Changing the kitchen layout or simply the desire to make the operation of equipment more convenient often leads owners to the need to change the direction of opening the door leaf. Brand refrigerators DEXP, like many modern models, are designed with this possibility in mind, however, the procedure requires care and strict adherence to the sequence of actions. Improper reinstallation can lead to a violation of the tightness of the circuit, misalignment of the sashes and even breakage of the fittings, so it is important to study the theoretical part before starting practical work.
The main difficulty of the process lies in the need to dismantle several components at the same time: handles, upper hinge, the door itself and the lower hinged mechanism. Unlike the old Soviet units, this one is hinge design more complex and often requires the use of a specific tool. If you have never encountered such manipulations before, you should not act at random - it is better to spend time reading the instructions than to later look for spare parts for repair.
It is important to understand that re-hanging is not just moving the bolts from one side to the other. You will have to work with magnetic sealswhich may require additional activation or rearrangement of stubs. It is also worth considering that some models DEXP have a built-in control system or display on the door, which imposes additional restrictions and requires caution when disconnecting electrical cables.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
The quality of the work directly depends on preparation. You do not need a complex professional machine park, but the set of hand tools must be complete and in good working order. The main requirement is the presence of a set hex keys (often called “Allen”), since it is with them that most of the fasteners are tightened in the equipment of this brand. Not having the right size key can lead to the edges of the bolt licking off, which will turn a simple repair into a multi-hour problem.
In addition to the keys, be sure to have a flathead and Phillips screwdriver ready. A flathead screwdriver will be needed to carefully remove the decorative plugs and plastic covers covering the fasteners. A cross may be required to remove handles or internal elements. It is also a good idea to have a soft rag or towel on hand to cover the floor in the work area and not damage the flooring with fallen tools or parts.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator DEXP from the electrical network. This is critical not only for your safety, but also to prevent a short circuit if the backlight wires or sensors are accidentally damaged.
For ease of assembly and storage of small parts, prepare a magnetic tray or several small containers. Bolts, washers and nuts are very easy to lose, and finding identical replacements at a regular hardware store can be difficult due to specific threads or lengths. Lay out the tool so that you can reach it without making unnecessary movements around the open body of the unit.
- 🛠️ Set of hex keys (main tool for hinges)
- 🪛 Screwdrivers (flat and Phillips of different sizes)
- 🧤 Work gloves (for protecting hands from sharp metal edges)
- 🧹 Soft cloth or cardboard (to protect the floor and body)
☑️ Preparation for rehanging
Dismantling the top hinge and removing the door leaf
The process begins from the top part of the structure, since it is the top hinge that holds the main weight doors are in a suspended state. The first step is to remove the decorative cover, which is usually located on top of the case. It can be attached with latches or with one or two screws. Proceed with caution, the plastic in refrigerators DEXP can be fragile, especially if the equipment is used in a cold room.
After removing the lid, the upper hinge bracket will be revealed to you. Before unscrewing the bolts, hold the door with your other hand or ask an assistant to fix its position. As soon as you loosen the fastening, the door may begin to collapse. Unscrew the bolts completely and remove the top hinge. If the model is equipped with wiring for an indication or display, now is the time to carefully disconnect the connectors, having first noted or photographed their position.
Now you can remove the door itself. Lift it straight up to remove it from the lower bushing and place it in a safe place on a soft surface. Do not place the door on the end or handle - this may deform the metal or damage the seal. While the door is removed, inspect the lower hinge: often it is in this assembly that dust and dirt accumulate, which interfere with normal closing.
What to do if the bolts do not unscrew?
If the bolts of the upper hinge are stuck or rusted, do not use excessive force so as not to strip the threads. Try applying a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) to the joint and wait 10-15 minutes. If there is no access to lubricant, you can gently warm up the metal part of the hinge with a hairdryer, but avoid hot air getting on the plastic body and seal.
An important point is closing damper. In some modifications it is located on the top hinge, in others it is integrated into the body. If the damper is removable, it must be carefully removed so as not to lose the spring mechanism. When reinstalled on the other side, this element may require reconfiguration or replacement with a mirror analogue, if it is not universal.
Rearranging handles and plugs on the door
Having removed the door leaf, we move on to working with its appearance. Handles on refrigerators DEXP most often are attached from the inside with screws or snapped into place. To access the fasteners, you may need to remove the decorative trim, which is usually pryed off with a flat-head screwdriver through a special groove. Be careful not to scratch the glossy surface.
After removing the handles, pay attention to the holes left on the opposite side. In the factory version they are closed with plastic plugs. These plugs must be removed and installed in the place where the handles used to be. If the plugs are round, they are simply inserted into the holes. If we are talking about square or shaped plugs, make sure that they fit tightly and do not protrude beyond the plane of the door, otherwise this will prevent a tight fit to the body.
⚠️ Attention: When installing the handles in a new place, pay attention to the orientation of the mounting screws. They should not rest against the internal elements of the door or pinch the wires if the handle is integrated with the control system.
