Rearranging furniture in the kitchen often requires changing the configuration household appliances. Owners of refrigerators LG are faced with the need to change the side of the door opening in order to provide comfortable access to products. This process is quite possible to carry out independently, if you follow the sequence of actions and safety precautions.
Many users are looking for video instructions to visually understand the process, but a text description with detailed explanations is often more useful, as it allows you to stop at each stage. Reversing the door is not just rearranging handles, it is a complex mechanical procedure affecting the hinge system and seals.
In this article we will analyze all the nuances of working with various series of refrigerators of the Korean brand. You will learn what tools are needed, how to properly dismantle heavy sheets and why it is important to pay attention to the condition of sealing rubber before starting work.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This is critically important, since you will be working with metal tools near electrical components and wiring running in the loops of some models.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
The success of the operation directly depends on proper preparation. You will need not only a set of tools, but also free space. Remove all objects that may interfere with the movement of the heavy door, and cover the floor with soft material, such as cardboard or a thick blanket, so as not to damage the floor covering and the unit itself if parts accidentally fall.
The basic set of tools is standard for most models. LG. You will need a Phillips screwdriver (usually PH2), a flathead screwdriver for prying the plugs, an 8mm wrench or socket, and hex sockets. In some cases, you may need socket wrench a specific size, which sometimes comes with the refrigerator.
Be sure to prepare a container for folding fasteners. Screws, bolts and plugs are easy to lose, and replacement for non-standard fasteners can be difficult. It would also be a good idea to invite an assistant, since the doors of modern refrigerators, especially those with a system No Frost and display, can be quite heavy and bulky.
☑️ Ready to rehang the door
Design features of doors of different LG models
Refrigerators LG are produced in various modifications, and the design of their doors may differ significantly. In classic models with a top freezer, the rehanging process is most standard. However, in models like Side-by-Side or French refrigerators with a bottom freezer, the mechanism may be more complex.
Particular attention should be paid to models with a display on the door. In such cases, a cable of wires passes through the upper loop. Careless handling can lead to failure of the control panel.
The types of handles also differ. In some models they are hidden (mortise), in others they are overhead. Overlay handles often require removing the entire outer panel or using special hidden screws. Studying the instructions for your specific model LG before starting work will help you avoid unpleasant surprises.
Nuances of working with the display
If your door has a display, be extremely careful when disconnecting the cable. Connectors often have latches that need to be unscrewed carefully without applying excessive force. Damage to the contacts will lead to the control panel not working.
Step-by-step instructions: dismantling the top door
We start the process from the top of the refrigerator, where the freezer is usually located. The first step is to remove the top panel of the cover, if there is one, to gain access to the top hinge. Then unscrew the mounting bolts holding the hinge. At this stage, you definitely need an assistant who will hold the door so that it does not fall.
After removing the bolts, carefully lift the door and remove it from the lower hinge pin. If the model is equipped with a display, before completely removing the door, you must locate the wiring harness exit location (usually at the top of the housing), open the protective cover and disconnect the connectors. Remember or take a photo of the connection order.
Deserves special attention middle hingeif we are talking about three-chamber models or refrigerators with a freshness zone. It is attached to the central partition. When dismantling it, it is important not to drop the middle section unless it is secured separately. Place all removed parts, including pins and bushings, in a prepared container.
⚠️ Attention: Do not attempt to remove the door without disconnecting the electrical connectors (on models with a display). A sharp jerk will lead to broken wires and expensive electronic repairs.
Installing the door on the opposite side
After successful dismantling, we proceed to installation. On the opposite side of the refrigerator body there should be preserved holes for the hinges. They are closed with plastic plugs. Carefully remove the plugs from the working holes and install them in the vacant spaces to maintain an aesthetic appearance.
Install the top hinge in a new location using the appropriate holes. Insert the door into the hinge, aligning the bottom hole of the door with the pin. If the model calls for a middle loop, secure it now. It is important to set the gaps correctly so that the door fits tightly around the entire perimeter.
Secure all the bolts, but do not tighten them all the way “tight” yet. Leave a little play for final adjustment. Make sure that the sealing rubber not bent lays flat. Only after checking the smooth movement can you finally tighten all the fasteners with force.
Adjusting the position and eliminating distortions
Correct adjustment is the key to the tightness of the refrigeration chamber. If the door is skewed, warm air will enter the chamber, which will lead to the formation of ice and increased load on the compressor. Check the tightness of the fit along the entire contour using a sheet of paper: it should be clamped evenly.
To adjust, use the adjusting bolts, usually located at the bottom of the door or on the hinges. By rotating them, you can raise or lower the corners of the door. Make sure the top edge of the door is horizontal relative to the floor. Also check the operation of of the closerif it is provided for by the design.
After adjustment, allow the seal to straighten. If the door was folded during transportation or was open for a long time, the rubber may become deformed. In some cases, heating the seal with a hairdryer (without overheating it) or fixing the door in the closed position for several hours helps.
| Problem | Possible cause | Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| The door does not close tightly | Distortion of the body or hinge | Adjusting the support legs and hinges |
| Strong creaking when opening | Lack of lubrication or friction | Lubricating the hinges and checking gaps |
| Sagging door corner | The bolts are loose | Re-tightening the fasteners and adjustment |
| The refrigerator hums louder | Loose fit seal | Checking tightness and replacing rubber |
Common mistakes and precautions
One of the most common mistakes is the loss of fasteners. The bolts for the left and right sides may differ in length or type of thread. Always mark or arrange fasteners in the order of removalto avoid mixing them up during assembly. Using the wrong bolt can damage the threads in the housing.
Another mistake is ignoring the condition of the seal. When hanging the door, the rubber is under stress and can stretch or tear at the bend. If you notice cracks or loss of elasticity, it is better to immediately replace the seal with a new one rather than deal with condensation later.
Do not forget about the level. After moving a heavy unit or working on its structure, be sure to check that the refrigerator is installed horizontally. An incorrect angle of inclination can disrupt the operation of the condensate drainage system and refrigerant circulation.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before hanging the door?
It is not necessary to specifically defrost the refrigerator if there is not a lot of ice inside. However, it is better to remove the products to lighten the design and avoid damage if the process drags on. Also, empty shelves weigh less, which reduces the load on the hinges during manipulation.
Is it possible for one person to hang the door on their own?
Technically this is possible, but it is highly not recommended. Refrigerator doors LG are heavy and have an offset center of gravity. Without an assistant, there is a high risk of dropping the door, damaging the floor, flooring, or injuring your feet. In addition, it is difficult for one person to simultaneously hold the door and tighten the bolts.
What to do if the holes on the opposite side do not match?
In the factory, all the necessary holes are already provided. If you don't see any holes, check to see if they are covered with decorative plugs. In rare cases (for very old or specific models), drilling may be required, but for modern models LG this is not typical. You cannot drill the body without confidence - you can damage the insulation or circuit.
How long should the refrigerator stand after rehanging?
No special waiting time is required if you did not touch the refrigerant pipes (which you cannot do). However, it is recommended to allow the seal to expand for 2-3 hours in the closed state so that it takes the correct shape and ensures maximum tightness.
Will the warranty remain valid after re-hanging it yourself?
The procedure of re-hanging the door itself, if it is done carefully and without damaging the components, usually does not void the warranty. However, if the hinges, housing or electrical parts are damaged during the process, the service center may refuse free repairs. Keep all removed parts in case you call for service.