Changing the layout of the kitchen or the placement of household appliances often requires moving the opening side of the refrigerator door. The model LG 509 (and similar modifications of the GA-B series) are designed taking into account the possibility of such modernization, which greatly simplifies the task for the owner. Carrying out this procedure yourself allows you to save time waiting for a specialist and money, since the process is technically simple, but requires care and accuracy.
Before starting work, it is important to understand that the design of hinges and canopies from different manufacturers may differ radically. In the case of appliances LG, the mechanism usually involves rearranging the fasteners, but requires the dismantling of all decorative elements. Please note: if your refrigerator has a No Frost system with a complex system of air ducts in the door, proceed with extreme caution so as not to damage the plastic pipes.
The process takes an average of 30 to 60 minutes if you have the necessary tools on hand. Do not rush, as careless handling of metal parts can lead to scratches on the body or damage to the camera's seal. In this article we will analyze each stage, from preparation to the final adjustment of the gaps.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any manipulations, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This safety requirement cannot be ignored, since the work is carried out in close proximity to electrical components and wiring.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
The success of the operation directly depends on the quality of preparation. You don't need a complex professional tool, but a standard home craftsman's kit will be quite sufficient. The main thing is that all items are at hand so as not to interrupt the process of searching for a screwdriver or key.
The bulk of the work is done with the help of screwdrivers. Most often, Phillips screwdrivers of different sizes are required, since the screws may differ in length and head diameter. You may also need a flathead screwdriver to carefully remove decorative caps and plastic panels.
- 🔧 Set of screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
- 🔩 8 mm wrench or socket (often used for hinges)
- 🧤 Work gloves for protect your hands from sharp edges
- 🧹 Soft rags for wiping parts
Free up space in front of the refrigerator. You'll need to be able to access the device from all sides, as you may have to tilt the case or walk around it. Remove the mat so that the instrument does not roll under the refrigerator.
☑️ Preparing for rehanging
Removing the top panel and freezer door
Work always starts from the top of the unit. In the model LG 509 the top cover often serves a decorative function and hides the fastenings of the upper hinge. You must first remove this panel to gain access to the bolts.
Carefully pry up the plastic cover or remove the visible screws holding the cover in place. Do not use excessive force, as plastic becomes brittle at low temperatures. If the panel is secured with latches, they need to be unlocked with a slight movement.
After removing the cover, access to the top hinge will open. Hold the freezer door before removing the bolts. In some modifications, the door may be heavy, and without support it may fall or warp, damaging the lower hinge.
Unscrew the top hinge mounting bolts. Remove the hinge and set it aside along with the screws. Now the door can be removed from the lower pin or freed from the middle fastening if the design is two-door. Be careful with wires if lighting or a display is connected to the door.
Removing the main door of the refrigerator compartment
After dismantling the top part, attention turns to the main, refrigerator compartment. Here the procedure is similar, but the scale is larger. The refrigerator door LG is heavier, and the risk of dropping it is higher, so caution is paramount.
You need to remove the middle hinge (if it is in your configuration) or go straight to the bottom one, if the design allows it. Unscrew the bolts holding the mechanism. It is important not to lose washers or bushings, which can be installed between the metal parts of the hinge to reduce friction.
After removing the door, place it on a prepared soft surface. Cover the floor with a blanket or use cardboard to avoid scratching the enamel and damaging the floor in the room. This will also protect the rubber seal from deformation.
Now you need to free the lower part of the housing. Remove the base panel (plinth) at the bottom of the refrigerator. It is usually held in place by latches or a pair of screws. Underneath it lies a lower support and a hole for turning the pin.
⚠️ Attention: When removing the doors, watch the backlight wires. If in your model LG 509 the lamp is located in the door, it must be carefully disconnected through the connector so as not to break the wiring.
Rearranging fasteners and pins
The most critical stage is the physical rearrangement of parts. The design of the refrigerator is symmetrical, and all holes for fastenings are duplicated on the opposite side. Your task is to move the pins and hinges to new places.
Unscrew the transport plugs or stoppers on the side where the door will open. They are often covered with decorative stickers. Install the lower support pin into the new hole and tighten it tightly with a wrench. It should sit firmly, without play.
