Modern kitchen sets often dictate their own rules of ergonomics, forcing owners of household appliances to look for ways to optimize space. Rehanging doors is a standard procedure for most models Sharp, which allows you to change the opening side of the valves without calling a technician. This opportunity is especially relevant when moving or remodeling a kitchen, when the standard arrangement of hinges becomes inconvenient.
The process requires care and accuracy, since refrigeration unit contains fragile elements and heavy parts. Before starting work, you must empty the chambers of food, defrost the device (if this is not No Frost) and disconnect the device from the power supply. It is important to prepare a flat surface next to the equipment, where you can temporarily place the removed doors, having previously covered it with soft material.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for various configurations of refrigerators Sharp, including two- and three-chamber models. You will learn what tools required, how to properly dismantle the fittings and what to pay special attention to when installing handles in new holes. Compliance with the sequence of operations ensures that the equipment will work properly and the seal of the chambers will not be compromised.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
To successfully carry out work on changing the opening side of the doors, you will need a minimum set of home tools. The main tool will be screwdriver or a set of screwdrivers with Phillips and flat slots, since most fasteners in refrigerators Sharp are made specifically for them. You may also need a wrench or an 8 mm socket to remove some types of hinges if they are secured with bolts.
In addition to the main tool, be sure to prepare masking tape. It is necessary to fix the moving parts of the door in the closed position while dismantling the upper hinges, which will prevent sudden swinging open and possible injuries or impacts on furniture. In some Sharp models, the hinges can be covered with decorative plastic plugswhich must be carefully pryed off with a thin knife or flat screwdriver before unscrewing.
Pay special attention to organizing the space around the refrigerator. You need a free space at least a meter wide on the side where the door will open after hanging. If the floor is slippery, place pieces of cardboard or a rubber mat under the legs of the refrigerator so that the device does not move when applying force to tightly screwed bolts.
☑️ Preparing to rehang the doors
Removing the top door handle and decorative elements
The first step is always to remove the top door handle, if it is not integrated into the door body. In most models Sharp the handle is attached to screws, access to which is closed with decorative plugs or located on the inside of the end. Carefully remove the plugs, being careful not to scratch the glossy surface, and unscrew the fasteners.
If a decorative panel is installed on the top of the door or above it, it must also be removed. Often, it is under this panel that the upper hinges of the main door of the refrigerator compartment are hidden. Proceed with caution as the plastic in older models may be brittle and break if tugged sharply. Retainers Panels may be tight, so use a flathead screwdriver with a soft cloth pad.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use excessive force when removing plastic elements. If the part does not give in, check to see if there is a hidden screw left unscrewed, which may be located under a sticker or rubber gasket.
After removing the handle and decor, inspect the upper part of the structure. You should see the top hinge that holds the door. In some models Sharp with a system No Frost display or lighting control cables may also pass through this area, which will require a special approach in further actions.
What to do if the screws are rusty?
If the screws do not unscrew due to corrosion, treat them penetrating lubricant (eg WD-40) and leave for 10-15 minutes. Do not try to force a rusty screw off - this may lead to the cap being licked off or the hinge breaking.
Removing the top hinge and refrigerator door
Before unscrewing the top hinge, be sure to secure the door in the closed position with masking tape. The refrigerator door Sharp is quite heavy, and without fixation it can move immediately after the bolts are loosened, creating a dangerous situation. After making sure that the fixation is secure, unscrew the screws holding the top hinge.
After removing the fasteners, carefully remove the hinge itself. Now you can remove the tape and remove the door by lifting it up to remove the lower shaft from the bushing. It is better to perform this operation with an assistant, since the weight of the door is significant and there is a risk of dropping it or damaging it seal. Place the removed door in a safe place on a prepared soft surface.
Pay attention to the condition of the lower bushing and axle. If you notice signs of corrosion or dirt, clean them with a dry cloth. If necessary, you can apply a small amount of silicone grease to the axle to ensure smooth door movement in the future. However, avoid using liquid oils, which may spread and stain the floor or food.
| Element | Mounting type | Tool | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top hinge | M6/M8 screws | Screwdriver/Key | Holds the main weight of the door |
| Door handle | Screws under the plugs | Phillips screwdriver | There may be hidden fasteners |
| Decor panel | Clips/Screws | Flat screwdriver | Requires caution |
| Lower bushing | Seat | Without tools | Needs to be lubricated during assembly |
Repositioning the bottom hinge and dismantling the freezer cameras
The next step is to work with the bottom of the refrigerator. If you have a two-compartment model, then the removed top door will provide access to the hinge connecting the refrigerator and freezer compartments, as well as to the lowest support. First you need to remove the middle hinge (if there is one) or gain access to the freezer door fastening.
