The need to change direction opening the refrigerator door LG often occurs when moving to a new apartment or remodeling the kitchen. The standard factory canopy is usually oriented to the right side, which is not always convenient in narrow corridors or a specific arrangement of furniture. A correctly performed rehanging procedure allows you to save space and improve the ergonomics of using household appliances.
It is important to understand that modern models Side-by-Side or devices with a system No Frost have a more complex design that requires careful handling of electronics and fragile elements. Doing the work yourself is possible with a minimum set of tools and strict adherence to the sequence of actions. Ignoring technical nuances can lead to damage to the seal or failure of the seal of the chamber.
Before starting any manipulations, it is strongly recommended to empty the refrigerator compartment of food and remove all shelves. This will not only facilitate access to fastening elements, but will also protect the contents from falling during the dismantling of heavy metal structures. The weight of the door can be significant, so it is better to carry out the work with an assistant.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
Quality preparation of the work site is the key to the success of the entire operation. The refrigerator must be moved away from the wall at a distance sufficient for free access from all sides, including the rear panel, if disconnecting cables is required. It is better to cover the floor under the device with thick cardboard or a soft mat to avoid scratches when installing removed parts.
For work you will need a standard home handyman's kit. The main tool will be screwdriver or a set of screwdrivers with different attachments, since the mounting bolts may have different types of heads. Some models LG use specific hexagons, which are often included with the equipment.
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) or a screwdriver with bits.
- 🔩 Wrenches keys or sockets of 8, 10 and 13 mm (depending on the model).
- 🧤 Construction gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 📦 Container for folding small screws and fittings.
Particular attention should be paid to the condition of the fasteners. If the refrigerator has been in use for a long time, the threaded connections may be oxidized or “stick.” In this case, prepare a penetrating lubricant in advance, for example, WD-40to make it easier to unscrew the old bolts without the risk of breaking them.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Remove the plug from the socket to eliminate the risk of a short circuit if the wire insulation is accidentally damaged while moving the door.
Removing the top panel and handle
The process begins with removing the decorative elements that hide the main fasteners. On most models LG the top cover (topper) is fixed with screws, access to which can be closed with plastic plugs or the handle itself. Carefully pry off the plugs with a flat-head screwdriver, being careful not to damage the paintwork of the body.
If the handle is screwed on top, unscrew the mounting bolts and remove it. On concealed mount models, you may need to remove the entire top panel. To do this, unscrew the fixing screws around the perimeter and carefully lift the cover up, releasing the latches.
Features of fastening the handles
In some premium LG models, the handles can be attached with powerful two-component adhesive in addition to screws. If there are no screws and the handle cannot be removed, you may need to carefully heat the joint with a hairdryer, but this must be done extremely carefully so as not to melt the plastic.
After removing the external elements, access to the upper hinge becomes available. It is this that holds the bulk of the door, so before completely unscrewing it, it is necessary to ensure that the door is securely fixed in a vertical position. An assistant should hold the door firmly while you unscrew the hinge bolts.
Disconnecting the electrical cables and dismantling the door
The most critical stage is working with the electrics. The doors of modern refrigerators LG often contain backlights, displays or opening sensors. These elements are connected to the main control unit by flexible cables passing through the loop assembly.
Do not use excessive force when tensioning the wires. First, find where the connectors connect. They are usually located on the top of the housing or inside the hinge channel. Connectors may have locking latches that must be pressed with your fingers or a thin screwdriver before disconnecting.
| Connector type | Fixation description | Disconnection method | Risk of damage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clamping (PUSH) | The clamp is pressed down | Press the tongue and pull | High (plastic breaks) |
| Tight fit | Without visible fasteners | Carefully loosen from side to side | Medium (risk of wire breakage) |
| Screw terminal block | Fixing with screws | Unscrew the screws screwdriver | Low |
After disconnecting all communications, the door can be removed from the lower support sleeve. You can’t pull it sharply - the weight of the structure is great. Smoothly lift the door up, removing it from the axis, and put it in a safe place, covering it with a soft cloth.
