Modern kitchen dictates its own rules of ergonomics, and often the standard arrangement of household appliances ceases to suit the owner after rearranging the furniture. Door rehanging LG refrigerator - this is a standard procedure provided by the manufacturer for most models, which allows you to change the direction of opening the sash from left to right or vice versa. The process requires accuracy, the availability of a basic set of tools and an understanding of the design hinge groups of a specific series.
Do not be intimidated by the complexity of the operation: engineers LG Electronics provide for the possibility of modification at the design stage, leaving the necessary technological holes and spare fasteners. However, before proceeding with dismantling, it is necessary to clearly determine the type of your model, since the algorithm of actions for units with electronic display and conventional mechanical versions differs significantly. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the nuances so that you can complete the job safely and efficiently.
The main rule that many beginners forget about is completely disconnecting the device from the power supply and emptying the shelves. Removing the door without first removing the food may damage the hinges due to weight imbalance. It is also important to prepare a flat surface for laying the removed sashes, covering it with a soft material, such as a blanket or cardboard, to avoid scratching the enamel.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to make sure that the power cord is unplugged from the outlet, and the water in the system (if there is a dispenser) is turned off or drained to avoid leakage.
Preparation of tools and workplace
Quality preparation of the site is half the success. You will need at least a meter of free space in front of the refrigerator to be able to put the removed door aside. To work with fasteners, a standard set is usually sufficient, but some models No Frost may require specific keys. Check the availability of the following tools:
- 🛠️ A set of screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead) for removing plastic plugs and screws.
- 🔧 An adjustable wrench or a set of open-end wrenches (sizes 8, 10 mm are often required).
- 🔩 Hex key (usually 4 mm) to adjust the height of the legs.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
Particular attention should be paid to the condition of the fasteners. If the refrigerator has been in use for a long time, the threaded connections may have oxidized or become “sticky.” In this case, it is recommended to pre-treat the connections penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40) and wait 10-15 minutes. This will greatly simplify unscrewing the bolts and reduce the risk of stripping the threads.
Do not forget about lighting. Often the bottom of the refrigerator, where the main support is attached, is in the shade. Using an additional light source or headlamp will allow you to see all the fastener parts and not drop small elements in hard-to-reach places.
Dismantling the top part and removing the door
The process always starts with the top hinge. This is an axiom, since it is this that holds the main weight of the sash suspended. First you need to remove the decorative plug that hides the mounting bolts. On models LG it may be latched or held on by a screw.
After gaining access to the fasteners, do not unscrew the bolts completely immediately. Loosen them but leave the threads engaged. Now you will need an assistant. One person must hold the door so that it does not fall while the second one finally unscrews the screws. Top hinge is removed along with the door.
If your model has magnetic latch or a transport lock, it also needs to be removed or transferred to non-working position. Pay attention to the design of the handle: on some older models it is fastened with through bolts on the reverse side, access to which is only possible after removing the decorative caps.
☑️ Removing the upper part
Features of models with display and wiring
The greatest difficulties arise when working with models of the LG DoorCooling+ or InstaViewseries, where electronic displayis located on the external panel. In such cases, there is a wiring harness running between the body and the door, which cannot simply be transferred to the other side. The length of the standard cables usually does not allow them to be moved without extension.
Owners of such refrigerators often have to put up with the fact that the display will remain on the old side, or order extension cables from a service center. Dismantling the control panel requires special care: the cables are very thin and fragile. It is necessary to carefully snap off the plastic connector latches, under no circumstances tugging at the wires themselves.
⚠️ Attention: When working with electronics, avoid static electricity. Touch the metal parts of the case before connecting or disconnecting connectors to avoid burning the control board.
In some cases, complete disassembly of the panel is required to get to the wire attachment points. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to limit yourself to re-hanging only the bottom door (in two-chamber models), leaving the top door with the display unchanged, or contact a specialist.
What to do if the wires are short?
