Modern kitchens often dictate their own conditions, and a standard layout may require changing the direction of opening the refrigerator door. For owners of brand equipment Dexp this problem is solved relatively simply, since the design of most models provides for the possibility of reinstalling the hinges. However, despite its apparent simplicity, the process requires attention to detail and strict adherence to the sequence of actions. Incorrect installation can lead to distortion of the canvas, failure of the seal and, as a result, increased energy consumption.
Before starting work, you must clearly understand that you will be working with heavy and fragile equipment. Re-hanging the door - this is not just rearranging the bolts, it is a complex procedure that affects the balancing of the entire unit. In this article we will analyze in detail the preparation, dismantling of old fasteners and installation of new ones, paying special attention to the specifics of Chinese OEM assemblies, which include Dexp refrigerators.
It is worth noting that the configuration of the hinges may vary slightly depending on the specific model and year of manufacture. If you are planning to do the work for the first time, enlist the help of an assistant, since holding a heavy door and at the same time unscrewing the fasteners alone is extremely inconvenient and dangerous. Next, we will look at the necessary tools and stages of preparing the workspace.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
The success of the operation directly depends on the quality of preparation. You don't need a complex professional tool, but the set should be complete. The main tool will be a set of open-end or socket wrenches, as well as Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers. Often, a special hex key is included with the refrigerator, which is better to immediately put aside, as it may not be strong enough for long-term fastening.
Pay special attention to organizing the space in front of the refrigerator. You will need a clear zone with a radius of at least one and a half meters. The floor must be level so that the unit does not wobble during operation. If there is slippery linoleum or tile on the floor, be sure to lay down thick cardboard or a rubber mat. This will prevent accidental slipping of the equipment and protect the coating from scratches by fallen tools.
To protect against damage, it is also recommended to prepare a soft rag or blanket. They cover the floor in the work area and wrap the ends of the door during dismantling. Don't forget about the source of bright light: in the lower part of the refrigerator, where the hinges are attached, it is often dark, and it is important to see the condition of the threaded connections.
☑️ Checking readiness for work
An important aspect is electrical safety. Before any manipulations with the structure of the refrigerator, it must be disconnected from the network. This is not only a safety requirement, but also a way to avoid accidentally turning on the compressor or damaging the wiring if you suddenly have to work near electronic control units, which are often located in the upper part of the case.
Removing the top hinge and removing the door
The process begins from the top of the unit. This is where the main load-bearing hinge is located, which holds the weight of the door leaf. Depending on the model Dexp, the top panel may be removable or require partial disassembly. If the panel blocks access to the bolts, it must be carefully lifted or removed by snapping the plastic clips. Do not use excessive force to avoid breaking the fragile latches.
After gaining access to the top hinge, do not rush to unscrew all the bolts at once. The door is under load, and if you unscrew the fasteners completely, it may fall on your feet or hit the body. Loosen the bolts first, but do not remove them completely. Ask an assistant to firmly grasp the door, after which you can completely unscrew the fasteners.
⚠️ Attention: Dexp refrigerator doors are often equipped with magnetic locks or complex closer mechanisms. When removing the door, make sure that a sudden movement does not damage the internal plastic elements of the mechanism.
The removed door must be carefully placed in a safe place, preferably resting it against the wall on a soft lining. Now you have access to the inside of the case. At this stage, it is important not to lose the removed bolts and decorative plugs. It is recommended to put fasteners from different stages into separate containers so that during assembly you do not confuse the length and type of screws, since hardware with different threads may be used in different units.
What to do if the bolt of the upper hinge is stuck?
If the bolt does not give in, do not use excessive force so as not to strip the thread. Try adding a little penetrating lubricant (like WD-40) and wait 10-15 minutes. You can also gently warm up the joint with a hairdryer, but be careful with the plastic parts around.
Rearranging the fittings to the opposite side
Now we move on to the most technical part of the process. On the side where you plan to hang the door, blind plugs are initially installed. They need to be removed. Usually they are held on by latches or simply inserted into the holes with tension. Carefully pry them off with a flat screwdriver and set them aside.
Next follows the transfer of the main elements of the fittings. The top hinge you just removed needs to be installed on the opposite side. For this purpose, symmetrical holes are provided in the refrigerator body. Make sure that the hinge pin (axial pin) is pointing straight up and secured with a locking screw, if the design provides for this. Some models Dexp use an asymmetrical top hinge, which must be turned over or replaced with a mirror one from the spare parts kit, if it was included.
Requires special attention door handle. In most modern Dexp models, the handles are symmetrical or have a hidden fastening mechanism that does not require rearrangement. However, if the handle is one-sided, it must be removed and moved to the new opening side. To do this, you usually need to remove the inner panel of the door or unscrew the screws from the inside of the door.
Don’t forget about the door opening limiter. This is a small plastic or metal pin that prevents the door from swinging open more than 90-110 degrees, protecting the walls and the unit itself. It also needs to be moved to the corresponding hole on the new side. If this is not done, the door will go beyond the dimensions of the body, which may lead to damage to the seal or hinges in the future.
