Many owners of large household appliances are faced with a situation where the standard location of the door leaf becomes inconvenient. This may be due to the peculiarities of the kitchen layout, the location of the furniture set, or simply the desire to optimize the work space. The model LG 509 (often found in the GA-B509 series) is designed taking into account the possibility of changing the opening side, which gives the user freedom of action.
However, the process itself requires care and adherence to a certain algorithm so as not to damage expensive components. An incorrect sequence of actions can lead to the door being skewed or damage to the control system if the model is equipped with a display on the facade. In this article we will analyze in detail each stage, from preparing the tool to the final adjustment of the gaps.
Before starting work, it is important to understand that refrigerators of this brand have their own design features. Unlike some other manufacturers, here the hinges may have specific fastenings, and the cooling system sometimes requires special attention during dismantling. Read carefully the contents of this instruction before picking up a screwdriver.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
Quality preparation is the key to successful completion of repairs without unnecessary nerves. To work with a refrigerator LG GA-B509 you will need a basic DIY kit, but there are also specific requirements. You should not start work “by eye”; the lack of the necessary tool can lead to thread breakage or damage to the plastic.
First of all, make sure that you have a level area for storing parts. It is better to cover the floor in the work area with soft cloth or cardboard so that fallen screws do not scratch the floor covering, and the parts themselves do not receive damage.
- 🛠️ Phillips screwdriver (sizes PH1 and PH2) for dismantling the main fasteners.
- 🔧 Set of wrenches or sockets (usually 8 mm and 10 mm) for working with hinges.
- 🔨 A flat screwdriver or plastic spatula for carefully removing the plugs.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure the refrigerator is completely defrosted and disconnected from the power supply at least 2-3 hours before the start of work. Water inside the system may leak out when the case is tilted, and the presence of voltage is dangerous when working with the display wires.
Pay special attention space organization. You will have to remove a heavy door, so there should be an assistant nearby or a stable support (chair, stool) where you can temporarily place the dismantled door. Do not try to hold the door with one hand while unscrewing the hinges - this can lead to the structure falling.
Removing the top panel and accessing the wiring
If your model LG 509 is equipped with a display or control panel on the top of the door, the process begins exactly from here. In models without electronics, this step is skipped, and you can immediately proceed to removing the top hinge. The presence of wires requires increased caution, since the connectors are quite fragile.
First, remove the decorative plug that hides the fasteners. It can be located at the end of the door or directly on the front panel. Gently pry it open with a flathead screwdriver, being careful not to use excessive force so as not to split the plastic.
After removing the plug, you will see the screws that secure the control panel or top cover. Unscrew them and carefully move the panel to the side. Your goal is to gain access to the electrical connector. Connector you need to disconnect, but you need to do it correctly: grab the plastic connector body itself, and not the wires.
Sequence of actions:1. Remove the plug.
2. Unscrew the screws securing the panel.
3. Unclip the plastic clips (if any).
4. Disconnect the cable by pressing the connector lock.
⚠️ Attention: Never pull the wires! If the connector does not budge, check to see if it has a locking tab that needs to be unscrewed. A sharp tug will cause the contacts to break.
Move the disconnected cable to the side so that it does not interfere with further work and does not get between moving parts. Now the top of the door is free of electronics, and you can begin the mechanical part of the rehanging process.
Removing the door and dismantling the top hinge
The most crucial moment is the physical separation of the door from the refrigerator body. The door of the model LG 509 is quite heavy, especially if there are shelves with products inside (which, of course, must be removed in advance). You will need the help of a second person for belay.
Find the top loop. It is attached to the refrigerator body usually with two or three bolts. Using an appropriate wrench (most often an 8 mm socket), unscrew the mounting bolts. Do not remove them completely at once, it is better to loosen them and leave them in the holes until you are ready to remove the door.
When the bolts are loosened, an assistant should hold the door firmly, and you can completely unscrew the fasteners. Now the door is held only by hands. Carefully lift it up to remove it from the lower support sleeve, and set it in a safe place on the prepared surface.
- 📏 Fix the position of the lower sleeve so as not to lose it during further manipulations.
- 🔩 Place all removed bolts and washers in a container with a magnetic bottom or on a sticky one tape.
- 🧹 Wipe the place where the upper hinge is attached from dust and old grease before installing it on the new side.
After removing the door, inspect top hinge. It may have mounting holes on both sides. If the loop is symmetrical, you can simply turn it over or move it to the other side. If the design is specific, you may need to replace the hinge itself with a mirror one (often included with the purchase, or purchased separately).