In some LG models, there is a reserve cable length inside the door, rolled into a bundle. Having carefully dismantled the inner door trim (removing the handle and screws around the perimeter is required), you can try to pull out this stock. However, this is difficult and can damage the thermal insulation.
Working with the bottom door and freezer
After removing the top door (or if you are only changing the side of the bottom door in a two-chamber refrigerator), move on to the bottom. The algorithm is similar, but there are some nuances. The bottom hinge is often hidden by a plinth or decorative strip at the bottom of the refrigerator.
The plinth grille is removed first. Then the bolt holding it is unscrewed lower support. The freezer door is also heavy, so you need to hold it down. After removing the hinge on the old side, you need to move the locking pin (if there is one) to the opposite side at the end of the door.
It is important to check the condition sealing rubber. While the door is removed, this is the ideal time to clean it and check the seal. If the rubber has lost its elasticity, reweighing may not help, and the door will still not fit tightly.
Don't forget about the plugs. There will be holes from the old fasteners at the end of the door and on the body of the refrigerator. The delivery set usually includes plastic plugs that need to be installed on unused holes to maintain an aesthetic appearance and protect the metal from corrosion.
Instructions for installation on a new side
Now that everything is dismantled, reassembly begins. Install the bottom hinge to the new location using the holes provided. Tighten the bolts, but not all the way yet, to be able to (fine-tune) the position.
Install the door on the lower axis. Make sure she sits up straight. Now is the time to install the top hinge on the new side. Insert the bolts and start tightening them. Here it is critically important to follow tightening order: first tighten all the bolts, then tighten them diagonally, evenly distributing the force.
After installing all the elements, check the vertical installation of the refrigerator itself. The doors should close on their own due to gravity when opened to 45 degrees. If this does not happen, adjustment support legs will be required..
Adjustment and final check
The final stage is adjusting the gaps. If the door is warped or rubbing against the body, loosen the hinges and, moving the door, achieve a uniform gap around the entire perimeter. Then finally tighten the bolts.
Check the operation of the magnetic lock and the tightness of the seal. There should be no gaps between the rubber and the body through which light can pass. Also make sure that the overhanging handle does not touch adjacent furniture or walls when fully opened.
Plug in the refrigerator and let it run for 15-20 minutes. Check to see if the temperature has changed (especially if you touched the display wires). Make sure that the compressor is operating properly and there are no extraneous vibrations that could arise due to the casing being skewed during installation.
| Structural element | Action when hanging | Tool | Important nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Dismantling and transfer | Wrench 8-10 mm | Requires door support |
| Bottom hinge | Dismantling and transfer | Hexagon | Hidden by plinth |
| Handle doors | Rearrangement of plugs | Screwdriver | Bolts can be hidden |
| Lock pin | Rearrangement at the end | Pliers | Needed for fixing in the closed state |
Is it possible to hang the door if a display is installed on it?
Technically it is possible, but it is difficult. The display wires are usually short and do not allow you to move the panel to the other side. You will either need to build up the train (which is risky) or refuse to rehang the top door. In some models, the display is asymmetrical, and transfer is impossible without replacing the control panel itself.
Are additional spare parts needed for re-hanging?
In 95% of cases, all the necessary plugs, screws and hinges are already included in the package and secured on the back wall or inside the refrigerator upon purchase. There is no need to buy anything if you have not lost the original fasteners.
Why does the door not fit tightly after rehanging?
Most likely, the installation geometry of the hinges is broken or the refrigerator itself is not level. Check the adjustment screws on the front panel (under the decorative cover) and the height of the support legs. Also check if there is anything on the shelves that is preventing the door from closing tightly.
Does re-hanging the door affect the LG warranty?
Independently re-hanging the door, as provided for by the design, is not grounds for voiding the warranty if you have not damaged any components in the process. However, if you break the plastic, strip the threads, or damage the wiring of the display, the warranty claim for these components may not be accepted. Be careful.