The situation when the standard location of the refrigerator door becomes inconvenient arises quite often when remodeling a kitchen or purchasing a new model. The inability to fully open the sash due to the proximity of a wall or furniture makes you think about reinstallation. Fortunately, most modern manufacturers of household appliances, such as Indesit, Bosch or LG, provide the ability to hang doors on the opposite side.
This process requires accuracy, a basic set of tools and an understanding of the design of hinge mechanisms. Re-hanging the doors is not just a physical movement canvas, but a complex procedure affecting the sealing system and the operation of sensors. If the work is done carelessly, you may encounter a loose seal or damage to the wiring.
In this article we will analyze in detail the stages of preparation, dismantling and installation, and also point out the critical nuances characteristic of different types of refrigeration units. You do not need to be a professional master to cope with this task, but following the sequence of actions is necessary.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Before starting any manipulations with equipment, you need to clear space. Move the refrigerator away from the wall, allowing access from all sides, including the top and bottom of the cabinet. It is better to cover the floor with thick cardboard or soft rags to avoid scratches if removed parts accidentally fall.
For work you will need a standard home handyman's kit. The main tool will be a wrench or a set of sockets, since the hinge bolts are often tightened with great force. You will also need a flat-head and Phillips screwdriver, a building level and, possibly, a spatula to carefully separate the decorative panels.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to unplug the refrigerator from the power supply and defrost the chambers if ice has accumulated in them. Working with wet or plugged-in components is dangerous.
It is important to prepare a container for fasteners in advance. Bolts, washers and plugs from different hinges may differ in size, so it is better to lay them out separately or label them. The loss of even one specific screw can stop the whole process.
- 🔧 A set of wrenches or a ratchet with heads (usually 8, 10 mm)
- 🪛 Screwdrivers of different types (slotted, Phillips, possibly Torx)
- 📏 Construction level for checking horizon
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges
Some models require specific tools, for example, hexagons. Check the contents of your refrigerator refrigerator for the presence of a special key in the instructions or on the case.
Analysis of the design and the possibility of rehanging
Not all refrigerators support the function of changing the opening side. Before proceeding with disassembly, carefully read the technical documentation or inspect the top and bottom panels of the case. The presence of threaded holes on the opposite side of the end and on the counter part of the door indicates that the model is adaptive.
Particular attention should be paid to models with a system No Frost and displays on the door. In such units, an electrical cable can pass through the loop, connecting the main control unit to the display panel. Reweighing in this case will require disconnecting the cable, which adds complexity to the process.
If your unit has a single chamber or a Side-by-Side design, the procedure will be different. In two-chamber models, both doors are usually rehung sequentially, starting from the top. In models Side-by-Side often you can rehang only one of the sections, but this depends on the specific manufacturer.
| Type of refrigerator | Complexity of work | Presence of wires | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-chamber | Low | Rarely | Simple mechanics, minimum parts |
| Double-chamber | Average | Often (at the top) | You need to remove both doors |
| With display | High | Required | Requires caution with electronics |
| Side-by-Side | High | Depends on the model | Heavy wing weight, help needed |
Make sure there are no obstacles on the new side of the installation. Sometimes the factory plugs may not be installed properly and will have to be carefully removed.
Removing the top door and removing the hinges
The process begins from the top of the unit. Remove the decorative trim covering the top hinge. It can be secured with latches or screws. Be careful not to break the plastic clips.
After gaining access to the mechanism, unscrew the bolts securing the upper hinge. At this stage, you will need an assistant to hold the door. The weight of the leaf is significant, and it is almost impossible to hold it with one hand while unscrewing the bolts.
☑️ Dismantling the top door
When the bolts are unscrewed, carefully lift the door and remove it from the lower support stud of the intermediate hinge. Set the canvas aside, having first removed all the shelves and heavy objects from it to lighten the weight.
Now you need to dismantle the intermediate loop itself and turn it over or move it to the other side, if the design allows it. It is often necessary to remove the locking pins that secure the door in the closed position. These pins are also transferred to the opposite side.
If your model has holes for fasteners covered with plastic plugs, remove them from the working side and install them in the vacant spaces. This will preserve the aesthetic appearance of the equipment.
Rehanging the lower door and the main panel
After working with the upper part, we move on to the lower door. The principle of operation is similar: remove the decorative elements, unscrew the bottom hinge and dismantle the door. In some models Atlant or Beko the lower hinge may be hidden in the base part, which must first be removed.
