Re-hanging the refrigerator door is a task that owners face when moving, renovating a kitchen, or simply wanting to change the opening side. In 80% of cases, the procedure can be performed independently without calling a specialist, saving 1,500–3,000 rubles. However, mistakes here are fraught: from warping the door to damage to the hinges or seal.
In this article - detailed instructions taking into account the features of popular brands (Atlant, Beko, Liebherr), a list of necessary tools, as well as hidden nuancesthat are not written about in standard manuals. For example, why the door may not close well after rehanging, and how to avoid this.
If your refrigerator is older than 15 years or is a budget model (for example, Biryusa or Snaige), check the presence of holes for attaching hinges on the opposite side. In some cases, you will have to drill them yourself - we will also tell you about this.
1. Preparation: Tools and Safety
Before removing the door, make sure you have everything you need. Most refrigerators are equipped with a key for reversing the hinges (usually a 4–5 mm hexagon), but if it is not there, prepare an alternative.
- 🔧 Tools: hex key (4–6 mm), Phillips/flat head screwdriver, wrench (10–13 mm), level (optional), masking tape.
- 📦 Additional: clean rag, silicone grease (for hinges), assistant (for heavy doors, for example, u Side-by-Side).
- ⚡ Safety: unplug the refrigerator 1-2 hours before work to avoid electric shock in case of accidental contact with the backlight wires.
Important: if your refrigerator is with water dispenser (for example, Samsung RF23 or LG InstaView), you will also need to reinstall the water supply tubes. To do this, you need an adjustable wrench and sealant.
⚠️ Attention: Some models Liebherr and Bosch have hidden screws under the decorative plugs on the hingesIf you do not unscrew them, you can break the plastic doors when removing them. elements.
2. Checking the possibility of reversing
Not all refrigerators support reversing the doors:
- Inspect. the opposite side of the refrigerator for the presence of plugs (plastic or metal) for hinges.
- Check the instructions for the model - in the "Installation" section there should be a mention of
reversible door(a door with the ability overweight). - If there are no plugs, but there was a template for drilling in the box, then you need to make the holes yourself.
| Brand/Model | Supports overhanging? | Nuances |
|---|---|---|
| Atlant (most models) | Yes | Replacement of the handle and magnetic seal is required |
| Samsung (RB, RT series) | Yes | You need to remove the top cover to access the hinges |
| Indesit (models without dispenser) | Yes | Hinge screws are hidden under decorative overlays |
| Beko (CN, CS series) | Partially | Only for models with mechanical hinges (not electronics) |
| Liebherr (premium segment) | Yes | A special key for hinges is required (included) |
If your refrigerator built-in (for example Electrolux ENE3), the overhang may be blocked by the design of the furniture facade. In this case, dismantling of the facade or the help of a specialist will be required.
What to do if there are no holes for hinges?
In this case, you will have to drill the body yourself. Use the template from the kit or measure the distance between the hinges on the current side. Important: drill at low speeds so as not to damage the inner lining. A metal drill with a diameter of 3-4 mm is suitable.
3. data-i="114">The algorithm of actions is the same for most models, but there are differences in fastening the hinges. Below is a universal diagram:
The algorithm of actions is the same for most models, but there are differences in fastening the hinges. Below is a universal diagram:
Make sure that the refrigerator is unplugged from the mains|
Seal the shelves inside the door with tape (so that they do not fall out)|
Lay down soft cloth on the floor (to protect the door if it falls)|
Prepare a container for screws and small parts-->
- Remove the top hinge:
- Hold the door with one hand (or ask an assistant).
- Unscrew the fastening screws hinges to the refrigerator body (usually 2-3 pieces).
- Carefully remove the hinge without losing the washers and gaskets.
- Remove the door from the bottom hinge:
- Lift the door up (1-2 cm) and pull it yourself.
- For some models (Samsung, LG), the lower hinge is fixed with a locking ring - it needs to be removed with pliers.
- Refrigerators with a display or backlight have a power cable inside the door. Carefully disconnect it from the connector.
- Fix the wire with tape to the door so as not to damage it when turning over.
At this stage, a common mistake is turning the door upside downThis can lead to the internal shelves falling out or damage to the seal. It is better to place the door on a soft surface (for example, a blanket). vertically.
4. side
Now you need to prepare the refrigerator body and the door itself for installation on the opposite side.
- 🔄 Rearrange the hinges:
- Remove the plugs on the opposite side of the case (they can be latched or screwed in place).
- Move the top and bottom hinges to new holes. In some models (Atlant, Beko) the hinges are symmetrical, in others (Samsung) they are not (you will have to disassemble and turn them over).
- 🔧 Transferring the handle:
- Unscrew the handle from the current side and install it in a mirror manner In most cases. there are already holes - they are closed with plugs.
- For models with built-in handle (for example, Liebherr CBN) it will have to be turned over or replaced with a new one (included in the kit).
- 🧲 Magnetic seal:
- Check whether the rubber seal does not interfere with the new position of the door. If so, carefully bend it with a hairdryer (temperature 50–60°C).
- Some refrigerators (Indesit) have a seal attached to double-sided tape - it needs to be re-glued.
Important: if you drill new holes, use sample from the kit or measure the distance between the centers of the hinges with an accuracy of 2-3 mm will lead to the door being skewed.
⚠️ Attention: Refrigerators Samsung with the system Twin Cooling have air ducts inside the door. When drilling new holes, do not damage them - this will disrupt air circulation.
5. Installing the door on a new side
This is the most critical stage. Proceed carefully so as not to damage the hinges or the body.
- Place the door onto the lower hinge:
- Lift the door and align the pin of the lower hinge with the hole in the door.
- Make sure that the door sits evenly - without distortions.
