Changing the opening side of the refrigerator compartment is a standard procedure necessary when remodeling a kitchen or changing the location of household appliances. Equipment owners Nordfrost often face a situation where the standard configuration of the door leaf interferes with convenient access to products. Fortunately, the design of most models provides the ability to change the hinge without losing functionality.
The process requires care and a basic set of tools, since the doors have significant weight and a complex design of seals. Incorrect installation can lead to distortions, loose fit and, as a result, compressor failure due to increased load. Before starting work, it is important to make sure that the selected location allows you to open the door to a full angle of 90-110 degrees.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for various series of refrigerators, paying special attention to the nuances of dismantling the fittings and subsequent adjustment. You will learn what tools you will need, how to safely remove heavy elements and what to pay attention to when installing a magnetic tape on a new side.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
Quality preparation for work is half the success. You will need not only physical strength, but also the right tools. The main tool will be a set of wrenches or sockets, since the hinge bolts are usually tightened with force. A Phillips screwdriver and a flat-head screwdriver for working with plugs will also be an indispensable assistant.
Free up space in front of the refrigerator. You need to provide access to the unit from all sides, since the door will have to be removed completely and set aside. It is better to cover the floor with soft material so as not to damage the coating if parts or tools accidentally fall.
Here is a list of what should be on hand:
- 🔧 A set of wrenches (usually sizes 8, 10, 13 mm)
- 🔩 Phillips and flat screwdrivers
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp edges
- 🧊 Tray or magnet for storing small bolts
Please note that some models Nordfrost may have specific fasteners, such as star bolts (Torx). In this case, you will need the appropriate bit. Check the components in advance so as not to interrupt the process in the middle of work.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! This is critical for safety as you will be working with metal near electrical components and wiring.
Removing the Top and Refrigerator Door
The first step is always removing the top door. Start by removing the top hinge. In some models it is hidden under a decorative plug, which must be carefully pryed off with a flat screwdriver. Unscrew the mounting bolts, but do not remove them completely at once - loosen them enough so that you can lift the hinge.
Ask an assistant to hold the door while you finally unscrew the bolts. The door leaf is heavy, and dropping it means damaging the floor or the unit itself. After removing the top hinge, the door is carefully lifted and removed from the bottom hinge pin. Place it on a prepared soft surface with the outer side down.
Now you need to make room for installing fasteners on the other side. Find the technological holes on the opposite side of the case, closed with plastic plugs. Carefully remove them and move them to the vacant places where the hinges were previously attached. This will preserve the aesthetic appearance of the refrigerator.
☑️ Removing the door
It is important not to mix up the bolts if they have different lengths or threads. Arrange the removed parts in the order in which you removed them. This will simplify assembly and allow you to immediately notice if any element is lost.
Flipping the bottom door and freezer
With the bottom door, the procedure is similar, but has its own characteristics. Double-chamber models Nordfrost often use a common central hinge or pin system. After removing the top door, access to the middle hinge, which holds the bottom door, opens.
Unscrew the middle hinge and remove the bottom door. Pay special attention to the pin on which the door rotates. It also needs to be moved to the opposite side. In some designs, the pin is simply pulled out upward, in others, you need to knock it out with a light tap.
After rearranging the pin and turning the door itself over (so that the handle is on the right side), put the leaf in place. Make sure the door sits straight and is not warped. Only after this can you begin installing the top hinge on the new side.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use excessive force when installing the pin. If it does not fit freely, check the alignment of the holes. Forced installation can lead to deformation of the metal and jamming of the door.
Secure all hinges on the new side using the same bolts that were removed. Tighten them evenly, alternating sides to avoid distortion of the structure. Check the horizontal installation of the refrigerator itself - this affects the self-closing of the doors.
Moving the handle and plastic plugs
One of the most labor-intensive parts of the process is moving the handle if it is made as a solid element or requires disassembly. On many models Nordfrost the handle is attached to screws on the inside of the door. To get to them, the door often has to be partially disassembled or operated through technological holes.
If the handle is overhead, the process is simpler: unscrew the fasteners on one side, remove the decorative caps and screw the handle into new places. Do not forget to close the old holes with the plastic plugs that came with the kit or were removed at the beginning of work.
