Rearranging kitchen furniture or changing the layout of the room often dictates new operating conditions for household appliances. If the swing mechanism of your unit opens in an inconvenient direction, the solution to the problem lies in the design features of the device itself. Most modern models Whirlpool are designed taking into account the possibility of changing the opening side, which allows you to adapt the equipment to the interior without calling a specialist.
The rehanging process requires accuracy, a basic set of tools and an understanding of the structure of the hinge group. Re-hanging doors is not just a mechanical action, but a procedure that affects the tightness and service life seals. Incorrect assembly can lead to distortions, causing the compressor to work with increased load.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for various series of refrigerators, paying special attention to the nuances of dismantling and subsequent adjustment. You will learn how to avoid common mistakes and maintain your product warranty. Preparing the workplace and following the sequence of operations is the key to a successful result.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workspace
Before starting any manipulations with the body of the equipment, it is necessary to prepare the appropriate tools. To work, you will need a set of wrenches or sockets, most often sizes 8, 10 and 13 mm. You also cannot do without Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, since some fastening elements may have different types of slots.
An important element is the presence of a second person who will help hold the heavy sash while unscrewing the hinges. Door weight with shelves and glass can be significant, and the risk of dropping it or damaging the floor covering is very high. Clear the space in front of the refrigerator in advance to ensure easy access from all sides.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply by removing the plug from the socket. This is a safety measure to prevent electric shock if the wiring is accidentally damaged during the dismantling process.
It is also recommended to prepare a soft bedding, such as a blanket or thick cardboard, on which the removed elements can be placed. This will protect the decorative coating from scratches and chips. It is better to put all fasteners in a separate container so that they do not get lost during work.
- 🛠️ A set of wrenches or a ratchet with heads (8, 10, 13 mm).
- 🔧 Phillips and flathead screwdrivers of different sizes.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp edges.
- 📦 Capacity for storing screws and bolts.
☑️ Preparation for re-hanging
Design features of Whirlpool hinge groups
Refrigerators Whirlpool may have different configurations loops depending on the model and year of manufacture. In most cases, a system of three main attachment points is used: the top hinge, the middle (for two-chamber models) and the bottom support sleeve. Understanding the device hinge mechanism is critical for proper assembly.
Some models are equipped with a system Soft Close or closers that require special care when dismantling. Such designs may contain additional spring elements or plastic retainers. Before removal, carefully inspect the components for hidden latches or decorative trims covering the fasteners.
Models with a display on the door deserve special attention. If the control panel is located on a movable door, you will need to first disconnect the cables. Electrical connections usually located in the upper part of the door and protected by a plastic casing, which must be carefully removed.
Nuances of hinges with a closer
B On models with a soft-closing system, there may be pressurized oil inside the hinge. Do not disassemble the hinge mechanism itself unless it is directly necessary - just unscrew it from the body and door.
The design may involve the use of special bushings or plugs that are moved to the opposite side. These elements are often lost or broken due to careless handling, so special attention should be paid to their condition. New refrigerators sometimes come with special re-hanging kits, but for old appliances you have to use standard holes.
Dismantling the top part and removing the door
You should always start the process from the top hinge, since it bears the main load of holding the door in a vertical position. First, remove the decorative cover, if present, and unscrew the mounting bolts. At this moment, you definitely need an assistant who will hold the door, preventing it from moving to the side.
After loosening the bolts, the upper hinge is removed together with the door or separately, depending on the design. If the model is equipped... It is critical to remember the sequence in which the washers and bushings are removed, since when reinstalled, their order may change for the opposite side.
If there is a display on the upper door, after removing the hinge, you must carefully disconnect the wiring connectors. Do not pull the wires sharply to avoid damaging the contacts. Typically, connectors have locking latches that need to be pressed out before removal.
| Model type | Hinge location | Presence of display | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-chamber | Top/Bottom | No | Low |
| Double-chamber (No Frost) | Top/Middle/Bottom | Possible | Average |
| Side-by-Side | Special. design | Often there | High |
| Built-in | Hidden hinges | No | High |
After disconnecting the upper part, the door is removed from the lower support and placed in a safe place. If you are working with a two-chamber refrigerator, a similar procedure is carried out for the middle hinge, after first freeing the lower chamber from food.
Flipping the doors and reinstalling the fittings
The next stage involves physically moving the handles and plugs to opposite sides. At the ends of the doors there are usually holes closed with plastic plugs. Using a thin screwdriver, remove the plugs on one side and install them in the free holes on the other.
The door handles also require dismantling. They can be screwed on from the inside or snapped into place. After removal, the handles are rearranged to new places according to the instructions for your opening side. Mounting holes should match perfectly, without effort.
