The situation when a refrigerator LG no longer fits into the updated kitchen interior is familiar to many owners. It often happens that after moving or remodeling, the door opens in the wrong direction, blocking the passage or access to the work area. Fortunately, the design of most modern models of the Korean brand provides the ability to change the opening side, which allows you to adapt the technique to new conditions.
The rehanging process door hinges requires care and a minimal set of tools, but technically it is quite accessible for independent implementation. You do not need to be a professional craftsman to cope with this task in one hour, if you strictly follow the sequence of actions and do not ignore the mounting features of your model. The main thing is to understand that different series of refrigerators may have unique design nuances.
In this article we will look in detail at how to flip the door on refrigerators LG with and without a display. We will look at preparing the workplace, dismantling old fasteners, moving the fittings to the opposite side and final adjustment of the gaps. Compliance with all steps will allow you to avoid damaging the case or breaking the seal.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This is critically important, since when removing doors, access to electrical connectors is often required, and the risk of a short circuit or electric shock must be completely eliminated.
Preparation of tools and workspace
The success of the re-hanging operation directly depends on how well you prepare the area and tools. You will need free space around the refrigerator LGso that you can walk around it on all sides. It is recommended to move the unit at least one meter away from the wall, providing easy access to the ends and back of the case.
As for tools, the basic set usually includes several screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead), a wrench (often 8 or 10 mm) and pliers. Some models LG may require a hex key, which is sometimes included with the equipment. It would also be a good idea to prepare a soft cloth or cardboard to place them under the removed parts and not scratch the floor or the door itself.
☑️ Checklist for preparing for work
Don't forget to clear the door shelves from food and bottles in advance. This will not only make the structure lighter, reducing the load on the hinges during dismantling, but will also protect your supplies from falling. If your model has a system No Frost, make sure that the air supply channels will not be blocked during the work.
Design features and types of hinges
Refrigerators LG are divided into several types based on the design of the door mechanism, and understanding these differences is the key to a successful reinstallation. In most cases, upper and lower rotary hinges are used, as well as clamps (stops) that determine the opening direction. For models with a display on the door, an electrical component is also added - the screen power cable, which requires careful handling.
There are two main types of fastenings: hidden and visible. Hidden hinges are often closed with decorative plugs, which must be carefully removed before unscrewing. Visible hinges are located on the outside and are generally easier to maintain. It is important to note that the rotation axes in different models may have different diameters, so you cannot move the hinges from one refrigerator to another.
Is it possible to rehang the door if it has a display?
Yes, this is possible, but it requires more caution. You will have to disconnect the cable that goes to the control panel. The main thing is not to jerk the cable sharply and remember (or photograph) the location of the contacts before disconnecting. Typically, connectors have latches that must be pressed before removal.
Particular attention should be paid to simulating air flow. In some budget and older models, overhang may be limited by the design of the air ducts. If the instructions for your specific model indicate that rearranging the door is not possible, it is better not to risk the integrity of the cooling system. LG overhang may be limited by duct design. If the instructions for your specific model indicate that door relocation is not possible, it is better not to risk the integrity of the cooling system.
Dismantling the top part and removing the main door
The process begins with removing the top cover of the refrigerator (if there is one) and the top hinge. In models with a display, first remove the decorative panel that hides the wires. Carefully unscrew the screws holding the cover in place and set them aside. Next, you need to disconnect the wire connectors leading to the control panel on the door.
After the electrical is turned off, we move on to the mechanical part. Use a wrench or screwdriver to remove the bolts securing the top hinge. Here you will need an assistant: one person should hold the heavy refrigerator door LGwhile the second unscrews the fasteners. Abrupt removal of the load can lead to distortion or fall of the structure.
After removing the top hinge, carefully lift the door and remove it from the bottom axis. Place the door on a prepared soft surface with the outer side facing up. Now you can start removing the handles and hinge mates if they interfere with further rearrangement. Remember that fasteners are best placed in a separate container so as not to be lost.
⚠️ Attention: Do not leave the refrigerator door leaning against the wall or cabinet without secure fixation. Due to a shift in the center of gravity, it may tip over and break or damage the floor covering.
If your model has a magnetic latch or tongue lock, it must also be removed from the current side and prepared for installation on the opposite side. Often, this requires simply unscrewing one screw from the inside of the door end.
Moving fittings and changing the opening side
The most critical stage is transferring all fastening elements to the opposite side of the body and door. At the ends of the door and on the body of the refrigerator LG you will see symmetrical holes closed with plastic plugs. Remove the plugs from the new side and install them in the places where the old hinges were attached.
