Changing the kitchen layout or simply wanting to optimize the workspace often lead owners of household appliances to the need to change the direction of opening the refrigerator door. Reversing the door is a standard procedure provided by engineers LG for most models, and it does not require calling a technician if you act carefully and consistently. Modern two-chamber units often have a symmetrical body design, which allows you to move the handles and hinges to the opposite side in one hour.
However, before starting work, it is important to understand that the designs may differ significantly depending on the series and year of manufacture of your device. Models with the No Frost system and inverter compressors often require dismantling the top decorative panel to access the fasteners. An incorrect sequence of actions can lead to damage to the plastic latches or leakage of the seal, so carefully study the features of your device.
In this article we will analyze in detail the process of reinstalling the hinge for various refrigerator configurations LG. We will look at the necessary tools, the nuances of working with electronics and hinge mechanics, and also point out typical mistakes that beginners make when first getting acquainted with the unit's structure.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the electrical network. This is critically important, since in some models the control wires pass through loops, and the risk of a short circuit if the cables are handled carelessly is real.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tools
Quality rehanging doors begins long before you pick up a screwdriver. You need to free up space around the refrigerator, allowing access from all sides, including the back wall. Remove all products, shelves and drawers to reduce the weight of the structure and avoid breaking glass or plastic in the process of tilting the case.
The work will require a minimum set of tools, which is usually found in the arsenal of a home craftsman. The main tool will be a screwdriver or a set of screwdrivers with various attachments, including Phillips and flat slots. A 10 or 8 mm open-end wrench will also come in handy, depending on the fasteners used in your model LG.
Don't forget to prepare a soft covering for the floor, such as cardboard or a blanket, so as not to scratch the floor covering and the unit itself when moving it. To secure the removed bolts and small parts, use a magnetic tray or container, since the loss of even one screw may make further assembly impossible.
Here is a list of what should be on hand before starting:
- 🛠️ A set of screwdrivers (phillips PH1, PH2, PH3 and flat).
- 🔧 Open-end or socket wrenches (most often 8 mm and 10 mm).
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 📦 Capacity for sorting fasteners.
☑️ Check before starting work
Design analysis and typical LG models
Refrigerators LG are divided into several types according to the design of the doorway, and the complexity of the procedure depends on this. In classic two-compartment models, where the freezer is located at the bottom or at the top, the process is relatively simple and only requires rearranging the hinges and handles. However, in models like Door-in-Door or InstaView the situation is more complicated due to the presence of an additional glass panel and a complex system of levers.
It is important to determine whether your model has electronic components in the doors. If there are speakers, a display, or a complex control system on the inside of the canvas, the wires may pass through the top loop. In such cases, special care is required when disconnecting the connectors so as not to damage the thin contacts.
Some budget series may not have holes for handles on the back side. In this case, reweighing is impossible without purchasing additional components or drilling new holes, which is not recommended to do yourself, as this violates the integrity of the thermal insulation layer.
A comparison of construction types is presented in the table below:
| Model type | Hinge location | Presence of electronics | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic (Top/Bottom Freezer) | Top/Bottom | No | Low |
| Side-by-Side | Side | Often there | High |
| Door-in-Door | Double | Yes (light, display) | Medium |
| Compact (single-chamber) | Top/Bottom | No | Low |
Removing the top part and removing the door
The process begins with dismantling the top cover of the refrigerator, if it is provided for by the design. In most models LG you need to unscrew the two screws holding the decorative panel and slide it forward or up. Underneath it lies the upper hinge, which is the main load-bearing element of the upper door.
After gaining access to the hinge, do not rush to unscrew it. First, you need to lock the door in the open position or ask an assistant to hold it, as it may fall after removing the fasteners. Carefully unscrew the bolts of the top hinge and remove it along with the bracket.
Now you can remove the door itself. Lift it up to remove it from the lower sleeve and set it aside in a safe place. If there are wires running through the door (for a lamp or display), carefully disconnect the connectors, having previously photographed their position. Rememberthat you cannot pull the wires - you only need to grab the plastic housings of the connectors.
Similar actions are carried out for the bottom door, if you are changing the hinges of both valves Remove the middle loop (if there is one between the chambers) and dismantle the lower panel. Now you have free access to the bottom of the case to reinstall the supporting elements.
What to do if the bolts are rusty?
