Changing the opening side of the refrigerator door is often a necessary procedure when moving or remodeling a kitchen, when the standard location interferes with passage or access to the work area. Modern models of household appliances, such as Indesit, LG or Beko, are initially designed taking into account the possibility of such transformation, which makes the process quite accessible for independent implementation without calling a specialist. However, it is important to understand that hinge design different manufacturers may differ significantly, requiring an individual approach to dismantling.
Before taking active steps, it is necessary to carefully study the technical documentation, since Some budget models may not have holes for attaching hinges on the back sidewhich makes reweighing impossible. If your unit provides such an option, then the correct sequence of steps will avoid damage Freon tube or violation of the seal. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the nuances of the process so that you can change the door hinge quickly and safely.
The success of the operation directly depends on the preparation of the workplace and the availability of suitable tools. You will need some space around the refrigerator to allow access from all sides, as well as a set of keys and screwdrivers. You should not ignore this stage, since haste or the use of unsuitable tools often leads to torn threads or damage to decorative overlays.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
To perform the job of hanging doors efficiently, you will need a minimum set of tools, which is usually in the arsenal of any home master. The main tool will be hex wrench or a set of screwdrivers with different tips, since manufacturers often use specific types of fasteners. It would also be a good idea to prepare a plastic spatula or a flat object wrapped in a soft cloth to gently pry up the plugs without the risk of scratching the body.
Particular attention should be paid to preparing the refrigeration unit itself. Before starting work, it is necessary to completely empty shelves, drawers and door pockets of food and bottles to reduce the weight of the structure and prevent the contents from falling. In addition, it is strongly recommended disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply to defrost it if the model is not equipped with a No Frost system, since moisture can damage the electrical contacts during dismantling.
Ensuring stability is a critical safety point. Since you will have to exert physical effort to hold the heavy door during operation, the refrigerator should be placed on a flat, non-slip surface. If the floor is slippery, place a rubber mat or thick cloth under the unit's feet to prevent accidental movement when unscrewing the bolts.
- 🛠️ A set of screwdrivers (Phillips and flat-head) or a screwdriver with appropriate bits.
- 🔑 A set of hex keys (size 4, 5 or 6 are often required mm).
- 🧤 Construction gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧼 Clean rags and a container for folding small fasteners.
⚠️ Attention: Never start disassembling if the refrigerator is full of food. A sharp change in the center of gravity when the door is removed can lead to the entire unit tipping over.
Dismantling the top hinge and removing the door
The process of removing the door always begins with the top hinge, since it bears the main load of holding the door in a vertical position. First you need to remove the decorative plug, which usually hides the mounting bolts; To do this, carefully pry off its edges with a plastic spatula or knife, being careful not to damage the surface. If your model is installed top control panel, it will also have to be dismantled, having first disconnected the wire cables going to the display.
After gaining access to the fasteners, loosen the bolts of the top hinge, but do not unscrew them completely right away. The door at this moment must be securely fixed, since after the final unscrewing of the bolts it may fall. It is best to perform this operation with an assistant who will hold the door, or use special stops to fix its position.
When the top hinge is completely released, carefully lift the door up, removing it from the bottom hinge, and set it in a safe place. If the door is equipped closer or a magnetic lock, be especially careful not to damage the mechanism. At this stage, it is important not to lose washers and gaskets that may be under the hinge, as they ensure the correct position of the door relative to the body.
☑️ Preparing to remove the door
Before removing, check for the presence of such elements in the lower part of the door or in the area of the hinges and remove them according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Reversal doors and rearrangement of handles
After the door is removed, the stage of preparing it for installation on the opposite side begins. First of all, it is necessary to dismantle the handle if the design involves its transfer; Most often it is attached with screws from the inside or with latches. After unscrewing the fasteners, remove the handle and install it on the opposite end of the door, using those provided by the manufacturer threaded holes, which are usually closed with decorative plugs.
Particular attention should be paid to the holes for the hinges: at the end of the door, which was previously free, you will find sockets for installation of fasteners. At the old hinge installation location, the holes must be closed with plastic plugs to maintain an aesthetic appearance and prevent dust and moisture from entering the structure. Sometimes this requires simply turning over the existing plugs or moving them from one side to the other.
Don't forget to check the condition sealing rubber along the perimeter of the door. While the door is in a horizontal position, it is convenient to clean the grooves from dirt and check the integrity of the magnetic edge. If there are creases on the seal, you can try to straighten them with a hair dryer, but you need to act carefully so as not to melt the material.
- 🔄 Remove the plugs from the new side of the door end.
- 🔩 Move the handle to the new side using the original fasteners.
- 🚫 Close the old holes with the plugs included.
- 🧹 Clean and check the magnetic seal around the perimeter.
In some refrigerator models, such as Atlant or Liebherr, additional bushings or pins may be required to secure the door in the new position. Make sure that all these small parts are installed correctly, as the tightness of the door and the absence of distortions depend on this.
Rearranging the lower support and pin
The lower support is the foundation on which the entire door structure is based, so its rearrangement requires special precision. To begin, remove the plinth grille or decorative screen at the bottom of the refrigerator to gain access to the bottom hinge. Then unscrew the pin or axle on which the door rests and move it into a symmetrical hole on the opposite side.
