Changing the kitchen layout or simply wanting to make the operation of household appliances more convenient often requires changing the direction of door opening. Owners of domestically produced units Nord face this issue regularly, since the design of many models allows for such modifications. Rehanging the door of the Nord refrigerator is a technically simple procedure, but it requires care and adherence to the sequence of actions.
Improper installation can lead to skew of the door, a violation of the seal and, as a result, increased energy consumption. In this article we will analyze all the nuances of the process, from preparing the tool to the final adjustment of the gaps. You will learn how to safely dismantle the fittings and reinstall them on the opposite side of the case without involving a specialist.
It is worth noting that not all modifications have the same hinge design. Some budget series may require additional manipulations or have hidden fasteners. Before you start work, you need to make sure that your model provides for the possibility of rehanging, which is typical for most modern two-chamber refrigerators of this brand.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
High-quality performance of any technical task directly depends on preparation. To work with metal elements and plastic plugs, you will need a standard DIY kit. The main tool will be hex wrench (usually 4 mm or 5 mm), since most hinge fastening bolts in technology Nord have exactly this type of head.
You also cannot do without a flat-head and Phillips screwdriver. A flat-head screwdriver will be needed to carefully remove decorative plugs and plastic bushings, and a Phillips screwdriver will be needed to remove the handle if it is secured with screws from the inside. In some cases, an 8 or 10 mm open-end wrench may be required for the locknut.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the electrical network! This is critical for safety, especially if the model is equipped with an electronic display or a No Frost system with fans.
Free up space around the unit. You need to provide easy access to the back wall and sides from all sides. It is better to cover the floor with a soft material, for example, a blanket or cardboard, so as not to damage the floor covering by fallen parts or tools.
Dismantling the top hinge and removal doors
The process begins from the top of the structure, since it is the top hinge that bears the main load and fixes the position of the door leaf. First you need to remove the decorative cover covering the fasteners. It is usually held on by latches or a small screw that needs to be unscrewed.
After removing the cover, you will see the main mounting bolt. It must be unscrewed, but not removed completely, if the hinge design does not require this. Often the top hinge has a pin on which the door hangs. In models Nord there is often an option where the hinge is pressed to the body with two or three bolts.
It is important to hold the door when unscrewing the last bolt so that it does not fall. The weight of even an empty chamber can be significant, and a fall can cause deformation of the seal or damage to the corner of the door. It is better to perform this operation together or use a stop.
☑️ Dismantling the upper part
If your model has a middle hinge (for two-chamber refrigerators), it also needs to be loosened or removed, having first fixed the position of the bottom door. In some modifications, the middle hinge is part of the housing structure and is not removed, but is only released from the door fasteners.
Rearranging the fittings to the opposite side
The removed door must be carefully placed on the prepared surface with the outer side up. Now you need to dismantle the handle and move it to the other side. If the handle is hidden (mortise), you may need to remove the plug from the opposite end and rearrange the mechanism itself.
Pay special attention to the holes for fasteners. At the end of the door and on the body of the refrigerator there are usually technological holes on both sides, closed with plastic plugs. You need to remove the plugs from the new side of the installation and close the vacated holes with them.
⚠️ Attention: Plastic plugs may be tight. Do not use metal objects with force to avoid scratching the housing coating. It is better to pry them off with a thin knife or a plastic spatula.
Next we move on to the loops. The top hinge must be turned over or the pin must be moved to the other side, depending on the design. Models Nord often use a symmetrical loop, which just needs to be rotated 180 degrees. The lower hinge also requires rearranging the axial pin.
What to do if the holes do not match?
In rare cases, on older models the holes may not be through or have different diameters. In such situations, it may be necessary to drill out blind holes with a metal drill with a diameter of 4-5 mm. Be careful not to damage the internal insulation of the door.
Installing and adjusting the door
After preparing all elements, you can begin installation. Place the bottom hinge in its new location by inserting it into the prepared holes in the housing. Secure it with the bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet - this will allow for precise position adjustment.
Place the door onto the lower pin. This is the most crucial moment, requiring physical strength and accuracy. Make sure that the canvas sits straight and is not skewed. Now put the top hinge in place and tighten the mounting bolts.
Adjusting the gaps is a key step. The door should fit tightly around the entire perimeter of the body. If you notice a distortion, slightly loosen the bolts of the upper or middle hinge and move the blade in the desired direction. Tight fit Check with a sheet of paper: the sheet clamped between the seal and the body must be removed with force.
| Element | Action | Tool | Control parameter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Attachment to body | Hexagon 4-5 mm | Gap 2-3 mm |
| Bottom hinge | Axis of rotation | Open-end wrench 10 mm | Door vertical |
| Handle | Rearrangement | Phillips screwdriver | No backlash |
| Seal | Checking fit | Sheet of paper | Tight pressure |
After final tightening of all bolts, check the operation of the door. It should open smoothly, without creaking or jamming, and when released in the half-open position (about 30-40 degrees), it should close on its own or hold tightly, depending on the angle of inclination of the case.
Nuances for models with the No Frost system
Refrigerator owners Nord s automatic defrosting system No Frost you should be especially careful. In these models, an electrical cable often passes through the top loop, supplying power to the fan and freezer sensors.
When you remove the top cover, you will see a connector. It must be carefully disconnected by pulling the plastic housing of the connector, and not the wires themselves. When rehanging to the other side, the cable will need to be thrown over the top of the case, laying it in a specially designated channel.
If the cable is too short to move to the other side without tension, you may need to carefully remove the top panel of the refrigerator to gain more flexibility. However, in most models Nord the length of the wire is designed for transfer.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that the cable does not get under the rubbing parts of the loops and is not pinched. This can lead to an open circuit and failure of the defrost system, which will cause ice to build up on the evaporator.
Frequent errors and ways to eliminate them
Even following the instructions, you can make mistakes that will affect the operation of the equipment. One of the most common problems is poor fit of the seal. This often happens if the bolts were tightened when the door was skewed or if the seal was damaged during installation.
The door may slam or open by itself if the refrigerator is not installed level. After re-hanging, be sure to check the position of the unit using a building level. The legs of the refrigerator should be adjusted so that the body is slightly tilted back.
Another mistake is the loss or confusion of fasteners. The bolts for the top and bottom hinges may have different lengths or thread pitches. Installing a short bolt in the lower mount can lead to the hinge breaking under the weight of the door.
How to restore the shape of the seal?
If after installation you notice dents on the rubber seal, warm them with a hairdryer (not too hot air) and straighten them with your fingers. Wiping with silicone grease also helps.
Answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before hanging the door?
Yes, this is highly recommended. If you tilt or move the refrigerator, water may leak out of the freezer from leftover ice. In addition, an empty refrigerator is lighter, and the risk of damaging shelves or drawers due to careless movement is minimized.
Is it possible to rehang a door if it is glass?
Glass doors in refrigerators Nord are rare, usually they are decorative panels. Their fastening mechanism is similar to metal ones, but requires increased caution. The main thing is not to drop the door or hit the glass on hard objects during dismantling.
What to do if the door does not magnetize after installation?
Check the cleanliness of the contact surface of the body and the seal itself. If the surface is clean, the magnetic tape inside the rubber may have become demagnetized or dislodged. In this case, it may be necessary to replace the seal or re-glue it.
How long does the rehanging procedure take?
For an experienced craftsman, this process takes 15-20 minutes. When working independently without experience, allow about 40-60 minutes to calmly deal with the fasteners, rearrange the plugs and carry out high-quality adjustment of the gaps.