Re-hanging the refrigerator door Don is a task that every owner faces sooner or later. The reasons may be different: inconvenient opening due to the layout of the kitchen, damage to the hinges, or simply a desire to update the interior. Unlike many brands, refrigerators Don (manufactured under the brand DONEX or DonClima) have a standard hinge design, which simplifies the process. However, there are nuances that depend on model, year of manufacture and even type of compressor.
Many are afraid to take on this work themselves, for fear of damaging the seal or breaking the tightness. In fact you can re-hang the door of a Don refrigerator in 1-2 hoursif you prepare correctly and follow the instructions. The main thing is not to rush and take into account the weight of the door (especially for two-chamber models), which can reach 15-20 kg.
In this article you will find step-by-step instructions with photosa list of necessary tools, as well as answers to Frequently asked questions: what to do if the door does not close well after hanging, how to adjust the hinges and when is the best time to contact a technician.
Preparing for rehanging: tools and safety measures
Before you start work, make sure you have everything necessary. To hang the refrigerator door Don you will need:
- 🔧 Phillips screwdriver (usually PH2) - for most models Don Phillips screws are used.
- 🔨 Wrench (size 10 or 13 mm) - for fixing hinges on some modifications.
- 📏 Level - to check the evenness of the door after installation.
- 🧲 Magnetic screwdriver or screw holder - will simplify working with small parts.
- 🧴 Silicone grease or Vaseline —for processing the seal after rehanging.
- 🧤 Gloves with rubber pads —the refrigerator door is slippery, and the weight can exceed 15 kg.
Also prepare your work space:
- 🚪 Give access to the refrigerator from all sides - you will need room to maneuver.
- 🧊 Remove all products and unplug the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before starting work.
- 📦 Place a soft cloth or cardboard under the door in case of a fall.
⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator Don is equipped with a systemNo Frost, after re-hanging the door, restarting the fanmay be required. In some models (for example Don EX-388), to do this you need to press the buttonSuper Coolfor 5 seconds.
Some models Don (especially released before 2020) have asymmetrical hinges. This means that there may be no mounting holes on the opposite side. In this case, you will need drill new holes or use universal liningsthat come with the refrigerator. Check this in advance!
Don refrigerator hinge diagram: where and how they are attached
Hinge design for refrigerators Don depends on the type of model. Let's consider three main options:
- Single-chamber refrigerators (for example, Don EX-145) - have two hinges: upper and lower. The upper hinge is usually fixed on the body, and the lower one on the door.
- Two-chamber with a freezer at the bottom (for example, Don EX-388 NF) - added here middle loop for freezer compartment, which is attached to the body.
- Side-by-Side (for example, Don SBS-550) - the most complex design with four hinges (two on each door) and additional fasteners.
Below is a table with typical fastening patterns for popular models:
| Refrigerator model | Number of hinges | Mounting type | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Don EX-145 | 2 (top + bottom) | Screws + nuts | Bottom hinge height adjustable |
| Don EX-388 NF | 3 (top + middle + bottom) | Screws + plastic bushings | The middle hinge is attached to the freezer |
| Don SBS-550 | 4 (2 for each door) | Screws + metal plates | Synchronous adjustment of both doors is required |
| Don Retro-100 | 2 (decorative hinges) | Hidden fastening | You will need to remove the top cover |
For most models Don hinges are attached on four screws: two on top and two on bottom. However, in refrigerators with a system No Frost there may be a additional lock (plastic or metal plate) that holds the door closed. It must be carefully removed so as not to damage.
Important: for models Don with an electronic display (for example, Don EX-450 Digital) when reversing the door, it may The closing sensor has gone astray. After installation, check whether the indicator Door Open on the panel is lit - if yes, you will need to reboot the system (turn off the refrigerator for 10 minutes).
Step-by-step instructions: how to remove the refrigerator door Don
The process of removing the door consists of several stages. Follow the instructions carefully so as not to damage the seal or hinges.
☑️ Preparing to remove the door
- Remove the decorative plugs from the hinges (if any). They are usually attached to latches or screws for a screwdriver.
- Unscrew the top hinge:
- Support the door from below so that it does not fall.
- Unscrew the screws securing the hinge to refrigerator body (usually 2-3 pieces).
- Carefully remove the hinge and set it aside.
- Remove the bottom hinge:
- Lift the door up to free it from the bottom hinge pin.
- If the hinge is fixed with a nut, unscrew it with a 10 mm wrench.
