Hanging doors on refrigerator Gorenje is a popular procedure necessary to optimize kitchen space. Often the layout of the room dictates its own conditions, and standard opening on the right becomes inconvenient or even impossible. Fortunately, most models of this Slovenian brand are designed with the possibility of reverse, which allows you to change the opening direction without loss of functionality.
The process is technically simple, but it requires care, a basic set of tools and an understanding of the device. loops. An incorrect sequence of actions can lead to damage to the decorative overlays or failure of the seal. In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for various types of structures.
It is important to understand that before starting work you need to empty the refrigerator of food and completely defrost it. This will not only make it easier to move the unit, but will also prevent moisture from getting on the floor or inside the mechanisms during manipulations. Also make sure that you have enough free space to work around the device. casing. Also make sure you have enough free space to work around the device.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
Quality preparation is the key to successful completion of the operation. To work, you will need a standard home craftsman's kit. First of all, these are wrenches or heads of the appropriate size, since the hinge bolts are often tightened with force. A Phillips screwdriver for removing plastic plugs will also be useful.
Particular attention should be paid to organizing the space. The refrigerator Gorenje is a heavy unit and will need to be tilted. To avoid scratching the floor, be sure to place thick cardboard, a blanket or special protective pads under the device. Also prepare a container for small parts so as not to lose bolts and bushings.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! This is a critical safety rule that cannot be ignored, since you will be working with metal elements near electrical components.
To make moving equipment easier, call an assistant. Even if the model does not seem too bulky to you, the risk of dropping it or damaging the floor covering when working alone is too great. The presence of a second person will allow you to securely fix the case while unscrewing the lower supports.
Removing the top panel and bracket
The process starts from the top of the refrigerator compartment. On most models Gorenje the top panel is either removable or requires unscrewing the fasteners. If your model has a removable panel, you need to carefully lift it and remove it, gaining access to the upper door bracket.
Next, unscrew the bolts securing the upper hinge. It is important to remember here weight load. The refrigerator door is heavy, and after removing the fasteners, it may fall if you do not hold it. Have an assistant securely hold the door in an upright position while you work with the bolts.
After removing the top bracket, the door is carefully removed from the bottom axis. It needs to be put aside in a safe place, it is best to place it on prepared soft material so as not to damage the front surface or handle. You now have access to the internal elements of the upper part of the case.
At this stage it is often discovered that the factory lubricant on the hinges may have dried out or become contaminated. It is recommended to wipe the parts with a clean rag and, if necessary, apply a little graphite grease or silicone to ensure silent operation in the future.
Removing the door and preparing for the revolution
When the door is removed, it is necessary to dismantle the handles if the design of the model requires them rearrangement. In some modern series Gorenje the handles are hidden or integrated, which simplifies the task. If the handle is separate, it must be moved to the opposite side using the holes provided by the manufacturer.
Pay attention to the condition seal. While the door is in a horizontal position, inspect the rubber seal around the perimeter. If there are creases or dirt on it, this is the ideal time to clean or replace it. Tightness is a key factor in the long service life of the compressor.
Also at this stage, the plugs are rearranged. The holes that were previously used to attach the hinges now need to be closed with decorative plugs, and on the opposite side, where the hinges will be installed, the plugs need to be removed. This gives an aesthetic appearance and protects the internal cavities from dust.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use excessive force when removing the handles. Plastic can be brittle, especially if the refrigerator has been in use for a long time. Act carefully so as not to break fastening pins.
Check the integrity of the hinge seats on the door itself. If there is damage or corrosion, a new hinge cannot be installed - this will lead to misalignment. In such cases, it may be necessary to replace the door itself or the metal insert.
Rearranging the bottom bracket and supports
The lower part of the structure requires special attention, since it bears the main load. In models Gorenje the bottom bracket is often hidden under a decorative base or plastic cover. It must be carefully dismantled to gain access to base.
The bracket is unscrewed and moved to the opposite side. It is important to install it strictly symmetrically, using the same holes that were closed with plugs. The bolts should be tightened tightly, but without fanaticism, so as not to strip the threads in the metal body.
Some models require rearrangement of the lowest support sleeve. It can be pressed or simply inserted into the hole. If the bushing is removable, it must be carefully knocked out or removed and installed in a new socket on the opposite side.
What to do if the bottom bolt is rusty?
If the bottom bolt of the bracket does not unscrew due to corrosion, do not try to rip it off by force - you can damage the case. Treat the joint with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and leave for 15-20 minutes. Then try again, using a long-handled wrench to increase the leverage.
