Changing the kitchen layout or simply wanting to update the interior often requires changing the direction of opening the door of household appliances. Owners of equipment LG may be faced with the need to turn the sash so that it opens in a convenient direction. This is a completely solvable task that does not require calling a specialist if you act carefully and consistently.
The process of hanging doors on refrigerators LG is standardized, but has its own nuances depending on the model. Careless handling of fasteners or an incorrect sequence of actions can lead to sash misalignment or damage to the seal. In this article we will analyze in detail all the stages of work, the necessary tools and typical mistakes.
Before starting work, it is important to make sure that you have free space around the unit. You will need to remove the side panels or move the equipment away from the wall to gain access to the fasteners. The main difference between LG models is the specific shape of the lower bushings and the presence of door opening sensors, which require careful handling during dismantling.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
To do the job well, it is not enough just to have the desire change the equipment configuration. You will need a basic DIY kit to avoid stripping threads and damaging the plastic. Prepare all the tools in advance so as not to be distracted during the process.
The main tool will be a wrench or a set of sockets. Most often in refrigerators LG wrench bolts of 8, 10 or 13 mm are used. You will also need a flathead and Phillips screwdriver, as some decorative caps and hinge fasteners can be secured with different types of screws.
Don't forget about masking tape or a soft rag. They will be needed to secure the door in the open position and protect the body from scratches when working with metal tools. If you have a model with a display or a complex control system, you may need the help of a second person to carefully disconnect the cables.
- 🔧 A set of wrenches or a ratchet with heads (8, 10, 13 mm)
- 🪛 Screwdrivers (phillips and flathead in different sizes)
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges
- 🧶 Painting tape or wide belt for securing doors
☑️ Preparation for rehanging
Dismantling the top hinge and removing the top door
You should always start work with top of the refrigerator. This is due to the design of the suspension of the sashes: they are supported on the upper hinge, and the lower one serves only as a support. First, remove the decorative cap that hides the mounting bolts. Usually it is made of plastic and is simply inserted into the grooves.
After you get to the bolts, do not rush to unscrew them completely. The refrigerator door LG is heavy, and when removing the last bolt, it may fall on your feet or hit the body. Ask an assistant to hold the sash or use a belt for temporary fixation.
⚠️ Attention: In some models LG a door sensor wire is located under the top hinge. Be extremely careful when removing the loop so as not to damage the insulation or connector.
Carefully disconnect the connector if it interferes with removal of the loop. Then unscrew the bolts and remove the top hinge along with the axle. The upper door can now be lifted and removed from the lower bushing. Set it aside in a safe place, it is best to place it face up on a soft surface.
Nuances of working with sensors
If the sensor wire is too short and does not allow you to remove the loop, do not pull it by force. Carefully disconnect the connector chip, having previously photographed the position of the contacts so as not to confuse them during assembly.
Removing the middle hinge and bottom door
After dismantling the top door, you will have access to the middle hinge that holds the bottom door. The principle of operation is similar: remove the decorative trim, unscrew the mounting bolts. Here it is also important to hold the bottom door, since it is now left hanging only on the bottom pin.
Remove the middle hinge and carefully lower the bottom door. Now the refrigerator is completely free of the doors. Inspect the removed hinges: there should be no cracks or severe wear on them. If you notice defects, it is better to replace the hinges with new ones, otherwise the new configuration will not work correctly.
At this stage, prevention can be carried out. While the doors are removed, it is convenient to wash the seals and check their integrity. Also inspect the ends of the doors for chips. If you plan to change the opening side, make sure that there is no damage on the new side of the case that could prevent a tight fit.
- 🚪 Remove decorative plugs from all visible hinges
- 🔩 Unscrew the middle hinge bolts, holding the bottom door
- 🧹 Wipe seals and check their elasticity
- 👀 Inspect the removed hinges for mechanical damage
It is this that experiences the greatest stress when opening the lower chamber. Therefore, special attention should be paid to the condition of its mounting holes.
