The need to change the opening side of the Gorenje refrigerator door often arises when remodeling the kitchen or rearranging furniture. The standard configuration implies opening from right to left, which is not convenient in all planning solutions. Fortunately, most models of this brand, including the popular RK and NRK series, structurally provide for the possibility of reverse installation mounting.
The process requires accuracy, the presence of a basic set of tools and adherence to the sequence of actions. Errors at the dismantling stage can lead to damage to the decorative panels or failure of the seal. In this article, we will look in detail at how to safely flip the hinges and adjust the position of the sash.
Before starting work, it is extremely important to make sure that your unit is turned off. This is not only a safety requirement, but also a way to avoid false alarms of door opening sensors during manipulation. It is also worth freeing up space around the device for easy access from all sides.
⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator is connected to a smart home system or has a display on the door, before starting work it is strongly recommended to disconnect the device from the power supply to avoid short circuits when disconnecting the cables.
To complete the task, you will need a standard DIY kit. There is no need to look for specialized equipment; it is enough to have different types of screwdrivers on hand. It is important that the tools are in good working order and the bits match the size of the screw heads so as not to strip the threads.
The basic list of tools includes:
- 🔧 Phillips screwdriver (usually PH2) for the main fasteners.
- 🪛 Flat-head screwdriver for carefully removing decorative plugs.
- 🔩 8 mm socket wrench or socket (often required for hinges).
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
Models Gorenje may have differences in the design of the hinges depending on the year of manufacture. In older versions, the fasteners may be hidden under plastic caps that require careful handling. New series often use more ergonomic mounting systems, accessible without removing additional elements.
Particular attention should be paid to the presence of a display or control panel on the door. In such models, in addition to mechanical work, electrical contacts must be disconnected. To do this, you may need to remove the top decorative cover, which is usually secured with latches or screws under the plugs.
It is important to prepare a flat surface next to the refrigerator where you can temporarily place the removed door. Cover the area with a soft material, such as a blanket or cardboard, to avoid scratching the glossy finish or enamel. The refrigerator door weighs a lot, so it is better to do the work together.
Preparation for dismantling and freeing up space
The first stage is to completely unload the door shelves. This is necessary not only to reduce the weight of the structure, but also to prevent products and glass elements from falling during the tilting process. It is better to remove heavy bottles and cans in advance.
After emptying the shelves, you should unplug the refrigerator. Locate the power cord and remove the plug from the outlet. If access is difficult, you can use an extension cord, but you must completely turn off the power to the device before disassembling.
Move the unit from the wall to a distance that allows you to freely approach it from any side. You will need access not only to the front, but also to the sides and rear for ease of maneuver. Make sure the floor under the legs is clean and dry.
If the model has the ability to lock the control buttons, activate this mode before turning off the power to reset the settings. Although a hard reset will often reset the settings, freezing the current state can be useful.
Check for any uneven surfaces on the floor that could prevent the refrigerator from being stable during operation. If the device is unsteady, align the position of the adjustable supports before you begin to remove heavy elements.
Dismantling the top part and removing the door
We start disassembling from the top hinge, since it is this that holds the main weight of the sash. In most models Gorenje the upper loop is covered with a decorative plastic cover. Carefully pry it off with a flat screwdriver or knife, being careful not to damage the plastic.
Under the cover you will see mounting bolts. Their number varies from two to four depending on the model. Use a socket wrench or screwdriver to remove them. Do not remove the bolts completely if the door has not yet been fixed by an assistant to avoid distortion.
After loosening the fasteners, the top hinge must be removed. If there is a display on the door, now is the time to disconnect the wire connectors. Proceed carefully, do not pull the wires sharply so as not to damage the contacts.
⚠️ Attention: When disconnecting the display cables, be sure to remember or photograph the order in which the connectors are connected. Mixed-up contacts can damage the electronic control board.
Now that the top hinge is freed, you can begin to remove the door itself. Hold the sash with one hand and finally unscrew the hinge bolts with the other. Remove the hinge from the door.
Gently lift the door up to remove it from the bottom support sleeve. This action is best performed by two people due to the significant weight of the product. Place the removed door on the prepared soft surface with the outer side facing up.
☑️ Stages of door removal
If you are working with a two-chamber refrigerator, then after removing the upper door, a similar procedure will need to be done with the lower door of the freezer. The principle of operation remains the same, but it is worth considering the smaller size of the elements.
Rearranging hinges and fittings
After the doors are removed, it is necessary to rearrange the fittings to the opposite side. At the end of the door you will see holes closed with plastic plugs. These plugs need to be removed and moved to the vacant spaces on the other side.
Use a thin screwdriver to pry off the plugs. Do not use excessive force to avoid breaking the plastic clips. The rearranged plugs should fit tightly and not protrude beyond the surface of the end.
Now let's deal with the loop itself. On many models Gorenje the loop is symmetrical, but sometimes you need to turn it over or rearrange the pin. Study the design: if the pin is eccentric, it needs to be moved to the opposite hole on the hinge itself.