Nuances of working with the lower hinge and plinth
The lower part of the refrigerator requires a separate approach. This is often where the plinth grille or decorative panel is located, which must be removed to access the bottom hinge. Unlike the upper hinge, the lower hinge experiences lower tensile loads, but is critical for the vertical axis of rotation.
When rearranging the lower hinge, it is important to correctly orient the mating part, which is attached to the door itself. Often this part has a specific shape and can only be installed in one position. Carefully inspect the holes: they should coincide with the holes on the door without distortion. If you see that the holes do not match, do not try to tighten the bolts by force - this will lead to deformation of the metal and difficulties when closing.
| Element | Location (Standard) | Location (After overweight) | Features fastenings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top hinge | Upper right corner | Upper left corner | Requires door holding |
| Bottom hinge | Right bottom corner | Bottom left corner | Hidden by the base |
| Limiter | Rear right/left | Opposite side | Plastic pin |
| Plugs | On the free side | On the old side | Removable decorative |
In models with a bottom freezer, it may be necessary to remove the intermediate partition. This is a more involved operation and requires disconnecting the ductwork (if any) and careful handling of the insulation. If your Dexp has a No Frost system, make sure that when rearranging elements you do not pinch the air ducts supplying cold air.
Installing the door and final adjustment
After all the mating parts are secured in new places, you can begin hanging the door. This is the most crucial moment requiring coordination of actions. One person holds the door, the second directs it to the lower axis, the third (or again the first) fixes the upper hinge.
It is important to hit the lower door bushing exactly on the pin of the lower hinge. If the door is seated correctly, it should rotate freely, although with some play for now, since the upper fasteners have not yet been tightened. Align the position of the blade with the body and begin tightening the bolts of the upper hinge. Do not tighten them all the way at once - tighten all the bolts first to be able to (correct) the position.
⚠️ Attention: If the door is skewed even by a few millimeters, the magnetic seal will not fit around the entire perimeter. This will cause ice to freeze and the compressor to constantly operate.
Final adjustment is made using a building level. Check vertical alignment along the front edge of the door and along the side surface. If the refrigerator is on an uneven floor, use the adjustable feet on the bottom of the cabinet to level the unit before finally securing the door. After tightening all the bolts, check the ease of opening and the tightness of closing.
Frequent errors and ways to eliminate them
Even following the instructions, beginners often make mistakes. One of the most common is the loss or confusion of bolts of different lengths. In the design of refrigerators Dexp screws with a thread pitch different from the standard furniture pitch can be used. Using unsuitable fasteners can lead to the bolt going through or, conversely, not reaching the thread, which can lead to the hinge being torn off.
Another mistake is ignoring the condition of the seal. When hanging the door, the rubber cuff often becomes deformed or wrinkled. If after installation you notice a loose fit, try warming the seal with a hairdryer (not too hot air) and straighten it with your hands. In some cases, it is necessary to replace the seal if the old one has lost its elasticity.
It is also worth mentioning problems with freezer doors in two-chamber models. If you are re-hanging the main door, be sure to check the bottom door as well. Sometimes the design involves a rigid connection of axles, and the misalignment of one door affects the other. In such cases, you need to adjust both doors at the same time, achieving uniform gaps around the entire perimeter.
Why does the door slam?
If, after rehanging, the door begins to slam loudly when closing, you may have tightened the hinges too much, removing the natural play, or incorrectly installed the opening limiter. Loosen the fastenings and check the geometry.
Do you need to completely defrost the refrigerator before rehanging?
Full defrosting is not strictly necessary if you work quickly. However, if there is a lot of ice in the evaporator, tilting or vibration may cause water to get onto the electrical contacts. It is better to carry out the defrosting procedure in advance so that the inside is dry and safe.
Is it possible to hang the door if the refrigerator is built into the furniture?
This is possible, but extremely difficult. You will need to remove the front panels and provide access to the side walls of the refrigerator. It is often easier to pull a built-in refrigerator out of a niche, re-hang it and put it back in place than to try to work in a tight space.
What to do if, after re-hanging, the door opens on its own?
This is a sign of imbalance. Most likely, the refrigerator is not level (tilted forward). Twist the front adjustable feet to raise the front of the unit. The center of gravity will shift and the door will begin to close on its own.
Will the warranty remain valid after re-hanging it yourself?
According to the rules of most service centers, re-hanging the door yourself is not grounds for voiding the warranty if the unit components were not damaged in the process. However, if you strip threads or break glass, warranty repairs may be denied. Keep all the removed parts.
What to do with the holes on the old side?
The holes remaining on the old side after rearranging the hinges must be closed with decorative plugs that are included in the kit or are already installed on the new side. This is necessary to maintain thermal insulation and aesthetic appearance. If the plugs are lost, they can be ordered from the service center or carefully sealed.