Changing the opening side of the refrigerator door DEXP is a standard procedure that allows you to adapt large-sized appliances to the kitchen layout. A situation often arises when the refrigerator was purchased with a right-hand opening, but in a new room it is more convenient for the door to go to the left, or vice versa. The manufacturer has provided this possibility in most models, providing symmetrical fastenings and universal fittings.
The process does not require calling a specialist if you have a minimum set of tools and basic skills in working with equipment. However, it is important to understand that rehanging doors this is not just rearranging the handles, but dismantling the entire sash and then reinstalling the hinges on the opposite side. In this article we will analyze all the nuances of working with models DEXP, including hidden plugs and position adjustment.
Before starting work, it is strongly recommended to empty the refrigerator of food and completely defrost it if the model has a system No Frostthat requires turning off before service. This will avoid accidental damage to the shelves when tilting the case and will ensure safe work with electrical components if they are touched during dismantling.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
To successfully complete the task, you will need a certain set of tools. You should not rely on “eye gauge” or improvised means, since fasteners in refrigerators DEXP are often tightened with force and may have specific caps.
- 🔧 Phillips screwdriver (usually PH2) for removing decorative panels and main bolts.
- 🔩 Set of open-end or spanners (most often sizes 8, 10 mm) for working with hinge nuts.
- 🧤 Construction gloves to protect hands from sharp edges of the metal case.
- 📐 Level or tape measure for checking distortions after installation.
The work space should be free. You will need space not only around the refrigerator, but also space in front to temporarily accommodate the removed door. It is better to cover the floor with soft material - cardboard or a blanket, so as not to scratch the sash covering during installation.
Dismantling the top part and removing the door
The first step is always to remove the top hinge, since it is this that holds the bulk of the door. In models DEXP the upper loop is often hidden under a decorative cover or plastic cover. Carefully pry it off with a flat-head screwdriver or knife, being careful not to damage the latches.
After removing the cover, you will see the mounting bolts. Important: before completely unscrewing the top hinge bolts, make sure that the door is locked. It is best to ask an assistant to hold the sash so that it does not fall on your feet and damage the floor. Unscrew the bolts and remove the top hinge.
Now you can remove the door itself. Lift it up, removing it from the bottom hinge, and set it aside in a safe place. If in your model the top hinge is part of the cooling system or has a built-in electronic control module (rare, but found in the premium segment), be careful with the wires.
☑️ Removal steps
Transfer of fittings and plugs
The most critical stage is the transfer of all elements to the opposite side. On the front panel of the refrigerator DEXP you will see holes closed with plastic plugs. They must be removed from the current side and installed in the free holes on the new side.
Pay attention to the handle. In most models it is symmetrical and does not require replacement, but in some series it may be necessary to rearrange the internal mounting bushings or rotate the decorative trim 180 degrees. If the handle is asymmetrical, you may have to order components, but DEXP this is rare.
The hinges also need to be rearranged. Often they have an asymmetrical shape, designed for a specific side, but the set includes universal or paired elements. Check to see if the hinges are marked L (Left) or R (Right), and install them accordingly.
⚠️ Attention: Do not lose the small washers and bushings that are located inside the holes for the hinges. They serve to adjust the gap and prevent metal-to-metal friction. Their loss will lead to the door being skewed.
Installing the lower support and mounting the sash
We begin the assembly by installing the lower hinge on the new side. Insert the mounting bolts into the holes provided for this purpose on the refrigerator body. Do not tighten them “all the way” yet, leave a small gap for subsequent adjustment of the door position.
Install the door on the lower hinge, aligning the holes. It is better to perform this stage together, since the weight of the door of even an empty refrigerator is significant. After the lower part is fixed, we move on to the upper hinge.
Attach the upper hinge, thread the bolts through the holes in the body and door. Now you can finally tighten all the fasteners. Use an open-end wrench to secure the nut and a screwdriver to hold the bolt to turn the connection with the necessary force.
What to do if the holes do not line up?
If the holes do not line up perfectly when installing the top hinge, this may mean the bottom part is misaligned. Loosen the bottom hinge, level the door, and only then fix the top.
Adjusting gaps and tightness
After installation, the door may not close tightly or warp. To eliminate defects in the design, adjusting screws or the possibility of shifting the hinges are provided. Models DEXP often use the method of displacing the hinge itself relative to the mounting holes.
If the door does not fit tightly at the bottom, try slightly loosening the bottom hinge and placing cardboard or a thin spacer under it on the desired side, then tighten the bolts. This will raise the corner and align the fit line.
Check the operation of the magnetic seal around the entire perimeter. The gap should not exceed 2-3 mm. If the door is skewed, it will open by itself or, conversely, require force to close, which violates the tightness of the chamber.
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution method |
|---|---|---|
| The door opens by itself | The body is tilted back or the hinges are skewed | Unscrew the front legs of the refrigerator to lift the facade |
| It is difficult to close the door | The door is skewed or the shelves are touching | Adjusting the position of the bottom hinges, checking the contents |
| Whistling or creaking | Friction of metal hinges | Lubricating rubbing surfaces with silicone grease |
| Loose fit | Deformation seal or misalignment | Warming up the seal with a hairdryer or adjusting the hinges |
Frequent errors and troubleshooting
When doing self-repair, users often make common mistakes. One of them is excessive force when tightening bolts. Aluminum threaded connections in the refrigerator body are easy to break, which will lead to the need to replace the entire front panel or use repair kits with an increased thread diameter.
Another mistake is ignoring electrical wires. In some models DEXP the wiring to the display or light bulb runs through the top loop. Forgetting to connect the connector after rehanging, you will get a working refrigerator, but without an indication or light.
⚠️ Attention: If your model has loop wiring, make sure the cable is long enough for the new configuration. In rare cases, it may be necessary to extend the wire, since the standard harness can only be designed for one side.
If after all the manipulations the door is crooked, check the floor level. The refrigerator must stand strictly horizontally, with a slight tilt back for proper closing. Use a building level for diagnostics.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging the doors?
Yes, this is a mandatory requirement for the safety and preservation of products. When tilting the housing or removing the door, ice may spill out of the open chamber or water may leak if the system No Frost has been dirty. In addition, the shelves will become lighter, which will reduce the risk of their breakage.
Is it possible to hang the door alone, without an assistant?
Technically this is possible, but it is highly not recommended. The refrigerator door DEXP weighs from 15 to 25 kg, and it is very difficult to hold it with one hand while simultaneously getting into the bolt holes with the other. You risk dropping the door to the floor or damaging the body coating.
What to do if the plastic plug is lost?
Plugs perform an aesthetic function, closing through holes. If you have lost one of them, you can order a set from a service center or use universal plugs of a suitable diameter. As a last resort, the hole can be carefully painted over with a marker to match the color of the body.
Does rehanging the doors affect the warranty?
According to the law, re-hanging the doors yourself, as provided for by the design, should not void the warranty if you have not damaged the equipment in the process. However, if you break the thread or break the glass, the service center has the right to refuse free repairs.