Changing the door opening side is a standard procedure necessary when remodeling a kitchen or purchasing a new model Gorenjewhich by default opens in an inconvenient way side. Manufacturers often provide the possibility of re-hanging, since everyone’s kitchen sets are different, and right-side opening may interfere with the full use of space. Owners of household appliances Gorenie are lucky: the design of most of their units allows them to perform this task independently, without resorting to the help of service engineers.
However, the process requires care and adherence to a strict sequence of actions so as not to damage facade part or a complex system seals. Incorrect installation can result in a loose seal, causing the compressor to work overload in an attempt to maintain the set temperature. Before starting work, you need to prepare the tools and free up space around the device, since you will have to go around it from all sides.
In this guide, we will analyze in detail the stages of dismantling, rearranging fasteners and final adjustment so that your refrigerator works like new.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Before touching the fasteners, you should make sure that you have all the necessary tools so as not to interrupt the process in the middle of the work.
Models Gorenje most often require standard sets of keys, but the specifics of some fasteners may require socket heads of a certain size. The main work of unscrewing the bolts will be taken on by a screwdriver or a powerful screwdriver, which will significantly speed up the process.
It is important to prepare in advance a soft mat on which you will place the removed doors so as not to scratch their front surface or the floor in the kitchen.
- 🛠️ A set of screwdrivers (Phillips and flat) for various types of screws.
- 🔧 Open-end or socket wrenches (usually sizes 8, 10 mm).
- 📏 Construction level for checking the horizontal installation after rehanging.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp edges metal.
Make sure that you have free space for temporary placement of the removed elements, as they can be bulky and heavy.
Removing the top panel and top hinge
You should always start work from the top of the unit, since this is where the main attachment point for the top door is located. First you need to remove the decorative cover that hides the hinge mounting bolts; it can be held on by latches or small screws.
After removing the plug you will see top hingewhich holds the weight of the door leaf. Do not rush to unscrew the bolts right away, as the door may fall and damage the flooring or get a dent.
⚠️ Attention: Before unscrewing the top hinge, be sure to call an assistant to hold the door, or use a stop to fix it in a vertical position.
Carefully unscrew the mounting bolts holding the hinge and remove it along with the axle. Now the upper door is free and can be removed from the lower support axis, having first disconnected all communications.
Disconnecting electrical communications and removing doors
Modern models Gorenje are equipped with electronics, opening sensors and lighting, the wires of which pass through the loops. When removing the door, it is extremely important not to damage these cables with a sharp jerk.
Find the connection point of the cables - usually these are connectors located in the area of the top hinge or inside a special channel at the end of the door. Carefully disconnect the chips, remembering or photographing their location for reassembly.
After disconnecting the wires, remove the door leaf from the lower axis and place it on a prepared soft surface, face up. If you need to rehang the bottom door of the freezer, carry out a similar procedure with it, having previously dismantled the middle partition or decorative elements.
☑️ Checklist before removing the doors
Now that the doors are removed, access to the lower part of the body and strike plates opens, which will also require rearrangement.
Rearrangement fastening elements and axles
The most critical stage is the physical transfer of metal fastening elements to the opposite side of the case. There are technological holes at the ends of the doors and on the body of the refrigerator, closed with plastic plugs.
You need to remove the plugs from the side where the door will open and install them in the vacated holes on the current side. This will preserve the aesthetic appearance of the device and block the access of dust inside the case.
| Element | Action | Location after rearrangement |
|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Remove and turn over | Opposite upper corner |
| Lower support axis | Unscrew and rearrange | Opposite lower corner |
| Lock screw | Move into the thread | Central part of the door end |
| Decorative plugs | Replace | Old holes on the body |
Install the lower support sleeve in a new place and tighten it securely, as it bears the main weight of the structure. Make sure that the thread is seated smoothly and not torn off.
Installation of door handles and fittings
If your model Gorenje is equipped with built-in or overhead handles, they also need to be rearranged. In some models, the handles are symmetrical and do not require replacement, while in others they have a strictly defined shape for the right or left side.
Remove the handles from the old place by unscrewing the fastening screws from the inside of the door leaf. Then install them on new, pre-prepared holes from the opposite end.
What to do if the holes for the handles do not match?
In some budget or specific models, holes for the handles can only be drilled on one side. In this case, re-hanging the handles yourself is impossible without drilling new holes, which voids the warranty. However, most often the manufacturer provides hidden threaded holes on both sides, closed with plastic plugs.
When tightening the screws, try not to use excessive force to avoid cracking the plastic or paintwork around the hole.
Check that the handles are installed strictly parallel to the edge of the door and have no play, as this affects convenience operation.
Installation of doors and electrical connections
After all the fittings have been transferred, you can begin installing the door panels. Start with the bottom door (if you have a two-compartment refrigerator), sliding it onto the previously installed bottom support pin.
Have a helper hold the door upright while you level the top to install the hinge. Carefully pass the wires through the holes in the hinge and connect the connectors, observing the color markings or photographs taken earlier.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that the wires are not pinched by the metal parts of the hinge and do not fall into the door movement area, otherwise the insulation may be damaged when opening.
Secure the top hinge with bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet - this will allow for final adjustment of the door position. Only after making sure that the door is level and the gap around the entire perimeter is the same can you finally fix the fasteners.
Adjusting the gaps and checking the tightness
The final stage is checking the quality of the work performed. The door should open easily, without jerking, and fit tightly to the body along the entire perimeter.
Visually assess the gap between the door and the body: it should be uniform from top to bottom. If you notice a distortion, loosen the top hinge mounting bolts and slightly move the door in the desired direction, then tighten the bolts again.
Check the operation of the magnetic seal: close the door and try to pull out a sheet of paper from under it. If the paper is pulled out with force along the entire perimeter, then tightness has been observed.
Plug in the refrigerator and listen: there should be no extraneous sounds of friction or knocking.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging the doors?
Yes, this is highly desirable. When tilting or removing the doors, water may leak out of the freezer if there is ice in it. In addition, an empty refrigerator is easier to move to access the back wall, if necessary.
Is it possible to hang the door on a Gorenje refrigerator with the No Frost system?
Yes, the No Frost cooling system does not prevent rehanging. However, in such models there may be more electrical connections (defrost sensors, fans), so be careful when disconnecting the cables.
What to do if, after installation, the door does not close completely?
Most likely, the angle of the refrigerator itself is broken. Check the adjusting supports at the bottom of the case - the front of the refrigerator should be slightly raised relative to the back so that the door closes under the influence of gravity.
Will the warranty remain valid after re-hanging it yourself?
According to the law, the consumer has the right to self-repair if it did not cause the breakdown. However, if in the process you break the threads or damage the wiring, the warranty case for these components may not be recognized. Be extremely careful.