Reversing the fittings and preparing for installation
Now you need to move the fastening elements to the opposite side. There are symmetrical holes on the body of the refrigerator and on the door itself, closed with plastic plugs. You need to remove the plugs from the “new” working side and install them into the vacated holes on the “old” side.
Use a thin awl or knife to carefully remove the plugs. Act without fanaticism so as not to damage the decorative coating. Metal bushings and stoppers are also transferred to new places according to the instructions for your specific model LG.
- 🔄 Remove the lower support bushing and move it to the opposite corner of the case.
- 🔩 Move the locking pins and opening limiters.
- 🚪 If the handle is asymmetrical, move it to the new side using the existing holes.
Requires special attention sealing rubber. When changing the opening side, it may require adjustment or heating with a hairdryer if it has become deformed during use. Make sure that the magnetic tape around the perimeter is intact and has no breaks.
⚠️ Attention: The design of some models may differ. If you do not find symmetrical holes for transferring accessories, perhaps your refrigerator model does not support changing the opening side. Check the technical data sheet of the device.
Installing the door in a new location
Installation is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. First, install the lower support sleeve in its new location and secure it. Then, with the support of an assistant, slide the door onto the lower axis, while simultaneously passing the electrical cables through the channels provided for them.
It is important to prevent the wires from becoming pinched between the metal parts of the body and the door. The cables should lie freely, forming a small loop, so that when opening the door they do not become strained. After positioning the door, install the top hinge and tighten the fastening bolts.
☑️ Installation checklist
There is no need to tighten the bolts completely yet. First, make sure that the door closes tightly and without distortion. If everything is in order, make the final tightening of the fasteners with the force specified in the specification (usually this is a medium force, so as not to strip the threads in the aluminum case).
Adjusting gaps and checking tightness
After installation, it is often necessary to adjust the position of the door. If the door is warped or loose, use the adjustment bolts on the bottom or top hinge. Rotating the bolt clockwise usually raises the angle, counterclockwise lowers it.
Tightness can be checked by a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet between the door and the body around the perimeter. It should be pulled out with noticeable resistance. If the paper falls out freely, the hinges need to be tightened or the seal needs to be replaced.
Plug in the refrigerator and let it run for 15-20 minutes. Check whether the light comes on when opening and whether the closing sensor works correctly (the compressor should start when the door is closed). The presence of condensation or ice in the future will indicate problems with the fit.
Common errors and their consequences
One of the common mistakes is ignoring the condition of the thread. An attempt to tighten a bolt with a misalignment or with dirt trapped inside will result in the threads in the body being torn off. Restoring threads in thin metal of a refrigerator is a difficult task that requires special tools.
Lubricating the rubbing surfaces of the hinges is also often forgotten. Dry metal on metal will quickly begin to creak and wear out. Use graphite lubricant or lithol on the axles before final assembly. This will extend the service life of the mechanism.
Improper installation of the cable is a critical mistake. If the wire constantly rubs against the edge of the metal sleeve every time it is opened, the insulation will cease to exist within a couple of months. This will lead to a short circuit and failure of the electronic control module.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not close completely?
Most likely, the opening limiter is installed incorrectly or the seal is twisted. Check for mechanical obstructions and make sure the floor underneath the refrigerator is level. Sometimes you need to heat the seal with a hairdryer to restore its elasticity.
Is it possible to hang the door on a refrigerator with a display yourself?
Yes, you can, but extra care is required. The display cables are very thin and sensitive. Be sure to turn off the power and proceed slowly. If the connectors look complicated, it is better to photograph them before disassembling.
Do you need to wait after installation before turning it on?
If you did not tilt the refrigerator more than 45 degrees or turn it over, you can turn it on immediately. If work was carried out that required a strong tilt of the unit, it is recommended to wait 2-4 hours for the oil to spread in the compressor.