Changing the layout in the kitchen or just a desire Making the space more ergonomic often dictates the need to change the direction of opening the door of the refrigeration unit. Equipment owners Whirlpool may encounter a situation where a standard right-hand hinge interferes with free passage or access to cabinets. Fortunately, the design of most models of this brand provides for the possibility of reinstallation, which allows you to adapt the device to the individual needs of the room without calling a specialist.
The process hanging the door requires care, accuracy and the availability of a basic set of tools. Improper execution can lead to damage to decorative panels, loss of sealing, or even breakdown of the closing mechanisms. In this article, we will analyze the stages of work in detail, paying special attention to the nuances specific to the product Whirlpoolso that you can complete the task independently and efficiently.
Before starting active actions, you need to make sure that you have free space around the refrigerator for maneuvers. It is also worth preparing a soft surface on which you can place the removed elements so as not to scratch their front part. Remember that door leaves have significant weight, so having an assistant for insurance will be a big advantage, especially when working with Side-by-Side models.
Preparation of tools and workplace
The success of the operation directly depends on the quality of preparation. You don't need a sophisticated professional tool, but using the wrong items can strip threads or damage plastic plugs. The basic set includes Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers, as well as a set of open-end or socket wrenches, the size of which depends on the specific model of yours Whirlpool.
Most often, 8, 10 or 13 millimeter wrenches are required to dismantle fasteners. It is also extremely useful to have masking tape or special mounting tape on hand, which will help fix the door in the desired position while unscrewing the hinges. Don't forget to prepare a container for storing screws so that they don't get lost during work.
- 🛠️ A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) for working with screws and plugs.
- 🔧 Open-end wrenches or a head with a ratchet of the appropriate size.
- 📏 Construction level for checking the horizontal installation after installation.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧹 Clean rags for wiping internal surfaces and mechanisms.
Particular attention should be paid electrical safety. Before starting any work, the refrigerator must be disconnected from the power supply. This will not only protect you from electric shock, but will also allow the compressor to cool down, and will also prevent fans or lights from accidentally turning on during disassembly.
⚠️ Attention: Never attempt to dismantle the hinges until the door is secured with tape or held by an assistant. A sudden fall of a heavy door can lead to serious leg injuries or damage to the floor covering.
☑️ Ready to re-hang
Design features of Whirlpool refrigerators
Equipment Whirlpool is distinguished by a variety of design solutions and approach to overhang may differ depending on the type of model. Double-compartment refrigerators with a bottom freezer, as a rule, have a simpler hinge system, while models Side-by-Side require complex reconfiguration of mechanisms and relocation of wiring harnesses.
It is important to understand that in some modern models with a system No Frost display control wires can pass through the upper loop or temperature sensors. In such cases, simply rearranging the metal is impossible without reconnecting the electrical system or moving the plugs. Always check the technical documentation if your model is equipped with an electronic door control.
The weight of the structure should also be taken into account. The freezer door is usually heavier due to the presence of a freezing system and a thicker insulating layer. Bottom hinges such models are subject to increased load, so when rehanging their condition you need to pay maximum attention.
The myth about the universality of hinges
There is a common misconception that all hinges are interchangeable. In fact, the upper and lower hinges often have different geometries and cannot be used on opposite sides without special adapters or modifications provided by the manufacturer.
If you have a model with a display on the door, the process is complicated by the need to disconnect the cables. In such situations, it is critical not to damage the thin contacts and to properly snap the connectors after rearrangement, otherwise the electronics may not work correctly.
Removing the top hinge and door
The process should always start from the top of the unit. First you need to remove the decorative plug that hides the fasteners of the top hinge. It can be made in the form of a separate plastic cover or integrated into the handle, requiring careful prying with a flat-head screwdriver.
After gaining access to the bolts, do not rush to unscrew them completely. First loosen the fastening, then make sure that the door is securely latched. To do this, use masking tape, gluing it to the body of the refrigerator and the door on both sides, or ask an assistant to hold the structure tightly.
| Work stage | Actions | Required tools |
|---|---|---|
| Removing the plug | Carefully pry with a knife or screwdriver | Flat screwdriver |
| Loosen the bolts | Unscrew 2-3 turns without removing | 8 or 10 key mm |
| Fixing the door | Secure with tape or hold with your hands | Making tape / Assistant |
| Removing the hinge | Completely unscrew the bolts and remove the element | Open-end wrench |
When the top hinge is removed, you can carefully tilt the door and remove it from the bottom axis. This should be done smoothly, avoiding jerking, so as not to damage the rubber seal or the shelves inside. If the door is difficult to remove, perhaps the suction cups are still holding, and you need to turn the door slightly.
