Changing the layout of the kitchen or simply wanting to improve The ergonomics of space are often dictated by new requirements for the location of household appliances. Re-hanging doors is a standard procedure provided by engineers for most modern models of refrigeration equipment, including the popular Italian brand Candy. Owners are often faced with a situation where the standard opening on the right becomes inconvenient due to a narrow opening or the proximity of furniture, and the only logical solution is to move the fittings to the opposite side.
Many users mistakenly believe that such manipulation requires calling a technician and will entail loss of warranty, but the design of the units Candy allows you to do the work yourself if you have basic skills and a minimum set of tools. It is important to understand that the process requires accuracy, since the door leaf has significant weight, and the hinges are made of durable metal that requires precise positioning. Before starting work, you need to make sure that you are ready to act consistently and not skip a single step in order to avoid distortions or damage to the seal.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the nuances of the procedure, paying special attention to various modifications of hinges and features of dismantling decorative panels. You will learn what tools are required, how to properly prepare the workplace and what to pay attention to during reassembly. Accuracy Completing each step directly affects the tightness of the door and, as a result, the energy efficiency of your refrigerator.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tools
The success of the operation depends 90% on quality preparation. Before you take a screwdriver, you need to clear the space around the refrigeration unit. You will need access from all sides, including the top, where hidden fasteners or system elements are often located No Frost. Move the refrigerator at least 1.5 meters away from the wall to be able to easily walk around it and place the removed parts on a clean surface.
As for tools, a standard home craftsman's set is usually quite sufficient, but there are specific requirements for their type. The main tool will be a screwdriver or a Phillips screwdriver, however, for some models Candy hex keys (imbus) of 4 or 5 mm in size may be required. It is also a good idea to have a flat-head screwdriver on hand to carefully remove decorative plugs and plastic clips.
- 🛠️ A Phillips screwdriver (PH2) or a screwdriver with an appropriate bit for removing the main bolts.
- 🔧 A set of hex keys (often a 4 mm or 5 mm size is required) for adjustment loops.
- 🧤 Construction gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges and oil.
- 🧼 Clean rags and degreaser to clean surfaces before installing new plugs.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly not recommended to use impact screwdrivers at maximum speed when working with plastic fastening elements, since high torque can break threads or split plastic.
Particular attention should be paid to organizing the storage of small parts. In the process of work, you will have to unscrew many screws, which, despite their external similarity, may have different lengths and purposes. By mixing them up during assembly, you can damage the body or leave protruding caps that will interfere with a tight closure. Prepare several containers or a magnetic tray in advance to sort fasteners by disassembly stages.
Analysis of the design and types of hinges of Candy refrigerators
Refrigerators Candy, like many other modern models, can be equipped with different types of opening systems. Before you begin disassembling, carefully inspect your model. There are two main types of designs: with visible hinges located outside the body, and with hidden installation, when the fasteners are covered with decorative panels or are located inside the end of the door. The algorithm of your first actions depends on this.
In most cases, the upper hinge is a load-bearing hinge and fixes the position of the door relative to the body, while the lower one serves as a support and is often integrated with the axis of rotation. Some models Candy have a system double-circuit sealwhere special care is required when removing the door so as not to deform the magnetic tape. If your unit is equipped with a No Frostsystem, then an electrical cable powering sensors or a fan may pass through the top loop, which adds a step to disconnect the connector.
Features of loops for models with a display
If on Since the door of your Candy refrigerator has a display or control panel, re-hanging will require the transfer of not only mechanical elements, but also electrical cables. In such models, the cable channel often runs inside the hollow axis of the upper loop. Be prepared for the fact that you will have to carefully snap off the plastic wire clamps so as not to damage the insulation.
It is also worth considering the weight of the door leaf. Two-chamber refrigerators have different weights of the upper and lower doors. The lower door is usually heavier due to the presence of additional shelves and a more massive profile. When working with two-chamber models Candy it is recommended to carry out re-hanging in stages: first the upper chamber, then the lower, so as not to disturb the stability of the entire unit.
| Type of construction | Location of fasteners | Presence of wires | Complexity of work |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Outside, under plugs | No | Low |
| Hidden loop | Under the decorative cover | Possible | Medium |
| With display | Combined | Required | High |
| Recessed | On the facade frame | Depends on the model | High |
Step-by-step instructions: dismantling the upper part
We begin the immediate disassembly process. The first step is always to turn off the power to the refrigerator - unplug the cord from the outlet. This is not only a safety requirement, but also a necessity if the model is equipped with electronics that respond to the opening of the door contacts. Let the unit sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the capacitors, if any, to discharge in the control circuit.
Remove the top decorative panel, if present. On models Candy it is often held on by latches or two screws hidden under plastic plugs. Carefully pry off the caps with a flathead screwdriver, being careful not to scratch the glossy surface. Once the panel is removed you will have access to the top hinge bolts. Do not unscrew them completely at once - loosen them enough so that you can remove them, but the loop is still holding on.
- 🔌 If there are wires going through the loop, carefully disconnect the connector, first photographing its position.
- 🔩 Unscrew the bolts securing the top hinge and remove the metal plate.
- 🚪 Holding the door with your other hand (or asking an assistant), remove the door leaf from the lower axis.