- Remove the door and place it on a prepared surface (for example, on a table covered with a blanket).
- If there are already holes for fastening, simply rearrange hinges.
- If there are no holes, use a template (usually included with the refrigerator) or drill new holes with a drill.
For models with freezer compartment (for example, Don EX-388) you will also need:
- 🔹 Remove the middle hinge that secures the freezer door.
- 🔹 Move the seal latches to the other side.
- 🔹 Check whether the overhanging door ventilation grille (for models with
No Frost).
⚠️ Attention: If when removing the door you notice that the seal has moved away from the door, do not try to glue it back with tape! Use special glue for rubber (for example Loctite 406) or replace the seal with a new one.
Installing the door on a new side: nuances and adjustment
Now that the hinges have been transferred, you can begin installing the door. This stage requires special care, since incorrect installation can lead to distortion of the door or tightness failure.
- Install the bottom hinge:
- Insert the hinge pin into the hole on the door.
- Secure the hinge to the refrigerator body with screws (do not tighten it all the way!).
- Place the door onto the top hinge:
- Lift the door and align the holes with hinge pin.
- Make sure the door hangs straight, without distortion.
- Tighten all screws:
- Start with the bottom hinge, then secure the top.
- Use a level to check for evenness doors.
- The door should open smoothly, without resistance.
- If the door is spontaneously opens, tighten the screws on the hinges or adjust the height of the lower hinge.
- Disconnect the refrigerator from the mains for 5 minutes.
- Turn it back on and simultaneously press the
Super CoolandSuper Freeze3 buttons seconds. - Wait until the message appears on the display
OK.
For models Don with electronically controlled (for example, Don EX-450 Smart) after rehanging, you may need reset settingsFor this:
For refrigerators Don with water dispenser (for example, Don SBS-550 W), additional settings will be required:
- 💧 Move the water supply tube to the other side.
- 🔌 Check whether the tube is pinched by loops.
- 🔧 Adjust the position of the dispenser so that the glass fits freely into the compartment.
Checking for leaks and eliminating problems
After re-hanging the door, you need to make sure that the refrigerator is working correctly. Here's what you need to check:
- 🔍 Tightness of the seal - take a sheet of paper, close the door and try to pull it out. If the sheet comes out easily, the seal needs to be adjusted.
- 🌡️ Temperature mode —after turning on the refrigerator, wait 2-3 hours and check if the temperature reaches the set values.
- 🔊 Extraordinary sounds —if there is a creaking or knocking noise, the hinges may not be tightened enough or are skewed.
- 💡 Backlight —make sure that the light inside the refrigerator goes off when the door is closed.
If the door does not close tightly, the reasons may be the following:
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Door comes off at the bottom | Bottom hinge too high | Loosen the screws and lower hinge by 1–2 mm |
| The door touches the body | Distortion of the upper hinge | Adjust the horizontal position of the hinge |
| The seal does not fit | Deformation rubber | Heat the seal with a hairdryer (temperature 50–60°C) and shape it |
| The door opens spontaneously | Tilt the refrigerator forward | Adjust the legs so that the refrigerator is slightly tilted back |
For models Don with the system No Frost after re-hanging the door, it may increase compressor operating time. This is normal - the refrigerator needs 12-24 hours to stabilize the temperature. If after a day the compressor is still running without stopping, check:
- 🔹 Tightness of the seal.
- 🔹 Correct connection of the temperature sensor (if there is one on the door).
- 🔹 Is the door blocking the ventilation holes.
⚠️ Attention: If, after hanging the door, the refrigerator Don starts make a lot of noise to vibrate, immediately unplug it! This may indicate damage to the refrigerant pipes. compressor misalignment or damage to the refrigerant pipes. In this case, professional repair is required.
Features of overweighting for different models Don
Although most refrigerators Don have a similar design, some models require a special approach. Let's look at the most common cases.
1. Refrigerators with a freezer at the bottom (Don EX-388, Don EX-450)
These models have a freezer compartment separate door, which is mounted on the middle hinge. When overhanging:
- 🔹 First remove the top door (refrigerator compartment).
- 🔹 Then remove the bottom door (freezer).
- 🔹 Move the middle hinge to the other side, taking into account what it may have asymmetrical shape.
2. Side-by-Side rejuvenators (Don SBS-550, Don SBS-600)
These models have two independent doors, each of which is attached to two hinges. Features:
- 🔹 The hinges on such refrigerators are often height adjustable - this allows you to align the doors relative to each other.
