A change in kitchen layout or simply a desire to optimize space often raises the question of redevelopment before the owner of household appliances. Owners of refrigerators LG often face a situation where opening the door in the current position becomes inconvenient or even blocks the passage. Fortunately, the design of most modern models of this brand provides the ability to change the side of the hitch, which allows you to adapt the unit to new operating conditions.
The rehanging process does not require calling a specialist if you have a minimum set of tools and basic skills in handling equipment. However, it is worth understanding that this is not just a rearrangement of fittings, but a serious manipulation with body geometry and hanging elements. Incorrect actions can lead to distortion of the canvas, failure of the seal or damage to the plastic plugs.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for various series of refrigerators LG, consider the necessary tools and point out critically important points that cannot be ignored. Before you begin, make sure that you have free space around the refrigerator and sufficient lighting in the work area.
Preparation of tools and work area
The first step is to organize your work space. You will need to remove all food, shelves and drawers from the refrigerator and freezer compartments to reduce the weight of the structure as much as possible. This will not only make the work easier, but will also protect the contents from damage in case of unforeseen circumstances. Clear the space around the unit by at least one meter on all sides.
To carry out the work, you will need a standard home handyman's kit. The main tool will be hex wrench (usually 4 mm or 5 mm in size), which often comes with the refrigerator, or a set of hex keys. Also have a Phillips screwdriver, pliers, and possibly an 8mm socket for some hinge models.
- 🔧 Hex wrench set (basic tool for hinges).
- 🪛 Phillips screwdriver (for removal handles and decorative panels).
- 🧤 Work gloves (to protect hands from sharp metal edges).
- 🧼 Soft rags (for wiping the mounting points from dust).
It is important to prepare the surface on which you will place the dismantled parts. Cover the table or floor with thick cardboard or cloth to avoid scratching the varnish of the door panels or fittings. It is better to immediately put small screws and plugs in a separate container so that they do not get lost.
Analysis of the design and model of the refrigerator
Before starting active actions, you need to study the technical documentation of your specific model. Refrigerators LG are available in various modifications: No Frost, Smart Cooling or classic cooling systems. The design of the hinges and the method of attaching the handles may vary significantly depending on the year of manufacture and series of the device.
Pay attention to the type of handles. In some models, they are integrated into the body and do not require dismantling, while in others (especially built-in or premium series) the handles can be removable and attached to screws on the inside of the door. Also check the presence of a display on the door: if the screen is located on the left side, and you want to move the door to the right, you may need to reconnect the cable or rearrange the control unit.
⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator model is equipped with an external display or control panel on the door, make sure that the length of the connecting cables allows you to move the door to the other side. In some cases, it is necessary to lengthen the wires or resolder the contacts, which is best left to a specialist.
Pay special attention to the bottom of the refrigerator. For some models LG the lower hinge has a specific design with a plastic stop, which must be turned over or replaced with a symmetrical analogue from the set of plugs. Study the package: often the manufacturer supplies the necessary adapters and plugs in a special compartment inside the chamber or at the bottom of the package.
Dismantling the top hinge and removing the door
The process begins from the top of the unit, since it is the top hinge that holds the main weight of the door leaf. First you need to remove the decorative plug hiding the mounting bolts. It can be in the form of a plastic cover that needs to be pryed off with a knife, or it can be part of the body that requires unscrewing a screw.
Once you have access to the fasteners, use a hex wrench to loosen the top hinge bolts. Do not unscrew them completely at once - just loosen the tension. If your model has an intermediate hinge (for three-door refrigerators or models with a zero chamber), the sequence of actions is similar, but requires more care due to the weight of the structure.
Loosening sequence:1. Loosen the front bolt.
2. Loosen the rear bolt.
3. Secure the door.
4. Completely unscrew the fasteners.
Now you will need an assistant. One person should hold the door so that it does not fall and damage the floor or its own corners, and the second person should finally unscrew the bolts and remove the hinge. After removing the top hinge, the door is carefully lifted and removed from the bottom axis. Place the removed leaf on the prepared soft surface with the outer side down.
Rearranging fittings and handles
At this stage, the door leaf is directly modified. If the handles are removable, they must be removed. This usually requires access to the screws from the inside of the door. Remove the seal in the corner of the fastening or find the technological hole closed with a plug.
Next is the rearrangement of the opening limiters. At the end of the door, in the upper and lower parts, there are plastic or metal stop pins. They need to be unscrewed from one side and moved to the opposite side, using threaded holes that are initially closed with plastic plugs. This is a critical point for the correct operation of the mechanism.
- 🔄 Unscrew the locking pin on the right side of the end.
- 🔩 Remove the plastic plug from the hole on the left side.
