly install the door on the lower pin. It should fit into the grooves and lie flat. If the door is warped immediately upon installation, it means that the lower hinge is installed incorrectly or one of the adjusting washers is lost.
Now install the upper hinge. Insert it into the holes on the body and on the end of the door. Insert the bolts and start tightening them. At this stage, the bolts are not fully tightened so that there is room for final adjustment.
☑️ Installation checklist
After installing the top hinge, you can finally tighten all the bolts. Use an open-end wrench or socket to ensure maximum torque. The hinges are under constant load, so play is unacceptable here.
Adjusting the position of doors and gaps
The final stage is adjustment. The door should close tightly, without effort, but with a characteristic click of the magnet or contact with the seal. If the door is skewed, one of the corners will not fit, which will lead to ice freezing.
The door height is adjusted using the adjusting screws on the bottom hinge or washers under it. By turning the adjusting bolt, you can raise or lower one of the door corners. Models LG often use a screw, accessible from the front at the bottom, which is turned with a hexagon.
Table of problems during adjustment:
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The door does not fit at the bottom | The lower corner is lowered | Tighten the hinge adjusting screw |
| It is difficult to close the door | Vertical skew | Align the door level |
| The gap at the top is larger than at the bottom | Incorrect hinge height | Check the installation of the washers |
| The door opens itself | Tilt refrigerator back | Tighten the front legs |
Check the operation of the magnetic seal around the entire perimeter. Pass a sheet of paper between the door and the body when closed - it should be pulled out with force. If the paper moves freely, heat will flow inside in this place.
Common mistakes and precautions
When re-hanging doors on their own, beginners often make mistakes that can lead to damage. One of the most common is loss of fasteners. Small bolts and washers easily roll under the refrigerator or get lost in the carpet. Use a magnetic tray or jar to collect parts.
Another mistake is ignoring wires. Modern models may have display or lamp cables running through the door. If you jerk the door sharply when removing it, you can break the contacts. Always check the presence of the wiring harness before complete dismantling.
⚠️ Attention: The design and location of fasteners may vary depending on the year of manufacture and the specific series of the refrigerator. Always check the official documentation LG for your model, since the diagram described above is typical, but not universal.
Also, you should not use an impact tool (screwdriver at high speeds) to tighten screws into the plastic door body. This may cause cracks around the holes. Tighten the screws manually or at minimum speed.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to rearrange the door on an LG refrigerator with a display?
It is possible, but difficult. You will need to disconnect the cable going to the display, and possibly increase its length if the standard wire is not enough for the new side. Without skills in working with electronics, it is better not to take risks.
Do you need a special key for LG hinges?
Usually a standard set of tools is enough. However, some models use Torx bolts or specific nuts. Check the contents of your refrigerator - often the key is in the egg compartment or in the vegetable drawer.
Why does the door close poorly after rearranging?
Most likely, the horizontal level of the refrigerator itself is broken or the hinge gap is incorrectly set. Try to slightly lift the front part of the unit using the adjustable legs.
Will the warranty remain valid after re-hanging it yourself?
If you do not damage the parts in the process (you do not break the thread, do not break the glass, do not break the wires), the warranty is formally preserved. However, in the event of a breakdown related to the door or tightness, the service may refuse free repair, citing a violation of the operating conditions.
Where to put the old holes from the handles?
Plastic plugs (decorative stickers) in the color of the body are always included with the refrigerator. They are inserted into the vacated holes, making them invisible. Do not throw away the bag with accessories during the first installation.