Re-hanging a refrigerator door DEXP is a task that owners face when moving, renovating a kitchen, or a banal desire to change the opening side. Unlike European brands, where the process often requires calling a specialist, in models DEXP (especially series RFS, RFN, DCR) the design allows you to do this yourself. The main thing is to take your time and follow a strict sequence to avoid distortions or damage to the seal.
In this article you will find step-by-step instructions with photosa list of necessary tools, as well as typical mistakesthat beginners use. We will separately consider the nuances for refrigerators with dispenser for water and models No Frostwhere careful handling of the defrosting system is required. If your DEXP was released after 2020, most likely, the kit already includes plugs for fastenings on the opposite side - you won’t have to buy them.
Before you start, make sure that you have at least 1–1.5 hours of free time and an assistant: the refrigerator door weighs 15–25 kg (depending on the model), and it is inconvenient to hold it with one hand when unscrewing the hinges. Also check if your model is covered by a warranty - some service centers DEXP may refuse free repairs if they find traces of self-tampering.
Preparation: tools and safety
To hang the door DEXP you do not need professional tools - standard ones are enough set that is in every home. However, there are several nuances:
- 🔧 Phillips screwdriver (PH2) —this size is suitable for most loops. In some models (for example DEXP DCR-100), hex bolts can be used - then you need a 5 mm wrench.
- 🔨 Wrench on 10 or 8 mm - to fix the lower hinge, which is often secured with a nut on the reverse side.
- 📏 Ruler or tape measure - to measure the gaps after installation (optimally - 2-3 mm around the entire perimeter).
- 🧲 Magnet or tape - for temporary fastening of removed parts (screws, plugs) so as not to lose them.
- 🧴 Silicone grease —for processing loops after rehanging (extends the service life of the mechanism).
Before starting work be sure to unplug the refrigerator and defrost it (if the model is not No Frost). This is necessary not so much for safety, but to ensure that condensation does not get on the electrical contacts when removing the door. If your DEXP has a dispenser, close the water supply tap and drain the remaining liquid from the system.
⚠️ Attention: In models DEXP RFN-120 and similar ones with an electronic display, you may need to reset the settings after rehanging. Remember or photograph the current temperature settings and modes before turning off the power.
Prepare the work space: place a soft blanket or cardboard on the floor so as not to scratch the door when installing. If the refrigerator is in a niche, pull it out 30–40 cm for easy access to the hinges. Do not forget that the weight of the door is unevenly distributed - the upper part is lighter than the lower due to the location of the seal.
The door fastening pattern in DEXP refrigerators
The design of hinges in refrigerators DEXP is typical for most budget models, but there are key differences depending on the series:
- 🔄 Models without No Frost (RFS, DCR): The door is mounted on three hinges —two on top and one on the bottom. The upper hinges are usually symmetrical, and the lower one has an adjusting bolt for leveling the height.
- ❄️ Models with No Frost (RFN): Used here four hinges —an additional middle loop reduces the load on the seal. When rehanging, it is important not to mix them up!
- 💧 Models with a dispenser (DCR-W): The door has water supply hoses that are attached to the body of the refrigerator. They need to be disconnected to removing the door, otherwise the connections may be damaged.
The figure below shows a typical diagram for the model DEXP RFS-105 (similar to most two-chamber refrigerators of the brand):
Hinge fastening diagram (clickable)
[There should be an image with captions: 1 - upper hinge, 2 - lower hinge, 3 - adjusting bolt, 4 - plugs for the opposite sides]
| Model DEXP | Number of hinges | Fastening features | Are additional parts needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| RFS-100, RFS-120 | 3 (2 top + 1 bottom) | Symmetrical top hinges, bottom with adjustment | No (plugs included) |
| RFN-125, RFN-140 (No Frost) | 4 (2 top + 1 middle + 1 bottom) | Middle hinge reduces sagging | Yes (an additional bolt may be required) |
| DCR-100W (with dispenser) | 3 + hose fastenings | Hoses are fixed with plastic clips | Yes (rubber gaskets for hoses) |
In DEXP models released after 2021, the lower hinge is often equipped with a plastic bushing - it cannot be lost, since without it the door will play. If the bushing falls out during disassembly, install it back to tightening the bolts.