A critically important point is reinstalling the handles. If the handle is asymmetrical, it must be rearranged. To do this, unscrew the fastening screws on the inside of the door, remove the handle and install it on the other side. In some cases, it is necessary to turn the handle itself 180 degrees.
⚠️ Attention: When rearranging the handles, pay attention to the length of the mounting screws. Using bolts that are too long may result in damage to the internal plastic or leakage of coolant if the chamber wall is punctured.
Install the bottom hinge in a new location. Check the horizontal installation using a level. If the floor is uneven, adjust the refrigerator's support legs to compensate for misalignment.
What to do if the holes do not line up?
In rare cases, when the hinges are turned over, the holes may not line up perfectly due to a manufacturing defect or deformation. Do not try to drill new holes yourself - this will break the seal and void the warranty. Contact the service center to replace the hinge or body.
After installing the lower door, the upper door is hung. Align the holes in the top hinge with the holes on the body and screw in the bolts. Do not tighten them completely until you check the door movement.
Adjusting the position and tightness of the fit
After installing all the elements in new places, it is necessary to carry out a thorough adjustment. The door should open freely, without jamming, and close tightly under its own weight in the last part of the stroke.
To check the tightness, use a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet with the door around the perimeter. If the paper is pulled out too easily or, conversely, tears with force, the height of the loops needs to be adjusted. Loosen the fasteners and slightly move the door up or down.
- 📄 Test with paper along the entire perimeter of the seal
- 👀 Visual inspection of the gaps between the door and the body
- 🔊 Checking the operation of the magnetic sensor (the light should go out)
- 🚪 Estimation of the opening force (should not be too tight)
If the door is skewed, one corner may not fit tightly. This is often solved by tightening the adjusting bolts on the hinges or changing the height of the front legs of the refrigerator.
Pay attention to the sealing rubber. When overweighted, it could become deformed. If there are gaps, try heating the seal with a hairdryer at a low temperature and straighten it by pressing the door for several hours.
Features of working with electronics and sensors
Modern refrigerators are full of electronics. When rehanging doors with displays or control buttons on the facade, it is necessary to move the wiring harness. The cable usually passes through the hollow axis of the loop.
Carefully disconnect the connectors, observing polarity. When assembling on the new side, make sure that the wire is not stretched or twisted. The tension of the wire can lead to breakage of the contacts when opening the door.
In some models Samsung or LG the door opening sensor (reed switch) is located in the housing, and the magnet is in the door. When the door is reversed, the magnet will be on the other side and the sensor will stop working. In such cases, it is necessary to move the sensor itself to the corresponding hole on the other side or move the magnet, if the design allows.
⚠️ Attention: Models with a “Zero Zone” camera or complex air circulation systems may have additional air ducts in the door. Make sure that during reinstallation you do not pinch the corrugated air supply hoses.
After connecting the electronics, turn on the refrigerator and check the operation of the display and buttons. If the panel does not respond, check the tightness of the connections of the cables.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to re-hang the door yourself if the refrigerator is under warranty?
Technically this is possible, but manufacturers often put special seals on the adjusting bolts or hinges. Independent intervention may be considered a violation of operating conditions, which will lead to loss of warranty. It is recommended to call an authorized technician for this procedure if the equipment is new.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not close tightly?
Most likely, the installation geometry is broken. Check the floor level and adjustment of the refrigerator legs. Also make sure that the sealing rubber is not folded inward or kinked. If the problem is not solved by adjustment, the seal may need to be replaced.
Do I need to wait after turning on the refrigerator after reinstallation?
Yes, after transporting and tilting the unit (which often happens when working with doors), the compressor oil needs time to drain into the crankcase. It is recommended to wait 2-4 hours before plugging in to avoid water hammer in the compressor.
Is it possible to hang the door on a refrigerator with a No Frost system?
Yes, you can. The No Frost system does not prevent overweight. However, in such models there are more often heating wires for the seal area or sensors that need to be carefully disconnected and moved.
Where to put the old holes from the hinges?
Plastic plugs (decorative caps) are included with most refrigerators. They are inserted into the vacated holes on the side where there are no more loops. If the plugs are lost, you can order them at the service center or select similar ones in color and diameter in hardware stores.