When installing the pin in a new place, it is important to make sure that it fits into the thread all the way and is secured with a locking screw, if provided by the design. An insufficiently tightened pin can cause the door to close poorly or sag over time, breaking tightness of the chamber. Use a thread locker, if recommended by the manufacturer, to prevent spontaneous unscrewing.
If your refrigerator is equipped with a system electronic controllocated at the bottom, or there are door sensor wires running there, be extremely careful. In such cases, it may be necessary not only to rearrange the pin, but also to switch connectors or extend the wires, which is best left to a specialist.
⚠️ Attention: When moving the lower pin, make sure that it does not damage the adjacent refrigerant pipes. The pressure of the tool must be strictly controlled.
After installing the support, check its verticality using a level. Even a slight tilt can cause the door to spontaneously open or close, which is unacceptable for the normal operation of the refrigeration unit.
Installing the door on the new side
Now that all the preparatory steps have been completed, you can begin installing the door on the new side. Place the door with the bottom notch on the previously installed bottom hinge pin and make sure it is level. At this stage, an assistant is needed, since it is almost impossible to hold a heavy door with one hand and at the same time get into the holes of the top hinge.
Having leveled the door, put the top hinge in place and tighten the mounting bolts by hand without fully tightening them. This will allow you to further adjust the position of the door to eliminate possible distortions. Only after you are sure that the door is level and the gaps on all sides are the same, you can finally tighten it fastening bolts with a key.
If the refrigerator model provides for intermediate hinges (for two-chamber models or models with three doors), they also need to be moved to the appropriate side, following the same logic: dismantling, rearranging plugs, installation in a new location. It is important to follow the assembly sequence indicated in hinge diagram for your specific model.
- 🤲 Install the door on the lower pin with the help of an assistant.
- 🔧 Fasten the upper hinge bolts without force tightening.
- 📏 Check the uniformity of the gaps around the entire perimeter.
- 🔩 Finally tighten all fasteners.
Adjusting the position and checking the tightness
The final and one of the most important stages is adjusting the position of the door. Even with careful installation, slight distortions may occur, which will lead to a loose seal. To adjust, loosen the top hinge mounting bolts a little and, moving the door to the left or right, achieve the ideal gap along the entire length.
Checking the tightness is performed by a simple but effective method: close the door on a sheet of paper sandwiched between the door and the body. If the paper is pulled out with force along the entire perimeter, it means seal it fits tightly. If in some places the paper slides freely, additional adjustment of the door tilt is required.
It is also worth paying attention to the operation of closers and magnets. The door should close on its own when opened to about 30-40 degrees. If this does not happen, the refrigerator may not be level, and you need to tighten the front adjustable supports by lifting the front part of the unit.
| Problem | Possible cause | Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| The door does not close until end | Casing is skewed or food is in the way | Align the supports, check the shelves |
| A whistle is heard when closing | The seal fits too tightly | Lubricate silicone seal |
| The door opens itself | Tilt the body back | Tighten the front legs |
| The hinge mechanism gets stuck | Lack of lubrication or garbage | Clean and lubricate the hinges |
⚠️ Attention: After installation, let the refrigerator stand for 2-3 hours before turning it on, especially if you tilted it strongly during operation. The oil in the compressor needs time to return to the crankcase.
Why is the tilt angle important?
The refrigerator should be tilted slightly back (about 2 degrees) so that gravity helps the door close on its own. If you tilt it forward, the door will constantly open.
Common mistakes when hanging doors
One of the most common mistakes is ignoring the instructions for a specific model. Designs loop groups different brands may have unique features, and an attempt to act “by analogy” with another refrigerator often leads to broken fasteners. Always check the manual, even if you think you have already performed this procedure before.
Another mistake is using the wrong tool or using excessive force. The threads in the refrigerator body are often made of thin metal or plastic, and they are very easy to break. If the bolt does not fit, do not press harder, but try to figure out whether the key is selected correctly and whether there are hidden fasteners.
Forgotten plugs in the place of old holes are not only an aesthetic defect, but also the risk of moisture getting inside the case, which can cause corrosion. Make sure that all technological holes that are not used after re-hanging are securely closed with standard plugs.
Don't forget about safety. Working with a heavy door without a safety net can cause injury. Always evaluate your strength and, at the slightest doubt, invite a second person to help hold the structural elements.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Is it possible to hang the door on a refrigerator with the No Frost system?
Yes, you can. The No Frost system does not prevent overweight, however, in such models the design of the air channels is often more complex. When removing the door, be careful not to damage the plastic air ducts that may be attached to the inside of the door.
What to do if there are no holes for hinges on the new side?
If there are no threaded holes on the end of the door or body for installing hinges on the other side, then it is impossible to rehang the door on this model. This means that the manufacturer did not provide such a function, and drilling new holes is strictly not recommended.
Is it necessary to refill the refrigerator after re-hanging it?
No, refrigerant charging is not required. You work only with mechanical elements (door, hinges), without affecting the sealed circuit with freon. The main thing is not to damage the tubes when using the tool.
How to remove a dent on the seal after installation?
You can heat the deformed area with a hairdryer at a low temperature or pour hot water from a kettle (carefully), and then close the door tightly for several hours. Lubrication with silicone oil also helps.