Situations when the standard location of the refrigerator door becomes inconvenient arise quite often when moving or remodeling kitchens. The brand's model range Nord allows you to change the opening side, which gives flexibility in placing equipment in the interior. However, this process requires care, since incorrect actions can lead to damage to the hinges or disruption of the seal.
Before starting work, it is necessary to empty the useful volume of the chamber from the products and disconnect the unit from the power supply. This is a basic safety rule that cannot be ignored even when performing simple manipulations with the body. The refrigerator door is heavy, so holding it will require the help of a second person or reliable fixation during dismantling.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions necessary to successfully replace the opening side. You will learn what tools you will need, how to properly remove the fittings and what to pay special attention to during assembly. Accurately follow the instructions will help you avoid common mistakes and maintain the warranty on equipment.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Quality preparation is half the success any repair operation. To work with refrigerator mounts Nord you will need a standard DIY kit. The main tool will be a set of open-end wrenches or a high-quality ratchet with a set of heads, since the bolts can be tightened with great force.
Also, do not forget to prepare a flat-head and Phillips screwdrivers, which will be needed to remove the decorative plugs. Some models are equipped with hidden screws covered with plastic elements. To avoid damaging them, you need to act carefully, using a thin tip.
The work space should be free so that you can put the door on a soft surface without the risk of scratching the floor or the equipment itself. Prepare a container for small parts so as not to lose screws during work.
- 🔧 Set of wrenches (sizes 8, 10, 13 mm)
- 🪛 Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands
- 🧼 Soft rag for wiping parts
Make sure you have access to both sides of the refrigerator, as you will have to transfer fasteners from one side to the other. If the floor is slippery, place a non-slip mat or cardboard under the equipment.
Dismantling the top hinge and removing the door
The process begins from the top of the structure, since that is where the main support unit is located. First, remove the top decorative cover, if your model has one. Usually it is held on by latches or one screw that needs to be unscrewed counterclockwise.
After removing the cover, you will see the top hinge secured with bolts. Important: do not unscrew the bolts completely at once if the door is not secured, as it may fall. It is better to loosen them, and then, holding the door, unscrew them completely.
⚠️ Attention: The refrigerator door is heavier than it seems due to the metal frame and seal. Never attempt to remove it alone without first securing or securing it.
Once the top hinge is released, carefully lift the door off the bottom pivot. Place the removed part on a prepared soft surface with the outer side down so as not to damage the internal panel or shelves.
Now you need to remove the top hinge itself from the case. Clean the seat from dust and dirt. If there is a thread or pin on the hole that will become inoperative, it must be dismantled or rearranged depending on the design.
Flipping the door and rearranging the fittings
The next stage is preparing the door itself for installation on the new side. At the end of the door leaf you will find holes for the lower and upper hinges. Those holes that were used previously must be closed with the plugs included in the kit, or the existing decorative elements must be rearranged.
Remove the bottom hinge from the door (if it is attached to the door leaf) and move it to the opposite side. To do this, use the reserved holes. Tighten the mounting bolts tightly, but without excessive force, so as not to strip the threads in soft metal.
☑️ Check before installation
If your model Nord provides for rearranging the handle, now is the time to do it. Handles are often symmetrical, but may have hidden fastening screws on the inside of the end. Unscrew them, rearrange the handle and close the holes with decorative plugs.
Check that all screws are tightened flush and do not protrude, as this may prevent the door from fitting tightly to the body. Make sure that the axis of the lower hinge points straight up and is ready to take the weight of the door.
Installing the lower support hinge
Now we move on to the bottom of the refrigerator. Here is the support loop, which experiences the greatest load. Remove it from the current side by unscrewing the mounting bolts. Install the plug in the vacant space.
Install the hinge on the opposite side, aligning the holes with the threads in the refrigerator body. The fastening must be rigidas the correct operation of the closing mechanism depends on this. Use the same bolts that were unscrewed earlier.
In some models, there may be an adjusting screw or washer under the hinge. Don't lose these small parts when moving them around. If the design requires a bushing or centering pin, make sure that they are installed correctly.
Nuances of the lower hinge
In some older Nord models, the lower hinge can be welded to the body, and only the mating part on the door can be rearranged. Carefully inspect the bottom of the refrigerator before starting work. If the hinge is integral with the body, only the mating fastener on the door needs to be rearranged, and the axis is simply rearranged into a symmetrical hole.
