The situation when the standard arrangement of refrigeration cabinet doors no longer suits the owner arises quite often. This may be due to moving to a new apartment, where the kitchen layout dictates different ergonomic requirements, or simply a desire to improve access to products. For owners of equipment Candythat the design of most models allows you to change the opening side without calling a technician.
The process of rehanging refrigerator doors Candy is not technically difficult, but it requires attentiveness, accuracy and adherence to a strict procedure. Failure to follow the dismantling sequence or failure to secure moving parts can result in damage to decorative panels, broken plastic fasteners, or even personal injury. In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions, the necessary tools and the nuances of adjusting the fittings.
Before starting work, it is necessary to prepare the workplace and free up space around the unit. You will need to move the refrigerator at least one meter away from the wall to ensure easy access from all sides, and remove all shelves, drawers and containers to reduce the weight of the structure and prevent them from falling.
Preparation of tools and work area
Quality preparation is the key to successful completion of the job. To perform dismantling and installation operations with refrigerator doors Candy you will need a basic set of hand tools, which can be found in the arsenal of any home craftsman. The main tool will be hex wrench (usually 4 or 5 mm in size), since this is what most of the screws in the hinge groups of this brand are tightened with.
In addition to the keys, be sure to stock up on flat and Phillips screwdrivers. A flathead screwdriver may be needed to carefully remove decorative plugs and plastic caps covering fasteners. It is also extremely useful to have a soft rag or thick cardboard on hand, which should be placed on the floor in front of the refrigerator.
- 🛠️ A set of hex keys (imbus) of different sizes.
- 🔧 Phillips and flathead screwdrivers (preferably with magnetic tips).
- 📏 Construction level for checking the horizontal installation after work.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
It is important to note that some models may be equipped with special keys or have specific types of screws. If your refrigerator Candy is under warranty, make sure that re-hanging the doors yourself does not void the manufacturer's warranty, although this is usually allowed if the seals on the compressor are not damaged.
Dismantling the upper part and removing the upper door
The process should always start from the top of the unit. The first step is to remove the top decorative panel or cover, if it is structurally provided for in your refrigerator model Candy. Often it is under this that the upper hinge fastenings are hidden. Carefully pry off the plastic plug with a flat-head screwdriver, being careful not to scratch the glossy surface.
⚠️ Attention: Before removing any elements, make sure that the refrigerator is unplugged from the power supply. This will eliminate the risk of a short circuit if the wiring of the temperature sensors is accidentally damaged if they are installed in the doors.
After gaining access to the top hinge, unscrew the mounting bolts, but do not remove them completely immediately. Loosen the fastening first, supporting the door so that it does not move abruptly. The upper door of the refrigerator Candy usually is heavier than the lower door due to the presence of a shelf on the door, so it is better to do the work together. One person should hold the door while the other unscrews the screws.
After removing the top door, put it in a safe place, first laying it down with a soft cloth or cardboard. Your path to the middle hinge and bottom door mechanisms is now clear. Pay attention to the condition of the seals and hinges: while the doors are removed, they can be wiped from dust and dirt, which will improve the tightness in the future.
☑️ Preparation for dismantling
Removing the bottom door and rearranging the hinges
The bottom door, as a rule, is attached to one or two hinges, which are also can be combined with the middle part mechanism. To remove the bottom door of the refrigerator Candy you need to unscrew the bolts of the bottom hinge. Here it is important not to lose washers and bushings, which may fall out during dismantling.
After removing both doors, we move on to the most important part - rearranging the fittings. Hinges on refrigerators Candy are often symmetrical or have holes for fastening on both sides. You need to dismantle the hinge mechanism on one side of the case and move it to the opposite.
Pay attention to plug holes. On the side where the hinges were previously attached, there will be open technological holes. They must be closed with decorative plugs, which are usually supplied with the refrigerator or are already installed in the holes on the opposite, now working, side. If the plugs are lost, they can be carefully cut out of black plastic or use special furniture stickers.
Attaching the hinges in a new place should be done with force, but without fanaticism. Over-tightening can strip the threads in the aluminum frame or deform the metal hinge plate, causing the door to warp. Use a thread locker if the screws do not have a factory coating that prevents spontaneous unscrewing.
