Changing the kitchen layout or simply the desire to make life more convenient often dictates new requirements for the location of household appliances. Owners of refrigerators DEXP often face the need to change the opening direction of the door so that it does not interfere with the passage or opening of adjacent cabinets. Fortunately, the design of most models of this brand provides the possibility reverse installationthat allows you to perform the procedure yourself without calling a specialist.
The process of flipping doors requires care and accuracy, since working with heavy elements and complex mechanisms hinges. Improper operation may result in misalignment, disruption tightness or even damage to the housing. Before starting work, it is important to make sure that your specific unit supports this function, although for the vast majority of models DEXP this is a standard option.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions, the necessary tools and configuration nuances closers and magnetic seals. Following the instructions will help you avoid common mistakes and maintain your product warranty. Remember that the quality of the installation directly affects the energy consumption and service life of the compressor.
Preparation of the workplace and tools
The first step in the modification process is proper preparation. You will need free space around the refrigerator to be able to walk around it on all sides. Do not attempt to perform work in a tight corner, as this will increase the risk of mechanical damage casing or injury.
Particular attention should be paid to the stability of the unit. Before removing any elements, you must make sure that the refrigerator is level and does not wobble. If the model is equipped with adjustable supportss, it is better to temporarily unscrew them to reduce the height, or, conversely, secure the wheels with stoppers, if any.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work on dismantling structural elements, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Remove the plug from the socket to eliminate the risk of short circuit or electric shock if you accidentally damage the wiring in the loops.
To complete the task, you will need a minimum set of tools, which are usually found in every home. The main tool will be screwdriver or a Phillips screwdriver, since most fasteners in technology DEXP have a corresponding slot. You may also need a wrench or 8 or 10 mm socket to remove the main bolts.
It would be a good idea to prepare a soft substrate, such as a blanket or thick cardboard, on which you will lay the removed doors. This will protect their front surface from scratches and chips. Keep in mind that the doors are quite heavy, and it may be difficult for one person to hold them while unscrewing fasteners.
☑️ Hanging tools
Removing the top door and handles
You should always start the process from the upper chamber, as it is lighter and more accessible. First, remove all shelves and containers from the door to reduce its weight as much as possible. Then it is necessary to dismantle handleif it is not part of a solid body or is not automatically rearranged along with the blade.
In some models DEXP the handle is attached to screws hidden under decorative plugs. Carefully pry them off with a flat object and unscrew the fasteners. If the handle is integrated, you can skip this step by going straight to top hinge.
Next, remove the decorative cover of the top hinge. It can be held on by latches or small screws. After removing the cover, you will have access to the bolts holding the door. Do not unscrew them completely at once - just loosen them first to check the free movement.
Now you will need an assistant. While one person holds the door closed or slightly open, the second person completely unscrews the top hinge bolts. After this, the door can be carefully removed from the lower pin and set aside in a safe place, placing it on a prepared soft substrate.
Removing the lower door and main hinge
After successfully dismantling the upper part, we move on to the main, lower door. The principle of operation is similar, but there are some nuances due to the greater weight and dimensions. Remove all drawers and shelves to lighten the structure and prevent them from falling out when tilted.
Pay attention to the bottom hinge locking mechanism. In refrigerators DEXP it is often load-bearing and is attached directly to the unit body with powerful bolts. Before unscrewing, make sure that nothing prevents the door from being removed freely, including wiring cableif it passes through this area.
Gently lift the door to disengage it from the lower support. Do this smoothly, without jerking, so as not to damage the sealing gum or itself support sleeve. Also place the removed door on the prepared place with its face up.
Now you need to dismantle the central hinge, if it is structurally separated, or prepare a place for its transfer. It is often necessary to remove the intermediate elements connecting the upper and lower doors to gain access to the mounting points on the opposite side of the body.
- 🛠️ Use a screwdriver extension if the center hinge bolts are located in deep recesses of the body.
- 🧤 Wear work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges and possible contamination lubricant.
- 📸 Take a photograph of the location of all removed parts before moving them - this will help you remember the original configuration.
Rearranging fittings and hinges
The most critical stage is the physical transfer metal hinges and handles to the opposite side. The refrigerator DEXP usually supplied with plugs for holes that will remain free after rearrangement. Find a bag of spare parts, often taped inside the chamber or in the crisper drawer.
Start by installing the bottom support hinge on the new side. Screw the pin into the hole provided for this purpose on the body and tighten the bolts securely. Make sure the hinge is straight and has no play. This is the foundation on which the entire structure will rest.
