We rehang the door of the DEXP refrigerator ourselves: from preparation to final adjustment

Re-hanging the refrigerator door DEXP is a task that owners face when moving, renovating a kitchen, or simply wanting to change the opening side. Unlike European brands, where the process often requires calling a specialist, models DEXP (especially series RFN, RFA and RB) structurally provide for independent rehanging. However, without knowing the key nuances, you may encounter door misalignment, damage to the seal, or even breakage of fasteners.

In this article - unique technical parts for DEXP refrigerators produced 2020–2026that you will not find in universal instructions. We will analyze not only the standard procedure, but also the pitfalls: from differences in freezer fastenings to adjusting the position of the door after rehanging. If your refrigerator is older than 2020, check the availability of spare hinges in the kit - their design may have changed.

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1. Preparation: tools and conditions

Before you begin, make sure you have everything you need. For models DEXP with a system No Frost (for example, DEXP RFN-105 or RFN-120) you will need a minimum set of tools, but there are nuances with fasteners. In refrigerators from 2023–2026, the hinges can be fixed Torx bolts (asterisk) instead of traditional hexagons.

List of tools:

• 🔧 Phillips screwdriver (PH2) - for most models
• 🔧 5 mm hexagon - for freezer hinges in series RFA
• 🔧 Torx T20 or T25 - for refrigerators 2023+
• 📏 Tape measure or ruler - for checking gaps
• 🧲 Magnetic holder (optional) - to avoid losing small parts

Important: if your refrigerator DEXP s separate doors (freezer and refrigerator compartments open independently), prepare two sets of tools - they have different hinges! Also check if the package includes plugs for old holes after rehanging. In models before 2022, they are often missing, and they will have to be purchased separately.

Conditions for work:

• 🔌 Unplug the refrigerator 1-2 hours before starting - this is not so much for safety as for defrosting the seal (it will become softer and less deformed when removed).
• 🧊 Completely defrost the freezer if you plan to rehang its door. Ice on the seal can lead to its rupture.
• 🪑 Clear the space around the refrigerator by at least 1 meter - the door when removed takes up a lot of space.

2. Removing the door: step-by-step algorithm

Let's start with the refrigerator compartment (if you have a model with two doors, the freezer is re-hung in the same way, but taking into account the nuances of fastening). The main rule: bottom to top. First, remove the lower hinge, then the upper one - this will prevent the door from skewing and falling.

Instructions for most models DEXP:

1. Open the door 90° and place a soft stand (towel, cardboard) under it to avoid scratching floor.
2. Remove the decorative plugs from the hinges (pry them off with a flat screwdriver or knife). In models RFN-105 and RFN-120 the plugs are attached with latches, in RFA-100 they are glued (gently heat with a hairdryer).
3. Unscrew the bolts of the lower hinge (usually 2-3 pieces). In refrigerators of 2023 there may be lock washer - do not lose it!
4. Holding the door, carefully remove it from the top hinge, pulling up and towards you.

For the freezer (in two-door models) the algorithm is similar, but there are two critical points:

• ❄️ Freezer hinges are often fixed additional fasteners to the body - look for hidden bolts under the decorative panel.
• ⚠️ The freezer door seal is thinner and stiffer. If it has “dried” to the body, do not tear it off by force - pour warm water around the perimeter.

After removing the door, inspect the hinges for corrosion or deformation. In models DEXP, released before 2021, sometimes there are hinges made of low-quality metal - it is better to replace them with new ones (item for ordering: DEXP-0045-P for the refrigerator compartment and DEXP-0046-P for the freezer).

3. Transferring the loops to the other side

This is the most critical stage. Errors here will lead to the door being skewed or the seal not fitting completely. In refrigerators DEXP the holes for the hinges on the opposite side are usually closed with plugs or stickers. If they are not there, this is a sign that the door has already been hung before.

Transfer algorithm:

1. Remove the plugs on the opposite side (if any). In models RFN they are plastic, in RFA they are metal with rubber inserts.
2. Move the loops to the new side, aligning the holes. Please note: the upper and lower hinges are not interchangeable! They have markings TOP and BOTTOM (or arrows).
3. Secure the hinges with bolts, but do not tighten them completely - first you need to level the door.

Key nuance for refrigerators DEXP s display on the door (for example, RFN-120W): the control wires run inside the loop. When transferring, they must be carefully transferred to the channel on the other side. If the wire is too short, do not pull it by force - contact the service center for an extension cord (article number DEXP-CABLE-EXT).

4. Door installation and adjustment

Now the hardest part is hanging the door straight. Even a slight misalignment will cause the seal to not fit, and the refrigerator will begin to “cry” (condensation will form). In models DEXP for adjustment they are used eccentric bolts on hinges - they need to be turned with a special key (included) or pliers.

Procedure:

1. Place the door on the top hinge, then align with the bottom. Do not tighten the bolts!
2. Check the gaps around the perimeter of the door - they should be the same. (Tolerance: 1-2 mm) Use a ruler or coin to measure.
3. If the door falls forward or backward, adjust the eccentric bolts:
   • 🔄 Clockwise - the door rises
   • 🔄 Counterclockwise - lowers

After alignment, tighten all the bolts, but not overdo it - you can break the thread (especially important for aluminum hinges in models before 2022).

For two-door refrigerators DEXP first adjust the refrigerator compartment, then the freezer. There should be a gap of 3-5 mm between the doors - this will prevent friction when opening. If the gap is smaller, loosen the bolts of the upper hinge of the freezer and move it a little to the left/right.

What to do if the door still does not close after adjustment?

Check the seal - it could be deformed when removed. Try heating it with a hairdryer (temperature no higher than 50°C) and level it with your hands. If this does not help, a replacement will be required (cost for DEXP: 1,200–1,800 ₽).

