Modern kitchen dictates its own rules of ergonomics, and often the standard location of the refrigerator door LG becomes an obstacle to convenient access to products. The situation when the handle rests against the wall or interferes with opening the adjacent cabinet is familiar to many owners of household appliances. Fortunately, the design of most models of the South Korean brand allows for the possibility of changing the opening side, which allows you to adapt the unit to the layout of the room without losing functionality.
The process of hanging doors does not require calling a specialist and can be done independently with a basic set of tools and care. However, despite its apparent simplicity, the procedure requires strict adherence to the sequence of actions so as not to damage facade panels or the sealing system. In this article, we will analyze in detail the operating algorithm for various types of refrigerators LG, paying special attention to the nuances of models with the system No Frost.
Before starting any manipulations, you need to make sure that you have free space for work and all the necessary tools. Lack of preparation is the main cause of damage, so it’s worth setting aside 30-40 minutes of free time in advance. If you are planning to rearrange a heavy two-chamber refrigerator, it is better to enlist the help of a second person, since the weight of even an empty unit can be significant.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
The success of the operation of re-hanging doors directly depends on the quality of preparation. You don't need complex electrical appliances; a standard DIY home kit is enough. The main tool will be hex wrench, which often comes with the refrigerator, but it is better to prepare your own set, since the standard one can be inconvenient.
Also, to protect the floor covering and the body of the unit itself, you will need a soft backing. This could be a thick blanket, special cardboard from packaging or a travel mat. This stage should not be neglected, since a dropped tool or a sharp angle of a metal loop can leave irremovable marks on the laminate or linoleum.
- 🛠️ A set of screwdrivers (Phillips and flat) for dismantling decorative plugs.
- 🔧 Open-end wrenches or 8-mm sockets and 10 mm for unscrewing the main bolts.
- 📏 Construction level to check the horizontal installation after completion of work.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This is critical for safety, since you will be working with metal elements in close proximity to electrical components and wiring routed in the cabinet.
Free up space in front of and on the side of the refrigerator where the door will open after rehanging. Remove all foreign objects, rugs and furniture to ensure easy access to the unit from all sides. If there is food in the refrigerator, it is better to temporarily transfer it to another cold place or quickly move it in order to minimize the time it takes to open the chambers.
Dismantling the top part and preparing to remove the door
Work begins from the top of the refrigerator compartment, since this is where the main fasteners of the top hinge are located. In some models LG access to the bolts may be hidden by a decorative plastic cover or plug. Carefully pry it off with a flat-head screwdriver, being careful not to scratch the glossy surface of the plastic.
After removing the plug, you will see the upper hinge mounting bolts. Their number can vary from two to four depending on the model and door width. Before completely unscrewing the bolts, you need to fix the door in the open position so that it does not fall on your feet or damage the floor.
For fixation, you can use masking tape by gluing the door to the side wall of the refrigerator, or ask an assistant to simply hold it. If you work alone, place some kind of support under the bottom corner of the door, for example, a stack of books wrapped in a soft cloth, to relieve the load on the hinges.
Unscrew the upper hinge bolts counterclockwise. If the threads are soured or the bolts are tightened too much, do not use excessive force to avoid tearing the head off. You can spray them with penetrating lubricant first, but this is rarely necessary with a new refrigerator. After removing the bolts, remove the top hinge and set it aside.
Removing the refrigerator door
After removing the top hinge, the refrigerator door remains supported only by the bottom hinge, which in this design is usually part of the body or bottom hinge of the freezer. Gently lift the door up to remove it from the bottom pin. It is better to perform this action together, since the door with shelves can be heavy and have an awkward shape for gripping.
The removed door must be immediately placed on a previously prepared soft surface. Place it with the outside facing down to avoid damaging the front panel. If there are glass shelves on the inside, it is better to remove them first so that they do not fall out when transporting the door to a temporary storage location.
Now attention turns to the bottom of the door. Here you need to remove the stopper or pin that secures the loop. In different models LG this element may look different: it can be a plastic bushing, a metal washer or a special retainer. Save all small parts in a separate container so as not to lose them during work.
☑️ Check before removing the door
Inspect the removed door for holes for handles and hinges on the back side. In most modern models LG the holes are already provided by the manufacturer and are closed with decorative plugs. If there are no holes, then, unfortunately, it is impossible to turn the door on your specific model without complex engineering modifications, which is not recommended.
Working with a freezer and the No Frost system
If your refrigerator LG is equipped with a system No Frost, the process of reversing the doors is complicated by the presence electrical wires going to temperature sensors, lighting lamps and control buttons. These wires run inside the door body and connect to connectors at the base of the refrigerator.