⚠️ Attention: When removing the door, be careful not to drop it on the floor. The impact can deform the metal, which will make subsequent installation of a new door impossible or break the tight fit.
After removing the door, inspect axial bushings and the holes in the body. If dirt or old grease has accumulated there, they must be thoroughly cleaned. This will ensure smooth movement of the door after reinstallation and will extend the service life of the mechanism.
Rearranging the fittings and lower fastening
The next stage involves working with the bottom of the refrigerator. You will need to remove the plinth panel (if there is one) and remove the bottom hinge. Models Whirlpool often use an intermediate loop between the refrigerator and freezer compartments, which will also need to be moved to the opposite side.
Having removed all the metal elements, move them to the other side of the case. Please note that the holes on the opposite side may be covered with plastic plugs. They need to be removed and rearranged to the vacant places on your working side to maintain an aesthetic appearance.
- 🔩 Move the lower support (pin) to the other side, if the design requires this.
- 🚪 Install intermediate hinges for the freezer if the model is multi-chamber.
- 🧵 Lay the wires (if any) through the new channels in the housing.
- 🔒 Fix all the elements with bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet.
Requires special attention height adjustment. Often on one side of the body the studs may be of different lengths or require the installation of additional spacers. Carefully study the diagram in the instructions so as not to confuse the parts, as this may lead to misalignment of the doors.
When installing new fittings, it is recommended to use a thread locker if it was on the factory bolts, or simply thoroughly degrease the surfaces. This will prevent spontaneous unwinding of the fasteners during vibration of the compressor.
Installing the door on a new side
Now that all the hinges are prepared and installed in new places, you can begin hanging the door leaf. Carefully lift the door and slide it onto the lower axle. Make sure that it sits tightly and evenly, without distortions.
The next step is the alignment step. Since the bolts are not completely tightened yet, you have the opportunity to adjust the position of the door. Use a spirit level to check that the posts are vertical and the top edge is level. The gaps between the door and the body must be the same along the entire length.
After final tightening of all bolts, check the operation of closers and the magnetic latches. The door should open smoothly, without squeaks, and fit tightly to the body around the entire perimeter. If you notice a misalignment, loosen the fastenings of the top hinge and slightly move the door in the desired direction.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use excessive force when tightening the bolts. Aluminum alloys used in some models are easily deformed, and broken threads in the refrigerator body are a difficult problem to repair.
If your model is equipped with a system Auto Close (auto-closer), make sure that when the door is opened to a certain angle, it is automatically brought to close. If this does not happen, you may need to adjust the tilt of the entire refrigerator using the front supports.
Setup and final check of operation
The final stage is a comprehensive check. Plug in the refrigerator and let it run for several hours. At this time, listen for extraneous sounds: creaking hinges, knocking on the body or hum may indicate improper installation.
Check the operation of internal mechanisms, such as the light button. When the door is open, the light should be on, when closed, it should go out. If the button is located inconveniently after repositioning, it may be necessary to rearrange the switch itself, which is often provided for by the design.
Pay attention to sealing rubber. After removal and reinstallation, it could become deformed. If you see gaps, you can warm the rubber with a hairdryer (without overheating!) or pour hot water into the profile so that it straightens and takes the desired shape.
During the first day of operation, periodically check the temperature inside the chambers. Loose closing of the door can lead to freezing of the “coat” and increased load on the compressor, so monitoring the tightness in the first hours is critically important.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging it?
Yes, this is a mandatory requirement. During operation, you will have to tilt and rotate the unit. If water or ice remains inside, it may leak and damage electronic components or the floor. In addition, an empty refrigerator is easier to manipulate.
Is it possible to hang the door yourself on a Side-by-Side model?
Technically this is possible, but it is extremely difficult due to the large weight of the doors and the complex hinge system. For such models Whirlpool it is strongly recommended to involve a second person or a professional technician, since the risk of dropping the door and damaging the floor or the unit itself is very high.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not close completely?
Most likely, the angle of the refrigerator is broken. Try unscrewing the front leveling feet to raise the front of the unit. Gravity should help close. Also check whether the contents of the shelves or the seal itself are in the way.
Will the warranty remain valid after re-hanging the doors?
According to the law and rules of most service centers, re-hanging the door yourself does not void the warranty on the compressor and electronic board, unless other components were damaged in the process. However, if you break the hinge or the case, this particular damage will not be covered by the warranty.
Where do you put the holes from the hinges on the old side?
Included with the refrigerator Whirlpool there are usually plastic plugs that match the color of the case. If they are lost, you can order them at the service center or pick up universal analogues in furniture fittings stores to avoid moisture and dust getting inside the case.