Changing the kitchen layout or simply the desire to optimize space often leads owners of household appliances to the need to change the direction of opening the door. Refrigerators Nord structurally provide for this possibility, but the process requires accuracy and understanding of the mechanism. An incorrect sequence of actions can lead to damage to the enamel coating or failure of the seal.
Before proceeding with dismantling, it is necessary to clear the space around the unit. You will need to provide access to the back wall and sides on all sides. This is not just a matter of convenience, but a safety requirement, since you will have to tilt a heavy device in a limited space, and the risk of touching neighboring furniture or damaging the floor is very high.
Prepare the necessary tools in advance so as not to interrupt the process. Usually, a standard set that any home craftsman can find in his home is sufficient. The key point is to secure the moving parts while unscrewing the fastening bolts, otherwise the heavy door will inevitably fall.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
To successfully complete the task of reassembling the door leaf, you will need a minimum set of tools. The main element will be a wrench or socket of the appropriate size, most often it is 8, 10 or 12 mm, depending on the specific model Nord. It would also be useful to have a flat-head and Phillips screwdriver for working with decorative plugs.
Particular attention should be paid to organizing the work area. It is better to cover the floor under the refrigerator with thick cardboard or an old blanket to soften the possible fall of parts. If the refrigerator came with spare bushings or bolts for hanging, they need to be found in the instructions or packaging materials.
The list of necessary equipment includes:
- 🔧 A set of wrenches or a ratchet with heads
- 🪛 Screwdrivers (flat and cross-shaped)
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp edges
- 🧼 Rags for wiping dirt in the hinge area
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This will prevent accidental activation of the compressor or damage to the wiring if dismantling of electronic components is required.
☑️ Preparation for work
Removing the top panel and top hinge
The process begins from the top of the case. On many refrigerator models Nord you first need to remove the top cover (if it is structurally provided for in your modification) or gain access to the top fasteners. The decorative plugs on the hinges are carefully pryed off with a thin screwdriver.
After removing the plugs, you will see the fastening bolts of the upper hinge. Here it is important not just to unscrew them, but also to hold the door securely. The weight of the sash is significant, and when unscrewing the last turn, it can suddenly shift. It is better to perform this operation with an assistant.
The sequence of actions at this stage:
- Remove the decorative trim from the top hinge.
- Unscrew the bolts securing the top hinge to the body.
- Carefully remove the top hinge from pin.
- Remove the refrigerator door by lifting it from the bottom axis.
After removing the door, put it in a safe place, it is best to place it on a prepared soft surface. Now you have access to the internal elements and the ability to rearrange the fittings.
Removing the door handle and rearranging the plugs
The next critical step - working with a door handle. Depending on the model Nord, the handle can be overhead or integrated. If the handle is secured with bolts, they must be unscrewed. Often the mounting holes are closed with plastic plugs that need to be removed.
After removing the handle from its current location, it must be installed on the opposite side. For this purpose, technological holes are provided at the end of the door, closed with plastic plugs. These plugs need to be removed from one side and moved to the vacant spaces on the other.
In some cases, it may be necessary to turn the handle itself 180 degrees so that it looks ergonomic from the new opening side. Make sure that the fastening elements are securely tightened, as the handle is under constant mechanical load.
| Element | Action | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Decorative plugs | Move to the opposite side | Use a thin blade of a screwdriver |
| Fixing bolts | Move to new holes | Tighten without excessive force |
| Door handle | Dismantle and install mirrored | Check the tight fit |
| Matching part (on the body) | Move to the opposite end | If the design provides for |
Working from the bottom loop and pin
The lower support loop is the load-bearing element of the structure. After the door is removed, it is necessary to remove the bottom hinge from its current location. It is usually attached with two or three bolts to the base of the refrigerator.
An important part is the axial pin. In some models Nord the pin is part of the bottom hinge, in others it is inserted into the end of the door itself from below. If the pin is in the door, it must be carefully knocked out or unscrewed (depending on the design) and moved into the prepared hole on the other side.
When installing the bottom hinge in a new place, make sure that it lies flat, without distortions. The bolts should be tightened crosswise, gradually increasing the force, to ensure uniform contact of the hinge flange with the body.
What to do if the pin is rusty?
If the lower pin cannot be removed due to corrosion, do not use excessive force to avoid damaging the plastic of the door. Treat the joint with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and leave for 10-15 minutes. After this, try to carefully loosen the pin.
Installing the door on the new side
When all the elements are prepared and rearranged, it is time for installation. The door is installed in the reverse order. First, the lower end of the door with the pin is put on the installed lower hinge. It is necessary to get the pin into the mounting hole.
After installing the door on the lower axis, we align the upper part. The top hinge fits over a pin (or slot) and is screwed to the top panel or body. At this stage, you cannot tighten the bolts “all the way”; you need to leave a small gap for adjustment.
Check the vertical installation. The door should open smoothly, without jamming, and when closed, fit tightly to the body around the entire perimeter. If there is a misalignment, it can be eliminated by adjusting the height of the lower support nut (if there is one in the design) or loosening the upper fasteners.
Adjusting gaps and checking tightness
The final stage is fine tuning. After final tightening of all bolts, it is necessary to check the tightness of the sealing rubber. The gaps between the door and the body should be minimal and uniform.
There is a simple test using a sheet of paper. Clamp the piece of paper around the perimeter of the refrigerator door. If the paper is pulled out with force, the seal is normal. If the sheet falls out or is removed too easily, the fit is broken in this place.
To eliminate leaks you can:
- 🔩 Slightly loosen the hinge fastenings and move the door.
- 🌡️ Warm the seal with a hairdryer (at low temperature), if it deformed.
- 🛠️ Check if anything is in the way from the inside (shelves, products).
⚠️ Attention: Do not use a hot hair dryer too close to plastic parts or enamel coating, this can lead to melting or discoloration of the surface.
Common mistakes and troubleshooting
When rehanging refrigerator doors yourself Nord masters often make common mistakes. One of them is the loss of fasteners. The bolts for the left and right sides may differ in length or type of thread, so it is important not to confuse them when rearranging.
Another common problem is overtightening of the bolts. Excessive force may strip the threads in the aluminum housing or crack the plastic bushings. Screw the fasteners tightly, but without fanaticism.
If after installation the door does not close tightly:
- Check whether the bottom hinge is installed correctly.
- Make sure that the refrigerator is strictly horizontal (check with a level).
- Inspect the seal for pinching.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to defrost the refrigerator before re-hanging the door?
Preferably, but not necessarily completely. The main thing is to free up shelves and drawers to reduce the weight of the structure. However, if there is a lot of ice in the freezer, when the door is tilted or turned over, water may flow into the mechanisms or onto the floor, so minimal defrosting is recommended.
Is it possible to rehang the door if the refrigerator is built into the kitchen?
This is extremely difficult and risky. Built-in models often have additional decorative panels and rigid fixation in a niche. To rehang such a door, the refrigerator will most likely have to be completely removed from the furniture box, which requires disassembling part of the set.
What to do if the plugs for the holes are lost?
Plastic plugs are decorative and do not affect the operation of the refrigerator. If you lose them, you can simply seal the holes with pieces of colored tape to match the body or leave them as is - this will not affect the functionality.
Why does the door open by itself after rehanging?
Most likely, the horizontal installation level of the refrigerator itself is broken. The door should open on its own only at an opening angle of more than 90 degrees (due to the body tilting backwards). If it opens at a smaller angle, adjust the front legs of the refrigerator by lifting the front part.