Step-by-step instructions: removing the old door
Start with the top hinges - they are less loaded and easier to unscrew. Here is a detailed algorithm:
Remove decorative plugs from the hinges (they just snap into place - pry them off with a flat screwdriver). Under them you will see fastening bolts.
Unscrew upper bolts 2-3 turns, but do not remove them completely. Ask an assistant to hold the door, as after loosening the fastenings it may drop sharply.
Gently lift the door up (by 1-2 cm) - this will remove the load from the lower hinge. Now you can completely unscrew the top bolts and remove the hinges.
Go to bottom hinge. In most models DEXP it is secured with a nut on the back of the housing. Unscrew it with a wrench, holding the bolt with a screwdriver in front.
Remove the door and place it on the prepared surface face up (so as not to damage the seal).
If your model has middle hinge (as in RFN-140), unscrew it last. Be careful: it is often fixed not only with bolts, but also with plastic latches, which can be broken with excessive force.
Unplugged and defrosted|
Decorative plugs removed|
The bolts of the upper hinges are loosened|
An assistant is ready to hold the door|
Tools at hand-->
⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators DEXP DCR with a dispenser, before removing the door, you must disconnect the water supply hoses! They are attached with plastic clips inside the case (access through the bottom panel). Do not pull the hoses - first press the latches.
Move the hinges to the opposite side
Now you need to prepare the fastenings for the door on the other side. Models DEXP are provided for this purpose factory holesclosed with plugs. Here's how to proceed:
Remove plugs from the opposite side (they are simply pulled out or pryed with a screwdriver). Save them - they will be needed to close the old holes.
Move top hinges to the new side. In most cases, the holes are symmetrical, but in models with a dispenser it may be necessary turn the hinges (they have an asymmetrical shape for attaching hoses).
Install lower hinge. It is important here not to confuse the side - in some models DEXP it has
rightandleftorientation (marks are on the hinge body).If your model has middle loop, move it, making sure that it fits into the grooves without distortions. In DEXP RFN-125 this loop is often equipped with a spring mechanism - do not lose the spring!
For models with dispenser additionally move hose fastenings to the other side. They are located inside the case and are fixed with self-tapping screws. Be careful: the hoses should not be bent or strained.
In some refrigerators DEXP (for example, RFS-100) the holes for the hinges on the opposite side are closed metal plates. They need to be removed by unscrewing 1-2 screws from the back of the case. Don’t be alarmed - this is normal, such plates prevent dust from getting inside during transportation.
Installing the door on the new side
This is the most critical stage. Proceed according to the following algorithm:
Move the door to the refrigerator and align the bottom hinge with the fastener. Make sure that the door is level - misalignment at this stage is more difficult to correct.
Lower the door down so that the bottom hinge sits in place. Do not force it - if something is in the way, check to see if the plastic sleeve has gotten into the groove.
Hold the door tighten the top bolts (do not tighten it completely!). Check that the door opens and closes without effort.
Tighten all bolts crosswise (first the top, then the bottom) to avoid distortion. In models with No Frost after this you need to adjust the middle hinge.
For refrigerators with dispenser after installing the door, connect the water supply hoses. They should fit into the connectors without force - if you feel resistance, check whether the hoses inside the door are twisted.
In models DEXP RFN (No Frost) after rehanging it may be necessary sensor calibration. To do this:
- Plug in the refrigerator.
- Press and hold the button
Super Cool5 seconds until the indicator lights up. - Wait for the sound signal - this means that the system has been recalibrated.
Adjustment and checking for leaks
Even if the door is visually level, it needs to be adjust checked for leaks. Here's how to do it:
- 📏 Checking the gaps: Take a piece of paper and clamp it between the seal and the body around the entire perimeter. If the sheet is pulled out without effort, you need to tighten the hinges.
- 🔧 Height adjustment: There is an adjusting bolt in the bottom hinge (usually a hexagon). Turning clockwise raises the door, counter-clockwise lowers it.