After installing the bottom bracket, make sure that it does not protrude beyond the dimensions of the frame and will not interfere with the installation of the door. All fasteners must be recessed or closed so as not to scratch the floor during subsequent use.
Installing the door on a new side
The most important stage is placing the door in its rightful, but on the other side, place. The door is carefully lifted and the bottom pin is inserted into the bottom bracket bushing. Here again you will need the help of a second person, since you need to simultaneously hold the door and get into the hole.
After fixing the bottom, the upper bracket is installed. The door is leveled, the top hinge is placed against the body, and the bolts are inserted. At this stage, the bolts are not yet fully tightened - this is necessary for the final adjustment.
Check the vertical installation of the door. It should stand straight, without distortion to the left or right. If a tilt is noticeable, it can be corrected by tightening the adjusting screws or changing the position of the washers, if they are provided for in the design of your model. data-i="106">The handle is installed securely Gorenje.
☑️ Installation checklist
Only after making sure of the correct positioning, you can proceed to the final tightening of all bolts. Use a wrench with a good grip to ensure a secure connection. After this, check the ease of opening - the door should move freely, without creaking or jamming.
Adjusting gaps and checking tightness
The final stage of work is adjusting the gaps between the door and the body. Correct gap ensures a tight fit of the seal and ease of closing. In refrigerators Gorenje the gap is often adjusted using eccentrics on hinges or adjusting bolts.
To check the tightness, use a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet between the door and the body at various points around the perimeter. If the sheet is pulled out with noticeable force, the seal is good. If it falls out freely or is pulled out too easily, additional adjustment is required.
| Check parameter | Normal condition | Symptom of malfunction | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fitness seal | Tight around the entire perimeter | There are gaps or leaks | Adjusting hinges or replacing the seal |
| The gap between the doors | Uniform, 2-4 mm | Variable or too large | Adjusting the height of the supports |
| Door travel | Smooth, silent | Creaking, jamming | Lubricating hinges, checking the level |
| Self-closing | The door closes itself from 30 degrees. | The door does not reach the end | Checking the tilt of the body back |
Pay attention to the tilt of the refrigerator itself. For the doors to close properly, the unit must be tilted slightly backwards. This is achieved by unscrewing the front adjusting supports. If the refrigerator is standing strictly vertically or tilted forward, the door will open easily, but will not close on its own.
⚠️ Attention: If after all the adjustments the door still does not fit tightly, check the condition of the magnetic tape inside the seal. Over time, the magnetic properties may weaken, which will require replacing the entire rubber cuff.
Frequent errors and troubleshooting
In the process, beginners often make mistakes that can negate all efforts. One of the most common is ignoring the floor level. If the floor is uneven and the supports are not aligned, the door warps and the seal is broken, despite the correct installation of the hinges.
Another mistake is overtightening the bolts. Excessive force can deform the metal of the hinge or strip the threads, especially in aluminum alloys, which are often used in designs refrigerators. Always feel the measure when twisting.
It is also worth mentioning models with the system NoFrost. They may have additional ducts running through the door. When rehanging such doors, you need to be extremely careful not to pinch or damage the flexible air supply hoses.
If you notice that after rehanging the refrigerator began to work louder or vibrations appeared, check whether the door is touching the body or floor when opening. Sometimes a minimal misalignment of 1-2 millimeters creates a characteristic noise during operation of the compressor.
Is it possible to re-hang the door yourself if the refrigerator is under warranty?
Technically this is possible, and in many cases this will not void the warranty unless you damage the components. However, if you strip threads or break plastic in the process, the service center may refuse free repairs. It is better to consult with an official dealer Gorenje.
What to do if decorative plugs are lost?
Plugs can be ordered at a service center or selected universal analogues in furniture fittings stores. As a last resort, the holes can be carefully sealed with stickers of a matching color, although this is less aesthetically pleasing.
Do you need to wait after installation before turning it on?
If you did not tilt the refrigerator more than 45 degrees and did not shake it, you can turn it on immediately. However, if oil got into the cooling circuit due to tilting, it is better to wait 2-4 hours before starting it for the first time.
Why did the door become harder to open after rehanging?
This may be due to the fact that the new hinges have not yet been developed, or the door is installed skewed. Also check if the seal is stuck to the body - this happens if the refrigerator has been standing for a long time with the door closed.
Is it possible to rehang the door on a refrigerator with a display?
On models Gorenje with a display on the door, this is more difficult to do, since you will need to reconnect the electronics cables. For such models, it is strongly recommended to call a specialist in order not to damage electrical contacts.