Changing sides opening the refrigerator door is a standard procedure that is often required when rearranging kitchen furniture or changing the layout of the room. Manufacturers of household appliances provide this possibility in almost all modern models, including two-chamber units. However, this process requires accuracy, a basic set of tools and an understanding of the design of hinge mechanisms. Incorrect reinstallation can lead to misalignment of the sash, failure of the seal and, as a consequence, failure of the compressor due to constant operation. In this article we will analyze in detail the stages of work, paying special attention to the nuances of dismantling hinge mechanisms.
Improper reinstallation can lead to misalignment of the flap, failure of the seal and, as a consequence, failure of the compressor due to constant operation. In this article we will analyze in detail the stages of work, paying special attention to the nuances of dismantling control modules and correct adjustment of gaps.
Before starting work, it is extremely important to make sure that your specific case allows this operation. Some models have hidden hinges or design features that do not require independent intervention.
⚠️ Attention: Before any manipulations, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Working with live electrical components is prohibited.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
To successfully complete the task, you will need a minimum set of tools that most craftsmen have in their homes. The main tool will be open-end or socket wrench, the size of which depends on the model of the refrigerator (most often it is 8, 10 mm). You may also need a flat-head and Phillips screwdrivers to remove decorative plugs.
Free up space around the refrigerator. You need to ensure access to the unit from all sides, since the door will have to be removed and set aside. Prepare a soft surface - a blanket or cardboard - on which you will place the removed door so as not to damage the floor covering or the panel itself.
Some models use hex bolts to secure the hinges, so make sure you have the appropriate tool. If you are planning to move a heavy two-chamber refrigerator, it is better to enlist the help of a second person.
- 🛠️ Set of wrenches (open-end or socket)
- 🔧 Screwdrivers (flat and Phillips)
- 📦 Cardboard or soft cloth for protection floor
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges
Design analysis and removal of the top cover
First The first step is always to dismantle the top cover of the refrigerator, if it is structurally provided for. It is under or through it that the backlight and sensor wires often pass, and the top loop is also attached. In two-chamber models, the top door is usually the refrigerator door, and this is where the process begins.
Carefully inspect the top panel. It can be secured with latches or screws. If screws are visible, carefully remove them. If the panel is held on by latches, use a plastic spatula or flat-head screwdriver (wrapped in cloth) to avoid damaging the plastic, and carefully press the latches around the perimeter. Top hinge may be hidden under a decorative plug.
After removing the cover, you gain access to fasteners. It is important not to pull harshly on the wires if they are connected to a control panel or backlight. In some models control unit can be integrated into the cover.
| Type of cover fastening | Tool | Removal features |
|---|---|---|
| Screws front | Phillips screwdriver | Simply unscrew and lift |
| Latches around the perimeter | Plastic spatula | Requires careful snapping |
| Combined | Key + screwdriver | First screws, then latches |
Removing the top door and hinge
After freeing access to the top hinge, it is necessary to fix the door in the open position so that it does not fell on your feet while unscrewing the bolts. Have an assistant hold the sash or use a stop. Unscrew the bolts securing the top hinge to the refrigerator body.
Remove the hinge and carefully lift the top door up, removing it from the bottom pin. If there are wires connected to the door (to indicate opening or illumination), they must be disconnected. The connectors are usually located inside the end of the door or on the top of the frame. Be careful, connectors plastic and fragile.
Put the door aside on a prepared soft surface with the outer side down. Now you need to dismantle the mating part of the hinge on the opposite side of the case, if there is one, or rearrange the existing one. Often, decorative plugs are installed on the unused side that need to be removed.
- 🚪 Secure the door before unscrewing the bolts
- ⚡ Disconnect the wire connectors carefully, without jerking
- 🔩 Keep all bolts and washers in one place
⚠️ Attention: Do not twist or strain the wiring harness when the door is removed, this may lead to broken contacts.
Reversing the bottom door of the freezer
Working with the bottom door of a two-chamber refrigerator has its own characteristics. Often the bottom door (freezer) does not have electrical connections, making the process easier. However, its weight can be significant, especially if there is food or ice left inside.
The process is similar to the top one: unscrew the bottom hinge, remove the door, move the pin and the mating part to the other side. In some models, there is a middle hinge between the doors, which also needs to be rebalanced. Middle hinge It is a connecting link and requires precise alignment.
When installing the pin in a new place, make sure that it sits tightly in the socket. If the design involves the use of bushings or adapters to change sides, be sure to install them according to the diagram in the instructions. Using the wrong parts will cause rapid wear of the mechanism.
What to do if the pin does not fit into place?
Check that you have not mixed up the left and right sides of the socket. In some models, the sockets have different depths or diameters to prevent assembly errors.
Installing doors in the reverse order
Assembly is carried out in the reverse order of disassembly. First, the lower door is installed (if it was removed separately) or the upper door immediately, depending on the design. Insert the bottom pin into the slot on the new side, put the door on.
Then the middle hinge (if any) is installed and the top door is put on. There is no need to tighten the top hinge bolts all the way at this stage - leave them slightly loose. This will allow the final position adjustment doors to be carried out relative to each other and the body.
Connect all electrical connectors. Make sure the wires are in their proper channels and will not be pinched when closing the door. Only after checking the laying of the wires can you finally tighten all the hinge bolts.
- 🔌 Connect the connectors until the bolts are completely tightened
- 📏 Check the vertical installation of the doors
- 🔒 Tighten the bolts consistently and evenly
☑️ Assembly control
Adjusting gaps and checking tightness
The final and critical stage is adjustment. The doors must fit tightly to the body around the entire perimeter. If you notice misalignment, loosen the middle or bottom hinge and move the door slightly until the ideal position is achieved.
Check the operation of the magnetic seal. The door should close with a characteristic bang and be held in place by magnets even when tilted slightly. If the door opens on its own or does not close completely, it means that the geometry is broken or the seal is damaged during installation.
Plug in the refrigerator and leave it empty for several hours. Check to see if ice appears in the corners of the chamber, which may indicate warm air entering due to a loose fit.
⚠️ Attention: If after adjustment the door still does not fit tightly, the seal may be deformed. Try warming it with a hairdryer (without overheating!) or replace it.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to rehang the door if the refrigerator built-in?
Yes, you can, but the process is more complicated. You will need to dismantle the front panels of the furniture, remove the fasteners connecting the refrigerator to the kitchen unit, and only then work with the hinges. Often, furniture fronts also require rehanging.
What to do if there are no holes for hinges on the new side?
In 99% of cases there are holes, but they are closed with plastic plugs. Carefully inspect the end of the body and the door itself. If there really are no holes (rare models), then it is impossible to rehang the door without violating the warranty and design.
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging it?
It is advisable. At least a few hours before starting work, turn off the unit so that the glass becomes less fragile and the ice in the chamber (if any) does not interfere with manipulations. In addition, an empty refrigerator is easier to tilt or move.
Why does the door not close completely after rehanging?
Most likely, you set the angle of the case incorrectly. The refrigerator should stand with a slight tilt back (the back legs are higher than the front legs) so that the door closes by gravity. Check the adjustment of the support legs.