Independent transfer of Gorenje refrigerator doors: instructions with photos and tips

Rehanging doors on a refrigerator Gorenje is a task that owners face when moving, renovating a kitchen, or a banal desire to optimize space. Unlike models of other brands, the equipment of the Slovenian manufacturer has its own design features: from the location of the hinges to the type of seal fastening. Improper dismantling can lead to door misalignment, damage to hinges, or even a refrigerant leak if the capillary tube is touched.

In this article you will find step-by-step algorithm for models with top and bottom freezers, including Gorenje RK 6191, NRK 6191 and similar series. We'll look at what tools you'll need, how to avoid common mistakes (for example, mixing up left and right hinges) and what to do if the door doesn't fit well after installation. We will pay special attention to adjusting gaps a key point that is often missed in general instructions.

Before you begin, make sure that your model supports reversible door fastening. Some budget refrigerators Gorenje (for example, series ORB) have asymmetrical hinges, and transfer is technically impossible. You can check this by user instructions (section "Technical Specifications") or by inspecting the fasteners: if there are holes for bolts on only one side, re-hanging is not provided.

📊 Why are you re-hanging the Gorenje refrigerator door?
Moving to a new one kitchen
The door prevents the opening of other equipment
I want to optimize the space
The hinge on one side is broken
Other

Preparation: tools and safety measures

The work will require a minimum set of tools, but you won’t be able to do without them. Here's what you need to prepare:

  • 🔧 Hex key (usually 5 mm in size) - for unscrewing the hinges. The refrigerator often comes with a branded key, but a universal one will do. Gorenje Often a branded key is used, but a universal one will do.
  • 🔨 Phillips screwdriver (PH2) - for removing decorative plugs and some types of bolts.
  • 📏 Ruler or square —to check the evenness of the door installation after transfer.
  • 🧲 Magnet or tape —for temporary fixation of bolts and nuts during operation.
  • 🧴 Silicone grease (optional)—for processing hinges after installation, to avoid squeaking.

Important: do not use power tools (drill, screwdriver) - there is a high risk of breaking the threads in the plastic or aluminum parts of the case. All fasteners are unscrewed by hand with moderate force.

⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator is Gorenje equipped display or electronic control unit on the door (for example, model RK 6201), before starting work be sure to turn off the power i take a photo of the wire location. If connected incorrectly after transfer, the control board may burn out.

Also prepare the workspace:

  • 📦 Free refrigerator from food and defrost it (if required).
  • 🧹 Place a soft cloth or cardboard under the door - this will protect the floor from scratches when removing.
  • 🔦 Organize good lighting, especially if the hinges are located in the lower part (like models with a freezer at the bottom).

Door fastening diagram: features of Gorenje models

Hinge design Gorenje different from other brands (eg Atlant or Indesit) in that the upper and lower loops not always identical. Most models:

  • 🔝 Top hinge - fixes the door in the closed position and usually has adjusting bolt to adjust the gap.
  • 🔽 Bottom hinge - carries the main load and can be equipped with a hinge mechanism with a bearing.
  • 🔄 Middle hinge (if any) - found in models with a height of 180 cm (for example, Gorenje NRK 6192) and requires special attention when moving.

Below is a table with typical fastening schemes for popular series:

Refrigerator model Type hinges Number of bolts per hinge Features
Gorenje RK 6191, RK 6201 Symmetrical 3 (top), 4 (bottom) Supports transfer without modifications
Gorenje NRK 6192, NRK 6202 Asymmetrical 2 (top), 5 (bottom + middle) Replacement of hinges with mirror ones is required
Gorenje ORB 153, ORB 163 Fixed Door relocation not provided
Gorenje NKI 6191 (built-in) Hidden 6 (set) Facade dismantling required

For models with with the freezer compartment from the bottom (for example, Gorenje NRK 6192) the bottom hinge is often combined with the drawer opening mechanism. When moving the freezer door, you will have reinstall the guides for the drawers - many people forget about this, which is why the later door does not close tightly.

⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator is equipped with NoFrost system, after moving the doors, it may be required restarting the fan. To do this, unplug the equipment for 5–10 minutes, then turn it on again. If the fan does not work, check whether the wires are pinched during assembly.

Step-by-step instructions: how to remove the Gorenje refrigerator door

The door dismantling process consists of 5 key stages. Follow them strictly in order to avoid damage:

  1. Removing decorative plugs.

    On most models Gorenje the hinges are covered with plastic covers. Pry them out with a flat-head screwdriver (carefully so as not to scratch the surface) and remove. Under the covers you will see bolts - you don’t need to unscrew them yet.

