Rearranging furniture or changing the kitchen layout often confronts owners of household appliances with the need to change the opening direction of the refrigerator door. For owners of LG equipment, this task is solved quite simply if you know the correct sequence of actions and have a minimum set of tools at hand. In this article, we will look in detail at how to rehang the door of an LG refrigerator, relying on technical manuals and the experience of service engineers, so that you can do it yourself and safely.
The rehanging process requires care, since the doors of modern models are equipped with complex fittings, including opening sensors and No Frost cooling systems. Incorrect actions can lead to damage to the hinges or failure of the seal. However, if you follow the instructions, the entire procedure will take no more than 30-40 minutes, and your LG refrigerator will fit perfectly into the new space.
Before getting started, we strongly advise you to read the videos that are often attached to the instructions, or watch our review video to visually understand the mechanics process. This will help avoid typical mistakes, such as loss of fasteners or incorrect adjustment of gaps after installation.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
The success of the operation depends 90% on proper preparation. You'll need some space in front of the refrigerator so you can stand back and evaluate the results, as well as a place to temporarily store the removed parts. It is better to cover the floor with soft material, such as a blanket or cardboard, so as not to damage the floor covering with fallen tools or parts.
The basic set of tools is usually minimal, but its composition may vary slightly depending on the specific model of your unit. Most modern models LG require a Phillips screwdriver, a wrench (often 8 mm or 10 mm) and a flat-head screwdriver for prying up the decorative plugs. It is also highly advisable to have an assistant on hand, since the doors, especially in two-chamber models, can be heavy and uncomfortable to hold with one hand.
- 🛠️ Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers - for removing fasteners and plugs.
- 🔧 A set of wrenches or a ratchet with heads - for unscrewing hinge bolts.
- 🧤 Work gloves - to protect your hands from sharp edges and grease.
- 🧊 Tray or magnetic stand - to avoid losing small screws during work.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! This is critical for safety and to prevent short circuits if sensor wiring is accidentally damaged.
Make sure you have access to the back of the refrigerator if the model requires removal of panels to transfer internal mechanisms, although in most cases rehanging the door is done from the front. Check that all the plugs are included - they come from the factory in special bags attached to the inside of the door or in the vegetable drawer.
Removing the top and bottom panels
The first step is always removing the top cover of the refrigerator. This is necessary to gain access to the upper hinge mechanism. Depending on the model LG, the cover can be secured with screws from the back or held on with latches. Carefully unscrew the fasteners and slide the cover back or up to remove it.
Next, remove the decorative plug from the top hinge on the door itself. It is usually made of plastic and can be easily pryed out with a flat-head screwdriver. Underneath are the bolts that hold the door in place. Once they are loosened, the door can be removed, but first you need to take care of the bottom.
The bottom of the refrigerator also requires attention. You will need to remove the baseboard (baseboard) at the bottom of the cabinet. It is secured with latches or screws. Gently pull it towards you, starting from one of the corners, so as not to break the plastic clips. This will expose the bottom hinge assembly.
After removing all the outer panels, you will have access to the main load-bearing elements of the structure. It is important not to use excessive force, as the plastic in older models can be brittle. If the screw does not come off, check whether it is hidden under a sticker or an additional plug.
Removing the door and rearranging the hinges
Now comes the most crucial moment. You need to unscrew the bolts holding the top hinge. Since the door is no longer secured at the top, it must be held. It is best to do this together: one person holds the door, the second unscrews the bolts. After removing the top hinge, carefully lift the door and remove it from the bottom pin.
Put the removed door in a safe place; it is advisable to place it on a soft surface with the outer side facing up so as not to scratch the coating. Now work on the loops. The top loop must be moved to the opposite side. To do this, unscrew it completely and install it on mirror-opposite holes, which are usually already provided for by the design of the case.
The lower hinge assembly also requires rearrangement. In some models LG the lower support is simply twisted or moved to the other side. In more complex models, it may be necessary to replace the pin itself or use a special adapter from the kit. Make sure that all fasteners are tightened with sufficient force, but without fanaticism, so as not to strip the thread.
| Element | Action | Tool | Nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper cover | Remove | Screwdriver | Carefully with latches |
| Top hinge | Rearrange | Key 8-10 mm | Heavy, needs an assistant |
| Door | Remove/Turn over | Hands | Do not put on the handle |
| Bottom support | Move | Wrench/Screwdriver | Check level |
When installing hinges in a new location, make sure that you use exactly the holes that are intended for hanging on this side. The design of the case is symmetrical, but the holes for the “left” and “right” sides are strictly separated. Fixing bolts should fit freely, without distortions.