After the door is removed, inspect the ends. You will see hinge holes on one side and plastic plugs on the other. Your task is to move the plugs to the vacated holes, and use the vacated sockets to install hinges on the opposite side. If the plugs are made in the form of screws, simply tighten them. If these are plastic clips, remove them with a thin object and install them in a new place.
☑️ Removal checklist
Working with the lower support and adjusting the height
The lower part of the refrigerator requires a special approach, since this is where the main load is concentrated. In refrigerators Candy the lower support is often covered with a base plinth or decorative grille. Remove this item to gain access to the adjustment screws and lower hinge hardware. In some models, the lower hinge is screwed to the bottom of the case, in others it is part of the support platform.
If you change the opening side, you need to move the support platform (hinge) to the opposite side of the bottom. To do this, unscrew the mounting bolts from the bottom of the refrigerator. Pay attention to the adjusting screws of the legs - before removing the hinge, it is better to unscrew them to the maximum height so that the refrigerator stands stable, but does not rest on the part being removed. After transferring the hinge to the other side, do not tighten the bolts “all the way” immediately.
⚠️ Attention: When installing the lower hinge to a new location, make sure that the axis of rotation is strictly vertical. A misalignment of even 1-2 millimeters will cause the door to open spontaneously or not fit tightly, causing ice to freeze.
An important point is the condition of the sealing rubber. While the doors are removed, it makes sense to wash them with warm water and a mild detergent and check the integrity of the magnetic circuit. If there are creases on the rubber, you can try to straighten them with a hairdryer (at minimum temperature), but it is better to just let the rubber warm up at room temperature. The cleanliness of the seal is the key to a good fit. Candy there are creases, you can try to straighten them with a hair dryer (at minimum temperature), but it is better to just let the rubber warm up at room temperature. A clean seal is the key to a good seal.
Installation of doors and final assembly
Assembly is carried out in the reverse order, but observing several critical nuances. First of all, the bottom door is installed (if the refrigerator is two-chamber), since it is the base one. Place the lower door on the axle and check for ease of movement. Then install the intermediate partition (if it is removable) and the adapter plate between the chambers.
Next is the turn of the upper door. Align the holes in the end of the door with the holes in the top hinge, insert the bolts and tighten them by hand. Only after making sure that all the threads line up correctly can you pick up the tool. Tighten the bolts crosswise, gradually increasing the force to avoid distortion of the metal.
- 🔨 Install the lower door on the axis and check verticality.
- 📏 Mount the upper door, aligning the holes with the hinge.
- 🔌 Connect the electrical connectors (if any disconnected).
- 🔩 Tighten the fastening bolts of the upper hinge.
After mechanical assembly, it is necessary to return all decorative elements to their place: plugs, plastic covers, base panels. If your model Candy has a transport lock (a bolt that blocks the door during transportation), make sure that it is removed or moved to the working position, otherwise the refrigerator will not close.
Adjusting the position and checking the tightness
The final stage is adjustment. Even with careful installation, the door may require adjustments. In refrigerators Candy the front adjustable supports are responsible for the vertical. By rotating them clockwise, you raise the angle, counterclockwise, you lower it. Achieve such a position that the door, open at 45 degrees, is smoothly brought to close by magnets, but does not slam shut with force from its own weight.
Checking the tightness can be done by a simple visual method or using a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet with the door around the perimeter - it should be pulled out with noticeable force. If the paper comes out freely, then there is a gap in that place. Also inspect the gap around the entire perimeter - it should be uniform. If the bottom of the door fits tightly but the top does not (or vice versa), try loosening the upper hinge bolts a little, press the door in the desired position and tighten it again.
After all the manipulations, turn on the refrigerator. Let it run for 2-3 hours without loading food to allow the temperature to stabilize. During the first hours of operation, the compressor may operate more intensively, this is normal. Make sure that the door closes tightly and does not open on its own.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not close completely?
Most likely, the installation geometry is broken or the products on the shelves are in the way. Check to see if the shelf has moved towards the door. If the shelves are in order, loosen the top hinge and try to move the door slightly towards the body, then tighten. Also check that the seal in the corners is not twisted.
Is it possible to rehang the door if the refrigerator is built into the kitchen unit?
This is an extremely difficult task that requires partial dismantling of the furniture. You will have to remove the cabinet front panels and possibly the cabinet top to gain access to the hinges. Often, built-in models Candy require a specific hanging kit, which comes complete with instructions. Without freeing up the space around the unit, it is impossible to do the job efficiently.
Do you need to lubricate the hinges after installation?
Factory hinges usually already contain a sufficient amount of lubricant. Additional lubrication with regular oil is not recommended as it may thicken or drip onto the floor. If you hear a creaking sound, use a special silicone spray lubricant intended for household appliances, applying it pointwise to the rotation axis.
Will the warranty remain valid after re-hanging yourself?
According to the law, independent repairs or modifications (which include re-hanging) do not void the warranty if you have not damaged the components refrigerator in progress. However, if you break the thread, break the plastic or damage the wiring, the service center Candy may refuse free repairs. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to call an authorized technician.
Why did the door become harder to open after rehanging?
This may be due to the fact that the new angle of the body (adjustment of the legs) has become too steep, or the seal has not yet “developed” in the new position. Let the refrigerator sit for a day. If the problem persists, check whether the door is touching the cabinet or shelves due to skewed hinges.