Move the lower support hinge to the new side. To do this, you may need to remove the refrigerator's base panel (bottom front). Unscrew the bolts, move the loop to the other side and tighten the fasteners securely. Make sure the hinge pin fits straight into the hole provided for it.
Now let's work on the door. Rearrange the handle (if it is asymmetrical) and the mating part of the upper mount. In some models LG the handle is attached to special pins, and to move it you just need to remove the locking rings or unscrew the screws from the inside. After rearranging all the elements, check that nothing protrudes and does not interfere with a tight fit.
It is important to check the condition of the sealing rubber. When the door is turned over, the load on it will change. If you notice creases or deformation, heat the seal with a hairdryer at low temperature so that it straightens and takes the desired shape.
Installing the door and connecting electronics
After preparing all fastening points, you can begin installation. Place the door on the lower axis, holding it in a vertical position. Have a helper hold the structure in place while you install the top hinge. Insert the bolts into the holes and tighten them by hand without fully tightening them.
If your model has a display, now is the time to connect the wires. Insert the connectors until you hear a characteristic click. Make sure that the wires electrical cable are not pinched by the metal of the loop and do not touch moving parts. Carefully place the harness in the intended channel and close the decorative cover.
Only after making sure that all the wires are connected and laid out can you finally tighten the bolts of the upper hinge. Use a wrench to apply the necessary force, but do not overtighten the threads to avoid stripping them. Check that the door hangs level and does not fall to the sides.
Adjusting gaps and checking tightness
The final stage is adjustment. The refrigerator door LG should close tightly, but without excessive force. If you notice a misalignment, it can be corrected using adjusting screws on the hinges (if they are provided for in the design) or by placing washers. The gap between the door and the body must be uniform around the entire perimeter.
Check the operation of the magnetic seal. Run your hand along the joint - there should be no gaps anywhere through which the cold escapes. To check, you can use a sheet of paper: clamp it between the door and the body in different places. If the sheet is pulled out too easily, it means that the fit in this place is insufficient.
| Parameter | Normal | Action when deflected |
|---|---|---|
| Gap around the perimeter | Uniform, without visible gaps | Adjusting the height of the hinges |
| Closing force | Average, with fine-tuning on the last centimeter | Lubricating the hinges or checking the floor |
| Tightness seal | The sheet of paper is clamped tightly | Warming with a hairdryer or replacing the rubber |
| Display operation (if any) | Lights up immediately after switching on | Check the connection cable |
After mechanical adjustment, turn on the refrigerator. Let it run for 10-15 minutes and listen. Are there any new sounds, creaks or knocks? If the door is installed correctly, the operation of the compressor and fans should remain silent.
⚠️ Attention: If after rehanging the door does not close completely or moves away on its own, the floor under the refrigerator may be sloped. Check the horizontal installation using a level and adjust the front support legs.
Common mistakes and expert advice
When doing work with their own hands, beginners often make common mistakes that can negate all efforts. One of the most common is the loss or confusion of fasteners. Hinge bolts LG often have different lengths and thread pitches, and installing a long bolt in a short hole can lead to through penetration of the wall or jamming of the mechanism.
Another mistake is ignoring the instructions for a specific model. Although the principle of most refrigerators is similar, the location of the mounting holes and the presence of additional fasteners may differ. Always check the technical documentationthat comes with your device.
Also worth mention cleanliness. While the doors are removed, it is a great idea to wipe down the ends of the frame and the inside of the door to remove dust and dirt that has accumulated over the years of use. This will improve hygiene and extend the life of the seal.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before hanging the door?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, if there is a lot of ice in the freezer, it is better to wait for it to melt so that water does not flow onto the floor or into the hinge mechanisms when the position of the unit changes.
Is it possible to rehang the door on an LG Side-by-Side refrigerator?
On most models Side-by-Side reversing the doors is impossible due to complex cold distribution system and the presence of a central partition. Check this information in the instructions for your specific model, as exceptions are rare.
What to do if, after installation, the door does not fit well?
Check whether anything is interfering with the seal (products on shelves, packaging). If there are no obstacles, try heating the rubber seal with a hairdryer or loosen the fasteners a little and adjust the position of the door. Also make sure that the refrigerator is strictly horizontal.
Will the warranty remain valid after re-hanging it yourself?
Officially, any intervention not performed by an authorized service center may be grounds for denial of warranty service. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to call a specialist.