Changing the kitchen layout or simply wanting to optimize space often leads to the need to change the direction of opening the door of the refrigeration unit. Equipment owners LG may encounter a situation where the standard handle position interferes with comfortable access to products. Fortunately, the design of most modern models provides the ability to reinstall the attachment, which allows you to adapt the device to individual operating conditions.
The procedure hanging the door requires care and precision, as it involves the dismantling of heavy and fragile elements. Incorrect actions can lead to damage to the housing, deformation of the hinges, or failure of the seal. Before starting work, it is important to make sure that your model actually supports this option, since in some budget series or specific modifications (for example, with a built-in ice maker in the door), this function may not be available.
To complete the task, you will need a basic set of tools, including different types of screwdrivers and, possibly, socket wrenches. The whole process takes from 30 to 60 minutes, if you follow the algorithm strictly. It is important to prepare a flat surface next to the refrigerator, where you can temporarily place the removed parts so as not to damage them or lose small fasteners.
Preparation of tools and work area
Before proceeding with dismantling, you need to clear the space in front of the refrigerator. Remove all rugs so that they do not interfere with movement, and ensure that the work area is well lit. Safety - priority number one: be sure to disconnect the device from the electrical outlet by unplugging it from the outlet. This will eliminate the risk of a short circuit if the wiring is accidentally damaged while manipulating the loops.
You will need the following set of tools:
- 🔧 Slotted and Phillips screwdrivers (different sizes for different screws).
- 🔩 Socket wrench or set of sockets (often a size of 8 mm or 10 mm is required).
- 🧤 Work gloves (to protect hands from sharp metal edges).
- 🧺 Container for storing screws and plugs.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to remove the door by holding it only by the handle. The plastic fastening elements of the handle may not withstand the weight of the blade, which will lead to breakage or injury.
If you have a model with a system No Frost, make sure that there is no ice inside that could crumble when the body is tilted. It is also recommended to empty the shelves on the door in advance to reduce its weight when carrying it. It is better to remove heavy glass shelves immediately, before disassembling the fittings.
Removing the top panel and dismantling the handle
The first stage of work is dismantling the top cover of the refrigerator compartment. On most models LG it is secured with latches and screws hidden under decorative plugs. Carefully pry up the plastic covers with a slotted screwdriver to gain access to the fasteners. Unscrew the bolts and remove the panel, moving it back a little and lifting it up.
Next you should remove the handle. Depending on the model, the fastening may be located in the front (under the decorative trim) or on the inside of the door. If the screws are hidden, use a thin blade to carefully remove the plugs. Fastening elements may be of different lengths, so sort them immediately so as not to mix them up during assembly.
☑️ Preparing to remove the door
After removing the handle, it is necessary to dismantle top loop. It holds the door upright. Before unscrewing the hinge bolts, be sure to have someone hold the door, as without fixation it may fall. Unscrew the screws and remove the hinge along with the axle. Now the door can be carefully removed from the lower support and set aside in a safe place.
Removing the main door and rearranging the hinges
The removed door must be placed on a prepared soft surface (for example, on a blanket or cardboard) with the outer side up. Now you need to rearrange the lower support. On models LG the lower hinge is often hidden under a decorative plinth or plug at the bottom of the door. Remove the plug and twist the support pin or plate to the opposite side.
The top hinge also requires reconfiguration. Remove the axle from it, if it is removable, and install it in the corresponding hole on the other side. Please note screw holes: they must be closed with plugs on the side where the loop will not be used. If the plugs are missing, they can be temporarily replaced with pieces of electrical tape to prevent dust from getting into the holes.
| Element | Action | Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Upper panel | Remove by unscrewing the screws | Phillips screwdriver |
| Door handle | Remove the fasteners | Hex/Screwdriver |
| Upper hinge | Unscrew, holding the door | Socket wrench |
| Lower support | Move to the other side | Ear-end key |
When installing the hinges in a new place, make sure that they fit snugly against the body. Distortions are unacceptable, as this will lead to a loose fit of the seal. Tighten all screws until they stop, but without excessive force, so as not to break the threads in the metal case.
