Changing the opening side of the refrigerator door is not easy a whim, and often a necessary measure for the ergonomic placement of equipment in the kitchen. Owners of units Nord Frost face this question when they plan to rearrange furniture or discover that the handle interferes with opening cabinets nearby. Fortunately, the design of most brand models provides for the possibility of re-hanging, which allows you to adapt the device to any operating conditions without calling a technician.
This process requires care and the presence of a basic set of tools, but can be completely done at home in one or two hours. The key point here is the correct sequence of actions, since violation of the disassembly order can lead to damage to the seal or breakage of plastic elements fastenings In this article, we will analyze in detail all stages of work, paying special attention to the nuances specific to the equipment. Nord.
Before starting work, it is important to make sure that you have sufficient space for maneuver around the unit. Free access from all sides will simplify the task and reduce the risk of accidental damage to the body or interior of the kitchen. There is no need to rush: accuracy at each stage ensures that after assembly the door will close tightly, without distortions and cracks.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
The success of the operation directly depends on how well you prepare for the process. To work with fasteners Nord Frost you will need not only a standard set of screwdrivers, but also some specific tools that will help avoid torn edges on the bolts. Collect everything you need in one place in advance so as not to be distracted by searching in the midst of the process.
Particular attention should be paid to the type of fasteners: different series of refrigerators may use bolts for a Phillips screwdriver, hexagons or even asterisks Torx. The presence magnetic stand for hardware will help not to lose small screws, which tend to roll under the baseboard at the most inopportune moment.
- 🛠️ A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) of different sizes for working with different screws.
- 🔧 Open-end or socket wrenches (often a size of 8, 10 or 13 mm is required) for hinge nuts.
- 📏 Construction level for checking the horizontal installation after rehanging.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges and dirt.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! This is critical for safety as you will be working with metal elements near electrical components.
Prepare a soft surface near the refrigerator where you can place the removed door. A spread blanket or several layers of thick cardboard are ideal. This will protect enamel coating the doors from scratches and chips that may appear upon contact with a hard floor.
Removing the top panel and top hinge
The first step is always to remove the top cover of the refrigerator, if it is structurally provided for model. Many refrigerators Nord the lid is fixed with screws on the front or back, and sometimes is held on by plastic latches. You must act carefully so as not to break the fragile plastic, which could become more brittle over time.
Once the cover is removed, access to the top hinge becomes available. It is this that holds the main weight of the door leaf, so the door must be secured before unscrewing it. It is best to ask an assistant to support the facade while you unscrew the mounting bolts. If you don't have an assistant, use a stable chair or stands under the bottom of the refrigerator, but this is less safe.
After unscrewing the bolts of the top hinge, carefully remove it. Pay attention to the pins or bushings that may be located inside the hinge hole - they should not be lost, they will be needed during reassembly. In some modifications Nord Frost the upper hinge is also part of the control system or has built-in contacts, which requires additional caution.
It is important to remember the location of all washers and gaskets. Assembly order It should be strictly the reverse of the disassembly order. If you mix up the sequence of installation of the washers, the door may not fit into place correctly, or a backlash will form that will be difficult to eliminate.
Removing the door and rearranging the handle
When the top hinge is removed, the door is supported only by the bottom support. Gently lift the door up to disengage it from the bottom pin and set aside on a prepared soft surface. Now you can begin to rearrange the handle, which often raises the most questions among owners.
On most models Nord the handles are secured with screws on the inside of the door. You need to open the door, find the holes (often closed with decorative plugs) and unscrew the fasteners. After this, the handle can be easily removed. On the opposite side of the door there should be similar holes closed with plastic plugs.
- 🚪 Remove the decorative plugs from the new side of the handle installation.
- 🔩 Replace the plugs on the vacated holes on the old side.
- 🔨 Carefully knock out or squeeze out the handle mounting pins, if they fit tightly.
- 🧼 Wipe the fastening points with alcohol before installing the handle in a new place.
Install the handle in a new place using the same screws. Make sure that they are screwed tightly, but without excessive force, so as not to damage the threads in the plastic base. Fixation symmetry ensures that the handle will not wobble and will last a long time.
Don't forget to check the condition of the sealing rubber in the area where the handle is attached. If you open the handle frequently, the rubber may stretch or become deformed. If you notice damage, it is better to immediately replace the seal while the door is removed.
Working with the lower support and holes
The lower part of the door rests on a special bushing or pin, which also requires rearrangement. At the bottom of the refrigerator body, under the door, you will see a hole with a thread or a pressed-in bushing on one side and a blind hole (or a hole for a plug) on the other. The task is to move the support element to the new side.
Often the lower pin is simply screwed into the body. Use a suitable wrench (usually an open-end or socket wrench) to unscrew it. If the pin does not have a thread and is simply inserted into the hole, it must be carefully knocked out with light blows of a hammer through a drift, being careful not to damage the enamel around.
| Element | Action when rearranging | Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Upper loop | Move to the other side (if symmetrical) or unfold | Screwdriver, key |
| Bottom pin | Unscrew/knock out and install in the mirror hole | Key, hammer |
| Decorative plugs | Switch places (from left to right and vice versa) | Thin screwdriver |
| Stoppers (clamps) | Rearrange into new holes on the hinges | Pliers |
In some models Nord Frost there are special stoppers on the lower hinge or bushing that limit the opening angle of the door. They also need to be moved into the corresponding holes on the new side, otherwise the door may open too wide and damage the furniture or itself.