Then install the top hinge on the new side, after threading the control cable through it (if there is one). In models with electronic control the wires are often hidden inside the case and are brought out only in the hinge area, so they need to be carefully rearranged.
Do not forget to rearrange the stoppers and opening limiters, if they are provided for by the design. These small plastic or metal pieces prevent the door from swinging too wide and damaging the wall or furniture. Their rearrangement is often overlooked, which leads to problems in operation.
What to do if there are not enough screws?
In rare cases, screws may be lost or lost during factory assembly. If you find a fastener missing, do not attempt to use screws of the wrong diameter or length. Contact an authorized service center or select an analogue in a specialized fastener store, strictly observing the thread sizes (usually a metric thread M4, M5 or M6).
Installing doors on a new side
After all the mating parts of the hinges are fixed in a new place, you can begin hanging the doors. Start with the lower, heavier door. Lift it up and carefully slide it onto the bottom hinge pin. Make sure that the bolt holes of the top part line up with the mating part of the center hinge.
While holding the bottom door, ask an assistant to hold the top door. Align the holes and insert the bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet. This is necessary in order to be able to carry out the final position adjustment.
If your model provides for cable passage through the doors (for a display or lamp), make sure that it is correctly laid in the channels and is not pinched by the metal hinges. Damage to the insulation can lead to failure electronic module.
Secure the decorative hinge covers, which will now be on the other side. Install the handles using the same holes, but from the opposite end, if the design allows it, or move them to new places according to the diagram.
| Element | Action | Tool | Nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower hinge | Attachment to the body | Wrench | Tighten as tightly as possible |
| Upper hinge | Fixation doors | Screwdriver/Screwdriver | Do not pinch the cable |
| Stoppers | Repositioning | Pliers | Keep track for orientation |
| Plugs | Installation in old holes | Hands | For aesthetics and protection |
Adjusting and checking the tightness
After installing the doors in place, problems inevitably arise the question of their alignment. The doors must close tightly, without gaps, and fit around the entire perimeter. If you notice a distortion, you need to adjust the height using the support legs at the bottom of the refrigerator. By rotating the front adjusting screws, you can raise or lower the corresponding corner of the unit. This affects the angle of inclination of the entire body and, consequently, the tightness of the seal height adjustment using the support feet at the bottom of the refrigerator.
By rotating the front adjustment screws, you can raise or lower the corresponding angle of the unit. This affects the angle of inclination of the entire body and, therefore, the tightness of the fit magnetic seal. The door should close on its own when opened at an angle of about 30-45 degrees.
Check the operation of the closers (if any) and the smooth operation. Creaking or sticking may indicate that the hinges are too tight or, conversely, have play. Also make sure that when closing the light inside the chamber goes out, and the compressor does not start working in increased mode due to the suction of warm air.
⚠️ Attention: If after rehanging there is a visible gap between the door and the body, do not ignore it. Violation of the tightness will lead to the formation of ice, increased energy consumption and shortened compressor life.
To check the tightness, you can use a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet with the door around the perimeter - it should be pulled out with noticeable force. If the paper moves freely, it means that in this place seal it does not fit tightly and additional adjustment of the hinges or replacement of the rubber band is required.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to rehang the doors if the refrigerator is built-in?
Yes, it is possible, but the process is more complicated. You will need to dismantle the front panels and fasteners connecting the refrigerator to the furniture frame. Make sure that the design of the kitchen unit allows you to open the door from the new side and that there is free space there.
What to do if the holes on the new side do not match?
In 99% of cases in the cabinets DEXP all holes are already drilled at the factory and closed with plugs. If you don't see any holes, carefully inspect the surface - they may be hidden under a layer of plastic or paint. You cannot drill new holes!
Do I need to wait after turning on the refrigerator?
Yes, after transportation and re-hanging work, especially if the refrigerator was tilted more than 40 degrees, it is recommended to let it stand in an upright position for 2-4 hours before turning it on. This is necessary for the oil to drain into the compressor.
Where to put the old plugs and screws?
Save them. If you ever decide to sell your refrigerator or move, the new owner (or you if you move back) will need the original set. Fold them into a bag and stick them with tape on the back wall or put them in a document box.
Why does the door not close completely after rehanging?
Most likely, you forgot to move the opening limiter or incorrectly installed the locking screw in the hinge. It may also be due to a dislodged seal that is stuck between the door and the body. Check these elements.