Changing the opening side of the refrigerator door is a common need that arises when remodeling a kitchen or purchasing a new model DEXP. It often happens that the standard arrangement of handles and hinges turns out to be inconvenient in a particular interior, requiring immediate intervention.
Modern refrigerators DEXP are designed with versatility in mind, which allows owners to relatively easily change the opening side without calling a technician. However, this process requires care, the availability of a basic set of tools and strict adherence to the sequence of actions so as not to damage accessories or the housing.
Before starting work, you need to clear the space around the unit and prepare a flat surface for storing the removed parts. Proper preparation minimizes the risk of scratches and loss of small fasteners, which is especially important for glossy surfaces.
Necessary tools and preparation for work
To successfully complete the rehanging procedure, you will need a minimum set of tools, which any home craftsman usually has. The main tool will be a set of screwdrivers, including both flat and Phillips versions, as well as wrenches or socket heads of the appropriate size.
It is important to prepare a container in advance for storing screws and bolts, since their number can be significant, and losing even one of them is unacceptable. Some models DEXP are equipped with special plugs and handles for the opposite side, which must be found in the box or at the bottom of the refrigerator.
Make sure you are working in good lighting, as some fasteners may be hidden in hard-to-reach places or covered with decorative trims. Lack of proper light can lead to damage to the plastic or breakage of the thread if handled carelessly.
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat-head) for removing fasteners.
- 🔩 A wrench or a set of sockets (usually 8 mm or 10 mm) for hinge bolts.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧹 Masking tape to secure the door while working.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator DEXP from the electrical network. This is critical for safety, as you will be working in close proximity to electrical components and wiring.
Removing the top panel and top hinge
The process begins by removing the top cover of the refrigerator, if it is structurally provided for in your model. To do this, carefully pry up the decorative plugs or unscrew the visible screws securing the panel using a suitable screwdriver.
After removing the cover, you will have access to the top hinge that holds the door. In some modifications DEXP the wiring of the door opening sensor or indicators may pass under the hinge, which requires special care during further manipulations.
Do not unscrew the upper hinge bolts completely at once - first just loosen them to check if the wires are tight. If wires are present, they must be carefully disconnected from the connectors, having first remembered or photographed their location.
What to do if the bolts are stuck?
If the fasteners do not give in, do not use excessive force so as not to strip the threads. Treat the joint with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and wait 10-15 minutes, then try again.
Unscrew the mounting bolts completely and remove the top hinge. Now the door is supported only by the lower fastening, but it can be heavy, so hold it with your free hand or ask someone for help.
Removing the door and rearranging the handle
At this stage, maximum physical care is required, since the removed refrigerator door DEXP has significant weight and can drop an inexperienced person masters It is best to perform this operation together: one person holds the door, the second is engaged in fastening.
Remove the door from the lower axis and place it on a prepared soft surface with the outer side down. Now you need to dismantle the handle and move it to the opposite side, using the holes provided by the manufacturer.
The refrigerator often comes with special plugs for the holes, which will become redundant after rearrangement. Cover the old holes with them to preserve the aesthetic appearance of the unit and prevent moisture or dust from getting inside the case.
☑️ Dismantling checklist
- 🚪 Carefully remove the door from the lower support axis.
- 🔩 Unscrew the handle and install it on a new one side.
- 🕳️ Close the vacated holes with decorative plugs.
- 🧼 Wipe the ends of the door and the hinge installation area from dust.
⚠️ Attention: Never place the removed refrigerator door vertically, resting it on the corner. This can lead to deformation of the internal frame or damage to the seal, which will subsequently affect the tightness.
Reversing the bottom hinge and installing the door
The bottom hinge is the main supporting element of the structure, and its correct installation is critical for the long-term operation of the mechanism. You need to unscrew the bolts that secure the bottom hinge in its current position and move it to the opposite side of the case.