- Secure the top hinge:
- Hold the door, screw in the screws of the top hinge (do not tighten it all the way!).
- Check that the door opens/closes smoothly, without creaks.
- Adjust the position:
- Use a level to check the verticality of the door.
- If the door is sagging, tighten the hinge screws or adjust the height of the refrigerator legs.
- Connect the door's power connector to the body. Make sure that the cable is not pinched.
- Insert a sheet of paper between the door and the body.
- Close the door and try to pull out the sheet.
- If the paper comes out easily, the seal needs to be adjusted or replace.
After installation, check tightness of the seal. To do this, use a test with a sheet of paper:
6. Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Even if you carefully follow the instructions, you can encounter problems. Here are the most common:
- 🚪 The door does not close tightly:
- Cause: skewed hinges or deformation of the seal.
- Solution: loosen the hinge screws, level the door and tighten again.
- 🔊 Creak or knock when opening:
- Cause: insufficient lubrication of the hinges or debris.
- Solution: clean the hinges and apply silicone grease (do not use WD-40!).
- 💧 Condensation on seal:
- Cause: failure of tightness due to improper installation.
- Solution: check the fit of the seal with a test with paper (see above).
- ⚡ The backlight/display does not work:
- Cause: cable damage when rehanging.
- Solution: check the integrity of the wire and the correct connection of the connector.
If after rehanging the refrigerator begins to work louder, check whether the door is touching the internal shelves or the case. Sometimes it is enough to twist the legs of the refrigerator for leveling.
⚠️ Attention: For models with electronic control (for example, LG InstaView) after re-hanging, the calibration of the sensors may be lost. In this case, a reset is required (see the instructions for the model).
7. Features for different brands
Each manufacturer makes its own adjustments to the design of hinges and doors. Let's look at the key differences:
- Samsung:
- The upper hinge is hidden under a decorative cover (must be removed by prying it off with a screwdriver).
- Models with
Family Hubrequire the display to be reconfigured after rehanging.
- LG:
- The lower hinge is fixed with a locking ring - a special puller is needed for removal.
- For refrigerators with
Door-in-Doorrehanging is possible only in a service center.
- Atlant:
- The handle is attached with latches - to remove it you need to press on it from below.
- The seal is glued to double-sided tape - when re-gluing, clean the surface with alcohol.
- Indesit/Ariston:
- The hinge screws can be star-shaped (Torx) - prepare the appropriate key.
- For models with
No Frostafter After rebalancing, check the operation of the fan (there should be no extraneous noise).
For refrigerators Liebherr and Bosch premium segment may be required reflashing the electronic unit after changing the opening side. This is due to the operation of the door position sensors.
How to rehang the door of a refrigerator with a dispenser?
1. Turn off the water supply and drain the remaining water from the tubes.
2. Disconnect the hoses from the rear wall (an adjustable wrench will be required).
3. Transfer the tubes to the other side using new holes in the housing.
4. Reconnect the hoses and check for leaks (there should be no leaks).
5. Start the water supply and check the operation of the dispenser.
8. When is it better to call a specialist?
Despite the apparent simplicity, in some cases it is better to entrust the door hanging to a professional:
- 🔧 The refrigerator is under warranty - independent repairs can void it.
- 💻 Models with touch control or
Wi-Fi(for example, Samsung Family Hub) - reconfiguration of the electronics is required. - 🚪 Door
Side-by-Sideor withFrench Door— the weight and complexity of the design make re-hanging it yourself risky. - 🔨 Drilling new holes is required - without experience it is easy to damage the case or internal communications.
Cost of the service in service centers:
- Single door refrigerator: 1 500–2,500 rubles.
- Double-leaf or
Side-by-Side: 2,500–4,000 rubles. - Models with a dispenser: 3,000–5,000 rubles (including transfer of tubes).
- Turn off the water supply.
- Drain the water from the system.
- Move the tubes and electrical wiring to the other side.
- Check the tightness of the connections after installation.
- Hinge distortion — loosen the screws, level the door and tighten it again.
- Deformation of the seal —heat it with a hairdryer (50–60°C) and give the desired shape.
- Uneven floor —adjust the legs of the refrigerator.
- The internal shelves are in the way —check that they do not touch the door when closing.
- Wear of hinges (especially for budget models).
- Deformation of the seal.
- Loss of tightness.
- With a facade —usually no, since the hinges are attached to the furniture, and not to the body of the refrigerator.
- Without a facade —yes, if the design of the hinges allows it (for example, Electrolux ENE3).
If you doubt your abilities, contact an authorized service center. For example, for refrigerators Liebherr or Miele independent intervention may lead to loss of warranty.
⚠️ Attention: Prices and terms of warranty service may vary depending on the region and the manufacturer's policies. Check details with official service centers.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about reversing the refrigerator door
Is it possible to rehang the door of a refrigerator with an ice maker?
Yes, but it is more difficult due to the additional tubes and electrical wiring. Models Samsung and LG with an ice maker require:
It is better to entrust this work to a professional, as mistakes can lead to leaks.
What to do if the door does not close after rehanging?
Causes and solutions:
Is it necessary to hang both doors on a two-chamber refrigerator?
No, not necessarily. You can hang only the upper or only the lower door, if this is more convenient. The main thing is that the hinges are compatible with the new position. For example, in models Atlant and Beko the hinges of the upper and lower doors are independent of each other.
How often can you rehang the refrigerator door?
Technically - as many times as you like, but each time this increases the risk:
Optimally - no more than once every 2-3 years. If rehanging is required more often, consider purchasing a refrigerator with reversible hinges (for example, Liebherr CN).
Is it possible to rehang the door of a built-in refrigerator?
Depends on the model:
Check before rehanging instructions - some built-in models require dismantling from the furniture case.