Changing the location of the door leaf in the Gorenje refrigerator often becomes necessary when moving or changing the kitchen layout. Modern models of this brand, such as the NRK and NRKIseries, were initially designed with the possibility of reinstallation in mind, which greatly simplifies the life of the owners. However, the process itself requires care, since hinge design it may differ for different modifications.
Before you begin the active phase of work, you need to make sure that you understand the structure of your unit. Incorrect handling of the closing mechanism or hasty actions can lead to damage fittings or leakage. In this article, we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions that will allow you to safely change the opening side.
It is important to note that for some built-in models Gorenje it may be necessary to dismantle the decorative panels of the facade before starting the main work. Always evaluate your strength: if the body seems too heavy or difficult, it is better to enlist the help of a second person. This will help to avoid accidental hits against the walls or a heavy element falling on your feet.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Working with live electrical appliances is prohibited by safety rules.
Necessary tools and site preparation
High-quality preparation of the workspace is the key to the success of the entire operation. You will need to clear the area around the refrigerator by at least one meter on all sides in order to have free access to the ends and back wall. The floor at the work site should be flat and preferably covered with soft material, for example, cardboard or an old blanket, so as not to scratch the coating when installing the case in a horizontal position.
As for the tools, a standard home craftsman's set is not always suitable here. You will need a Phillips screwdriver, but most often you need a special hex wrench, which usually comes with the equipment Gorenje. If the original key is lost, select an analogue of the appropriate size so as not to tear off the edges of the bolts.
Also prepare the following items:
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead) for working with screws of different calibers.
- 🔩 Hex key (usually 4 mm or 5 mm) for adjusting hinges.
- 🧤 Construction gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 📦 A small container for folding fasteners so that they do not get lost.
Pay special attention fasteners. When dismantling, old screws may have traces of factory grease or, conversely, be overtightened. Having WD-40 or a similar thread lubricant on hand is a very smart step if the hinges are stuck.
☑️ Preparing for rehanging
Removing the top panel and handle
The first step is always removing the top cover of the refrigerator. In models Gorenje it is often secured with latches or screws located at the back. Carefully move the unit away from the wall to gain access to the fasteners. Proceed without sudden jerks to avoid damaging the plastic fasteners.
After removing the cover, the top hinge will be revealed to your attention. This is where the reinstallation process begins. If your model has a decorative trim on the handle or the handle itself is part of the door structure, they must also be removed. Usually, to do this, it is enough to unscrew the screws from the inside of the door leaf.
Some users encounter difficulties when removing the handles, since the screws can be hidden under decorative plugs. Carefully inspect the surface: if you see small holes or plastic dimples, most likely the fasteners are located underneath them. Use a thin awl or knife to carefully remove the plugs.
After freeing the top part, you can begin to remove the door. Have a helper hold the heavy blade while you remove the top hinge bolts. As soon as the fastening is loosened, the door must be carefully lifted and removed from the lower axis.
Removing the door and rearranging the hinges
The removed door must be laid on a prepared soft surface with the outer side down. Be careful: the interior surface may be fragile, and glass shelves on the door (if any) should be removed in advance. Now we are rearranging rotation axes.
At the end of the door you will see holes for the handle and fasteners. On the opposite side there should also be technological holes closed with plugs. Your task is to move the handle to the new side and insert plugs into the old holes. Refrigerators Gorenje often use symmetrical holes, which simplifies the task.
Next we move on to the body of the refrigerator. The bottom hinge that served as a support should now become the top hinge, or you will need to use the supplied parts for the reverse side. Carefully study the instructions for your specific model, as the diagram may vary:
- 🔄 In some cases, the hinge just needs to be moved to the opposite side of the case.
- 🔄 In other models, you need to turn the hinge itself over or use a mirror version of the part.
- 🔄 Separate series Gorenje require replacement of bushings or washers when changing sides.
Install the lower support loop in a new location. Tighten the bolts tightly, but not fanatically, so as not to strip the threads in the metal housing. Check that the axis is strictly vertical.
⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse the upper and lower hinges. They can have different designs and angles of inclination, which is critical for proper closing of the door.
Now is the time to install the door in place. Apply a little grease to the bottom hinge shaft to ensure silent opening. Carefully place the door on the axle, making sure it fits into the hole in the upper part.