⚠️ Attention: When working with the lower support, ensure the integrity of the threads in the refrigerator body. If you break the thread, it will be extremely difficult to restore it, and the door will not hold securely.
Check that the new pin installation location is free of dirt or old grease that may have hardened. Clean the hole so that the new element fits tightly and evenly. This will ensure the correct vertical position of the door.
Installing the door on the new side
After preparing all the elements, you can begin installation. Install the lower support pin to the new location. Then carefully place the refrigerator door onto this pin, making sure it sits straight. At this stage, the help of a second person will again be required, since it is difficult to hold the heavy door and at the same time get into the holes in the top hinge.
Install the top hinge in a new place. Depending on the design, this may be the same hinge (if it is symmetrical) or a special mirror version included in the kit. Insert the mounting bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet. This is an important point: preliminary fixation allows you to adjust the position of the door.
☑️ Ready for installation
Check the gaps around the perimeter of the door. They should be uniform from top to bottom and on both sides. If you see misalignment, slightly loosen the top hinge bolts and move the door left or right to achieve the ideal position. Only after this can all fasteners be finally tightened.
Pay special attention to the magnetic seal. After installing the door on the new side, it should fit against the body around the entire perimeter without gaps. If a gap has formed in some place, the cold will go away and the compressor will work harder.
Adjusting the gaps and checking the operation
The final stage is checking and fine-tuning. Close the door and evaluate the tightness. It should close with a characteristic pop, but without excessive force. If the door closes too tightly or, conversely, does not hold and opens slightly on its own, adjustment is required.
Often the problem is solved by adjusting the tilt of the refrigerator itself. Using the front support legs, you can change the angle of inclination of the body back. This creates a gravity effect, and the door will close itself under its own weight. Use a building level for control.
- 🔍 Check the tightness of the seal around the entire perimeter.
- 🚪 Make sure that the door opens and closes smoothly, without squeaks.
- 📐 Measure the gaps between the door and the body - they should be the same.
- 🌡️ After turning on, check if there are any cracks through which the cold escapes (you can use a sheet of paper).
If you notice that the door is skewed, try loosening the fastenings of the middle hinge (if it is in two-chamber models) and re-align it. In models Nord with one door, correction of the upper hinge and legs is sufficient.
What to do if the door does not close tightly?
Often the problem is not in the hinges, but in a dirty seal. Wipe it with warm water and soap. If the rubber is deformed, you can try heating it with a hairdryer (carefully!) and straighten it, or replace it with a new one.
Do not forget to replace the top decorative cover of the refrigerator if you removed it. Tighten all the screws and check for any extra parts. Now the equipment can be connected to the network.
Common mistakes and expert advice
When re-hanging doors on their own, beginners often make typical mistakes that can lead to repeated disassembly. One of the most common is the loss of fasteners or mixing up screws of different lengths. Always sort the hardware as you disassemble it.
Another mistake is ignoring the condition of the seal. When removing the door, it is easy to damage the rubber on a sharp corner of the furniture. Be careful not to drop the door flat, even on a soft surface. It is better to place it vertically, leaning it against the wall through the cardboard.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to bend the metal hinges by force to fit them. The metal of the hinges is hardened and may burst. Adjustment is carried out only by loosening the fastening bolts and changing the position of the door.
If after all the manipulations you find that the door touches the body or shelves, check whether the opening angle stoppers are installed correctly. Sometimes they forget to rearrange them, and the mechanism does not work correctly. Carefully study the design of your hinges Nord Frost.
Remember that regular maintenance of hinges and seals will extend the life of your refrigerator. Once every six months, it is recommended to lubricate the rubbing mechanisms of the hinges with a special lubricant and wipe the seal.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before moving the door?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, if there is a lot of ice in the freezer, it is better to defrost the unit in advance. Ice may fall out when the door is tilted, and water may get on electrical contacts or the floor.
Is it possible to hang the door if the refrigerator is built into the kitchen unit?
This is possible, but extremely difficult. You will need enough clearance on the sides and top to maneuver. Most often, the built-in refrigerator has to be partially dismantled from the niche in order to gain access to the side walls to remove the hinges.
What to do if the holes for the hinges on the new side are closed?
In 99% of cases, the holes are already provided by the manufacturer and are simply closed with plastic plugs or stickers. Carefully inspect the door end and body. It is strictly not recommended to drill new holes yourself - this will damage the thermal insulation and void the warranty.
I have lost the instructions for the Nord refrigerator, where can I get the hinge diagram?
The diagrams are usually universal for series. You can find them on the manufacturer's official website in the support section or on specialized forums for repairing household appliances, indicating the exact model of your unit.
How long does it take to rehang the door for the first time?
For an experienced technician it takes 15-20 minutes. A beginner, taking into account studying the instructions, finding tools and careful work, should spend from 40 minutes to 1.5 hours. Don’t rush, it’s better to do it slower, but with better quality.