Rearranging furniture in the kitchen often poses unexpected challenges for owners of household appliances, among which changing the opening side of the refrigerator door occupies one of the first places. Brand models Gorenje are designed taking into account the possibility of re-mounting, which allows you to adapt the unit to a new layout without loss of functionality. However, this process requires care, since the design of the hinges and the control system may differ depending on the series of the device.
Before starting the active phase of work, you must clearly understand that you are interfering with the supporting structure of the case. Improper assembly can lead to misalignment of the doors, loss of tightness and, as a result, increased energy consumption. In this article we will analyze all the stages in detail so that you can complete the job efficiently and safely.
There is a misconception that the procedure is identical for all refrigerators, but this is not the case. Different models Gorenje can use different types of fastenings: from simple screw connections to complex systems with electronic loops. Understanding your model type is the first step to success.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to unplug the refrigerator from the electrical outlet. Working with a live electrical appliance is strictly prohibited by safety rules.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
The quality of the work performed directly depends on the preparation. You don't need a professional mechanic's kit, but you should have some basic tools on hand. Not having the right key in the middle of the process can lead to the edges of the bolts breaking off or the plastic being damaged.
First of all, free up the space around the refrigerator. You need access from all sides to be able to walk around the unit and place removed parts. Remove the carpets, as small parts can roll, and oil from the hinges can stain the pile.
For work you will need the following tools:
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) for removing handles and plugs.
- 🔩 Wrenches or heads (most often sizes 8, 10 mm) for hinges.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 📦 Container for folding fasteners so as not to lose anything.
It is important to prepare a soft surface, for example, a blanket or thick cardboard where you will put the removed door. The floor in the kitchen is usually hard, and glass or plastic shelves can crack if touched carelessly. Also make sure that you have level at hand for subsequent adjustment.
⚠️ Attention: If a special key for hinges was included with the refrigerator, use only it. The use of unsuitable tools can strip the threads in aluminum bushings.
☑️ Preparation for re-hanging
Dismantling the top hinge and removing the door
The process always starts from the top of the unit. This is where the control mechanism or additional fittings are most often located. First, remove the top hinge trim cap, if present. It is usually held in place by latches or a small screw.
Once you have access to the fasteners, carefully unscrew the bolts holding the hinge in place. Do not remove them completely at once, it is better to loosen them and leave them in the holes so that the loop does not fall. Then finally remove the fasteners and remove the metal plate. Now the door is supported only by the weight and the lower pin (if there is one) or simply hangs.
Ask an assistant to hold the door, as it is heavy and may fall. Remove the top door from the bottom pin or simply move it to the side. If the model Gorenje is equipped with a display or buttons on the door, be extremely careful: there may be a train of wires running inside cable loop.
In some cases, it is necessary to disconnect the wiring connector. Do this smoothly, without jerking, holding the connector with your fingers. Remember the position of the wires or take a photo of them so that when assembling on the other side you do not mix up the contacts.
Features of working with electronics and cables
Modern refrigerators Gorenje often have a remote control panel or indicators integrated into the door. When rehanging, it becomes necessary to move these elements or lengthen the wires. This is the most difficult stage that requires accuracy.
If the wiring runs inside the housing, it must be carefully pulled out through the technological holes. Some models have an alternative hole on the other side, closed with a rubber plug. You need to move the plug to the free space to maintain thermal insulation.
When working with electronics, follow these rules:
- 💡 Do not pull the wires by the insulation, hold only the connectors.
- 💡 Make sure that the wires will not be pinched by the door body after installation.
- 💡 Check the integrity of the insulation before connecting.
If the length of the standard wire is not enough to transfer to the other side, extension may be required. However, in most models Gorenje the cable length is designed with a margin. The main thing is to place it correctly in the gutters so that it does not interfere with the movement of the mechanisms.
⚠️ Attention: Damage to the wire insulation can lead to a short circuit and failure of the control unit. If you are not confident in your electrical skills, it is better to contact a specialist.
What to do if the connectors do not fit?
In rare cases, when moving the control panel, the connectors may not match in length. In such a situation, you need to carefully disassemble the plastic casing of the wire and re-solder the contacts, observing the color markings. This requires soldering skills.
Rearranging the lower hinge and adjusting the door
The lower hinge experiences the main load, since it bears the weight of the entire structure. Dismantling here is similar to the top one: remove the decorative trim, unscrew the bolts. Pay attention to the condition of the bushings and washers - they will need to be moved to the new side.
