The need to change the opening direction of the refrigerator door often arises when moving, remodeling the kitchen, or purchasing new household appliances. Owners of brand units Nord may encounter the fact that the standard configuration does not fit into the dimensions of the room. Fortunately, most models of this brand provide the possibility of reinstalling the canvas hanger.
The process requires care and a basic set of tools, but it can be completely implemented at home without calling a specialist. It is important to understand that hinge design it may differ between different series, so before starting work it is worth visually assessing the type of fastening. Incorrect actions can lead to damage to the plastic plugs or disruption of the seal.
This article describes in detail the stages of dismantling and installation, paying special attention to the nuances of working with mechanisms Nord. We will look at how to properly remove the fittings, rearrange the elements and make final adjustments. Following the instructions will help you avoid common mistakes and maintain the aesthetic appearance of the equipment.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
Before starting any manipulations with the refrigerator body, you must prepare the appropriate tool. To work with units Nord most often you need wrenches (usually 8, 10 or 13 mm), flat and Phillips screwdrivers, as well as a hex set. It would also be a good idea to have a knife or thin spatula on hand for removing decorative elements.
Particular attention should be paid to organizing the space. The refrigerator door is a heavy element that, if dropped, can damage the floor or the unit itself. Therefore working area must be free from foreign objects. It is recommended to cover the floor in the work area with thick cardboard or a soft mat.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to unplug the refrigerator from the power supply and clear the door shelves of food. This will reduce the weight of the structure and eliminate the risk of a short circuit if the wiring is accidentally damaged.
To fix the position of the housing and prevent it from moving during the process of removing the hinges, the help of a second person may be required. If this is not possible, make sure that the refrigerator is stable and does not tilt. Sometimes it is useful to use foot rests to fix the equipment in place.
☑️ Hanging tools
Dismantling the top hinge and removing the door
The reinstallation process begins from the top of the unit. First you need to remove the decorative plug that hides the top hinge mounting bolts. Usually it is simply inserted into the hole and easily removed using a flathead screwdriver or knife. Act carefully so as not to scratch the surface of the metal or plastic.
After accessing the fasteners, you need to loosen the bolts, but do not unscrew them completely yet. This will allow you to fix the position of the hinge relative to the body until the door itself is removed. In some models Nord the upper hinge can also hold the lock rod, so it is important to monitor its position.
Then you should lift the door to remove the lower axis from the bushing and carefully remove the blade from the body. This is the most crucial moment, requiring physical strength and coordination. It is better to perform this operation together so as not to drop the heavy structure and damage the sealing rubber sealing rubber.
After removing the door, the upper hinge can be completely dismantled by unscrewing all the bolts. If there is a plastic sleeve or washer on the hinge, it should be saved for later installation on the other side. Often these small parts are lost, which complicates assembly.
Removing and reinstalling handles
Handles on refrigerators Nord can be mounted in different ways: on screws hidden under plugs, or on latches. If you see holes, remove the fasteners with the appropriate screwdriver. If the handle is held on by latches, you will need to carefully pry off its base with a knife or spatula, being careful not to damage the plastic.
After removing the handles from the door, you need to install them on the opposite side. For this purpose, hidden holes are provided at the end of the door, closed with plastic plugs. Remove the plugs from the new side and install them in the vacated holes from which the handles were removed.
When installing the handles, it is important not to overtighten the screws, as the plastic may crack. The fastening should be secure, but without excessive force. Make sure that the handle fits tightly and does not wobble, as ease of use and tightness of closure depend on this.
Reversal of the lower support and hinges
The lower part of the door rests on a special bushing or rod, which is also subject to rearrangement. At the bottom of the refrigerator body you need to find a similar plug and move the supporting element to the opposite side. This often requires a hex wrench or open-end wrench.
If your model has a bottom hinge, it will also need to be twisted. The process is similar to the top one: remove the decorative trim, unscrew the bolts and transfer the element to the other side. Pay attention to the orientation of the part - sometimes it has a strictly defined fit.