Rearranging the fittings elements to the opposite side
The most critical stage is moving the fittings. Refrigerator doors LG are symmetrical, but the holes for hinges and handles can be closed with plugs. You need to unscrew the plugs on the new side of the installation and move them to the old places to hide the holes.
Pay special attention to the handles. If in your model they are asymmetrical or have a specific angle of inclination, they will also need to be rearranged. To do this, you usually need to remove the inner panel of the door or get to the fasteners from the end. Use a suitable screwdriver to avoid stripping the screw slots.
| Element | Action during transfer | Feature for LG |
|---|---|---|
| Top hinge | Move to the other side | Watch the orientation of the axis |
| Middle hinge | Turn over or rearrange | Requires precise centering |
| Lower support | Rearrange sleeve | Often hidden under the decor panel |
| Handles | Remove and re-attach | Special may be required. keys |
Don't forget about the plastic bushings that are located at the ends of the doors. They need to be carefully knocked out or pulled out and rearranged into the holes on the opposite side. Do this without excessive force so as not to split the plastic.
Installing the doors in a new position
Assembly is carried out in the reverse order of disassembly. The bottom door is installed first. Insert the lower support sleeve into the hole provided for it on the new side. Make sure it fits tightly and evenly.
Place the lower door into place by sliding it onto the lower bushing. Now your task is to get the top of the door into the middle hinge. This may require some skill as the door is heavy. Secure the middle hinge with the bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet.
Then install the top door. Place it on the middle hinge pin and line up the holes for the top hinge. Insert the bolts of the upper hinge and just tighten them for now. This sequence is necessary for subsequent adjustment of the gaps.
Now you can connect the sensor connectors if they were disconnected. Make sure that the wires are not pinched by the metal loops and lie in their channels. After this, check the vertical installation of the doors visually.
Adjusting gaps and tightness
The final stage is adjustment. If you simply tighten the bolts, the door may become warped and the refrigerator will not close tightly. First, check that the refrigerator itself is level using a level. If necessary, tighten the front adjustment feet.
Now work on the hinges. Loosen the middle and top hinge bolts a little. Have a helper hold the door closed. Carefully align the sash, achieving an even gap around the entire perimeter. The gap between the door and the body should be the same at the top and bottom.
⚠️ Attention: Do not overtighten the hinge bolts. This can lead to deformation of the metal door body or breakage of the threads in the aluminum bushings.
Once aligned, tighten all bolts tightly. Check the operation of the doors: they should open easily, without squeaks, and fit snugly to the body around the entire perimeter. The seal should evenly touch the surface.
Frequent errors and ways to eliminate them
Even with careful study of the instructions, beginners often make mistakes. One of the most common is incorrect installation of the lower support sleeve. If it is skewed, the door will creak and quickly wear out.
Another mistake is ignoring the wires. In models LG with displays or systems No Frost with complex electronics, the wires may be short. When transferred to the other side, they may not be enough if you do not release the reserve from the internal channels of the case.
- ❌ They forgot to rearrange the plastic plugs on the handles
- ❌ They mixed up the door settings (first the bottom, then the top)
- ❌ They did not check the horizontal position of the refrigerator itself
- ❌ The bolts were overtightened, causing the metal to warp
If after installation the door does not close tightly, try unscrewing the front adjustable feet a little so that the refrigerator tilts back slightly. This will help the door close under its own weight. If the problem is in the seal, heat it with a hair dryer or pour boiling water to restore elasticity.
What to do if a creaking appears after rehanging?
The creaking most often occurs due to metal-to-metal friction in the hinges or due to misalignment. Try applying lubricant to the hinge gaps. If it doesn’t help, loosen the fastenings and re-align the door, achieving an ideal vertical.
Is it possible to hang the door yourself on a model with a display?
Yes, you can, but extra care is required. Display cables often pass through the top loop. Be sure to disconnect the power supply to the refrigerator before working and work carefully with the connectors so as not to break the fragile plastic latches.
Do you need to wait after installation before turning it on?
If you did not tilt the refrigerator more than 45 degrees during work, there is no need to wait. If the equipment was lying on its side, let the oil in the compressor drain down for 2-4 hours before the first start.