To move the pin, you may need to knock it out by lightly tapping it or unscrew it if it is threaded. After repositioning, make sure that the pin is securely fixed and does not wobble. This is critical to the longevity of the mechanism.
What to do if the holes do not line up?
In some rare cases, the holes on the case may be closed with factory plugs. The refrigerator often comes with a set of additional plugs and screws just for such cases. Check the instructions or package with documents.
A similar procedure for rearranging the plugs and adapting the hinges must be carried out for all doors being removed. Don't forget about the handle if it is asymmetrical and requires reinstallation, although in modern models this is rarely required.
Check the package for spare bushings or washers. Sometimes, when changing the side of the hinge, it is necessary to replace the lower support sleeve with a mirror one or simply rearrange it.
Installing the door on the new side
The installation process begins with installing the lower support sleeve into the hole on the opposite side of the body. The bushing should fit snugly in the socket. If it has guides, make sure they are oriented correctly.
Take the door and carefully slide it onto the bottom bushing. While holding the door in a vertical position, align the holes for the top hinge with the matching holes on the refrigerator body. Here again you will need the help of a second person.
Put the top hinge in place and tighten the mounting bolts. Do not tighten them all the way at once. First, make sure that the door is level and that nothing is blocking its movement. Only after this can you begin the final fixation.
Tighten the bolts of the upper hinge with force, but without fanaticism, so as not to strip the threads. If the display cable was disconnected, now it needs to be connected and placed in the designated channel so that it does not fall under moving parts.
| Element | Action | Tool | Nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Attachment to body | Socket wrench | Do not tighten until door is installed |
| Lower bushing | Installation in the socket | Hands | Must fit tightly |
| Plugs | Rearrangement at the end | Flat screwdriver | Do not break the latches |
| Cable cable | Connection | Hands | Make sure of the polarity |
Repeat the procedure for the second door if you have a two-chamber model. The sequence of actions is maintained: first the lower support, then installing the door, then the upper hinge.
Adjusting the position and checking the operation
After installing all the elements, you need to check the geometry. The door should fit evenly around the entire perimeter of the body. If you notice a misalignment, you will need to adjust the height of the refrigerator legs or tighten the hinges.
For adjustment, use the front adjustable supports. By rotating them, you can raise or lower the corner of the refrigerator, achieving the correct tilt of the body back for gravity closing. Tightness depends on the correct tilt angle.
Check the operation of the magnetic seal. Run your hand along the perimeter of the closed door - there should be no noticeable gaps or places where the seal does not fit tightly. If the door closes with difficulty or, on the contrary, slams, you need to adjust the position.
Plug in the refrigerator and listen to the operation of the compressor. Make sure that when the door is closed, the indicator lights up (if there is one on the body and not on the door) or the light inside the chamber goes out.
⚠️ Attention: If, after hanging, the door begins to touch the body or shelves, do not use force. Loosen the hinge fastenings and re-align the position of the sash.
Pay attention to the gaps between the door and the body. They should be the same on top and bottom. Asymmetry of the gaps indicates incorrect installation of the hinges or misalignment of the refrigerator body itself.
Frequent errors and troubleshooting
One of the common mistakes is the loss of small fasteners. To avoid this, use a magnetic tray or container with compartments for storing screws. The loss of even one bolt can disrupt the balance of the door.
Another mistake is ignoring the rearrangement of the plugs. If you leave the holes open, moisture and dust will get in there, which will eventually lead to corrosion of the metal and damage to the appearance of the door end.
Sometimes users forget to check the floor level. If the floor is uneven, the refrigerator may not be stable, which puts stress on the hinges and prevents them from closing properly. Use a building level to check.
Why does the door not hold with a magnet?
If after rehanging the door no longer holds tightly, you may have installed the seal incorrectly or damaged it during installation. The reason may also be that the case is skewed.
If you encounter a problem that the screws do not fit into the holes, do not drill new holes. Most likely you are using the wrong holes or the hinge is installed upside down. Carefully study the design again.
In the case of models that have a complex ventilation system between the chambers, make sure that when rearranging the doors, the air ducts were not pinched if they pass through the hinges. This is relevant for technology No Frost.
Is it possible to rehang the door yourself without losing the warranty?
In most cases, the manufacturer allows the user to independently change the side of the hinge, as this is provided for by the design. However, if parts are damaged during the process (threads are torn off, plastic is broken, cable is torn), the warranty case may not be recognized. Keep all removed parts and act carefully.
What to do if the length of the wires for the display is not enough?
Usually the cables are laid with a margin. If the length is not enough, the wire may not be installed correctly in the channel. Do not try to extend the wire yourself, it is dangerous. Check if it is caught in a loop and try to straighten its bend.
Do I need to wait before turning it on after rehanging?
No special waiting is required, since the compressor and system were not affected. However, if the refrigerator was lying for a long time during transportation before this, the rules of waiting 2-4 hours before turning it on are mandatory. If it just stood vertically, turn it on right away.
How to properly adjust the door if it warps?
Adjustment is carried out by loosening the hinge bolts and moving the door in the desired direction, after which the bolts are tightened again. Adjusting the height of the front legs of the refrigerator also helps.