A change in the kitchen layout or simply a desire to optimize the space often dictates their conditions for the arrangement of household appliances. Refrigerator owners Leran often face the need to change the direction of door opening to provide more convenient access to products. Fortunately, the design of most models of this brand allows you to perform the rehanging procedure yourself, without calling a specialist. This will not only save your budget, but will also give you a complete understanding of the structure of your unit.
This process requires accuracy, the availability of a basic set of tools and strict adherence to the sequence of actions. Improper dismantling can lead to damage seals or even deformation of the canvas itself, so it is important to prepare in advance. In this article we will analyze all the nuances of working with various modifications of refrigerators Leran, paying attention to the critical points that beginners often miss.
Before starting work, you need to clear the space around the refrigerator and prepare a flat surface. Remember that the door is a heavy element with a fragile internal filling, and a fall even from a small height can be fatal to the integrity of the structure. In models with the No Frost system, it is critical not to damage the sensor wires passing through the top hinge, since their restoration will require professional intervention.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
For To perform a task efficiently, you will need a minimal but specific set of tools. Using unsuitable objects, such as kitchen knives or pliers instead of screwdrivers, may cause the screw slots to break off or the cabinet to be scratched. A standard set usually includes a Phillips screwdriver, a wrench (often 8 or 10 mm) and pliers.
Particular attention should be paid to protecting the floor covering and the refrigerator itself. Heavy metal parts, if handled carelessly, can leave dents in laminate or linoleum flooring. It is recommended to cover the floor with thick cardboard or an old blanket, and also prepare a container for small parts so that lost screws do not cause the process to stop.
Depending on the specific model Leran, you may need:
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers with magnetic tips (for ease of working with fasteners in hard-to-reach places).
- 🔩 A wrench or socket of the appropriate size (usually M6 or M8).
- 🧤 Construction gloves (to protect hands from sharp metal edges).
- 🧼 Clean rags (for wiping the hinges from old grease before installation).
⚠️ Attention: In some refrigerator models Leran the upper hinge may be closed with a decorative plastic plug, which is secured with latches. Do not use excessive force so as not to break the latches - it is better to carefully pry it with a thin object.
Removing the top hinge and handle
You should always start work from the top of the refrigerator, since this is where the main mechanism for holding the door is located. Before unscrewing the bolts, it is necessary to remove the decorative elements hiding the fasteners. In most cases, these are plastic covers or plugs that can be easily removed with light pressure or prying.
If on your model the handle is integrated into the body or has hidden fasteners, remove it first. Often the screws are located under special plugs at the end of the door or inside the recesses of the handle itself. After removing the handle, access to the bolts of the upper hinge opens, which must be unscrewed.
Therefore, it is recommended to ask an assistant to hold the blade or use stops. It is also worth paying attention to the presence of wires going to the display or light bulb - they should not be pulled or pinched.
After releasing the fasteners, carefully unscrew the bolts of the upper hinge counterclockwise. If the screws are stuck, you can use a penetrating lubricant, but be careful not to stain the seal. Do not remove the removed hinge far yet - you may have to move it to the other side if the design allows for symmetrical installation.
Removing the door leaf and rearranging the fittings
The most crucial moment is the direct removal of the door. Once the top hinge is removed, the door is held in place only by friction in the bottom bushing. You cannot pull it with a sharp movement, as you can damage the lower pin or break the thread of the bushing.
Carefully lift the door up to disengage it from the lower support, and put it in a safe place, placing it on a soft surface with the inside side up. Now you can start rearranging the fittings. At the opposite end of the door and body there are usually technological holes closed with plastic plugs.
Remove the plugs from the side where the door will open and install them in the vacant spaces on the current side. This is necessary to preserve the aesthetic appearance and protect the internal cavities from dust. If the refrigerator came with a special loop for the reverse side, install it now. Leran There was a special loop for the reverse side, install it now.
☑️ Checklist before installation
When rearranging the hinges, make sure that all holes match. On some models, you may need to reset the door stop - a small plastic or metal pin that prevents the door from opening more than 90-110 degrees. It is usually changed by simply moving it to an adjacent hole.
Installing the lower support and mounting the door
The lower hinge or support sleeve is the foundation for the entire door structure. If it is warped or installed crookedly, the door will be askew, causing a loose seal and sealing problems. Carefully inspect the seat for chips or dirt.
Install the lower support in a new place, securing it with a bolt. Do not tighten the bolt all the way right away - leave a small gap for final adjustment of the door position. Now you can start hanging the canvas. It is better to perform this action together in order to accurately hit the pin into the bushing.