Now you can start installing the hinges in new places on the refrigerator body. The top and middle hinges are mounted on the opposite side using the threaded holes provided by the manufacturer. The bolts are tightened tightly, but without excessive force, so as not to strip the threads.
⚠️ Attention: Do not overtighten the hinge bolts. Excessive force can deform the metal or damage the threads, which will make it impossible to properly adjust the position of the door in the future.
If the design includes special stops or stops, they must also be rearranged. Some models Whirlpool use an asymmetrical hinge design, so make sure you install the right hinge on the right side (or the left on the left, depending on the new configuration) and do not turn them upside down.
Installing doors in a new location
The process of hanging doors occurs in the reverse order of dismantling. First, the lower door (in two-chamber models) is installed, which is placed on the lower support sleeve. Then the middle loop is mounted and secured with bolts. The top door is installed last.
When installing, it is important to correctly align the hinge holes with the holes on the end of the door. If the holes do not line up, do not use force - the door may be uneven or the hinge is skewed. Installation geometry should be ideal for free movement.
After mechanical installation, it is necessary to reconnect the electrical connectors if they were disconnected. Make sure that the wires are not pinched between metal parts or twisted. Check the operation of the light bulbs and display immediately after turning on the refrigerator.
The final touch is to install decorative covers on the hinges. They hide the fastening elements and give the refrigerator a complete aesthetic appearance. Make sure that all the plugs at the ends of the doors are installed tightly and do not protrude beyond the dimensions of the body.
Adjusting gaps and checking tightness
After installing the doors, they often require adjustment. The door should fit tightly around the entire perimeter of the body. If you notice gaps or a loose seal, you need to adjust the position of the door using the adjusting bolts on the hinges.
To check the tightness, you can use a simple test with a sheet of paper. Squeeze the sheet with the door and try to pull it out. It should come out with noticeable effort. If the paper falls out freely or breaks, it means that in this place the fit of the seal there is a problem.
Also check the operation of the magnetic latches. The door should close with a characteristic sound and not open by itself when lightly pressed on the corner. If the door is skewed, it may not close completely, which will lead to the formation of ice.
⚠️ Attention: If after adjustment the door still does not close tightly, check the condition of the rubber seal itself. When re-hanging, it could become deformed, and then it will need to be replaced or restored with hot air.
Pay attention to the opening angle. The door should not touch adjacent furniture or walls. If this happens, you may need to install an opening limiter or adjust the position of the refrigerator in the niche.
Frequent errors and troubleshooting
In the process of re-hanging on their own, users often make common mistakes. One of the most common is the loss of fasteners or mixing up bolts of different lengths. This can cause the long bolt to hit the internal parts and damage them.
Another mistake is ignoring the need to level the refrigerator. If the unit is not level, even a properly hung door will open or close on its own. Use a building level to check horizontal and vertical alignment.
Sometimes users forget to remove the transport locks if they have been newly installed, or, conversely, do not secure the compressor before tilting (although when re-hanging doors, a strong tilt is usually not required). Be attentive to details.
- ❌ Forgot to connect the display connectors - the refrigerator works, but the panel does not light up.
- ❌ Mixed up the middle and top hinge bolts - the threads do not match or are damaged.
- ❌ Did not check the floor level - the door spontaneously is moving.
- ❌ The seal was damaged during installation - a gap for air appeared.
If after all the manipulations you hear extraneous creaks or knocks when opening, check whether pipes or wires are touching moving parts. In case of doubt, it is better to contact a specialist to avoid more serious damage.
Is it possible to re-hang the door yourself if the refrigerator is under warranty?
Formally, re-hanging the doors yourself does not void the warranty on the compressor and main components if no parts were damaged in the process. However, if you strip a thread or break a hinge, that particular assembly will not be covered under warranty. It is recommended to save all removed parts.
What to do if the holes for the hinges on the new side do not match?
In original refrigerators Whirlpool holes for rehanging are always provided from the factory. If they don't, your model may not be overweight (rare) or you may be looking at the wrong holes. It is strictly forbidden to drill new holes in the case - this will break the thermal insulation and tightness.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging it?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, if there is a lot of ice or food inside, the door will be heavier, and when tilted (even minimally), water may flow into the mechanisms. It is better to carry out the procedure with a minimum load of the chambers.
How to understand that the hinge requires lubrication after installation?
If when opening the door you hear a creaking, metallic grinding sound or feel jerking, then the friction is too high. Modern hinges often have grease fittings or indiscriminate lubrication capabilities. Use spray lubricant with a tube for hard-to-reach places.