Redesigning a kitchen or simply a desire to improve the ergonomics of the space often raises the question of changing the direction of door opening for owners of household appliances. Gorenje refrigerators, like many modern models, are initially designed taking into account the possibility of such modification, which greatly simplifies life for users. The re-hanging process does not require calling a specialist if you have basic skills in working with tools and strictly follow the algorithm of actions.
However, haste is unacceptable here. Incorrectly installed hinges or not fully tightened bolts can lead to misalignment of the blade, loss of tightness and, as a result, failure of the compressor due to increased load. In this article we will analyze in detail all stages of work, from preparing the tool to the final adjustment of the gaps.
Before proceeding with dismantling, it is necessary to clear the working area. Remove all products, shelves and drawers to make the structure as light as possible. This will not only make physical work easier, but will also protect the contents of the chambers from falling during manipulations with the heavy case.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Remove the plug from the socket to eliminate the risk of short circuit or electric shock if the wiring in the loop area is accidentally damaged.
To successfully complete the task, you will need a minimum set of tools, which are usually found in every home. The main tool will be hex wrench (often included with the equipment) or a set of screwdrivers. An assistant will also be useful, since the doors, especially in two-chamber models, have significant weight.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
Quality preparation is half the success. If you start turning the bolts by weight or without fixing the housing, there is a high risk of stripping the threads or scratching the floor. Cover the floor in front of the refrigerator with soft material: cardboard, a blanket or special rugs. This will protect the kitchen covering and the appliance itself.
You will need the following tools:
- 🔧 A set of hex keys (the main tool for Gorenje hinges)
- 🪛 Phillips and flathead screwdrivers (for removing handles and plugs)
- 🔨 Small hammer (carefully knock out the plugs if they are tight)
- 🧤 Work gloves (protect your hands from sharp metal edges)
- 🧼 Clean rags (wipe the hinges from grease and dust)
It is important to ensure good lighting of the work area. The shadow of your body should not fall on the area where the hinges are attached, otherwise you may miss an important detail of fixation. If the model Gorenje has a display or electronic control on the door, find the circuit for disconnecting the loop in the instructions in advance, since the procedure may differ there.
☑️ Preparing for re-hanging
Pay special attention to the stability of the refrigerator itself. If the floor is slippery, secure the feet or place anti-slip mats under them. During operation, lateral pressure will be exerted on the body, and the device should not wobble.
Dismantling the upper door and removing the handles
The process begins from the upper chamber. In most models Gorenje this is where it is more convenient to start working, since the top loop often holds the entire structure. First you need to remove the decorative plugs that hide the fasteners. They can be made of plastic or metal and are often simply inserted into holes.
If your model has hidden handles or an integrated profile, removing them may require removing the entire front panel. However, in classic models with external handles the algorithm is simpler. Unscrew the screws securing the handle and carefully remove it. Do not use excessive force to avoid breaking the plastic fasteners.
⚠️ Attention: Some models of Gorenje handles are attached to hidden latches. If the screws are not visible, do not try to pull the handle by force - check for the presence of decorative trims at the end or bottom.
After removing the handle, access to the upper mounting bolts becomes available. Use hexagon an appropriate size (usually 4 or 5 mm) to unscrew them. At this moment, an assistant must hold the door, since it no longer holds anything.
What to do if the bolts are rusty?
If the fasteners do not give in, do not use force - you can tear off the edges. Apply some penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) to the threads and wait 10-15 minutes. If lubricant is not at hand, you can gently warm the metal with a hairdryer, but avoid hot air getting on the rubber seal.
It is better to immediately put the removed door in a safe place, resting it against the wall through a soft gasket. Working with it in weight when reinstalling the hinges will be extremely inconvenient and dangerous.
Removing the bottom door and main hinge
After the upper part is freed, we move on to the bottom door. The principle of operation is similar, but there are some nuances. The bottom hinge is often the support for the entire structure, so its removal requires special care.
First remove the decorative panel or plinth at the bottom of the refrigerator if it interferes with access to the bottom hinge. Then remove the bolts securing the door to the hinge. It is important not to lose bushings or washers that may be located between the hinge and the door - they regulate the gap.
Now you need to dismantle the central hinge itself, which connected the upper and lower doors. To do this:
- 🔩 Unscrew all the fastening bolts holding the hinge on the refrigerator body.
- 🚪 Carefully remove the hinge, being careful not to drop it on your feet.
- 🧹 Clean the installation site from old grease and dust.
- 🔍 Inspect the hinge axis for wear or deformation.
In some Gorenje models with the system No Frost an air channel may pass through the central part. Be careful: if you see holes or channels in the hinge, they will need to be correctly aligned during reassembly, although in most cases remounting only affects mechanical fasteners.
After removing all the moving parts, you are left with only the holes in the case. Now is the time to start reinstalling the fittings on the opposite side.