- 🌀 Checking the seal: After re-hanging, the seal may become deformed. Warm it up with a hairdryer (temperature 50–60°C) and shape it with your hands.
If the seal is damaged or does not restore its shape, it needs to be replaced. For models DEXP standard seals of size 58×45 mm (for two-chamber) or 52×40 mm (for single-chamber) are suitable. You can buy them at the brand’s service centers or at AliExpress (the article number is usually indicated in the instructions).
⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators DEXP with electronic control (series DCR, RFN) after reweighing, an error may occurE1orE2(tightness failure). To reset it, unplug the refrigerator for 10 minutes, then turn it on again.
Check the operation of the door in different modes:
- Open and close it 10 times in a row - there should be no creaks or jams.
- See how the door behaves when half-open (45°) - it should not open or close spontaneously.
- If the model has automatic closing (as in DEXP RFN-140), check its operation from different angles.
Typical errors and how to avoid them
Even if you carefully follow the instructions, you can make mistakes that will lead to problems. Here are the most common ones:
- 🔩 Overtightened bolts: This deforms the hinges and leads to backlash. Tighten the bolts with force no more than 2-3 Nm (for comparison: this is like tightening a plastic bottle of water).
- 🚪 Mismatch of holes: If the door does not sit on the hinges, check if there are any left in the grooves plastic bushings or plugs. In models DEXP RFS sometimes you have to slightly widen the holes with a file.
- 💧 Damage to the dispenser hoses: If after rehanging the water does not flow, check whether the hoses inside the door are kinked. In DEXP DCR they must go through special channels.
- ❄️ Tightness failure: If the seal does not fit after rehanging, warm it with a hairdryer and press the door for 10-15 minutes (you can use a heavy book as a weight).
If, after rehanging, the refrigerator begins to make more noise, check:
- If the door touches the housing when opening (it may creak).
- If the compressor fastenings are loose (sometimes vibration is transmitted to the door).
- Has debris gotten into the hinges (in models No Frost dust can accumulate in the mechanism).
In models DEXP RFN (No Frost) may appear after incorrect re-hanging. frost on the back wall. This means that air circulation is impaired due to the door not being tightly closed. In this case, you need to readjust the hinges or replace the seal.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about hanging DEXP doors
Is it possible to hang the door on a DEXP refrigerator yourself if it is under warranty?
Formally, re-hanging the door yourself can be considered a violation of the terms of the warranty, since it requires disassembling the body. However, most service centers DEXP are loyal to this if there are no other complaints about the operation of the refrigerator. To avoid problems, save all removed parts (plugs, bolts) and do not damage the seals on the compressor.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not close tightly?
First, check the gaps around the entire perimeter using a sheet of paper. If the gap is uneven:
- Loosen the bolts on the problem hinge.
- Adjust the position of the door (raise or lower it).
- Tighten the bolts and check again.
If this does not help, it may be deformed seal - it needs to be replaced.
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before hanging the door?
For models without No Frost (series RFS, DCR), defrosting is mandatory - this will prevent moisture from getting on the electrical contacts. In refrigerators No Frost (RFN), defrosting is not required, but it is still necessary to disconnect from the network.
Where can I get plugs for the holes after hanging the door?
In most models DEXP plugs are included (they are hidden in a bag with documentation or glued to the back of the refrigerator). If they are not available, you can:
- Buy universal plastic plugs (diameter 8–10 mm) at a hardware store.
- Order original ones through the service center DEXP (the article number is usually indicated in the instructions).
- Temporarily close the holes with electrical tape, but this is unaesthetic.
How much does it cost to rehang a door at the DEXP service center?
The cost of the service in official service centers DEXP depends on the model and region:
- For simple models (RFS-100) - from 1500 to 2500 rubles.
- For refrigerators with No Frost or a dispenser - from 2500 to 3500 rubles.
- If replacement is required seal - plus 1000–1500 rubles.
Independent re-hanging will only cost the cost of tools (if you don’t have them at hand).