Situations when the standard configuration of a refrigerator is no longer satisfactory arise quite often. This may be due to rearranging furniture, changing the layout of the kitchen, or simply wanting to make access to products more convenient. Owners of German equipment Liebherr often face the question: is it possible to change the side of the door opening without calling a technician? The answer is clear - yes, it’s quite possible to do it yourself.
The rehanging process requires accuracy, a basic set of tools and an understanding of the design of hinges. In this article we will look in detail at how to correctly perform this procedure for various models, including built-in and free-standing units. You will learn about the nuances of removing handles, rearranging magnetic locks and adjusting gaps so that the door closes hermetically.
Before you get started, you need to make sure that you have enough free space for maneuvers. It is also important to prepare a soft bedding on the floor so as not to damage the kitchen covering or the appliance itself if parts accidentally fall. Although videos can give a general idea, text instructions will help you not to miss small but critical details that are often hidden from view.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
To successfully complete the task, you will need a minimum set of tools that are usually found in every home. The main requirement is the presence of screwdrivers with different types of slots, since technology Liebherr uses different types of screws. You should not use power tools at high speeds to avoid stripping the threads or damaging the plastic fasteners.
Be sure to prepare a flat surface next to the refrigerator where you can carefully place the removed parts. It is best to number the screws or arrange them in the order in which they were removed. This will greatly simplify the reassembly process and eliminate the situation when “extra” bolts remain in your hands after finishing work.
- 🔧 Phillips screwdriver (sizes PH1 and PH2) - for most fasteners.
- 🔧 Hex key (usually 4 mm or 5 mm) - often required for loops.
- 🔧 Flat-head screwdriver - for removing decorative plugs.
- 🔧 Soft rags or cardboard - to protect the floor and body.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This is not only a safety requirement, but also a way to avoid accidentally turning on the compressor while manipulating the door.
It is also important to remove all shelves and drawers from the door that you plan to rehang. This will reduce the weight of the structure and prevent glass elements from falling out when the case is tilted. If your model has a system NoFrost, be especially careful with plastic air ducts that may pass through the loop group.
☑️ Preparing to rehang
Design features of Liebherr doors
Technology Liebherr is famous for its reliability, but it also has its own design features. In most modern models, the hinges are universal and can be installed on any side. However, in older models or specific series (for example, built-in), it may be necessary to rearrange the hinge mechanisms themselves or use additional adapters.
Particular attention should be paid to the magnetic latching system. Unlike mechanical latches, magnets are often hidden inside the door body or frame. When changing the opening side, it is necessary to move the magnetic element to the opposite side, otherwise the door will not close tightly or, conversely, will open on its own.
| Model type | Hinge location | Nuances of rehanging |
|---|---|---|
| Separately standing | Standard external | Minimum hidden elements, simple rearrangement |
| Built-in | Hidden or combined | Requires dismantling of the furniture front panel |
| Side-by-Side | Reinforced lower | Requires the help of a second person due to weight |
| Multi-chamber | Central axis | Complex sequence of disassembling the middle part |
Some models are equipped with door sensors that can be built into the top hinge. When moving the door to the other side, it is important not to damage the wiring if it runs inside the door leaf. In such cases, careful disconnection of the cable and its reconnection are often required, which requires some caution.
What to do if the hinges are rusty?
If you live in a region with high humidity, the hinge bolts may “stick.” Do not try to force them off as this will break the screw head. Treat the joints with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and leave for 15-20 minutes. After this, unscrewing will be much easier.
Step-by-step instructions: dismantling the door
You should start work from the top of the refrigerator. First, remove the decorative cap that hides the top hinge mounting bolts. Usually it is pryed off with a thin flat-head screwdriver or simply removed by hand if it has a groove for gripping. Underneath it you will find two or three screws that need to be unscrewed.
After loosening the upper fastenings, the door must be held, since it is no longer fixed at the top. Gently lift the door up to remove it from the bottom pin or spindle. If the door is heavy (for example, in Side-by-Side models), it is better to perform this step together so as not to drop the unit and damage the floor covering.
- 🚪 Remove the handle from the door if the design requires it (often the screws are hidden under plugs on the inside).
- 🚪 Disconnect the electrical connectors if the door has a display or indicators.
- 🚪 Put the door in a safe place, placing it on a soft surface with the outside side up.
Now it’s the turn of the bottom hinge. Depending on the model, it may be screwed to the housing or be part of an axle inserted into the housing. If it is a built-in model, you may need to remove the plinth panel at the bottom of the refrigerator to access the hardware. Unscrew all the bolts and make room for installing the hinge on the other side.