  2. Disconnecting the top hinge.

    Hold the door with one hand (it’s heavier than it looks!) and unscrew the bolts completely the top hinge with a hex wrench. Do not unscrew them all the way - leave them 2-3 turns so that the door does not fall. If the hinge is equipped with the adjusting screw, remember its position (take a photo).

  3. Removing the door from the lower hinge.

    Carefully lift the door up, sliding it towards you. It should slide off the bottom hinge pin. If it is tight, do not apply force - check that all the bolts of the upper hinge are unscrewed. For models with freezer from below first remove the top door, then the door of the freezer.

  4. Removing the bottom hinge.

    After removing the door, unscrew the bolts of the bottom hinge. Be careful: in some models there is a hidden capillary pipeline (thin copper tube) under the loop. If it is damaged, you will need to refill with freon.

  5. Move the loops to the opposite side.

    Move the hinges into the mirror holes on the body. Please note: on some models (for example Gorenje RK 6191) the bolt holes may be closed with plugs - they need to be removed.

☑️ Checklist before removing the door

Done: 0 / 5

If you are working with a model with a freezer door opens separately (for example Gorenje NRK 6202), repeat the same steps for the lower door. The main difference is the presence an additional hinge for boxes, which also need to be moved.

What to do if the bolt breaks when unscrewing?

If the head of the bolt breaks, do not try to drill it yourself - the risk of damaging the body is too high. In this case:

1. Apply to the fragment lubricant for threaded connections (for example, "Liquid Key").

2. After 15–20 minutes, try to unscrew the remaining pliers with thin jaws.

3. If this does not help, contact the service center Gorenje to replace the hinge.

Installing the door on a new side: nuances and adjustment

After transferring the hinges, you can begin reassembling. The main thing here is set the gaps correctly, otherwise the door will open spontaneously or, conversely, you will have to apply force when closing.

Installation algorithm:

  1. Put the door on the bottom hinge.

    Carefully align the hole in the door with the hinge pin and lower it down. Make sure that the door hangs freely is not distorted.

  2. Secure the top hinge.

    Holding the door, screw in the bolts of the top hinge, but do not tighten them all the way. Leave ~1 mm of play for adjustment.

  3. Adjust the gap.

    Use adjusting screw on the top hinge (if any) or place washers under the bottom hinge. The optimal gap between the door and the body is 2–3 mm along the entire perimeter.

  4. Check the tightness.

    Close the door and try insert between the seal and the body sheet of paper. If it falls out, the seal fits tightly. If the sheet holds, additional adjustment is needed.

For models with electronic display (for example, Gorenje RK 6201) after installing the door, you may need reconnecting the wires. They are usually color-coded, but if in doubt, check the wiring diagram instructions.

For refrigerators with two doors (freezer + main chamber), the process is repeated separately for each. Important: install the top door first, then the bottom one. If you do the opposite, the weight of the top door can deform the fastenings of the freezer.

Typical mistakes and how to avoid them

Even if you carefully follow the instructions, you can make mistakes that will lead to problems Here are the most common:

  • 🔧 The left and right hinges are mixed up.

    Some models Gorenje the hinges are not universal. If after installation the door does not close completelycheck the markings on the hinges (usually there are marks L and R).

  • 📏 Uneven gap in the corners.

    If there is a gap in one corner 1 mm, and in the other - 5 mm, the door will warp when opened. Solution: loosen the bolts and adjust the position of the door according to the level.

  • 🔌 The seal is damaged.

    If the door is removed carelessly the rubber band can be pull it out of the groove. In this case, it must be inserted back, starting from the corners. If the seal is torn, replacement is required.

  • Forgot to reconnect the display wires.

    If the screen does not work after assembly, check connectors on the back side of the door. They should be tightly connected, without kinks in the wires.

Another common problem is hinges creaking after transfer. This means that the hinges are not sufficiently lubricated or the bolts are overtightened. Solution: creaking hinges data-i="248">food grade silicone grease

  1. Loosen the bolts 0.5–1 turn.
  2. Apply loops to the axle food grade silicone grease (do not use WD-40 or machine oil!).
  3. Tighten the bolts and check the door movement.
⚠️ Attention: If after moving the doors the refrigerator Gorenje became make more noisecheck whether the capillary tube (thin copper) is touching the back wall. vibration, it may make a buzzing sound. Carefully bend it to the side.

