Changing the opening side of the refrigerator door is not just a whim of design, and often a necessary measure to optimize kitchen space. Owners of equipment LG may encounter a situation where the standard arrangement of hinges interferes with full access to the shelves or blocks passage. Fortunately, the design of most modern models allows you to perform this operation yourself, saving time waiting for the technician.
The process of rehanging requires care and adherence to a strict sequence of actions, since the doors are heavy and the fittings are heavy. Improper dismantling can lead to damage to the seal or distortion of the canvas, which will affect the tightness of the chamber. In this article we will analyze in detail the stages of work, the necessary tools and the subtleties of setting up mechanisms for various series of refrigerators.
Before taking active steps, it is necessary to free up the space around the unit. You will need access from all sides, including the top where the main fasteners are often located. Make sure that the floor under your feet is not slippery, and that the lighting is bright enough to work with small parts.
Preparation of tools and work area
The success of the operation depends 90% on proper preparation. You do not need specialized industrial equipment, but the home master's kit should be equipped with certain items. The absence of the required key can lead to the edges of the bolts breaking off, which will significantly complicate the process.
The main tool will be a set of screwdrivers, including Phillips and flat slots of different sizes. Some models LG may require socket wrenches or sockets, as manufacturers often use hex head bolts to secure hinges.
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) for removing decorative plugs.
- 🔩 Socket wrenches or sockets the appropriate diameter for the hinges.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
- 📦 A small container for storing screws so that they do not get lost.
It is important to take care of the safety of the floor covering in advance. The refrigerator door is a heavy item, and accidentally dropping it or placing it on the floor without padding can leave dents in laminate or tile flooring. Prepare thick cardboard or a soft blanket.
Removing the top hinge and handle
You should always start work from the top unit, since this is where the main fastening unit for the door leaf is located. Before twisting the bolts, it is necessary to remove the decorative elements hiding the fasteners. Depending on the model LG, these can be plastic plugs or entire panels.
If your refrigerator has an external handle, it often needs to be removed first. The mounting screws may be located under decorative trims, which can be carefully pryed off with a flat-head screwdriver. Be careful, the plastic on older models can be brittle.
⚠️ Attention: Before removing the top hinge, be sure to have an assistant hold the door. Without fixation, it may fall forward, damaging the lower hinge or the floor.
After removing the decorations, access to the upper hinge bolts will open. Use a suitable wrench to unscrew them counterclockwise. Do not use excessive force if the bolt is rusty - it is better to treat it with penetrating lubricant and wait a few minutes.
Removing the door leaf
When the top hinge is released, the most crucial moment comes - removing the door itself. This action is best performed by two people, since the weight of the canvas with the seal and shelves can reach 20-30 kilograms. A sharp jerk is unacceptable.
Carefully lift the door up to remove it from the axis of the lower hinge. In some models LG spacers are installed between the hinges - they must be saved and moved to the new side of the installation. Loss of these elements will result in an incorrect gap.
Place the removed door on a prepared soft surface with the outside side down. The inner panel with shelves should face up to avoid scratching the decorative coating. Now you can start rearranging the fittings.
☑️ Dismantling the door
Rearranging the bottom hinge and plugs
The bottom hinge of refrigerators LG is often hidden under the base or decorative strip at the bottom of the body. This panel must be removed to gain access to the mounting assembly. It is usually held on by latches or a pair of screws.
Unscrew the bolts securing the bottom hinge and remove it. Now this element must be moved to the opposite side. The refrigerator body has technological holes closed with plastic plugs. Remove the plugs from the working side and install them in the vacant space.
Attach the loop to the new location, but do not tighten the bolts until they stop. This will allow you to fine-tune the door position later. Make sure that the hinge axis faces strictly vertically.
⚠️ Attention: The design of some models may vary. If you do not see holes for replacing the hinge, check the instructions for your specific model LGas additional adapters may be required.
Installing the door on a new side
Now that the bottom hinge is fixed, you can install the door leaf. Carefully lift the door and slide the bottom hole onto the hinge pin. Make sure that the door stands straight and does not warp to the sides.
After installing the bottom, you need to fix the top part. Place the top hinge against the body on the new side and install the mounting bolts. At this stage, the bolts are also not fully tightened to leave room for adjustment.
Check the operation of the opening mechanism. The door should move smoothly, without creaking or jamming. If the movement is tight, perhaps the axis of the lower hinge is not installed in the center or the rubbing elements need to be lubricated.
What to do if the door does not close tightly?
If after rehanging the door does not fit tightly, check the horizontal installation of the refrigerator itself. Often, a misalignment of the case interferes with the correct operation of the magnetic lock. Also make sure that the seal does not turn inward during installation.
Adjustment and alignment of gaps
The final stage is fine tuning. The gap between the door and the body must be the same along its entire length. If the door fits tighter on top than on the bottom, or vice versa, it is necessary to loosen the hinge bolts and slightly move the leaf.
Use a building level to check the verticals. Ideally, the door should close on its own under its own weight when opened at an angle of about 45 degrees (unless a closer system is provided that works differently). Height adjustment is often carried out by rotating the adjusting supports on the lower hinge.
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The door is skewed | Unevenly tightened bolts | Loosen the fastening and set it to level |
| Loose fit | The refrigerator is not level | Adjust the housing support legs |
| Creak when opening | Lack of lubrication on the hinges | Apply silicone grease to the axles |
| The door slams | The body is tilted too far back | Reduce the angle tilt by adjusting the legs |
After the final adjustment, tightly tighten all mounting bolts. Reinstall any decorative caps and panels that were removed at the beginning of the process. Check that no element interferes with opening.
Frequent errors and precautions
When doing repairs yourself, it’s easy to make mistakes that can lead to additional costs. One of the most common is the loss of fasteners. Small screws easily roll under the refrigerator or into cracks, so use a magnetic tray or jar.
Another mistake is ignoring the instructions for a specific model. Rulers LG (for example, DoorCooling+ or classic) may have unique design features. An attempt to act according to a universal scheme sometimes leads to breakage of the plastic fasteners.
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics and design may vary depending on the year of manufacture. Always check the procedure with the official documentation of the manufacturer for your series.
Do not forget about electrical safety. Although reversing the door does not require a power connection, it is recommended to unplug the refrigerator from the outlet before starting work to eliminate the risk of a short circuit if the backlight wires or sensors are accidentally damaged.
Is it necessary to completely empty the refrigerator before re-hanging it?
Yes, this is highly desirable. The products create additional stress on the shelves and the door itself, which makes dismantling difficult. In addition, glass shelves can crack if a heavy door is moved carelessly. The freed chamber is easier and safer for work.
Is it possible to hang the door on a two-chamber refrigerator yourself?
Yes, the principle is similar, but larger. You will have to remove and rehang both doors (freezer and refrigerator) separately. It is important not to confuse the order of dismantling and the installation kits for the upper and lower doors.
What to do if there are excess fasteners left after rehanging?
Included with refrigerators LG a universal set of fasteners is often supplied for all possible configurations. If you have screws or plugs that are no longer useful, that's normal. Keep them in a bag with instructions in case of repeated rearrangement or repair.
Does re-hanging the door affect the warranty?
Re-hanging the door yourself, as a rule, does not void the warranty on the compressor and main components, unless structural elements, wires or seals were damaged in the process. However, if you break the hinge or the housing, it will not be covered under warranty. Be careful.