Installing the handle and transferring mechanisms
If in your refrigerator model LG the handle is part of the door structure or requires rearrangement, now is the time to do it. In models with hidden handles (recess at the end), this step is skipped. If the handle is separate, it is dismantled from the old side and attached to the new one using the provided holes.
Pay special attention to models with displays or control buttons on the door. In such cases, a train runs inside the door leaf. When rehanging, you must carefully disconnect the cable, pass it through the new technological holes in the door body (they are usually closed with plugs) and connect it again. You must act with extreme caution, as the contacts are very fragile.
⚠️ Attention: When working with electronics on the door (display, buttons), be sure to make sure that the refrigerator has been unplugged for a long time so that residual voltage does not damage the control board.
For models with a system Door Cooling+ or others air ducts running through the loop may require the ducts to be repositioned. The refrigerator often comes with special plugs for holes that become redundant after the door is turned over. Cover empty holes with them to maintain aesthetics and thermal insulation.
What to do if the display cable is short?
If the cable does not reach the new contacts, check if you forgot to unplug the additional cable sections inside the door. Sometimes the cable consists of two parts connected by a connector that needs to be disconnected, pulled through and connected again.
After installing all the mechanical parts and handles, check that the fastening is secure. The door should not wobble on its hinges. If there is any play, it is necessary to adjust the height of the refrigerator legs or tighten the hinge bolts.
Adjusting and checking tightness
After the door is installed in a new location, it may not open as tightly as before, or may touch the body. This is normal and requires adjustment. First of all, check that the refrigerator itself is installed horizontally. Use a building level. If the floor is uneven, tighten the front adjustable supports.
Next, check the operation of the magnetic seal. It should be adjacent to the body along the entire perimeter. If a gap has formed in some place, you can try to warm the seal with a hairdryer (not too hot air) and straighten it with your hand, pressing it against the body. It also helps to lubricate the seal with a special silicone grease or Vaseline, which makes it more elastic.
- 👀 Visually inspect the gap around the entire perimeter of the door.
- 📄 Use a sheet of paper: clamp it between the door and the body in different places - it should be removed with the same effort.
- 🌡️ After turning on, listen to the refrigerator - the absence of air whistling indicates good tightness.
It is important to make sure that the door opens freely and does not touch adjacent furniture or walls. If, after rehanging, the door begins to open more tightly, the hinges may not be perfectly straight. In this case, you can slightly loosen the hinge mounting bolts, lift or move the door and tighten them again.
Typical errors and troubleshooting
B In the process of work, beginners often make mistakes that can complicate operation. One of the most common is the loss of hole plugs. If you have lost the supplied plugs, do not leave the holes open, as this will damage the thermal insulation. They can be replaced with decorative elements or carefully sealed.
Another mistake is overtightening the hinge bolts. This can lead to deformation of the metal bushing or breakage of the threads in the aluminum door body, which will make further operation impossible without replacing the door itself. Tighten the bolts until they stop by hand, and then tighten only slightly with a wrench.
⚠️ Attention: Specifications and design may vary depending on the year of manufacture and the specific series. Always check the official documentation for your model if the steps differ from those described.
If after installation you notice that the refrigerator starts to operate louder or vibrates, check to see if the door is hitting the frame when opening or closing. Also make sure that the internal shelves and drawers are installed level and do not create additional resistance.
☑️ Final check
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before hanging the door?
It is not necessary to defrost the refrigerator specifically for hanging the door, unless you plan to wash it. However, if there is a lot of ice in the freezer, it is better to wait for it to defrost so that water does not flow out when tilting or removing the door, damaging the floor or electronics.
Is it possible for one person to hang the door on their own?
Technically this is possible, but it is highly not recommended. The doors of modern refrigerators LG are heavy and have a shifted center of gravity. Without an assistant, there is a high risk of dropping the door, damaging the floor, hinges, or even getting injured. Involve a second person for insurance.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not close completely?
Most likely, the angle of the refrigerator is broken. The door should close on its own under the influence of gravity if the refrigerator is standing with a slight tilt back. Try unscrewing the front legs to lift the front of the unit.
Will the warranty still apply after re-hanging the door?
Re-hanging the door yourself, as a rule, does not void the warranty on the compressor and major components if you did not damage anything in the process. However, if you break the hinge or the display, it will not be covered under warranty. Keep all parts and packaging.