After installing the bottom hinge, check that it is horizontal. If it is skewed, the door will open spontaneously or, conversely, require force to open. If necessary, place a thin washer under one of the sides of the fastening.
Installing the door on a new side
This is the most crucial moment that requires coordination of actions. Lift the door and place it with the bottom hole on the installed support hinge. Make sure the door is seated tightly and upright.
While holding the door closed, align the top hole with the top hinge location on the new side. Insert the upper hinge and tighten the bolts by hand to check the free movement.
| Element | Action | Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Lower hinge | Tightening bolts | Key 10 mm |
| Top hinge | Fixing position | Key 8 mm |
| Lid decor | Installing the latches | Hands |
After the hinges are installed, tighten all the bolts evenly. Move in a criss-cross manner: slightly tighten one bolt, then the opposite one. This will ensure even distribution of the load.
Check the operation of the door. It should open smoothly, without creaking or jamming. When released in a half-open state (about 30-40 degrees), a working refrigerator should tighten the door itself thanks to the magnetic seal and the angle of inclination of the body.
Adjustment of the gaps and seal
After installation, it is often required adjusting the door position. If you notice that the door is warped or loose, don't panic. The design of the hinges usually includes adjusting screws or the possibility of displacement.
Inspect the rubber seal around the perimeter. When re-weighed, it could shift or become deformed. If you see creases, heat the seal with a hair dryer at low temperature and straighten it with your hand.
Check the gap between the door and the body around the entire perimeter. It should be the same. If the gap is wider at the top than at the bottom, it means the door is tilted back or forward. Adjustment is carried out by tilting the entire refrigerator using the front support legs.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use force to slam the door immediately after installation. Allow the seal to straighten out and take the correct shape for several hours.
Common mistakes and ways to eliminate them
When doing work on their own, beginners often make common mistakes. One of them is the loss of fasteners. Small screws can easily be rolled under the refrigerator or into furniture crevices. Always use a magnetic tray or fabric bag to store parts.
Another common mistake is overtightening the bolts. Aluminum threaded connections in the refrigerator body are easily damaged. If you feel that the bolt is tight, do not use excessive force. It is better to use a thread locker than to rip off the socket.
- 🚫 They forgot to remove the transport locks (if they were there).
- 🚫 They mixed up the installation of washers and bushings.
- 🚫 They did not check the horizontal installation of the refrigerator itself.
If after installation the door begins to creak, lubricate the hinges with a small amount of silicone grease. Do not use edible oil or grease, as they can oxidize and cause corrosion or an unpleasant odor.
Pay attention to the operation of the light switch. When you change the opening side, the trajectory of the door movement changes, and the button may stop being pressed at the right time. If necessary, the position of the button can be adjusted.
Care of fittings after reinstallation
After completion of the work, it is important to ensure a long service life of the updated configuration. Periodically check the tightness of the top hinge bolts, as shrinkage of metal and plastic may occur in the first weeks of operation.
Wipe the hinges with a damp cloth to remove dust, which can act as an abrasive. Once every six months, it is recommended to lubricate the rubbing mechanisms with a special lubricant for household appliances.
Monitor the condition of the seal. If, after re-hanging, a gap has formed through which the cold escapes, the compressor will work without stopping. This will lead to increased energy consumption and wear of the unit.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging it?
Yes, this is a mandatory requirement. Water from melted ice can get into electrical contacts or onto the floor, creating a short circuit hazard. In addition, a full refrigerator is too heavy to tilt safely.
Is it possible to hang the door if it has a glass shelf?
It is possible, but the shelf must be removed before removing the door. The glass may crack from vibration or impact from the jamb during dismantling. The shelf also increases the weight, which makes work difficult.
What to do if the holes for the hinges do not match?
In refrigerators Nord the holes are symmetrical. If they do not match, check to see if you have mixed up the top and bottom hinges, or if you are using fasteners from a different model. Sometimes it is necessary to remove plastic bushings.
Will the warranty still apply after re-hanging it yourself?
According to the law, the consumer has the right to self-service if no damage is caused. However, if, when rehanging, you break the thread or break the door, the warranty claim for these elements may not be recognized. Proceed with caution.
How to understand that the door is installed correctly?
When installed correctly, the door opens and closes smoothly, without squeaks. The seal fits evenly around the entire perimeter. When opening 45 degrees, the door should either remain in place or be smoothly brought to close.