- 🔨 Install the plug in the vacated hole on the right.
- 🔧 Screw the locking pin into the new location on the left.
If the design of your model LG includes rearranging the handle, do it now. Make sure all screws are tightened evenly to avoid misalignment. Also check the condition of the magnetic seal: if it was deformed during the previous installation, now is the time to straighten it with a hairdryer on low temperature.
Nuances for models with an ice maker
If the doors have an ice maker built in, when re-hanging, you may need to disconnect the water line. Make sure the hose is long enough and has enough movement. In some cases, it is necessary to disassemble the inner door panel to lay the hose along a new path.
Mounting the bottom hinge and installing the door
Move on to the bottom of the refrigerator. Here is the main support loop, which often has an asymmetrical shape. You need to dismantle the current hinge and install it in a mirror or replace it with a symmetrical part, if the design requires it. Included with the refrigerator LG often there is a special bushing or washer for the lower axle, which needs to be rearranged.
When installing the lower hinge in a new place, make sure that it fits snugly against the body. If the model requires the use of a striker plate on the floor or base of the refrigerator, make sure that it is also moved. Secure the hinge with bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet - this will allow you to adjust the position of the door during final installation.
Now install the door leaf on the lower axis. This action is also best performed together. Align the holes in the bottom of the door with the hinge pin and lower the door. Make sure it is level and there is nothing preventing it from rotating. After this, you can begin installing the upper loop on the new side.
| Element | Action | Tool | Nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper loop | Dismantling and transfer | 5 mm hexagon | Requires door insurance |
| Bottom hinge | Reversal or replacement | Socket wrench 8 mm | The position of the bushing is important |
| Stoppers | Rearrangement at the end | Screwdriver/Hexagon | Don't forget about the plugs |
| Handle | Dismantling/Installation | Phillips screwdriver | Hidden fasteners |
Position adjustment and tightness check
After installing all elements in new places, it is necessary to perform final adjustment. Even if the door visually stands straight, there may be nuances with the fit of the seal. Loosen the upper and lower hinge mounting bolts slightly to be able to move the door in a horizontal plane.
Align the door so that the gap between the door and the body is the same over the entire height. Pay special attention to the upper corner: it should not touch the body when opening. Once aligned, tighten all bolts securely. Check the operation of the door: it should open smoothly, without squeaks, and close tightly with a slight push.
☑️ Checking the quality of installation
To check the tightness, use a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet between the door and the body in different places around the perimeter. If the sheet is pulled out with force, it means the seal is working correctly. If the paper falls out or is removed too easily, additional adjustment of the door tilt will be required.
Common mistakes and expert advice
In the process of hanging refrigerator doors LG beginners often make common mistakes. One of the most common is lost or mixed up hole plugs. If you leave the holes open, dust and moisture will enter the housing, which can lead to metal corrosion over time.
Another mistake is over-tightening the hinge bolts. This can lead to distortion of the threads in the refrigerator body, which is often made of thin metal. Use moderate force: the loop should be fixed firmly, but not fanatically. Also, do not forget to check the horizontal installation of the refrigerator itself after all work.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to forcefully slam the door if it does not close. This may cause the magnetic seal to rupture or the plastic parts of the hinge to break. It’s better to spend time re-adjusting the position.
If you are the owner of a model LG DoorCooling+ or similar, where there are additional air ducts in the door, make sure that the hoses or wires were not pinched during the rearrangement. Any disruption of air circulation will affect the cooling efficiency.
Do you need to disconnect the refrigerator from the network before rehanging?
Formally, for mechanical replacement of hinges, disconnection from the network is not required, since there are no electrical components in the hinges. However, if you plan to work near electrical wiring, display, or door internal components, safety requires unplugging the unit from the outlet. In addition, this will eliminate the risk of accidentally turning on the compressor during work.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not close tightly?
Most likely, the geometry of the installation is broken. Check that the locking pins at the end of the door are positioned correctly. Also make sure that the refrigerator is strictly horizontal. If the problem is in the seal, try warming it with a hairdryer or soaking it in warm water to restore elasticity.
Is it possible to reverse the door on an LG Side-by-Side refrigerator?
In most Side-by-Side models, reversing the doors is impossible or extremely difficult due to the complex system of hinges running through the entire body and the presence of a central partitions. For such models, it is recommended to read the instructions: most often it only provides for a change in the opening direction of one of the sections, but not a complete advantage.
Where can I get new plugs if the old ones are lost?
Plugs are consumables that are rarely sold separately in regular stores. They can be ordered at authorized service centers LG according to the catalog number of your model. As a last resort, you can use decorative furniture plugs of a suitable color and diameter, picking them up at a hardware store.