If the mounting bolts are stuck and cannot be unscrewed, do not use excessive force so as not to strip the threads. Treat the joint with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and leave for 10-15 minutes. After this, try to carefully remove the bolt, using a wrench to increase the leverage.
Reinstallation of support elements and hinges
The most critical part of the work is transferring the fasteners to the opposite side. At the ends of the refrigerator body LG there are usually technological holes on both sides, closed with plastic plugs. You need to remove the plugs from the target side and move them to the vacant places.
The lower support sleeve often requires replacement or reversal. In some models it is symmetrical, and it is enough to simply rearrange it into the mirror hole. In other cases, it may be necessary to replace the element itself with a component from a set that often comes with the refrigerator (usually found in a package with documentation).
Install the lower hinge or bushing in a new place and secure it with bolts. Make sure that they are tightened tightly, but not too much, so as not to damage the threads in the metal case. Now you can start hanging the doors in the reverse order.
When installing the top hinge, it is important to observe the tightening torque. Tightening too loose will lead to sagging of the door and a violation of the tightness, and too strong can deform the metal or break the thread. Use a torque wrench if possible, or focus on the force required for a tight fit of metal to metal.
⚠️ Attention: Do not mix up the length of the bolts when installing the hinges. Screws of different lengths may be used at different mounting points. Using a bolt that is too long in a short hole may damage the inside wall of the refrigerator or thermal insulation.
Installing doors and adjusting gaps
After the hinges have been moved, it is time to put the doors in their rightful place. Start with the bottom door (or top door if it's a single-pane model) by sliding it onto the bottom sleeve. Then install the middle partition or loop and secure the top sheet.
The key point at this stage is adjusting the gaps. The door should fit evenly around the entire perimeter of the body. If you notice a misalignment, you can eliminate it by placing washers under the hinges or adjusting the height of the refrigerator's support legs. In some models LG the height of the loops is adjusted by special eccentrics.
Check the operation of the magnetic seal. The door should close tightly, but not too tightly. If the door closes with a slam or, conversely, does not hold the magnet, check that the seal is clean and that the door is installed correctly vertically. Use a building level to check.
If handles were installed on the door, now is the time to attach them to the new side. Make sure that all decorative plugs are in place, and holes that are no longer used are closed with the plastic plugs included in the kit.
Frequent errors and troubleshooting
Even with instructions, beginners often make mistakes that can negate all their efforts. One of the most common is the loss or mix-up of fasteners. The bolts from the top and bottom hinges may differ, and installing inappropriate fasteners leads to instability of the structure.
Another problem is damage to the seal during installation. If you bent the door too much or laid it face down without protection, the rubber could become warped. In this case, a hairdryer will help: gently heat the deformed area and straighten it, but do not overheat the material.
Also, users often forget to check the horizontal installation of the refrigerator itself after rehanging. If the unit is placed on an uneven floor, the door may open or close spontaneously. Adjust the front support legs so that the body is strictly vertical and the door closes itself when opened to 45 degrees.
- ❌ Forgot to connect the wire connectors before final installation of the door.
- ❌ Mixed up the left and right plugs for the holes.
- ❌ The upper hinge bolts were not tightened enough, which led to sagging.
- ❌ The seal was damaged with a sharp tool during operation.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to hang the door if the refrigerator is built into the kitchen unit?
Technically, this is possible, but it is extremely difficult. You will need to completely remove the refrigerator from the niche, as work requires access from all sides, including the rear to tilt the cabinet. Built-in models often have additional fastenings to the furniture, which complicate the process.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not close tightly?
Most likely, the installation geometry is broken. Check if the refrigerator is on a level surface. If everything is fine with the floor, loosen the top hinge, press the door against the body and retighten the bolts. Also check if anything inside (shelves, food) is preventing it from closing tightly.
Do you need to wait after turning on the refrigerator after re-weighing it?
Yes, after transporting and tilting the housing (even a small one), the compressor oil needs time to drain into the crankcase. It is recommended to wait at least 2-4 hours before turning on for the first time to avoid water hammer in the compressor.
Where can I get plugs for the holes if they are lost?
Plugs are a consumable item, and they are difficult to find on the open market separately. You can order a set of plugs at the service center LG according to the model of your refrigerator or use universal furniture plugs of a suitable color and diameter, placing them on glue.