The bottom panel of the case DEXP usually has threaded holes on both sides, closed with plastic plugs. Reposition the metal axle into the new holes and securely tighten the mounting bolts using a wrench.
Make sure that the axle is installed strictly vertically and has no play. Any distortions at this stage will lead to the door not closing tightly or warping, breaking the tightness chambers.
Now you can install the door on the new axis. Have an assistant lift the door and slide it onto the bottom hinge pin, then align the top holes with the mating part of the hinge.
Installing the top hinge and connecting the wires
The top hinge is installed last, completing the mechanical assembly. Insert the hinge into the seats on the body and door, and then tighten the mounting bolts by hand to avoid distortion of the threads.
If your model is equipped with electronics, now is the time to connect the previously disconnected wires. Carefully insert the connectors into the mating parts until a characteristic click is heard, making sure that the wires are not pinched by metal or twisted.
After connecting the electrics, tighten the bolts of the upper loop completely. Movements must be confident, but without fanaticism, so as not to damage the threads in the aluminum body or the hinge itself.
| Work stage | Required tool | Key action | Risk of error |
|---|---|---|---|
| Removing the top | Screwdriver | Removing the cover | Loss of screws |
| Removing the hinge | Key/Head | Unscrewing the bolts | Broken wires |
| Repositioning | Screwdriver | Changing the side of the handle | Loss of plugs |
| Installing the bottom | Key | Axle installation | Axle misalignment |
Adjustment and checking tightness
After completing the assembly, it is necessary to check the quality of the work performed. The door should open and close freely, without jamming or extraneous sounds, and when released in the half-open position (usually up to 30-40 degrees), it should close on its own.
Check the tightness of the fit seal along the entire perimeter. To do this, you can use a simple sheet of paper: clamp it between the door and the body in different places - it should be removed with noticeable force.
If you notice gaps or a loose fit, you may need to adjust the height of the bottom hinge or the tilt of the refrigerator itself using the front support legs. Correct installation guarantees energy efficiency and a long service life of the compressor.
How to check tightness without paper?
You can use a flashlight. Place the turned on flashlight inside the refrigerator, close the door and turn off the kitchen lights. If light breaks through the cracks, adjustment is needed.
- ✅ The door closes tightly and silently along the entire perimeter.
- ✅ The seal has no creases or deformations after turning over.
- ✅ The wires are not pinched and do not interfere with movement mechanisms.
- ✅ The refrigerator stands firmly on all four legs.
⚠️ Attention: If after rehanging the door does not close tightly, do not ignore it. Operating a refrigerator DEXP with a broken seal will lead to increased energy consumption and premature wear of the compressor.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do I need to call a technician to re-hang the door DEXP?
In most cases, calling a wizard is not required. The design of refrigerators DEXP allows you to perform this procedure yourself, having a basic set of tools and following the instructions. However, if you are not confident in your abilities or are afraid of damaging the wiring, it is better to turn to professionals.
What to do if the plugs for the holes are lost?
If the decorative plugs are lost, you can order them at the service center or pick up universal analogues in furniture fittings stores. Temporarily, the holes can be sealed with a piece of black tape or a rivet to maintain a neat appearance.
Is it possible to rehang the door if the refrigerator is built into the set?
It is more difficult to rehang the door of a built-in refrigerator, since it requires dismantling the facades of the kitchen furniture. It is necessary to evaluate whether the cabinet design allows opening in the other direction and whether there are stops there. Often for built-in models, this requires complete disassembly of the cabinet.
Does re-hanging the door affect the warranty?
The process of re-hanging the door itself does not void the warranty on the refrigerator DEXPif during the work no parts were damaged, the integrity of the case was damaged or the seal was broken compressor compartment. The main thing is to act carefully.
Why does the door not fit completely after installation?
There may be several reasons: misalignment of the lower axis, a foreign object getting under the seal, incorrect adjustment of the refrigerator support legs, or deformation of the door itself during transportation. Step-by-step diagnostics are required.