Changing the opening side of the refrigerator door is not just a whim, but often a necessary measure for ergonomic placement of equipment on kitchen. The model LG GA B509 is distinguished by its spaciousness and stylish design, but its dimensions require precise space planning. If you decide to change the configuration of the kitchen or are simply accustomed to opening the refrigerator with your left hand, the rehanging procedure will be an excellent solution.
Although the process seems complicated due to the weight of the doors and the presence of electronic components, it is quite doable at home with a basic set of tools. Important understand that the design of hinges and locks in this series has its own characteristics, ignoring which can lead to misalignment or damage housings. In this article, we will analyze each step in detail so that you can complete the job safely and efficiently.
Before starting active operations, you should make sure that you have free space around the unit and a flat surface for temporary storage of removed parts. Rehanging the door requires care, since modern models are equipped with opening sensors and complex sealing systems. Let's get ready for work.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
To successfully complete the task, you will need not only desire, but also a specific set of tools that will ensure the safety and integrity of the body covering. The main tool will be screwdriver or a set of screwdrivers with different attachments, since the fasteners may differ in the type of slot. You also cannot do without the help of a second person, since the doors of the model GA B509 are quite heavy and have glass inserts or complex geometry.
Be sure to prepare a soft cloth or cardboard to cover the floor in front of the refrigerator. This will protect the flooring from scratches if small parts or tools fall. In addition, you will need:
- 🛠️ A set of wrenches (often a size of 8, 10 or 13 mm is required).
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
- 📏 A building level for subsequent position adjustment unit.
- 🧊 Tray or container for folding screws so that they do not get lost.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! This is critical as you will be working in close proximity to electrical harnesses and sensors.
Make sure the room has good lighting. Blind spots When working with fasteners, the bottom hinges can cause stripped threads or loose bolts. Determine in advance the place where you will put the removed plugs and decorative elements so that they do not get lost in the process.
Removing the top door and top hinge
The process begins with the top sash, as it is attached to the top hinge, which, in turn, fixed on the body. First you need to remove the decorative plug located on top of the door. Usually it is held on by latches, so you need to act carefully, prying it off with a flat-head screwdriver so as not to damage the plastic.
After removing the plug, access to the upper hinge mounting bolts will open. Use the appropriate wrench to unscrew them. At this stage an assistant is definitely needed: one person must hold the door while the second unscrews the bolts, otherwise the sash may fall and damage the floor or break itself.
☑️ Dismantling the top sash
When the bolts are unscrewed, carefully lift the door up, to remove it from the lower support pin (if it is structurally provided for at this stage) or simply set it aside in a safe place. Now you can completely remove the upper hinge group from the refrigerator body. Save all the screws; they will be needed for installation on the other side.
In the free space of the top panel there are often holes for fastening, closed with plastic plugs. They need to be removed and moved to the opposite side where the loop was previously. This will provide an aesthetic appearance and protection from dust.
Removing the middle hinge and main door
After the top flap is removed, access to the middle hinge, which holds the main, fridge compartment, opens. In the model LG GA B509 this area is often hidden by a decorative strip or casing, which also requires dismantling. Be careful not to break the plastic clips.
Unscrew the bolts securing the middle hinge. As in the previous case, support the door with your second hand or ask an assistant to secure you. The weight of the main camera is significant, and it is extremely undesirable to drop it. Remove the door and set it aside, having first removed it from the hinge.
- 🔩 Check the condition of the bushings and washers on the hinges - replace them if necessary.
- 🧹 Wipe the fastening points from dust and dirt accumulated during operation.
- 🔍 Inspect the magnetic seal for damage during removal.
Now the refrigerator body is almost free from hanging elements. All that remains is to remove the lower support part or the turning bar, if provided for by the design. In some modifications, lower support is stationary and requires only moving the pin to the other side.
Rearranging handles and decorative elements
One of the most noticeable parts of the procedure is the transfer of handles. In LG refrigerators they are often hidden or integrated, but if your model GA B509 has external handles, they must be removed. Usually they are fastened with self-tapping screws on the inside of the door.
Unscrew the fasteners, remove the handles and install them on the opposite holes that were originally closed with plugs. The plugs, in turn, are moved to the place of the former handles. This creates symmetry and hides the technological holes.
What to do if the holes do not match?
In some cases, the holes for the handles on the opposite side may be closed with factory film or plugs from the inside. Gently poke or push them out to install the fasteners. If there are no holes (rare for this series), drilling will be required, but for LG this is usually not required.
Note the latching mechanism, if there is one. It may also need to be turned over or rearranged into the corresponding slot on the other side of the door leaf. Lock mechanism It should clearly fit into the mating part on the body.
Do not forget about the decorative trims on the ends of the doors, if any. Rearranging them does not require tools, but is important for the final appearance. Make sure that all elements fit tightly and do not dangle.
Installing hinges on the new side and installing doors
Now the reverse assembly process begins, but on the other side. Install the top hinge (which you removed at the beginning) into its new location using the prepared holes. Do not tighten the bolts all the way yet, leave a small gap for adjustment.
Install the middle hinge on the body. Then hang the main refrigerator door. Have a helper hold it while you insert the fasteners. After this, you can hang the upper freezer.
| Assembly stage | Action | Important nuance |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Fastening the hinges | Fixing the bolts | Do not tighten all the way immediately |
| 2. Door hanging | Installation on studs | Make sure they fit into the grooves |
| 3. Alignment | Adjusting gaps | Use level |
| 4. Final fixation | Tightening all bolts | Checking the tight fit |
When all the doors are installed, check their movement. They should open freely, without squeaking or jamming. If the door touches the body, it is necessary to loosen the fastening of the hinges and slightly move them in the desired direction. Adjusting the gaps is a key point for proper operation of the seal.
After final tightening of all bolts, install decorative plugs in visible places. Make sure that not a single screw is left out - this is a sign of proper assembly.
Adjusting the position and checking the tightness
The final stage is checking the tightness