Features of working with the freezer door
If you change the opening side on a two-chamber refrigerator, the procedure must be repeated for the bottom door of the freezer. The principle of operation is similar, but there are some nuances. Often there is a control cable or sensor running between the doors that needs to be carefully disconnected or repositioned.
In models with the system Total No Frost it is important not to damage the air ducts. When removing the bottom door, check to see if there are any additional components, such as a defrost button or indicators. They also need to be transferred or reconnected according to the diagram in the instructions.
What to do with the sensor cable?
If the cable is too short to be transferred to the other side, it can be carefully routed inside the case, following the factory channels. Do not pull the wire - this may lead to broken contacts.
After re-hanging the bottom door, check the operation of the lock (if there is one) and the tightness of the fit. The freezer compartment is often heavier due to the thicker layer of insulation, so the bottom hinges must be tightened especially carefully. Play in this area is unacceptable.
Door installation and final assembly
Now you can begin installation. Place the bottom door on the axle, then put the top hinge on and secure it with bolts. Only after this can the refrigerator door be installed. The process goes in the reverse order: first the lower support, then the upper hinge.
When hanging doors, it is important to monitor the gaps. They should be uniform around the entire perimeter. If you notice misalignment, loosen the top hinge screws, straighten the door, and tighten them again. Adjusting the gaps —a critical step to ensure a tight seal.
⚠️ Caution: Do not force the hinges into place. If the screw does not fit, check the alignment of the holes. Forced twisting can deform the metal and disrupt the geometry of the door.
After installing all mechanical elements, return the handles, decorative panels and plugs to their place. Make sure that all plastic clips click into place. If the top display panel was removed, check the connection of the cable.
Adjusting the seal and checking the tightness
After rehanging, the magnetic seal (elastic band) may become deformed or may not fit tightly under new opening conditions. You can use a hair dryer to straighten it. Heat the seal with warm (not hot!) air and straighten the folds with your hands, pressing them against the body.
Checking the tightness is carried out using a simple method using a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet with the door in different places around the perimeter. If the paper comes out easily and without resistance, it means that the seal does not fit in this place. The door position needs to be adjusted or the seal replaced.
It is also worth paying attention to the damper (closer), if it is provided by the model. It should smoothly bring the door to close. If the door slams or, conversely, does not reach the end, adjust the angle of the refrigerator body using the front support legs.
Frequent errors and troubleshooting
When re-hanging the doors yourself Typical mistakes are common. One of them is losing screws or getting them mixed up. This can lead to the fact that a short screw will not reach the thread, and a long one will rest against the inside of the door, damaging the insulation or sensors.
Another problem is loose closure. This often happens if the transport lock was not removed from the compressor during installation (although this affects the overall operation) or if the refrigerator is not level. Be sure to use a building level to check the horizontal position.
- 🚫 They forgot to remove the transport bolts from the compressor before turning it on.
- 🚫 The hinge fastening screws were mixed up, which led to misalignment.
- 🚫 The seal was damaged during installation without warming up it.
- 🚫 They did not check the tilt level of the case after installation.
If after all the manipulations the refrigerator began to make noise or freeze poorly, check whether any cable or tube was pinched when moving the doors. In difficult cases, it is better to contact an authorized service center LG.
Do you need to call a specialist to rehang the door?
If you have basic skills in working with tools and physical strength (doors are heavy), you can handle it yourself. However, if the model is complex (for example, a French Door or with a display on the door), the risk of damaging the electronics is higher, and it is better to entrust this to professionals.
Will the warranty remain valid after re-hanging it yourself?
Re-hanging the door itself will not void the warranty if you have not damaged the components of the refrigerator in the process. However, if you strip a thread or break glass, there will be a cost to repair it. Keep all removed parts in case you call for service.
Is it possible to rehang a door if it has an ice maker built into it?
In most models with an ice maker built into the door, rehanging is impossible, since the water supply tubes and electrical connections are rigidly fixed on one side. Check the instructions for the specific model LG.