Changing the opening side of the refrigerator door is often a necessary procedure when moving or remodeling a kitchen space. Equipment owners Liebherr face this problem regularly, since the German brand is famous for its modularity and thoughtful designs. Correctly performed rehanging not only improves the ergonomics of use, but also extends the service life of seals and hinges.
It is worth noting that the process requires accuracy and the availability of a basic set of tools. The mechanisms in the models Liebherr are designed with high precision, so rough intervention can break the tightness. However, following a clear algorithm of actions, you can independently change the opening direction without calling a specialist.
In this article we will analyze in detail all stages of the work, paying attention to the nuances of dismantling upper hinge and adjustment lower support. You will learn how to properly prepare the work area and what tools you will need to perform the procedure safely. It is important to understand that ignoring certain steps can lead to skewing of the canvas.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tools
Before starting any manipulations, it is necessary to clear the space in front of the refrigerator. You will need access to the unit from all sides, as some models require complete removal internal shelves and drawers to reduce weight. Make sure the floor is level and clean to avoid falling heavy elements.
For work you will need a standard home handyman set. The main tool will be hex wrench (usually 5 mm or 6 mm), which is often included with the equipment. Also prepare a flat-head and Phillips screwdrivers, as well as a socket wrench for removing decorative plugs.
Don't forget about the level - it will be useful for checking the horizontal installation after completion of the work. If your refrigerator is equipped with NoFrost or Liebherr SmartFrost, make sure that the device is disconnected from the power supply before starting work.
☑️ Preparing for rehanging
Dismantling the top hinge and removing the door
The process begins from the top of the structure. First you need to remove the decorative cover hinge, which is usually simply pryed off with a screwdriver or moved to the side. Hidden underneath are the mounting bolts that hold the door in a vertical position.
Use a hex wrench to loosen the top hinge bolts. Do not unscrew them completely at once - just loosen the tension so that you can carefully lift the element. In some models Liebherr the help of a second person may be required, since the door is quite heavy.
After the bolts are unscrewed, carefully remove the top hinge. Now you can start removing the door itself. Take it with both hands by the edges and smoothly lift it out of of the lower bushing. Be careful not to damage the sealing rubber.
What to do if the hinge is rusty?
If the bolts of the upper hinge are soured and do not turn, apply a penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40) to them and wait 15-20 minutes. Do not use excessive force to avoid stripping the threads.
The door should be placed on a prepared soft surface with the outer side down. This will prevent scratches on the glossy finish or glass. Now you have access to lower support and the counterplate.
Rearranging the lower support and fittings
The most critical stage is moving the lower support bushings to the opposite side. Depending on the model Liebherr, it can be pressed or screwed into the body. To remove, use pliers or a special puller, acting as carefully as possible.
After removing the bushing on one side, install it in the prepared hole on the other side. Make sure it fits snugly and without distortion. It is the quality of installation of this element that determines how well the magnetic seal will close.
Now you need to rearrange door handleif the design of the model requires it. In some series, the handles are symmetrical and do not require replacement; in others, you need to unscrew the fasteners from the inside and install the handle on the desired side. Use Phillips screwdriver to fix.
⚠️ Attention: When moving the lower support, make sure that the threaded hole in the housing is clean. The ingress of metal shavings or dirt can lead to jamming of the bushing during further operation.
Do not forget to also move stoppers or the opening limiters, if they are provided for in the design of your refrigerator. These small plastic or metal parts prevent the door from hitting furniture or a wall.
Compatibility table and arrangement of elements
Different series of refrigerators Liebherr may have differences in the design of hinges and fasteners. Below is a table to help identify the type of mount depending on the series of the device. This will help avoid mistakes when selecting tools.
| Liebherr series | Top hinge type | Bottom support type | Required tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| CBNef / CBNPes | Hidden (inside casing) | Threaded bushing | 5 mm hexagon |
| IC / ICN | Open (overhead) | Pressed bushing | Pliers, wrench 6 mm |
| KB / KBN | Combined | Removable pin | Screwdriver set |
| TP / TPes | Standard | Adjustable support | 8 mm key |
Use this table as a reference. If your model is not listed, please refer to technical data sheetwhere there is always a diagram of the location of fasteners. Accurate knowledge of the type of hinge will save you time searching for a suitable key.
It is important to understand that built-in models may have additional mounting strips for fastening the furniture facade. They also need to be dismantled and moved to the other side, maintaining the symmetry of the holes.
Installing the door on the new side
After preparing all the elements, you can begin installation. Install the door on lower support sleeve, after applying a small amount of lubricant to improve sliding. Align the blade strictly vertically, holding it with one hand.
Now install top hinge in place. Insert the mounting bolts into the holes and begin to tighten them by hand so as not to strip the threads. Only after all the bolts are in place, use hex wrench for final tightening.
Tighten the bolts sequentially, alternating diagonal pairs to ensure an even fit of the hinge. This will prevent warping and ensure a tight fit seal along the entire perimeter. Check that there are no gaps between the hinge and the body.
Adjusting the position and checking the tightness
The final stage is adjustment. Even with careful installation, the door may need to be adjusted. For this purpose they are used adjusting screws on the top hinge or legs of the refrigerator. Make sure that the door closes tightly and independently when opened 45 degrees.
Check the tightness of the fit. Take a sheet of paper, clamp it with the door and try to pull it out. If the paper is pulled out with force along the entire perimeter, it means it magnetic seal works correctly. In places where the paper comes out easily, additional adjustment is required.
⚠️ Attention: If after adjustment the door still does not fit tightly, check the cleanliness of the seal. Sticky dirt can simulate a leak, although a simple wash will solve the problem.
Also make sure that when you close the door, the door open indicator (if equipped) comes on and the interior lights go off. This indicates the correct operation of limit switches sensors.
Frequent errors and recommendations experts
One of the common mistakes is ignoring the floor level. If the refrigerator is tilted, the door will open spontaneously or, conversely, not fit completely. Always use building level when installing.
Another mistake is the loss of small parts. When dismantling decorative plugs and washers, immediately put them in a container. The loss of even one small washer can disrupt the geometry of the hinge fastening.
Do not try to forcefully bend the metal if the hinge does not fit into place. This is a sure sign that you have mixed up the installation side or set it incorrectly bottom bushing. It is better to recheck all the steps of the instructions again.
Is it possible to rehang the door without turning off the refrigerator?
Technically it is possible, but not recommended. If the housing is tilted, oil from the compressor may enter the cooling circuit, causing damage. It is better to de-energize the unit while working.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before hanging the door?
Yes, this is highly desirable. If the unit is tilted or repositioned, water may leak from the drainage system. In addition, an empty and defrosted refrigerator is easier to maneuver.
What to do if, after rehanging, there are excess fasteners left?
The kit Liebherr often includes spare parts. If, after installing all the elements, you still have bolts or plugs that were not used, most likely they are spare parts. However, check the instructions: some models have specific stoppers for the “blind” side.
Is it possible to damage the seal when removing the door?
There is a risk if you pull the door sharply. The seal may get stuck in the opening. To avoid this, before removing, you can slightly warm up the rubber with a hairdryer or gently bend it with your finger, freeing it from the body’s hooks.
Will the warranty still apply after re-hanging the door yourself?
According to the law, independent maintenance (if it did not lead to a breakdown) should not void the warranty. However, if you damage the hinges or body in the process, the service center may refuse to provide free repairs. Proceed with caution.