⚠️ Attention: When removing the door, be careful not to damage the rubber seal. If it has a complex shape or is glued, try not to stretch it excessively, otherwise the seal will be broken.
Installation of hinges and installation on the new side
After successfully dismantling all the elements on the old side, we proceed to preparing the new one. On the opposite side of the refrigerator body you will find holes covered with plastic plugs. They need to be removed. In some models Liebherr in the place of future fastenings, “blind” plug bolts may be installed, which need to be unscrewed and moved to the vacant places on the other side.
Install the bottom hinge in a new place. Insert the hinge shaft into the corresponding hole in the housing and temporarily secure it with one bolt so that it does not move. Make sure the hinge is straight and fits snugly against the body. If the model has a closer system or other mechanisms, check their functionality before installing the door.
Now is the time to remember about the magnetic lock. Find the hole at the end of the door where the magnet is now located (usually it is located on the side opposite the hinges). Take it out and place it in a symmetrical hole on the other side. Secure it with a stopper or screw, if the design provides for this.
Hang the door on the bottom pivot, line up the top hole, and install the top hinge. Do not tighten the bolts all the way right away. First, just bait them so that you can adjust the position of the door. Only after making sure that the door is level and the gaps are the same on all sides can you finally tighten the fasteners.
Adjusting the position and eliminating distortions
Correct adjustment is the key to quiet operation and efficient cooling. If the door is askew, it may not seal tightly, causing ice to form and increasing energy consumption. In technology Liebherr adjustment is usually carried out using eccentric bolts or adjusting screws on hinges.
Check the vertical installation of the door using a level. If the bottom of the door protrudes forward or backward from the top, use the bottom hinge adjustment screws. By turning them clockwise or counterclockwise, you can move the bottom of the door left-right or forward-backward.
- 📏 The gap between the door and the body should be uniform over the entire height.
- 📏 The door should open freely, without jamming, and close independently at an opening angle of about 30-45 degrees.
- 📡 Check the operation of the magnetic lock: when closing, a characteristic click should be heard, and the paper clamped by the door should be removed with force.
If after adjustment the door still slams or opens by itself, check the horizontalness of the refrigerator itself. Often the problem lies not in the hinges, but in the fact that the refrigerator is not level. Tighten the front legs so that the body is slightly tilted back - this will ensure spontaneous closing.
Common mistakes and expert advice
One of the most common mistakes is ignoring the instructions for a specific model. Although the principle of operation is similar, models Liebherr of different years of manufacture may have different thread types or locations of mounting holes. Trying to tighten a bolt with force “because it has to fit” often leads to broken threads in the refrigerator body, which is extremely difficult to fix.
Also, many people forget about electrics. In models with displays or system SmartDevice the wires may be short. When rehanging, make sure that the cable is not stretched or pinched by the metal loops. If the length of the wire is not enough to transfer to the other side without tension, extension or re-soldering may be required, which is best left to professionals.
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics and designs of models may change by manufacturers. Always check the official documentation for your specific refrigerator series, as the general steps described may vary.
Remember to check the seal after installation. If you pulled the door hard or placed it abruptly, the rubber could become deformed. In this case, you can try to warm it up with a hairdryer (without overheating!) and straighten it with your hand so that it takes its original shape and ensures tightness.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to rehang the door yourself if the refrigerator is under warranty?
In most cases Liebherr allows the user to independently change the opening side, and this does not void the warranty unless parts are damaged. However, if you strip the threads or break the glass, the warranty claim will not be recognized. It is recommended to save all removed parts in case of returning to the factory configuration.
What to do if after rehanging there is an extra bolt left?
This is an alarming signal. Carefully check all fastening points. Most often, one of the bolts of the upper hinge or the handle fastener turns out to be “extra”. If you are sure that all the holes are occupied, you may be using a bolt from a different model or have not fully tightened some element. Double-check the instructions.
Do you need to wait after turning on the refrigerator?
Yes, after moving and installing the refrigerator in a new place, it is recommended to let it stand unplugged for 2 to 4 hours. This is necessary so that the oil in the compressor flows into the crankcase, especially if the refrigerator was tilted strongly when it was installed.
Is it possible to hang the door on a two-compressor refrigerator?
Yes, the principle is the same, but you will have to work with each chamber separately. First the upper door is removed, then the lower one. It is important not to confuse the loops if they are marked, and to connect the wiring correctly if it goes through both doors.