The table below shows the types of handle fastenings and the necessary actions:
| Handle type | Fastener location | Required tools |
|---|---|---|
| Mortise (pocket) | Absent (monolith) | Not required |
| Vertical overhead | On the inside of the canvas | Cross screwdriver |
| Horizontal hidden | Top and bottom end | Hexagon |
What to do if the screws are rusty?
If you find that the handle mounting screws are stuck or rusted, do not try to remove them by force. Treat the joint with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and leave for 15-20 minutes. This will help you carefully unscrew the hardware without damaging the plastic.
Make sure that all the plugs fit tightly and do not fall out. If the original plugs are lost or damaged, they can be temporarily sealed, but it is better to order new ones in order to maintain the tightness and appearance.
Adjusting the magnetic seal
After turning the door over, you will be faced with the fact that the magnetic tape (seal) on the new side will not fit, since it was not installed at the factory activated. In order for the door to close hermetically, the seal must be “remagnetized” or re-glued.
The most reliable way is to carefully remove the rubber seal around the entire perimeter. Underneath there is a groove into which a magnetic cord is inserted. You need to remove the cord, turn it over to the other side (if this is structurally possible) or, what is most often required, rearrange the seal itself so that its internal configuration matches the new opening side.
Modern models Nordfrost often use the heating method. Carefully, using a hairdryer at the minimum temperature, heat the seal on the new side until it becomes elastic, and press it tightly to the body, allowing it to cool in the closed position. However, if the seal has a clear bevel on only one side, it may need to be completely replaced with a universal one or a specific one for a double-sided hinge.
Do not leave the door askew. A loose fit will result in ice build-up, increased energy consumption and shortened compressor life. Visually inspect the perimeter: the gap should be uniform along the entire length.
Final assembly and testing of work
When all elements are rearranged, the final assembly stage begins. Reinstall any shelves or drawers you removed for easier access. Plug in the refrigerator. Now you need to check the operation of the unit in the new mode.
Check the ease of opening and closing the doors. They should move smoothly, without creaking or jamming. Pay attention to the opening angle: does the door touch the walls, kitchen unit or baseboard. If the door does not open wide enough, you may need to adjust the stoppers or change the angle of the refrigerator itself.
During the first 2-3 hours of operation, listen for sounds. The absence of extraneous hum or whistle (which can occur when air is sucked through leaks) indicates a successful installation.
If you notice that the door has begun to close worse than before it was overweight, check the horizontal installation of the body. It often happens that after moving the equipment, the legs are not level. The front legs should be unscrewed a little more than the back ones so that the refrigerator has a slight tilt back - this ensures automatic closing.
Common mistakes and troubleshooting
Even following the instructions, you can make mistakes. One of the most common is the loss or confusion of bolts of different lengths. Using a bolt that is too long in a place intended for a short one can lead to penetration of the inner wall or damage to the insulation.
Another problem is overtightening the hinges. Excessive tightening force may deform the metal of the hinge, resulting in squeaking or difficulty opening. Tighten the bolts all the way, but without fanaticism.
⚠️ Attention: If after overhanging the door does not fit tightly at the top or bottom, do not try to bend the metal with your hands. Use the adjusting screws on the hinges (if provided by the model) or pads under the hinges to change the angle of inclination.
If you find damage to the seal during dismantling, do not ignore it. A temporary measure in the form of tape will not save you from losing the cold. Order a new seal, indicating the exact model of yours Nordfrost.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging the doors?
Yes, this is highly desirable. Complete defrosting (at least 24 hours) will prevent water from getting inside the mechanisms during operation, and will also make the plastic elements more flexible and less brittle. In addition, an empty refrigerator is easier to move and tilt.
Is it possible to hang the door alone, without an assistant?
Technically possible, but highly not recommended. Refrigerator doors Nordfrost are heavy and bulky. There is a high risk of dropping the door, damaging the floor, breaking glass (if there are shelves) or injuring your back. Bring a second person for insurance.
What to do if, after overweight, the door does not hold and opens on its own?
Most likely, the refrigerator is not installed at the level. Check with a tiltmeter or visually: the body should be slightly tilted backwards. Unscrew the front adjustment feet to raise the front of the refrigerator. Also check if anything is preventing the seal from closing.
Will the warranty remain valid after re-hanging the doors?
According to the law, re-hanging the doors yourself is not grounds for voiding the warranty if the unit components were not damaged in the process (for example, the circuit is broken or the hinge is broken). However, if you call a service technician under warranty because of a door-related problem, the service may ask questions. It is recommended to remain careful.