Changing the layout of the kitchen or rearranging furniture often dictates new conditions for the placement of large household appliances. Owners of refrigerators LG often face the need to change the side of the door opening in order to provide convenient access to products. Fortunately, the design of most modern models of the brand provides the ability to reverse the door without calling a specialist.
This process requires accuracy and a minimum set of tools, but allows you to save time and money. Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply by removing the plug from the socket. This is a critical safety rule, since you will be working with metal elements and tools next to electrical components.
In this article we will analyze the reinstallation process in detail, paying attention to the nuances of dismantling the fittings and adjusting the gaps. You will learn what are technical features characteristics of different series of LG refrigerators, and how to avoid common mistakes during installation.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
To successfully complete the task, you will need a basic set of home craftsman. You should not rely on improvised means, as careless handling of fasteners can damage decorative overlays or break threads. The main tool will be wrench or a set of heads, usually 8 mm or 10 mm in size, depending on the model.
Also prepare a flathead and Phillips screwdriver. In some cases, especially when working with models LG DoorCooling+, you may need a hex wrench to remove decorative plugs. It is important that the workspace is free and the floor is covered with soft material so as not to scratch the floor covering or the unit itself.
Be sure to empty the door shelves of products and remove all removable elements. Heavy water bottles or glass jars may fall out when tilted, so it's best to be on the safe side. If your model has a display or control panel on the door, make sure that you have access to the wire connectors.
Removing the top panel and handle
The first step is to remove the top cover of the refrigerator. On most models LG it is secured with two or four screws at the back. Use a suitable screwdriverto unscrew them and carefully slide the cover forward and then up. Do not use excessive force to avoid breaking the plastic clips.
After removing the cover, access to the upper door hinge is available. Here it is important to pay attention to the presence of wires going to the control panel or display. If wires are present, they must be carefully disconnected, first remembering or photographing the position of the connectors. Often connectors have latches that must be pressed before removal.
⚠️ Attention: Never pull on the wires themselves. Hold only the connector body to avoid breaking the conductive wires inside the insulation.
Next, remove the decorative plug from the top loop. Depending on the design, it may be glued or held on with latches. Gently pry it off with a flathead screwdriver. After this, you can unscrew the bolts holding the upper canopy. Support the door with a second hand or have an assistant prevent it from falling.
Removing the door and rearranging the hinges
When the top hinge is released, carefully lift the door by removing it from the bottom pin. This is the most difficult stage, since the weight of the door can be significant. Place the removed door on a prepared soft surface with the outer side down so as not to damage the coating.
Now you need to remove the lower support sleeve (pin) and move it to the opposite side. In some models LG the lower loop also requires rearrangement. To do this, unscrew the mounting bolts from below and transfer the entire structure to the other side, using the reserved holes, closed with plastic plugs.
☑️ Check before installation
The upper hinge also needs to be turned over or rearranged depending on the design. If the loop is symmetrical, it is enough to change its orientation. If not, move it to the other side of the case. Make sure that everything fasteners is tightened tightly, but not fanatically, so as not to break the thread.
Installing the door on the new side
After preparing the hinges, you can begin hanging the door. Lift the door and slide the bottom hole onto the installed pin. Make sure it is level and not skewed. Now align the top holes with the holes in the top hinge housing.
Insert and tighten the top hinge bolts. At this stage, do not tighten them all the way, leave a little play for later adjustment. If you disconnected the wires, now is the time to connect them back, observing the polarity and order recorded earlier.
What to do if the wires do not reach?
In some models, the length of the wiring harness is designed with a small margin, but it may not be enough if laid out carelessly. If the wires are stretched, try changing the path of their routing inside the case or carefully straighten the bends. Under no circumstances should you extend the wires yourself; this will violate the warranty and may cause a fire.
It is important to check that the wires are not pinched when installing the top cover. Close the housing cover, but do not secure it with screws yet. Make sure that all cables are in the grooves intended for them and do not interfere with the movement of the mechanisms.
Adjusting gaps and tightness
After installing the door, you need to check the tightness of its fit to the body. The door must close tightly, without distortion. If you notice that one of the corners does not fit tightly, you will need to adjust the height of the lower support or the position of the upper hinge.
For adjustment, special screws or changing the position of the washers under the hinges are often used. By turning the adjusting screw, you can achieve the ideal position of the door relative to the body. The gap around the perimeter should be uniform, usually about 2-3 mm.
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution method |
|---|---|---|
| The door does not hold | Contamination seal | Wash with warm water and soap |
| Door distortion | Incorrect pin installation | Check the installation of the lower bushing |
| Difficult to close | The seal is too tight | Wait 24 hours or lubricate with silicone |
| Gap at the top | Hinge bolts not tightened | Loosen and re-tighten the top loop |
If adjustment by mechanical means does not help, check the condition sealing rubber. It should be clean and elastic. If the rubber has become deformed during storage, it can be heated with a hairdryer or given time to straighten out after installation.
Final assembly and performance check
After making sure that installation and adjustment are correct, you can complete the assembly. Reinstall all decorative plugs covering the mounting holes. They not only improve the appearance, but also protect the metal from corrosion. Secure the top cover of the refrigerator with screws.
Connect the refrigerator to the power supply. Pay attention to the operation of the fan and compressor - there should be no extraneous sounds. Check whether the display lights up (if any) and whether the touch buttons work correctly, since the calibration may have been lost when moving the door.
During the first 24 hours, monitor the temperature conditions. If the refrigerator begins to operate cyclically and maintain the set temperature, then the operation was successful. Make sure that when you close the door, the light inside goes out and the magnetic lock (if equipped) works.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
One of the common mistakes is the loss of fasteners. When dismantling, it is better to put the screws in a separate container and label which part they were removed from. Mixed-up bolts may not match the length or diameter of the thread, which will lead to breakdown.
Another mistake is ignoring the instructions for a specific model LG. The design of the hinges may differ depending on the year of manufacture and series (for example, LG InstaView versus classic models). Always check the original diagram if it is preserved.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to forcefully close the door if you feel resistance from the wires inside. This can lead to cable rupture and expensive electronic repairs.
Also, do not forget about the floor level. If the refrigerator is not level, the door may open or close spontaneously. Use adjustable legs to level the horizon. The correct tilt angle of the body back helps to automatically close the door.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before hanging the door?
It is not necessary to defrost the refrigerator if there is no ice in the chamber. However, it is better to remove the products in order to reduce the weight of the structure and avoid their damage in case of delay in work.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not close tightly?
Check whether anything is interfering with the seal (shelves, packaging). If there are no mechanical obstacles, try adjusting the position of the door using the screws on the hinges or leveling the legs of the refrigerator.
Is it possible to hang the door on an LG refrigerator with a display?
Yes, you can, but it is more difficult. You need to be extremely careful with the cables running to the display. In some models, the length of the wires may be limited, which requires special care when laying.
Will the warranty still apply if I re-hang the door myself?
Re-hanging the door yourself will not void the warranty unless you damage the equipment in the process. However, if you strip a thread or break the display, there will be a repair fee. Keep all removed parts.