On the bottom of the case there are often holes closed with plastic plugs. You need to remove the plugs from the new side of the installation and close the old holes with them. This is important for aesthetics and maintaining the thermal contour. The plugs usually fit tightly, pry them off with a thin screwdriver.
Install the bottom loop in a new place. Do not tighten the bolts all the way yet, leave a little play for later adjustment. Insert the lower pin (if the design provides for its presence) and put the door on it, having previously put the upper hinge in place.
Now the most crucial moment - alignment. Using a building level, check the verticality of the door in both planes. If the door is skewed, adjust the height using the legs of the refrigerator or tightening the bolts of the lower hinge.
td>Requires dismantling and turning over
| Element | Action during transfer | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Upper loop | Transfer to the opposite side | High (fixation) |
| Lower loop | Transfer + height adjustment | Critical (weight) |
| Plugs | Swap (left/right) | Medium (warmth/view) |
| Handle | High (ergonomics) |
Installation of handles and final assembly
Handles on refrigerators Gorenje can be hidden (embedded in the profile) or overhead. If the handle is overhead and symmetrical, you can simply move it to the other side using the provided holes. Often this requires removing the handle itself, turning it over and screwing it back on.
In the case of integrated handles (recess in the door), rearrangement is not required, since they are located in the center or on both sides. However, if the handle is asymmetrical, the decorative trim may need to be replaced. New refrigerators often come with additional sets of plugs and handles.
Check the tightness of the door around the entire perimeter. The rubber seal must evenly touch the body. If a gap is visible in any place, the cold will go away and the compressor will work in increased mode.
After installing all the elements, check the operation of the door for opening and closing. The move should be smooth, without squeaks or jamming. If the door itself opens or closes with a bang, it means that the tilt angle of the entire refrigerator is broken, which is adjusted by the front support legs.
Typical errors and troubleshooting
Even following the instructions, you can make mistakes that will appear later. One of the common problems is overtightened hinge bolts. This can warp the metal or plastic, causing it to become misaligned. The bolts must be tightened with force, but without fanaticism.
Another mistake is forgotten plugs in the holes. This not only spoils the view, but also violates the thermal insulation. Moisture can get into the resulting cracks, causing corrosion of the metal inside the case. Always check that all technological openings are closed.
List of common problems and solutions:
- ❌ The door does not close tightly - check the level and adjustment of the legs.
- ❌ Creaking when opening - lubricate the hinges with a special lubricant (do not use WD-40, it will dries out).
- ❌ The gap in the upper part - loosen the top hinge, press the door and tighten it again.
If after all the manipulations you notice that the refrigerator begins to freeze worse or the compressor turns on more often, check the tightness of the seal. It may have been damaged or twisted during installation.
⚠️ Attention: The design of the hinges and the location of the holes may vary depending on the year of manufacture and the specific model. Always check the official instructions for your series Gorenjeas the manufacturer's technical solutions may change.
Is it possible to hang the door without an assistant?
Theoretically, it is possible using stands under the door, but the risk of dropping a heavy glass shelf or scratching the body is very high. It is recommended to involve a second person for insurance.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before re-hanging the doors?
It is advisable to completely defrost the unit and dry it. This will lighten the weight of the doors (especially if there is ice in the evaporator) and prevent moisture from getting inside the mechanisms when removing the hinges.
Is it possible for one person to hang the doors themselves?
For single-chamber models - it is possible. For two-chamber refrigerators Gorenje with the No Frost system, the doors are heavy and oversized. It will be extremely difficult for one person to hold the door and at the same time get into the hinge holes, so an assistant is needed.
Will the warranty remain valid after re-hanging the doors?
Re-hanging the doors yourself, as a rule, does not void the warranty if you did not damage the components during dismantling. However, if the breakdown is associated with improper installation (for example, a frayed cable), the service center may refuse free repair.
What to do if the wire length is not enough during transfer?
In the standard configuration, the length of the wires is usually designed for transfer. If the wires do not reach, they may not be routed correctly in the housing. If there really is no length, you will need to extend the cable, which is best left to a professional.
How to check the tightness after installation?
Use a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet with the refrigerator door around the perimeter. If the sheet is pulled out with noticeable force, the seal is good. If the sheet falls out or moves freely, the loop needs to be adjusted.