After installation, check the operation of the door:

• 🧲 Place a sheet of paper on the seal and close the door. If a sheet falls out, you need to tighten the hinges.
• 💧 Pour water into the tray on the door (if there is one) and open/close it several times. If water spills, the door is warped.
• 🔊 Listen to the sound when closing. Grinding or clicking indicates friction of the hinges.

5. Typical mistakes and how to avoid them

Even when following the instructions, you can make mistakes that lead to breakdowns. Here are the most common problems when rehanging doors DEXP and ways to solve them:

Error 1: The door does not close tightly

• 🔹 Cause: Skewed hinges or deformation of the seal.
• 🔹 Solution: Loosen the bolts and adjust the door position again. If the seal is damaged, replace it (articles for DEXP: RFN-SEAL for the refrigerator compartment, RFA-SEAL-F for the freezer).

Error 2: The door opens by itself

• 🔹 Reason: Incorrect tilt angle. In refrigerators DEXP the door should be slightly “leaned” forward (2-3°) so that under its own weight it is attracted to the body.
• 🔹 Solution: Loosen the top hinge and slightly tilt the door forward, then tighten the bolts.

Error 3: Grinding or friction when opening

• 🔹 Cause: The hinges are too tight or there is no lubrication.
• 🔹 Solution: Lubricate the hinges with silicone grease (not use WD-40 - it eats plastic!). In models RB sometimes it is necessary to place a washer under the bottom hinge.

Another typical problem is pinched wires in models with a display. If after rehanging the screen does not turn on or blinks, check:

• 🔌 Integrity of the wires at the bend (often damaged at the top loop).
• 🔌 Correct connection of the connectors (there is a diagram in the instructions for DEXP RFN-120W ).

⚠️ Attention: Loops are used in refrigerators DEXP 2023–2026 s plastic bushings. If the bolts are over-tightened, they burst and the door begins to “walk.” Tighten the fasteners with a force of no more than 2 Nm (use a torque wrench, if available).

6. Final checks and care after rehanging

After the door is installed, you need to make sure that the refrigerator is working correctly. Here is a checklist for the final check:

If everything is in order, turn on the refrigerator and let it work for 1-2 hours. Then check:

• 🌡️ The temperature in the chambers (must correspond to the set one).
• 💧 No condensation on the seal or walls.
• ❄️ Uniform freezing in the freezer (if there is one).

In the first days after rehanging, keep an eye on the seal - it may “get used” to the new position. If you notice that the rubber is moving away. in some places, warm it up with a hairdryer (“warm air” mode) and press it with the door for 10–15 minutes.

Also keep in mind that after rehanging you may need recalibration of sensors (relevant for models with electronic control, for example, DEXP RFN-120WFor this:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the network for 5 minutes.
2. Turn on and immediately press the button Super Cool (or Fast Freeze) for 10 seconds.
3. Wait for the sound signal - this means that the sensors have been reset.

⚠️ Attention: If, after re-hanging, the refrigerator starts to turn on more often or freezes worse, check whether the thin copper tubes at the back of the case are pinched. capillary tubes (thin copper tubes at the back of the case). Their deformation leads to freon leakage. In this case, you need to urgently call a specialist.

7. Features for different DEXP models

The design of hinges and doors may vary depending on the series and year of manufacture:

Series RFN (No Frost, 2020–2026)

• 🔹 The hinges are symmetrical, but the holes for them may not be drilled on the back side - you will need a drill.
• 🔹 Seal with magnetic insert - it cannot be bent or wrinkled.
• 🔹 In models RFN-120W with a display, you need to transfer the wires through a special channel in the top loop.

Series RFA (drip system, budget models)

• 🔹 Freezer hinges are often attached to aluminum rivets - they need to be drilled out, not unscrewed.
• 🔹 The seal is thinner than in RFN, and deforms faster after rehanging. lubricate it with glycerin.
• 🔹 Models before 2021 may not have plugs for the holes - you will have to buy them separately.

Series RB (small refrigerators)

• 🔹 The hinges are often universal, but the holes for them are not symmetrical - markings will be required.
• 🔹 The door is light, so it can be adjusted without an assistant.
• 🔹 In models RB-50 i RB-60 there is no possibility of moving the hinges - you will have to drill new holes.

For refrigerators DEXP 2023–2026, there is a warranty on hinges and seals (12 months). If you damaged parts during rehanging, they will be replaced free of charge when you contact the service center. However, the warranty does not apply to cases where the holes were drilled incorrectly or non-original fasteners were used. elements.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about rehanging the DEXP door

Is it possible to rehang the door on a DEXP refrigerator yourself if you have no experience?

Yes, but you need to take into account the model for series RFN i RFA The process is relatively simple, but in RB Drilling may be required. The main thing is not to rush and follow the instructions. If in doubt, practice removing/installing the door without moving the hinges.

What to do if the door does not close after rehanging?

Check first. adjusting the hinges - loosen the bolts and level the door. If the problem is in the seal, try to warm it up and straighten it. In extreme cases, replace it (cost for DEXP from 1,200 ₽).

Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging?

Required! Especially if you have a model with drip system (RFA). The ice on the seal may break when the door is removed. To No Frost (RFN) it is enough to turn off the refrigerator for 1-2 hours.

Is it possible to re-hang only the top or bottom hinge?

No, this will lead to the door being skewed. Loops are always carried in pairs. An exception is if you temporarily remove the door for repairs (for example, replacing the seal), but in this case it is hung back on the same hinges.

How much does it cost to rehang a door at the DEXP service center?

The cost varies from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles depending on the model. For refrigerators with a display, the price is higher (up to 3,500 ₽), since relocation of wiring is required. If the hinges or seal need to be replaced, this will be charged separately.