The situation when standard opening of the refrigerator door becomes inconvenient due to the peculiarities of the kitchen layout is familiar to many owners of household appliances. It often happens that the refrigerator Nord has to be placed in a corner where the door, opening to the right, rests against the wall or impedes passage. There is a solution to this problem, and it does not require calling a specialist or purchasing new equipment, since the design of most models provides for the possibility of reinstalling the hinge on the opposite side.
The rehanging process requires accuracy, the availability of a basic set of tools and an understanding of the design of the hinges. Incorrect actions can lead to distortions, disruption of thermal insulation and even damage to the body, so before starting work you must carefully study the sequence of operations described below.
In this article we will analyze in detail the stages of dismantling and installing the door leaf on the other side, paying special attention to the nuances of adjusting the gaps. You'll learn what tools you'll need, how to properly remove the handles, and what to do if the hinge holes don't line up. Properly done work will allow you to adapt the refrigerator Nord to your needs, making its use as comfortable as possible in any conditions of the kitchen space.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Before starting the active phase of work, you need to prepare all the required tools so as not to interrupt the process by searching for the right item. For successful re-hanging you will need open-end wrenches (usually sizes 8, 10 and 12 mm), Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers, as well as a hex key, which is often included with the equipment. Some models Nord may use specific bolts, so it is recommended to check the type of fasteners in advance and prepare the appropriate tool so as not to damage the screw heads during dismantling.
Free up space around the refrigerator by moving it away from the wall at a distance sufficient for comfortable access from all sides. Be sure to unplug the unit by unplugging the cord and clear the door shelves of food to reduce weight and prevent food spoilage. It is also worth laying a soft cloth or cardboard on the floor, since heavy elements, such as door leaf, can accidentally slip and damage the floor covering or break themselves.
☑️ Preparing for rehanging
It is important to have a rag or soft cloth on hand for wiping parts, as well as a container for storing small fasteners so that they do not get lost during operation. If you have an assistant, ask him to be present, as removing and installing heavy doors together is much safer and more convenient, especially when it comes to models with two cameras. Preparation of the workplace is the foundation of high-quality work, allowing you to avoid haste and mistakes at a crucial moment.
Dismantling the top panel and top hinge
The process begins from the top of the refrigerator, since this is where the main supporting structure of the door is located. First of all, you need to remove the top cover of the case, if there is one, by unscrewing the fixing screws using a Phillips screwdriver or wrench. After removing the cover, you will have access to the top hinge, which holds the door leaf, and it is this that needs to be loosened, but not removed completely yet, so that the door does not fall.
Carefully unscrew the bolts securing the top hinge, holding the door with your second hand or asking an assistant to fix it in a vertical position. Once the bolts are removed, remove the hinge from the axle and set it aside, after which you can carefully lift and remove the door from the bottom stud. When working with top hinge it is important not to lose the bushings or washers that can be installed between the hinge metal and the refrigerator body to adjust the gap.
If your refrigerator Nord has a handle integrated into the top door, it may also need to be dismantled or moved to the other side by unscrewing the mounting screws from the inside. It often happens that on the back of the door there are already ready-made holes for the handle, closed with decorative plugs that need to be carefully removed. After removing the door, inspect the bottom hinge axis for damage and wipe it clean of dust and old grease.
Removing the bottom hinge and preparing the door
Once the top of the door is freed, you need to move on to the bottom hinge, which is often a pivot mechanism or a simple support sleeve. Unscrew the lower hinge mounting bolts using the appropriate wrench and remove it from the refrigerator body. In some models Nord the bottom hinge may be part of the door itself, and then it will need to be moved to the opposite side by unscrewing the fixing screws.
Carefully inspect the door for additional elements, such as opening stops or magnetic latches, which may also require rearrangement. If there are holes on the side where the door will open, they must be closed with special plugs that come with the refrigerator or those left over from the previous installation. Bottom hinge plays a critical role in the alignment of the door, so its cleanliness and serviceability directly affect the tightness of the seal.
Now that all the elements have been dismantled, you can begin preparing the door for installation on the new side. Turn the door handles over, if the design allows for this, and install them in the corresponding holes on the other side. Make sure that all decorative plugs are installed in the vacated holes to maintain the aesthetic appearance of the unit and protect the internal cavities from moisture.
Installing hinges on the new side
We proceed to installing the fittings on the opposite side of the refrigerator body. Take the bottom hinge and install it in its new location by inserting the pin into the hole provided for this and securing it with bolts. Do not tighten the bolts all the way yet, as it may be necessary to adjust the position of the door to ensure ideal clearance around the entire perimeter.