Turn over the removed hinges. Please note that on some models LG the loops are asymmetrical and have a clear “top-bottom” direction. Be careful not to mix up the orientation when installing on the new side. Insert the top hinge pin into the corresponding hole on the case.
What to do if the holes do not match?
Sometimes manufacturers drill holes for different models in the same line. If you see extra holes, use the provided plugs. If there are no holes at all, check the instructions; it may be that overhanging is not provided for your specific modification, although this is a standard feature for the 509 series.
Install the door on the lower pin. This requires physical strength as you need to get into the hinge hole on the door. After installing the main door, put the freezer in place and put the top hinge on it.
Adjusting gaps and installing doors
Just screwing the doors is not enough - they must close tightly and not warp. After initial installation, check that the doors are level. If the floor is uneven, use adjustable feet on the bottom of the refrigerator.
Tighten all the hinge bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet. Leave a little play so that you can move the door left and right and up and down to even out the gaps. The gap between the door and the body must be uniform along the entire length.
| Adjustment element | Tool | Purpose of adjustment | Sign of correct installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Support legs | Hands / Key | Case horizon | The refrigerator is stable and does not wobble |
| Top hinge | Phillips screwdriver | Vertical gap | Uniform distance throughout the entire height |
| Bottom support | Key (8-10 mm) | Door height | The door does not touch the lower plinth |
| Door stop | Screwdriver | Stroke limitation | The door opens to the desired angle |
After After alignment, finally tighten all bolts. Check the operation of the magnetic lock: the door should fit tightly to the body around the entire perimeter. A sheet of paper sandwiched between the door and the body must be pulled out with force.
Installation of handles and final check
The final touch is the installation of handles. In the model LG 509 handles can be hidden (at the end) or external. If the handles are hidden, they need to be moved into the corresponding grooves on the other side, using the same screws.
If the handles are external and asymmetrical, you may have to use components that often come with the refrigerator in a separate bag (sometimes they are secured with tape inside the chamber or in a niche in the base). Make sure that the handle is securely fastened.
Plug in the refrigerator. Let it run for several hours without loading food. Check whether the door closes tightly after opening. Make sure that the light comes on and goes off when clapping.
⚠️ Attention: In the first 2-4 hours after switching on, it is better not to open the door frequently. Allow the refrigerator to gain temperature and stabilize the operating mode before loading it completely.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Sometimes, after re-hanging, nuances arise. The door may not close completely due to the shelves being skewed or the seal being too tight. This is normal for the new position; after a few days the rubber will wear out.
If the door is visually warped, loosen the fastenings of the middle hinge and realign the sash. Often the problem lies in the fact that the screws are not tightened evenly. Use a level to check.
In rare cases, it may be necessary to lubricate the hinges if they begin to creak. Use special oil for refrigerators or silicone grease, but do not use edible oils, as they can oxidize and emit an unpleasant odor.
Is it possible to re-hang the door yourself if the refrigerator is under warranty?
In most cases, re-hanging the door yourself does not void the warranty on the compressor and main components, since this is the procedure provided by the manufacturer. However, if you damage the case, break the glass, or break the hinge due to carelessness, that particular damage will not be covered under warranty. Proceed with caution.
What should you do if the door does not close tightly after repositioning?
Check whether food or shelves are preventing it from closing. Make sure the refrigerator is vertical. If there is no distortion, try warming the seal with a hairdryer (carefully!) or just wait a couple of days - the new seal should straighten out.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging it?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, if there is a lot of ice in the freezer, it is better to defrost the unit in advance. Ice may fall out when the door is tilted, and water may flow into the hinge mechanisms.
Where should I put the holes from the old hinge?
The refrigerator usually comes with white plastic plugs. They are inserted into the vacated holes to maintain an aesthetic appearance. If there are no plugs, you can order them at the service center or simply leave them if they are not noticeable. LG Usually there are white plastic plugs. They are inserted into the vacated holes to maintain an aesthetic appearance. If there are no plugs, you can order them from the service center or simply leave them if they are not noticeable.
Is it possible to call a technician to rehang them?
Yes, you can contact the official service center. However, the cost of the service can be comparable to purchasing a new set of tools. Given the simplicity of the procedure described in this article, independent work is a rational choice.