Adjusting the position of doors and gaps
After installing the door in a new place, it may hang unevenly or not fit tightly to the body. This is normal, since the final adjustmentis required. In modern refrigerators Gorenje the top hinge, which often has an eccentric mechanism or adjusting screws, is responsible for this.
To level the door height, use the adjusting supports at the bottom of the refrigerator body. By rotating them, you can raise or lower the front part of the unit, which will automatically adjust the angle of the doors and ensure their spontaneous closing.
Main parameters to check:
- 📏 The gap between the door and the body must be uniform around the entire perimeter.
- 📏 Door should open freely, without jamming or creaking.
- 📏 A door slightly open by 10-15 degrees should slam itself shut under the influence of gravity.
If you notice a misalignment, slightly loosen the screws securing the top hinge, align the door and tighten them again. Sometimes it takes several iterations to get the perfect result. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the position until you find the optimal one.
Pay special attention to the magnetic seal. After rearrangement, it can move away from the body. Warm it up with a hairdryer (not too hot air) and press it with your hand so that it straightens and takes the desired shape.
Compatibility table and model features
Different series of Gorenje refrigerators have their own design features. Below is a table that will help you navigate the nuances for popular models. Please remember that technical specifications may vary depending on the year of manufacture.
| Gorenje series | Loop type | Do you need a special one? tool | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| NRK 6xxx | Standard | 4mm hexagon | Simple circuit, plugs included |
| NRKI (Built-in) | Complex, with a facade | Screwdriver + key | Requires rehanging the furniture facade |
| RB 4xxx | Reinforced | Hexagon 5mm | Heavy doors, need the help of a second person |
| ONRK (No Frost) | Standard | 4mm hexagon | It is important not to damage the condensate drain pipe |
For built-in models NRKI the process is complicated by the fact that along with the refrigerator door, you also need to rehang the furniture facade. It is critical to maintain the geometry here, otherwise the doors of the kitchen unit and refrigerator will open at different speeds or touch each other.
If your model is not listed in the table, find the sticker with the serial number (usually inside the chamber or on the back wall) and check with the official documentation. Models with a display on the door require additional shutdown cable cable before removing the panel.
What to do if the cable cable is too short?
If, after rehanging, the display wires do not reach the new side, they cannot be extended independently. In such cases, it is necessary to reconnect the connectors inside the top cover according to the color marking, observing the polarity.
Checking tightness and eliminating defects
The final stage is checking the quality of the work performed. The tightness of the chamber is the main condition for the correct operation of the refrigerator. If the door does not fit tightly, warm air will enter the chamber, which will lead to the formation of ice and increased energy consumption.
There is a simple test using a sheet of paper. Clamp the piece of paper with the door around the entire perimeter. If the paper falls out or is pulled out without resistance, the seal has been broken in that area. Try tightening the hinge screws or warming up the seal with a hairdryer.
Possible problems and solutions:
- 🛑 The door slams when closing: check the tilt level of the refrigerator, perhaps it is tilted too far back.
- 🛑 A gap has appeared in the corner: check that do the products on the shelves interfere with tight closing.
- 🛑 A whistle is heard when closing: this is a sign of too strong a vacuum, the drainage hole may be clogged.
After installation, plug in the refrigerator and let it work for several hours without loading food. Check whether there is condensation on the outer walls and whether the chamber is cooled evenly.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do I need to wait? before turning on the refrigerator after re-hanging it?
Yes, it is recommended to wait at least 30-60 minutes after installing the unit in a vertical position before turning it on. This is necessary to ensure that the compressor oil flows into the crankcase if the refrigerator has been in a horizontal position for a long time.
Is it possible to rehang the door yourself if the refrigerator is under warranty?
Formally, independent intervention in the design can become a reason for refusal of warranty service if it is proven that the breakdown occurred precisely because of your actions. However, simply rehanging the hinges according to the instructions is usually not considered a violation if the fasteners have not been broken.
What to do if the plugs for the holes are lost?
Plugs are necessary for aesthetics and thermal insulation. If they are lost, you can order a set of spare parts from an official Gorenje dealer or use universal furniture plugs of a suitable color and diameter, placing them on glue.
Why did the door become worse to close after rehanging?
Most likely, the angle of the body is broken. The refrigerator should be tilted slightly backwards so that the center of gravity of the door facilitates its closing. Adjust the front legs by unscrewing them to lift the front part of the unit.