Installing doors on a new side
Installing doors on a new side is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling, but taking into account a mirror change in geometry. The bottom door is installed first. Align the holes in the end of the door with the pins or bushings of the lower hinge.
When installing the upper door of the refrigerator Candy it is critically important to correctly align the rotation axes. Often the top hinge has an adjustment screw that allows you to adjust the height of the door relative to the body. Insert the hinge pin into the appropriate hole and carefully lower the door, being careful not to damage the bottom hinge.
- 🚪 Make sure that the magnetic seal is not bent and lies flat around the perimeter.
- 🔩 Check that all hinge screws are tightened evenly.
- 👀 Visually assess the gaps between the door and the body on all sides.
If your model provides for rearranging the handle, then this step is performed now. Handles on refrigerators Candy can be attached to screws on the inside of the door or have a hidden installation. Carefully move the handle to a new location using the holes provided by the manufacturer.
What to do if the holes for the handle do not match?
In some models of Candy refrigerators, holes for the handle may only be on one side. In this case, to transfer the handle, you will need to drill new holes, which is highly not recommended to do yourself without special conductors, since you can damage the internal contour of the door or the No Frost system. If there are no holes, consider installing an overhead handle-profile.
Adjusting gaps and tightness
After installing the doors in place, the work does not end. The next stage is fine adjustment. Doors should close tightly, without gaps, but not too tightly. The gap between the door and the refrigerator body Candy must be uniform around the entire perimeter.
To adjust the height of the door, use a screw in the top hinge. By rotating it clockwise, you raise the door, counterclockwise, you lower it. This allows you to align the joint line between the upper and lower door if it is visually skewed.
| Problem | Possible cause | Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| Door does not fit underneath | Low landing of the door | Unscrew the adjusting screw of the upper hinge |
| Gap on the side of the hinges | Weak tightening of the hinges | Loosen and re-tighten the screws, pressing the door |
| The door slams when closing | The gap is too large or misaligned | Adjust the legs of the refrigerator or the position of the hinges |
Also, the position of the refrigerator itself affects the tightness of the seal. If the floor is uneven, the cabinet may be skewed, which automatically creates gaps. Use a building level and height-adjustable legs of the refrigerator Candyto align the unit strictly horizontally.
Typical mistakes when hanging doors
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes, not to mention beginners. One of the most common problems is loss of fasteners. Refrigerator hinge screws Candy often have a specific thread and length, and replacing them with regular ones from a hardware store can result in the door not fitting correctly or dangling.
Another common mistake is ignoring the condition of the seals. When turning the doors over, the rubber seal may become deformed, as it is “accustomed” to a certain direction of pressure.
⚠️ Attention: If after installation you notice that the seal at the bottom of the door has moved away from the body, do not try to glue it right away. Allow the rubber to cure for 24 hours. If the problem persists, the seal can be heated with a hairdryer at low temperature to restore elasticity.
Do not forget about the electrical components. In some refrigerator models Candy the power wires for the backlight or door sensors may pass through the hinges. When rearranging doors, it is necessary to carefully rearrange the wiring harnesses so that they are not pinched or strained. A stretched wire is a risk of breakage and failure of the electronics.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before hanging the doors?
Yes, this is highly recommended. Complete defrosting will make the unit lighter, making it easier to move and tilt. In addition, melt water can flow out when the case is tilted, if there is liquid left in the drainage system, which will lead to damage to the floor covering.
Is it possible to lose the warranty if I re-hang the doors myself?
Re-hanging the doors myself, as a rule, is not a basis for voiding the warranty if the refrigerator components were not damaged in the process, seals have been torn off the compressor or the integrity of the factory fastenings marked with paint has been damaged. However, if you are in doubt, it is better to clarify this point with the service center Candy.
What to do if after installation the door does not close completely?
Check whether the products on the shelves of the door or in the main compartment are not in the way. Make sure the refrigerator is level. If there are no mechanical obstacles, you may need to adjust the angle of the body: the front part should be slightly higher than the back so that the door closes itself under the influence of gravity.
Where can I get new plugs for the holes if the old ones are lost?
Plugs can be ordered at the official service center of the brand Candy, indicating the exact refrigerator model. An alternative option is to choose universal furniture plugs of a suitable diameter and color at a hardware store or mask the holes with decorative stickers.