Carefully lower the door onto the lower axis, making sure that the wires (if any) are not pinched. Align the holes on the top of the door with the holes for attaching the top hinge. Insert the bolts, but just tighten them for now without tightening them completely.
| Type of malfunction | Possible cause | Method of elimination |
|---|---|---|
| The door does not close tightly | Warp hinges | Adjusting the height of the bolts |
| Creak when opening | Lack of lubrication | Applying graphite lubricant |
| The door opens itself | Tilting the body back | Adjusting the front legs |
| The mechanism gets stuck | Dirt has gotten in | Cleaning the hinges |
After installing the door, check the ease of movement. If everything goes smoothly, you can begin the final fixation of the top loop. Tighten the bolts evenly, alternating them to avoid distortion of the metal.
Adjusting the position and checking the tightness
After the door is installed, you need to make sure that it is level and fits tightly to the body around the entire perimeter. A loose fit sealing rubber will lead to constant activation of the compressor and excessive energy consumption. To check, you can use a simple sheet of paper.
Clamp the sheet of paper between the door and the body at different points around the perimeter. If the paper is difficult to remove, the seal is good. If the sheet falls out or comes out too easily, adjustment is required. On many models Leran the door height is adjusted by rotating the lower support sleeve or special adjustment bolts.
The secret of a perfect fit
If there are no adjusting bolts and the door is skewed, you can try to gently heat the deformed section of the seal with a hair dryer and straighten it with your fingers, allowing it to cool in the correct position.
It is also important to check that the refrigerator is standing strictly vertically or with a slight tilt back. If the device is tilted forward, the door will open by itself under its own weight. Adjust the height of the front support legs by twisting or unscrewing them.
⚠️ Attention: When adjusting the height of the legs, make sure that the refrigerator is stable and does not wobble. Backlash can cause vibration and additional noise when the compressor operates.
Features of models with a display and the No Frost system
Owners of modern models Leran with electronic control and a display on the door need to be especially careful. In such refrigerators, a cable of wires passes through the top hinge, connecting the control panel to the main electronics unit.
When dismantling the top hinge, you cannot simply tear off the door - you must first carefully disconnect the connector. It is usually secured with a latch that needs to be pressed out with your fingers or a thin screwdriver. Remember or take a photo of the position of the wires so that during assembly you do not mix up the contacts.
If the wires are too short and do not reach the new side, they may need to be extended or re-soldered, which is already a difficult technical task. In some cases, the manufacturer provides
a reserve length of the wire inside the case, which can be released by removing the top cover of the refrigerator.
For systems No Frost it is critical not to damage the cold air supply channels that may pass near the loops. When installing the door, make sure that nothing interferes with the free circulation of air in the gap between the door and the body.
Frequent errors and ways to eliminate them
Even following the instructions, you can make mistakes that will appear later. One of the most common is retightening bolts. Excessive force can cause the metal of the hinge to deform or burst, especially if it is silumin. Tighten the fasteners with moderate force.
Another mistake is ignoring the cleanliness of surfaces. Dust or metal shavings trapped between the hinge and the body can over time loosen the connection, and the door will begin to play. Wipe all contact surfaces before assembly.
If after installation you notice that the door begins to touch the body or shelves, check the horizontal installation of the refrigerator itself. Use a building level. Sometimes it is enough to twist one of the legs to fix the problem.
If you find that the holes on the new side do not line up or are missing, make sure that your model allows for overhanging at all. Some budget or specific models Leran may have a monolithic hinge design.
Is it possible to rehang the door yourself if the refrigerator is under warranty?
Technically this is possible, and manufacturers usually do not prohibit the user from performing such actions if the seals on the compressor or internal components are not damaged. However, if you scratch the case, break the plastic cap, or damage the wiring during rehanging, your warranty may be void. Be extremely careful and fix any defects before starting work.
What to do if the plugs for the holes are lost?
If the decorative plugs are lost, the holes on the old side will look unaesthetic and dust may get in there. As a temporary solution, you can use pieces of black plastic or even color-matched plasticine. In the long term, it is better to order a set of plugs at a service center or pick up universal analogues at a furniture fittings store.
Why, after rehanging, did the door begin to close worse?
Most likely, the installation geometry is broken. Check if the refrigerator is level on the floor. The second reason is that the seal could have become deformed or become dirty during operation. The third reason is that the hinges are too tight, which creates stress in the metal. Try loosening the top hinge fasteners half a turn, close the door and tighten again.
Do you need to lubricate the hinges after installation?
Yes, this will extend the life of the mechanism and eliminate squeaks. Use special silicone grease or graphite grease. It is better not to use ordinary machine oil or grease, as they can thicken in the cold or attract dust, which will worsen the performance of the hinges.