☑️ Removing the door
Rearranging the bottom supports and fittings
The lower part of the mechanism is responsible for the correct positioning of the door and the smoothness of its movement. In refrigerators LG the lower support is often hidden under a decorative base or ventilation grille near the floor. Access may be limited, requiring removal of the front panel at the bottom of the case.
Remove the grille or plinth by snapping the latches or removing the screws. Below this you will see a lower hinge that is screwed or bolted into the body. It must be moved to the opposite side. To do this, unscrew the fasteners and transfer the assembly to the previously prepared holes on the other side.
It is important to check the condition of bushings or the washer on which the door rests. If it has signs of wear, burrs, or is deformed, it is better to replace it. The new bushing will ensure quiet closing and no distortions in the future.
| Element | Action | Nuance |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom loop | Reposition to the other side | Check the threads in the new holes |
| Support sleeve | Replace or lubricate | Use food grade lubricant |
| Case decor | Removal for access | Proceed carefully, the plastic is fragile |
| Stoppers | Rearrangement | Do not forget to rearrange the limiters |
Don't forget about opening limiters (stoppers). They are located at the end of the door and in the corresponding place on the body. They also need to be moved to the new side, otherwise the door will open too wide and may damage the furniture or damage itself.
⚠️ Attention: When rearranging the bottom hinge, make sure that you use exactly the holes that are intended for the opening side. An error of a couple of millimeters will result in the door not closing tightly.
What to do if the bolts are rusty?
If the bottom bolts cannot be unscrewed due to rust, do not use excessive force - you can break the threads in the refrigerator body. Treat the joint with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40), wait 15-20 minutes and try again. As a last resort, you can carefully warm up the bolt, but be careful not to damage the enamel and plastic around it.
Installing the door on a new side
After the lower support has been moved, you can begin installing the door. This is the stage where having an assistant is critical. Lift the door leaf and carefully slide it onto the lower support sleeve. Make sure that the door is seated tightly and evenly.
Now let's move on to the top part. Place the top hinge in its new location (on the opposite side of the case). Insert the mounting bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet. This is necessary in order to be able to align the door vertically.
If your model LG 509 has a display, it's time to connect the cable. Pull the wires through the provided channel in the loop (if there is one) and connect the connectors until they click. Lay the wires so that they are not pinched when the door is opened.
Secure the top control panel or decorative plug. Check that nothing is blocking the free movement of the wires. Now you can finally tighten the top hinge bolts. Use ratchet wrench for even force, but do not overdo it so as not to strip the thread.
- 🚪 Check the vertical installation of the door using a level.
- 🔒 Make sure the magnetic seal is tight to the body along the entire perimeter.
- 🔄 Open and close the door several times, checking for smooth movement.
⚠️ Attention: If after installation the door does not close tightly or, conversely, is too tight, do not rush to disassemble everything again. Often a small adjustment of the height of the refrigerator legs or loosening/tightening the hinge bolts by half a turn is enough.
Adjusting the gaps and final check
The final stage is fine tuning. Even a perfect installation may require minor adjustments. The main parameter is the gap between the door and the body. It should be uniform over the entire height.
If the door is skewed, try loosening the top hinge, straightening the door and tightening it again. The position of the refrigerator itself also affects the adjustment. Make sure it is on a level floor. If the floor is uneven, use adjustable support feet.
Check the operation magnetic seal. It should fit tightly to the metal around the entire perimeter. If there is a gap in some place, the cold will escape and the compressor will work more often. Sometimes heating the seal with a hairdryer (at a low temperature) helps to restore elasticity.
Plug in the refrigerator. Let it run for several hours without loading food. Listen to the sounds: if there are any new creaks, knocks or air noise. If everything works properly, you can consider the task completed.
Do you need to change the direction of opening the freezer?
In most models LG GA-B509 the freezer has a separate hinge system. If you are re-hanging the main door, check to see if it will interfere with opening the freezer. They are often hung in pairs for symmetry, but technically these are two independent processes.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door opens on its own?
This indicates a violation of the vertical. The refrigerator should be tilted slightly backwards (the top is further from the wall than the bottom) to allow gravity to assist in closing. Adjust the front legs by twisting them to raise the front of the unit.
Is it possible to perform this procedure alone?
Technically possible, but highly not recommended. The refrigerator door is heavy and bulky. Without an assistant, there is a high risk of dropping it, damaging the floor, hinges, or getting injured. If there is no assistant, use special fastening belts or suction cups to lift loads.
Where can I get new plugs if the old ones are broken?
Plugs (decorative covers for hinges) can be ordered at authorized service centers LG or found in spare parts stores for household appliances at the catalog number of your model. Universal sets of plugs of suitable diameter are also suitable.