It is important to check the condition of all rubber seals and plastic bushings before assembly. If you notice cracks or abrasions, it is better to replace these elements in advance. Bottom support is subject to significant loads, and a worn part may cause the door to warp in the future.
| Element | Action | Tool | Nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Remove and rearrange | Key (8-10 mm) | Watch the rod lock |
| Door handle | Remove and install | Screwdriver/Knife | Do not overtighten the screws |
| Lower support | Twist the bushing | Hexagon | Check the threads |
| Plugs | Replace | Fingers/Knife | Do not lose small parts |
Installing the door on a new side
After preparing all the elements, you can begin hanging the door. Install the lower axle into the bushing on the new side and carefully lower the door, placing the top hinge into the housing mounting holes. At this stage, it is critical to keep the blade strictly vertical.
Insert the top hinge bolts and tighten them by hand. Do not screw them all the way in right away - first you need to level the door. Make sure the gaps between the door and the cabinet are the same at the top and bottom, as well as at the sides. This will ensure that the seal fits correctly.
⚠️ Attention: When hanging the door, make sure that the wiring (if it goes through the door for an indication or display) is not pinched or strained. In some models Nord the cable may require switching to another connector.
When the door position is adjusted, you can finally tighten all the bolts. Use a wrench with moderate force to avoid stripping the threads in the aluminum housing. Check the freedom of movement of the door - it should open and close smoothly, without creaking or jamming.
What to do if the door does not close tightly?
If after installation the door does not fit tightly, check if something is interfering with the seal. Sometimes it is necessary to warm up the elastic with a hairdryer so that it straightens after transportation. Also make sure that the refrigerator is level - if it is tilted backwards, the door will open on its own; if forwards, it may not close completely.
Adjusting gaps and checking tightness
The final stage is to check the tightness and quality of the installation. The door must fit against the body around its entire perimeter without gaps. To check, you can use a sheet of paper: clamp it between the door and the body in different places - it should be removed with the same force.
If you notice a distortion, you may need to adjust the height of the refrigerator legs. By tightening the front supports, you can achieve the correct tilt of the body, which will make it easier for the door to close itself. This is especially important for models with magnetic latches.
Plug in the refrigerator and leave it running for several hours. Periodically check whether the rubber seal is heating up in the contact areas - this may indicate a loose closure. Also listen to the operation of the compressor: if the door is closed poorly, the unit will work almost without interruption.
Possible difficulties and their solutions
Unforeseen ones may arise during operation difficulties. For example, bolts may “stick” or rust, especially if the refrigerator was operated in a damp area. In this case, use a penetrating lubricant (WD-40) and give it time to work before attempting to unscrew.
Sometimes the holes on the body and hinges do not line up perfectly due to factory tolerances or distortion. In this case, you should not use excessive force. It is better to loosen all the fasteners, reset the geometry and tighten the bolts gradually, one by one.
If a strong squeak appears after rehanging, lubricate the rubbing parts of the hinges with edible oil or special silicone grease. Do not use technical oils that may have a strong odor or be toxic, as they come into contact with products.
Is it possible to rehang a door if there is wiring running through it?
Yes, in most modern models the wiring has sufficient length or connectors that allow you to switch the cable to the other side. However, in some budget models, the length of the wire may be limited, which will require caution when moving the door.
Do you need to call a specialist for this procedure?
Calling a specialist is not necessary if you have basic skills in handling the tool. However, if the refrigerator is two-chamber and very tall, or you do not have the physical ability to hold a heavy door, it is better to use professional help.
What to do if the plugs for the holes are lost?
Plugs can be ordered at a service center or picked up in a hardware store of similar size. Temporarily, the holes can be sealed with decorative tape in the color of the body to prevent dust and moisture from getting inside.
Does re-hanging the door affect the warranty?
Re-hanging the door yourself, as a rule, is not a basis for voiding the warranty if no parts were damaged in the process. However, if you break the thread or break the plastic, there will be a charge for repairing this damage.