The freezer door is also secured with tape before removing the fasteners. Unscrew the bolts of the middle hinge, remove it and carefully dismantle the lower door. In models Sharp with a system Full No Frost an evaporator or air ducts may be located in this area, so it is important not to touch them with a tool. Place the removed door aside.
Now you need to move the lower support hinge to the opposite side. To do this, unscrew the plugs (plastic or metal) from the new side and screw them into the vacated holes on the current side. Move the hinge itself to a new position and tighten the screws, but do not tighten them all the way yet in order to be able to adjust.
Features of working with Sharp No Frost models
Refrigerators Sharpequipped with the system No Frost, have design differences that are important to consider when rehanging doors. The main difference is the electrical connections for temperature sensors, fans or the control display if located on the door. In such models, the door cannot simply be removed - it must be disconnected from the wiring.
After removing the top hinge (or the decorative cover above it), you will see the connectors. Before disconnecting them, it is strongly recommended to photograph the location of the wires so as not to confuse the contacts during assembly. The connectors usually have latches that need to be pressed with your fingers or a thin screwdriver, after which the modules are carefully separated.
⚠️ Attention: Never pull on the wires. Pulling may damage contacts or break wiring, resulting in incorrect operation of the defrost or control system. Carry out all electrical operations only with the refrigerator completely disconnected from the network.
When reinstalling, make sure that the wires are not pinched in loops and do not pass in close proximity to moving parts or defrost heating elements. The cables must lie in the grooves intended for them or be neatly laid with clamps.
Is it possible to turn off the sensors when re-hanging?
Short-term disconnection of the sensors (for 10-15 minutes of work) will not lead to resetting the settings or breaking the controller. However, you cannot leave the refrigerator with disconnected sensors connected to the network.
Assembling and installing doors on the new side
The assembly process is in reverse order, but taking into account the new positions of the hinges. The bottom door (freezer) is installed first. Place it on the bottom axle, align it and install the middle loop on the new side. Tighten the mounting bolts, but leave a little play for final adjustment.
Then the upper refrigerator door is installed. If your model is wired, carefully thread the cables through the holes in the loops and connect the connectors. Lay the wires so that they do not interfere with closing. Place the top hinge onto the axle and tighten the screws. Make sure that the doors are level and close tightly.
The final stage is tightening all fasteners and installing handles. Check the horizontal installation of the refrigerator itself using a building level. If the body is skewed, the doors may open spontaneously or, conversely, not reach the end. Adjust the front legs of the refrigerator Sharpby unscrewing or tightening them.
Adjustment and checking the tightness seal
After installing the doors, you need to check their tightness. The rubber seal around the perimeter should evenly touch the body along its entire length. If you notice gaps in some places, this can lead to loss of cold and the formation of ice. Refrigerators Sharp often provide the ability to adjust the tilt of the door.
To check the tightness, you can use a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet with the door at different points around the perimeter and try to pull it out. If the paper comes out too easily or, conversely, breaks, the height of the loops needs to be adjusted. Loosen the problematic hinge and move the door up or down, then tighten it again.
Let the refrigerator stand off for about 2-3 hours after moving it, especially if you worked in a room with a low temperature or tilted the unit strongly. This will allow the oil in the compressor to return to the crankcase, which will extend the service life of the equipment when first turned on.
What to do if the door does not close completely after rehanging?
Most likely, the angle of the refrigeration cabinet itself is broken. Try unscrewing the front leveling feet a little so that the body tilts back slightly. Also check whether there is anything inside (shelves, products) in the way and whether the seal is installed correctly in the groove.
Do you need to call a technician after re-hanging it yourself?
If you have successfully completed the dismantling and installation, checked the tightness and made sure that the wires (if any) are connected correctly, calling a technician is not required. However, if you doubt your abilities or notice damage to the wiring, it is better to contact an authorized service. Sharp.
Is it possible to hang the door on a refrigerator with a display on the door?
Yes, it is possible, but it is more difficult. It will be necessary to move not only the loops, but also the control module, as well as lengthen or reconnect the wire loops going to the display. In such cases, it is often necessary to order additional components.