Rearranging fittings and hinges
On the opposite side of the Gorenje refrigerator body you will find symmetrical holes closed with plastic plugs. Your task is to remove these plugs and move them to the vacant places where the hinges were previously attached. This will provide an aesthetic appearance.
You can use a thin screwdriver or knife to remove the plugs. Be careful not to damage the housing coating. If the plugs are metal and are knocked out from the inside, use a hammer, placing a wooden block so as not to deform the metal.
Now install the main hinge on the new side. It is important to orient it correctly. Many Gorenje hinges have marking TOP (top) or a directional arrow. Make sure that the hinge axis points upward and the mounting holes coincide with the holes in the body.
| Element | Action | Nuance |
|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Rearrange to the other side | Watch the orientation of the pin |
| Bottom loop | Move down to the new side | Check the height of the axle |
| Plugs | Move to old places | Latch all the way |
| Stoppers | Rearrange in the door | Use the thread on the other side |
Secure the loop with bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet. Leave a little play for later adjustment. This will allow you to adjust the position of the doors after installation.
Installing doors on new hinges
We begin assembly in the reverse order. The bottom door is installed first. Lift it and put it on the axis of the lower loop. This is the most difficult stage, requiring physical strength and coordination. An assistant should hold the door level while you attach the fastening bolts.
Then the central hinge is installed (if the model is two-chamber). It is put on the axis of the lower door and screwed to the body. After this, the upper door is placed on the axis of the central hinge. Make sure that the axles fit into the holes freely, without distortions.
If your Gorenje refrigerator has a system AutoClose or magnetic fasteners, make sure that When installing the door, the magnets coincided with the mating parts on the body. Incorrect installation may result in the door not closing completely.
Screw in all the bolts securing the doors to the hinges. Use a hex wrench to tighten evenly. Move diagonally, tightening the bolts gradually to avoid distortion of the metal.
Adjusting gaps and checking tightness
After installing the doors, it is necessary to carry out a thorough adjustment. Doors should open freely, without friction against the body, and close tightly. The gap between the doors (in two-chamber models) should be uniform along the entire length.
To adjust, use the adjusting screws on the hinges (if provided by the design) or loosen the fastening and slightly move the door. Check the operation of the magnetic seal. It should be adjacent to the body along the entire perimeter.
How to check the tightness:
- 📄 Take a sheet of paper and clamp it with the door.
- 🔄 Try to pull the sheet out - it should come out with force.
- 👀 Walk around the entire perimeter, checking the fit at different points.
⚠️ Attention: If after adjustment the door still does not fit tightly, the seal may have been deformed during storage. Warm it up with a hair dryer (not too hot air) or leave the door closed for several hours - the rubber should straighten out.
Make sure that when the door is closed, the light inside goes out and the compressor starts after the required time. If the door is skewed, the compressor will run continuously, causing it to overheat.
Common mistakes and troubleshooting
Even following the instructions, you can make mistakes. One of the most common is the loss of small parts. Washers, bushings and set screws can easily get lost on the floor. If you feel that the structure is loose, check that all fastening elements are present.
Another common problem is overtightened bolts. Excessive force can cause the threads to become deformed or even crack the metal hinge. Tighten the fasteners tightly, but without fanaticism. Gorenje metal is of high quality, but not infinite.
If you encounter the following symptoms, check the assembly:
- 🔊 Creaking when opening - there is not enough lubrication on the hinge axis.
- 🌬️ The door opens itself - the stopper is installed incorrectly or is skewed body.
- ❄️ Ice at the bottom is a violation of the tightness, the seal does not fit well.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not close completely?
Most likely, the horizontal level of the refrigerator is broken. When re-mounting, the center of gravity shifts. Try unscrewing the front adjustable feet to raise the front of the refrigerator. The door should close on its own under its own weight if it is open less than 45 degrees.
Is it possible to hang the door if it has a display?
Yes, but it is more difficult. You will need to disconnect the cable that runs from the case to the control panel. Before turning off, be sure to turn off the power to the refrigerator. When assembling on the other side, make sure that the wire is long enough (usually there is a reserve) and it is not pinched by loops.
Do you need to wait before turning it on after rehanging?
It is not necessary to wait specifically if you did not tilt the refrigerator more than 45 degrees. However, if you tilted the unit too much, it is better to wait 2-4 hours before turning it on, so that the oil in the compressor flows into the crankcase.
Where can I get new plugs if the old ones are lost?
Plugs are a consumable item. They can be ordered from the official Gorenje service center based on the refrigerator model. As a last resort, the holes can be sealed with a decorative sticker in the color of the body, although this is less aesthetically pleasing.
Why did the Gorenje door begin to open too tightly?
Perhaps you tightened the bolts of the upper hinge too much, and the axle became jammed. Loosen the fastener half a turn. Also check whether the door touches the shelves or products inside that may have moved during work.
The final step will be to plug in the refrigerator. Let it idle for about 2-3 hours before loading food. This will allow the system to enter mode and make sure that the temperature regime is maintained and the door closes hermetically.