When removing the bottom door (freezer) or the middle door in three-compartment models, you must be extremely careful to disconnect the electrical connectors. They can be quite tight, so don't pull on the wires. Find the plastic connector, press the latch and gently pull it towards you.
⚠️ Attention: Never pull on the wires themselves! This can lead to a break in the wires inside the insulation, which will cause a malfunction of the control system or defrost sensors. You only need to pull the plastic connector housing.
After disconnecting the wires, remove the freezer door in the same way as the top one: lifting it from the bottom pin. Place the door next to the top, being careful. Now you need to rearrange the fastening elements on the door itself. Remove the handle, if it is removable, and move it to the opposite side using the provided holes.
Pay special attention sealing rubber. When turning the door over, it is important to check its condition. If the rubber is deformed or has creases, the seal may be compromised after rehanging. In this case, it is better to replace the seal or try to restore its shape using a hairdryer and hot water.
Installing hinges and installing doors on the new side
When all the doors are removed and prepared, the assembly process on the new side begins. First, install the lower support hinge for the freezer compartment (or the main chamber if the model is single-compartment). Insert the hinge pin into the corresponding hole on the body and secure with the bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet.
Install the bottom door into place. If the model with No Frost, first of all, connect the electrical connectors. Make sure they click into place. Then slide the door onto the bottom hinge pin. Now you can proceed to installing the central or upper hinge (depending on the design).
| Element | Action | Nuance |
|---|---|---|
| Lower hinge | Installation pin | Do not tighten completely |
| Electrical | Connecting connectors | Make sure it snaps in place |
| Upper loop | Fixing the door | Aligning gaps |
| Plugs | Installing decorations | Closing old holes |
Secure the top hinge bolts. At this stage, it is important to correctly set the gaps between the door and the body. The door should fit snugly around its entire perimeter, but not rub against the body. If you notice a misalignment, loosen the bolts of the central hinge (if there is one) or the adjusting screws and move the door slightly.
What to do if the door does not close tightly?
If after installation you notice that the door does not fit tightly, check the tilt level of the refrigerator itself. Often it is enough to unscrew the front leveling feet a little to tilt the body back and the door will close by gravity. Also check whether the contents of the shelves do not prevent them from closing tightly.
After the final tightening of all bolts, check the operation of the doors. They should open and close smoothly, without squeaks or jams. Replace all the decorative plugs on the hinges and close the holes on the free side of the door with the plugs that came with the kit or were on the other side.
Adjusting the gaps and final check
The final stage is fine adjustment. Even if visually everything looks smooth, microscopic distortions can lead to the refrigerator maintaining its temperature worse or consuming more electricity. Take a building level and check the vertical position of the door when closed.
If the model allows it, use the adjusting screws on the hinges to eliminate the gap between the top or bottom of the door and the body. Turning the screw clockwise usually brings the door closer to the body, and counterclockwise it moves it away. Proceed in small steps, a quarter of a turn, checking the result each time.
Do not forget about the level of the refrigerator itself. After rearrangement and possible movements, the legs could get lost. Adjust the support screws from below so that the refrigerator is stable and does not wobble when lightly pressing on the corner.
⚠️ Attention: Do not plug in the refrigerator immediately after moving it. If you tilt the unit more than 40 degrees or transport it lying down, the compressor oil will take time (2 to 4 hours) to return to the compressor crankcase. Turning on ahead of time can lead to the compressor failing.
After the refrigerator has stood in a horizontal position for the required time, you can turn it on. For the first few hours, monitor the operation of the unit: listen for any extraneous vibrations, check whether the doors close tightly after cooling. If everything went well, you saved a significant amount on calling a technician and received a refrigerator that fits perfectly into the interior.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to turn the door on an LG refrigerator with a display on the door?
Yes, on most models with a display this is possible, but the procedure is more complicated. You will have to transfer not only mechanical elements, but also carefully transfer the display and control button cables through the door body, which requires care. In some older models, moving the control panel may be structurally impossible.
Do you need to buy new hinges for hanging?
In 95% of cases, additional purchases are not required. All necessary symmetrical holes and components (bolts, plugs) are already provided by the manufacturer LG. An exception may be cases when the original fasteners are lost or the threads in the body are damaged.
Why does the door open by itself after rehanging?
Most likely, the angle of the refrigerator is broken. The door should only open on its own if it is open more than 45-50 degrees. If it swings open with a slight touch, unscrew the front legs of the refrigerator to tilt the body back a little. Also check whether the door touches the floor or rug.
What to do if the holes for the handle do not fit?
If there are no threaded bushings for the handle on the back of the door, it means that this particular model LG does not provide for symmetrical installation. Drilling new holes and cutting threads yourself is highly not recommended, as this will break the tightness of the inner layer of the door and lead to corrosion.