Carefully place the door leaf on the lower stud, making sure that it sits evenly in place. Now install the top hinge on the new side, aligning the holes in the door and the refrigerator body, and insert the mounting bolts. When attaching the bolts top hinge make sure that the door does not warp, and if necessary, ask an assistant to hold it in the correct position.
After installing all the elements in place, you can begin the final fixation. Tighten all bolts evenly, alternating between tightening them, to avoid distorting the metal and creating excess stress in the structure. Make sure that the hinge is tight and free of play, as this can lead to squeaks and malfunction of the closing mechanism in the future.
Gap adjustment and inspection tightness
After installing the door on the new side, you need to make sure that it closes tightly and evenly around the entire perimeter. Visually assess the gap between the door and the body of the refrigerator: it should be the same at the top and bottom, as well as on the left and right sides. If you notice that in one place the door does not fit tightly, and in another it is pressed too tightly, you will need adjusting the hinges.
To eliminate distortions, you can slightly loosen the bolts securing the upper or lower hinge and, moving the door in the desired direction, tighten them again. Some models Nord are provided with adjusting screws that allow you to change the tilt of the door without completely loosening the fasteners. Also check the operation of the magnetic lock: the door should open with a certain force and slam shut tightly when brought at a distance of 2-3 cm from the body.
⚠️ Attention: If after adjustment you notice that the door does not fit tightly in the corner, the seal may be deformed or dirty. Wipe it with warm water and check if anything is preventing it from closing tightly.
Check the horizontal installation of the refrigerator itself using a building level. If the floor is uneven, adjust the height of the front support feet by rotating them clockwise or counterclockwise. Correct level setting ensures gravity flow of the refrigerant and proper operation of the system automatic defrosting, which is especially important for the durability of the compressor.
How to check the tightness of the seal?
Take a sheet of paper and clamp it its refrigerator door around the perimeter. If the sheet is pulled out with difficulty along its entire length, it means that the seal is working properly. If in some place the paper falls out easily or dangles, the seal is broken.
Typical errors and troubleshooting
In the process of hanging the refrigerator doors Nord even experienced craftsmen may encounter unexpected difficulties. One of the most common mistakes is losing or mixing up fasteners, especially when it comes to bolts of different lengths for the top and bottom hinges. To avoid problems, always sort the fasteners and label them if you are working with several types of screws at the same time.
Another common problem is damage to the threads in the refrigerator body if you are overzealous while tightening the bolts. Aluminum inserts or plastic may not withstand strong pressure, so tighten the bolts carefully, without using excessive force. If you feel that the bolt is tight, it is better to stop and check that the holes are aligned correctly rather than strip the threads.
⚠️ Warning: Never use impact tools such as a hammer or impact drill to tighten the hinge fasteners. This is guaranteed to lead to deformation of the metal and disruption of the geometry of the door.
If after installation the door creaks or jams, check whether it touches the body or shelves inside the chamber. Sometimes the cause of squeaking is the lack of lubrication on the rubbing surfaces of the hinges, which can be easily corrected with a drop of special oil. The table below shows the main problems and methods for solving them:
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution method |
|---|---|---|
| The door does not close tightly | Hinges skewed or dirty seal | Adjust the height of the hinges, wash the seal |
| Strong creaking when opening | Lack of lubrication in the hinge mechanism | Lubricate the rubbing parts with silicone lubricant |
| The door opens spontaneously | Improper tilt of the refrigerator back | Unscrew the front legs to tilt the body back |
| The gaps are uneven | The fasteners are loose or door deformation | Check and tighten all fastening bolts |
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to hang the door on a Nord refrigerator with the No Frost system?
Yes, on most models Nord With the No Frost system, re-hanging doors is possible, since the hinge design is standard. However, you should be careful with the wires if there are indicators or a display on the door - in such cases, you may need to disconnect the electrical connectors before completely removing the door.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging it?
Complete defrosting is not strictly necessary, but is highly desirable. If there is a lot of ice or food in the chamber, the door will become heavier, increasing the risk of it falling or being damaged during dismantling. In addition, when tilting the refrigerator (if required for access), water should not get on the electrical components.
What to do if the holes for the new hinge do not match?
In the factory, the holes for the hinges are symmetrical. If they don't match, check to see if you have the left and right sides mixed up, or if there is some internal part in the way. In rare cases, careful drilling may be required on cheap models, but this is a last resort measure that is best avoided.
Do you need to wait after installing the door before turning it on?
No special waiting time is required if you have not tilted the refrigerator more than 45 degrees. If the unit was heavily tilted or lying down, it is recommended to wait 2-4 hours before turning it on so that the oil in the compressor flows into the crankcase.