What to do if the door does not close after moving

If after installation the door does not lock in the closed position or opens by itself, the reason lies in one of three factors:

  1. Incorrect adjustment of the hinges.

    The most common problem:

    • Loosen the top bolts. hinges.
    • Open the door 90° and slightly lift it up to relieve the load.
    • Tighten the bolts, holding the door in the correct position.

  • Deformation of the seal.

    If the rubber band crumpled or came out of the groove, it needs to be corrected. To do this:

    • Heat the seal hairdryer (temperature ~50°C) - it will become more elastic.
    • Insert the rubber band back into the groove, starting from the corners.
    • Close the door and wait 1-2 hours - the seal will take the desired shape.
    • The refrigerator body is skewed.

      If the floor uneven, the door will open on its ownCheck the level of the refrigerator and adjust the legs.

    If none of the methods helped, the case may have been hinge damaged deformed during transfer. In this case, parts will need to be replaced. models Gorenje original hinges can be ordered by article number:

    Refrigerator model Article number of the upper hinge Article number of the bottom hinges
    Gorenje RK 6191 48101001000 48101002000
    Gorenje NRK 6192 48101003000 48101004000
    Gorenje NKI 6191 48101005000 48101006000

    For Gorenje models with the Total NoFrost system, after moving the doors, you may need to reset the fan error. To do this, press and hold the "Super Cool" button for 10 seconds.

    Maintenance after moving the doors

    After successfully installing the refrigerator doors Gorenje requires minimal maintenance to extend the life of the hinges and seal:

    • 🧴 Lubricate the hinges.

      Apply to the hinges once every 6 months food grade silicone grease (for example, WD-40 Specialist Food GradeThis will prevent creaking and creaking). corrosion.

    • 🧼 Cleaning the seal.

      Wipe the rubber with a soft sponge with a soap solution (without abrasives!) After cleaning, apply a thin layer glycerin - this will maintain elasticity.

    • 🔧 Checking the fasteners.

      Once a year, tighten the hinge bolts - they can loosen from vibration compressor. Use torque wrench with a force of 2–2.5 Nm.

    • ❄️ Tightness control.

      If noticed frost on the back wallcheck the seal with a test with a sheet of paper. If necessary, adjust the door or replace the rubber band.

    For models with display. door after transfer, it is recommended to carry out sensor calibrationTo do this:

    1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the mains for 5 minutes.
    2. Turn on and press the buttons Super Cool and Super Freeze for 3 seconds.
    3. Wait for the sound signal - calibration is complete.
    ⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator Gorenje is under warranty, you can independently move the doors cancel warrantyCheck this point at the service center before starting work.

    FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

    Is it possible to hang the door on a Gorenje refrigerator without an assistant?

    Technically yes, but it’s difficult: the door weighs 10–15 kg, and holding it with one hand while tightening the bolts is inconvenient. If there is no assistant, use supports (for example, a stack of books) or belt tiesto fix the door in the open position while working.

    What to do if after transfer The door of the refrigerator began to work loudly?

    Most likely, during installation it was touched capillary tube or moved compressor. Check:

    • Whether the tube is touching the back wall (carefully bend it).
    • Is the refrigerator level (adjust the legs).
    • Are the compressor fastenings loosened (tighten the bolts).

    If the noise does not disappear, call a technician for diagnostics.

    How to move a door if the hinge bolts are rusty?

    Do not try to unscrew them by force - this will strip the threads. Proceed as follows:

    1. Apply to the bolts penetrating lubricant (for example, Liqui Moly MoS2) and wait 30 minutes.
    2. Use impact screwdriver or a wrench with a lever, but without fanaticism.
    3. If the bolt is broken, drill it with a drill 0.5 mm smaller than the thread diameter, then cut a new thread with a tap.

    As a last resort, replace it the entire hinge.

    Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before moving the doors?

    It is necessary if:

    • The refrigerator with drip line system (there is ice on the back wall).
    • You plan turn off the power for a long time (more than 1 hour).
    • The temperature in the freezer is below -15°C (risk of frostbite on hands during operation).

    For models with NoFrost defrosting is not necessary, but it is recommended to turn off the power for 10-15 minutes before starting work.

    Is it possible to hang the door on a built-in Gorenje refrigerator?

    Yes, but the process is more complicated because hidden hinges and facade. You will need:

    1. Remove the decorative facade (usually secured with latches or bolts from below).
    2. Remove the hinges as described above.
    3. Move the fastenings for the facade to the other side (they are often asymmetrical!).

    If you are not sure, it is better to contact the service, as an error will lead to a mismatch between the facade and the body.