Now let's install the handles on the new side. Insert the fasteners into the holes provided for this purpose and secure them with screws on the reverse side. Tighten the screws evenly, alternating sides to avoid twisting the handle. Check the reliability of the fastening by slightly pulling the handle in different directions - it should not wobble or play.
- 🔓 Remove the old handles by unscrewing the screws from the inside
- 🕳️ Remove the decorative plugs from the new side of the installation
- 🔩 Install the plugs on the freed ones places from the handles
- 🔒 Fasten the handles in the new place, checking their stability
Upgrading the lower support and installing the door
The lower part of the structure requires special attention, since this is where the main support point is located. In refrigerators DEXP the bottom hinge is often a pin that is inserted into the body, or a turning mechanism. You need to remove the lower support sleeve from the current side and move it to the opposite side. To do this, you may need to unscrew the fixing bolt from the bottom of the case or simply pull out the pin with pliers if it is held in place by friction.
When rearranging the lower support, pay attention to its condition. If the surface of the pin shows nicks or corrosion, sand it down with fine sandpaper and lubricate it with lithium grease. This will ensure smooth opening of the door and extend the life of the unit. Place the support in the new hole and securely fix it. Make sure that it sits strictly vertically, otherwise the door will be warped.
Now you can put the door in place. Carefully slide the bottom door opening onto the installed support sleeve. Have a helper hold the structure while you level the top. Align the holes for the top hinge with the matching holes in the refrigerator body. Insert the bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet - this will allow for final position adjustment.
Install the top hinge in place, aligning it with the holes in the door and body. Screw in the mounting bolts, ensuring preload. If your model provides for rearranging stoppers or door travel limiters, do this now, following the diagram in the instructions for the specific model DEXP. After this, you can finally tighten all the bolts with a wrench.
Adjusting the magnetic seal and gaps
After physically installing the door in a new location, the most important task is to ensure tightness. The magnetic seal (elastic band) around the perimeter of the door should adhere to the body evenly along its entire length. Often, after rehanging, a gap will form in the lower or upper part of the door through which the cold will escape. To check, close the door and try to insert a sheet of paper between the seal and the body - it should be pulled out with noticeable effort.
If you find a loose fit, do not rush to change the seal. In most cases, it is enough to warm the deformed area with a hairdryer. Turn on the hairdryer to medium heat and gently warm up the rubber while straightening it with your gloved hand. The warm material will become elastic and take the desired shape after cooling. The main thing is not to overheat the seal so that it does not lose its magnetic properties.
| Problem | Possible cause | Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| The door does not fit completely from below | The lower support is installed incorrectly | Check the height and fixation of the lower bushing |
| The gap in the upper corner | The upper hinge is skewed | Loosen the hinge bolts and align door |
| The door slams when closing | The pressure is too strong or clogged | Check the cleanliness of the seal and the adjustment |
| It is difficult to open the door immediately after closing | Difference pressure (vacuum) | Normal phenomenon, goes away in 1-2 minutes |
It is also worth checking the operation closer (if it exists). When the door is opened less than 30-40 degrees, the mechanism must independently tighten it until it closes completely. If this does not happen, you may need to adjust the angle of the refrigerator body using the front support legs.
Adjusting the housing position and final check
The final stage is installing the refrigerator DEXP in the working position and checking its stability. As the direction of the door opening changed, the load on the support legs could shift. Make sure the refrigerator is level and not tilted to the sides. For the self-closing door system to function properly, the body must be tilted slightly backwards. This is achieved by tightening the front adjustable supports.
Check the horizontal installation using a building level. If the refrigerator is positioned crookedly, the doors may open spontaneously or, conversely, close too tightly. Tighten the front legs so that the front part is raised 1-2 centimeters higher than the back. This will create the necessary gravitational slope.
⚠️ Attention: After installing the refrigerator in a new position and turning it on, do not load it with food immediately. Allow the compressor to reach operating mode and gain temperature for 2-3 hours.
Carry out the final test: open the door 45 degrees and release. It should close smoothly but confidently on its own. Check the fit around the entire perimeter again. If all parameters are normal, the work can be considered completed. Close the remaining holes from the old installation of hinges (if they remain in visible places) with decorative plugs from the kit.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do I need to wait before turn on the refrigerator after rehanging?
If you did not tilt the refrigerator much during work and did not lay it on its side, you can turn it on immediately. However, if the equipment was transported or tilted strongly, it is recommended to let it stand in an upright position for 2-4 hours before starting, so that the oil in the compressor flows into the crankcase.
What to do if after rehanging there is a large gap left?
First try warming the seal with a hairdryer. If the gap remains, check the adjustment of the top hinge - it may need to be moved a little. In extreme cases, if the door geometry is broken, you may need to replace the sealing rubber with a new one.
Is it possible to hang the door on a two-chamber DEXP refrigerator?
Yes, the procedure is similar, but is performed separately for each chamber (upper and lower). You should always start from the top door (freezer or refrigerator, depending on the design) to provide access to the lower fasteners.
Where should you put the plugs if their number does not match the holes?
The kit always includes a set of plugs designed for all possible configuration options. If there are any extra elements left, just save them. The main thing is to close all the technological holes that ended up on the front side after the rearrangement.