Changing the opening side of the refrigerator door is a common task that home appliance owners face when moving or remodeling their kitchen. The brand's model range Don (Don) is distinguished by a classic design, which makes the rehanging procedure quite accessible for independent execution without calling a specialist. Correct completion of all stages ensures that the seal will fit tightly, and the unit itself will last for many years.
Before starting work, you need to clear the space in front of the refrigerator and prepare the tools. Usually a Phillips screwdriver, an 8 or 10 mm wrench and a small putty knife are sufficient. It is important to determine in advance which side will be more convenient for you to open refrigerator compartment, since the reverse process will require repeating all manipulations in the reverse order.
In some cases, the design may differ slightly depending on the year of manufacture of the model. Specifications and location of fasteners may vary, so it is always a good idea to check the manufacturer's official documentation if available. However, the basic principle of fastening the hinges remains the same for most units of this brand.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
Quality preparation is half the success of any repair operation. To work with the refrigerator Don you will need a flat surface where you can carefully place the removed parts so as not to damage them or the floor covering. Collect all the tools in one place in advance so as not to be distracted by searching during the dismantling process.
The main set of tools includes a Phillips screwdriver for removing decorative plugs and a wrench of the appropriate size. It is also recommended to have a flat-head screwdriver or a plastic spatula on hand to carefully pry up the plastic elements without the risk of breaking them. It will not be superfluous to prepare a clean rag to wipe the fastening areas from dust.
- 🛠️ Phillips and flathead screwdrivers for removing plugs and screws.
- 🔧 Wrench (usually 8 mm or 10 mm) for hinge bolts.
- 🧹 A clean rag to remove dirt from the ends and hinges.
- 📦 A container for folding small parts so they don’t get lost.
Ensure good lighting of the work area. Dim light can lead to the fact that you do not notice small cracks in the plastic or install the fasteners incorrectly, which will subsequently affect the seal.
Removing the top hinge and removing the top door
The process starts from the top of the refrigerator. The first step is to remove the decorative plug that hides the top hinge mounting bolts. It can be located directly at the end of the door or on the body of the refrigerator itself, depending on the specific modification Don.
Use a flat-head screwdriver to carefully pry off the plastic cover. Do not use excessive force to avoid breaking the latches. After removing the plug, you will have access to the mounting bolts that hold the top hinge.
⚠️ Attention: Before unscrewing the top hinge bolts, be sure to hold the door with your other hand or call an assistant. Without fixation, it may fall, resulting in damage to the floor, the door itself, or injury.
Unscrew the top hinge bolts counterclockwise. Do not remove them completely at once, it is better to simply loosen them so that the loop remains in place, but does not support the weight. Then unscrew the fastener completely and remove the metal loop. Now the upper door can be carefully lifted and removed from the lower support sleeve.
Removing the lower door and central hinge
After the upper part freed, go to the bottom door if you have a two-chamber model. In some refrigerator configurations Don the central hinge may be hidden under a decorative panel or handle. Carefully inspect the joint between the doors.
Unscrew the bolts securing the middle hinge. It is also important to hold the bottom door, as it is heavier than the top door due to the design and possible food inside (although the refrigerator must be empty). Remove the hinge and set the door in a safe place.
Now you need to dismantle the central support sleeve itself or the pin, if it is a removable structural element. In some models, this element is simply pulled up after removing the hinge; in others, it requires unscrewing. Save all small parts in a prepared container.
- 🔩 Unscrew the central hinge fastener with a wrench.
- 🚪 Remove the lower door, holding it from below.
- 🕳️ Remove or unscrew the central support sleeve.
- 🧼 Clean the freed holes from dust and old lubricant.
What to do if the bolts are rusty?
If the fasteners do not give in, drop a penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40) onto the threads and wait 10-15 minutes. Do not try to tear off the bolt by force, so as not to lick the edges or break the hinge.
Transferring the fastening elements to the opposite side
The most critical stage is moving all the metal elements to the other side of the case. At the ends of the doors and on the body of the refrigerator you will see symmetrical holes closed with plastic plugs. They need to be removed and moved to the vacant places.
Remove the plugs from the side where the door will open and install them in the holes on the opposite side from where you just removed the hinges. This will provide an aesthetic appearance and protect the internal cavities from dust. Make sure that they snap into place until you hear a characteristic click.
Next, rearrange the stops or pins. Some models Don use special threaded bushings that are screwed into the body. Unscrew them on one side and screw them into symmetrical holes on the other. When tightening, do not use excessive force so as not to strip the threads in the thin metal of the case.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that all transferred elements are installed tightly and are not loose. A loose pin can cause the door to skew and break the seal.
☑️ Rearranging the fasteners
Installing the doors in a new position
Installation is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. The bottom door is installed first. Place its bottom corner on the support pad or sleeve, then line up the holes for the middle hinge. Insert the bolts and tighten them, but do not tighten them completely yet.
Then install the top door. Align the holes with the top hinge, insert the bolts. Now that both doors are in place and connected by hinges, you can begin the final adjustments. Tighten all bolts evenly, alternating their tightening for uniform fit.
Check that the doors are installed vertically. They should close tightly around the entire perimeter. If you notice any gaps or a loose fit, additional door height adjustment will be required using the adjusting screws, which are often located at the bottom of the front panel or under the decorative plinth.
Adjustment and checking tightness
After installation, you need to make sure that sealing rubber it is adjacent to the body along the entire perimeter. To check, use a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet of paper with the door in different places in a circle: it should be pulled out with force, but not torn.
If in some place the paper falls out freely or, conversely, gets stuck tightly, then adjustment is required. Modern models Don often have adjusting screws on the hinges that allow you to change the tilt of the door. By rotating them, you can achieve a perfect fit.
Also check the operation of magnetic locks and door closers (if any). The door should close on its own when opened at an angle of about 30-45 degrees. If the door slams or does not close completely, it may take time for the new seal to “straighten” after transportation.
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Door does not close completely | Distortion during installation | Loosen the hinges and align the door |
| A whistle is heard when closing | The fit is too tight | Lubricate the seal or loosen the screws |
| Gap in the upper part | The bolt is not fully tightened | Tighten the fasteners of the top hinge |
| The door opens itself | Tilt the body back | Unscrew the front ones refrigerator legs |
How to quickly straighten the seal?
If the rubber is deformed after rehanging, you can heat it with a hairdryer at low temperature or lay a soft cloth over it and carefully straighten it with your hands.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before re-hanging the doors?
Yes, this is a mandatory requirement. There may be water inside the channels and in the door cavities. When tilting or moving the unit, water may leak onto electronic components or the floor, resulting in a short circuit or damage to the floor covering.
Is it possible to hang the door alone?
Technically possible, but highly not recommended. The doors, especially the bottom one, are heavy and bulky. Without an assistant, there is a high risk of dropping the door, damaging the enamel, or getting a back injury. It is better to involve a second person for insurance.
What to do if the holes on the new side do not match?
At the factory, all holes are already drilled. If you don't see any holes, they may be covered with factory insulation or plugs that need to be carefully removed. You cannot drill new holes yourself - this will break the thermal insulation and void the warranty.
How long does it take for the temperature to recover after re-hanging?
After completing the work and turning on the refrigerator, it will take 2 to 4 hours to reach operating temperature. It is recommended to load products only after the unit has run idle and reached the specified parameters.