- 🔹 When overhanging it is necessary synchronize the position of both doors, otherwise they may cling to each other friend.
- 🔹 Some models have central lockwhich holds the doors closed - it also needs to be moved.
3. retro models (Don Retro-100, Don Retro-150)
These refrigerators have decorative hingeswhich can be hidden under the top cover. For hanging:
- 🔹 Remove the top panel (usually it is attached to 2-4 screws).
- 🔹 The hinges in these models often non-separable - they need to be replaced entirely.
- 🔹 The seal may be glued rather than inserted into the groove - be careful when removal.
What to do if there are no holes for hinges on the new side?
If your refrigerator Don does not have holes for attaching hinges on the opposite side, do not panic! The refrigerator usually comes with template for drilling (plastic or cardboard blank). If there is no template, do the following:
1. Attach the loop to the attachment point and trace it with a pencil.
2. Drill holes with a drill (drill diameter - 3-4 mm).
3. Use screws with a press washer for secure fixation.
4. If the refrigerator body is thin, place it under the hinge metal plate for reinforcement.
When it is better to call a specialist: 5 signs that you should not take risks
Although hanging the refrigerator door Don is a feasible task for most users, in some cases it is better to trust a professional if:
- 🔧 The refrigerator is located under warranty —self-repair may void the warranty.
- 💥 When removing the door, you noticed damage to the refrigerant pipes (copper or aluminum tubes going to compressor).
- 🔊 After re-hanging, extreme noise or vibrationappeared that were not there before.
- ❄️ The refrigerator does not cool or vice versa, does not turn off after rehanging.
- 🔄 You have a model with electronic control unit (for example, Don EX-500 Smart), and after re-hanging an error appeared on the display (code
E1,E2etc.). - Distortion of the hinges — check whether the door hangs evenly and adjust the position of the hinges.
- Deformation of the seal — heat it with a hairdryer (temperature 50–60°C) and give the desired shape.
- Tilting the refrigerator forward —adjust the legs so that the refrigerator is slightly tilted back.
- Ingress of foreign objects —check does a label or a piece of seal interfere with closing?
- 🔹 Silicone grease —the best option, since it does not attract dust.
- 🔹 Vaseline —a temporary solution, but quickly collects dirt.
- 🔹 Special lubricant for refrigerators (for example, WD-40 Specialist).
- Turn off the water supply and drain the remaining water from the system.
- Move the water supply tube to the other side (it is usually attached clips).
- Reinstall the dispenser unit (in some models it is removable).
- Check the tightness of the connections after connecting the water.
- 🔹 Single-chamber refrigerators: 1500–2500 rubles.
- 🔹 Two-chamber: 2000–3500 rubles.
- 🔹 Side-by-Side or models with a dispenser: 3000–5000 rubles.
- 🔧 Dismantling and installation of the door.
- 🔨 Adjustment of hinges and seal.
- 📋 Diagnostics of the refrigerator after rehanging.
Cost of professional re-hanging of the refrigerator door Don at service centers is from 1500 to 3500 rubles, depending on the model and region. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to pay for the service than to risk expensive repairs.
Please note: in some cities there are official service centers Donthat provide discounts on repairs upon presentation of a warranty card. Check this information on the manufacturer's website or by calling the hotline.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about re-hanging the doors of the Don refrigerator
Is it possible to re-hang the door of the Don refrigerator without assistant?
Theoretically, yes, but it is extremely inconvenient and dangerous. The refrigerator door weighs 10–20 kg, and it is very difficult to hold it with one hand while tightening the screws. The risk of dropping the door and damaging the body or seal is extremely high. If there is no assistant, use carpentry clamps or belts for fixing the door in a suspended state.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door of the Don refrigerator does not close?
There may be several reasons:
If the problem persists, the hinges may be installed wrong side (some models Don hinges are asymmetrical).
Do you need to lubricate the hinges after rehanging?
Yes, it is recommended to do this so that the hinges do not creak and last longer. Use:
Do not use vegetable oil or grease —they thicken over time and can damage the hinges.
Is it possible to reverse the door of a Don refrigerator with a water dispenser?
Yes, but this is a more complicated procedure. You will need to:
If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to call a specialist - water leakage can damage the electronics refrigerator.
How much does it cost to rehang the door of a Don refrigerator at a service center?
The cost depends on the model and region:
B the cost usually includes:
Check the price in advance - some service centers they charge an additional fee for the technician to visit.