Modern models LG often allow you to change the direction of opening of the doors, which is especially important when remodeling the kitchen or buying a new set. The ability to adapt equipment to a specific space significantly expands the options for placing the unit in the interior. However, the process itself requires care, a basic set of tools and an understanding of the design of a specific series of devices.
Before you begin dismantling, it is important to make sure that your model actually supports door reverse. Not all budget or specific modifications have symmetrical fasteners and holes for hinges on the opposite side. Ignoring this fact may lead to damage to the case or the inability to complete the installation.
In this article we will analyze in detail the process of reversing doors, paying attention to the nuances of working with electronics, door closer mechanisms and systems No Frost. You will learn what tools you will need, how to properly dismantle the fittings, and what to pay special attention to during assembly. Compliance with the sequence of actions guarantees the preservation of the warranty and the long service life of your refrigerator.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
High-quality preparation is the key to successful installation. You will need not only a standard DIY kit, but also a place to safely store the removed parts. Before starting work, clear the space in front of the refrigerator in order to have access to it from all sides, and lay a soft cloth or cardboard on the floor to avoid scratching the coating if elements accidentally fall.
To work with fasteners, you usually need hex keys (often 4 mm or 5 mm), a Phillips screwdriver and, in some cases, an 8 mm wrench. If the model is equipped with hidden hinges or a complex system of handles, you may need a flat-head screwdriver to carefully remove the decorative plugs. It is also recommended to prepare a container for folding the screws so as not to lose them in the process.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Even if you only work on mechanical parts, there is a risk of touching wiring or sensors, which could result in a short circuit or electric shock.
Be sure to clear the door shelves of food and heavy bottles in advance. This will not only make the structure lighter, but will also prevent the contents from falling when the sash is removed from its hinges. It is easier to work with an empty unit, when nothing interferes with the view and access to fasteners.
☑️ Tools for hanging
Design analysis and model compatibility
Not all refrigerators LG structurally identical. While most two-chamber models allow you to change the opening side, some monoblock versions or devices with the system Door-in-Door may have limitations. In such cases, only the main door must be re-hung, while the additional door or access to the ice maker may remain unchanged.
Models with a display on the door require special attention. In them, it is necessary not only to rearrange the mechanical hinges, but also to move the control cable or change its connection. In models with the Linear Cooling system, additional adjustment of the gaps is often required after re-hanging, since the air circulation system is sensitive to the tightness of the circuit.
Check the lower part of the refrigerator body. There should be technological holes closed with plastic plugs. If there are no such holes on the side you need, then the model does not provide reverse. Also inspect the handle: if it is asymmetrical and does not have fastening on the other side, you will need to order a separate set of fittings or put up with an aesthetic imbalance.
Removing the top panel and main door
The process begins by removing the top cover of the refrigerator, if it is structurally provided for in your model. The mounting screws are usually located at the back or under the decorative trims at the front. Carefully unscrew them and remove the panel, gaining access to the top hinge. In some models LG the upper hinge is hidden under a decorative strip that needs to be pryed off with a flat screwdriver.
After gaining access to the upper hinge, unscrew the mounting bolts. Here Ask an assistant to hold the sash or use stops. Disconnect the wiring going to the door sensor and the display, having previously photographed or marked the connectors so as not to mix up the contacts during assembly.
Remove the door from the bottom hinge and set it in a safe place, placing it on prepared soft material. Now you can start removing the middle hinge (if the refrigerator has a three-chamber or has a freshness zone) and the bottom door. The sequence of actions is similar: unscrewing the fasteners, disconnecting the wires (if there is a backlight or sensors) and careful dismantling.
The nuances of working with wiring
When disconnecting the connectors, do not pull on the wires themselves. Use tweezers or a thin screwdriver to carefully pry the pad retainer. Sudden movements can break thin wires, the restoration of which will require soldering and skills in working with electronics.
Rearranging fittings and hinges
The most critical stage is moving the hinges and handles to the opposite side. First, remove the plugs from the holes on the body where the hinges will be installed, and cover the vacant spaces on the other side with them. Then move the mating parts of the hinges from the removed doors to the opposite end, using the corresponding holes.
For the main door, you need to move the lower pin or turning mechanism. In some models LG the lower support is a pin that is screwed into the body. Unscrew it on one side and screw it into the prepared hole on the other, making sure that the thread is seated tightly and without distortion. If the pin does not fit, do not use excessive force - check if there is a plastic element or factory grease in the way.
Door handles also require dismantling. They are usually secured with screws on the inside of the sash. After unscrewing them, remove the handle and install it on the symmetrical holes on the other side. If the holes do not match or are missing, check the package: sometimes manufacturers include an additional set of screws and plugs in the instructions or technical compartment.
Assembling and installing doors in the reverse order
Assembly is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. Start by installing the bottom door (if you have one) by sliding it onto the bottom stud. Then install the middle hinge and hang the top door. It is important at this stage not to tighten the bolts “all the way”, but to leave a small gap for subsequent adjustment of the position of the valves.
Connect all electrical connectors that were disconnected. Make sure that the wires are not pinched by the metal parts of the hinges and do not touch moving mechanisms. Carefully place the harnesses in the channels provided for them or secure them with ties, if necessary, so that they do not interfere with closing.
After installing all the doors and the top panel (or decorative trims), you can begin the final tightening of the fasteners. Use a level to check the horizontal installation of the refrigerator itself, since misalignment of the case can lead to spontaneous opening of the doors or improper operation of the compressor.
| Element | Action | Tool | Nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper loop | Reposition to the other side | Hexagon | Keep an eye on the sensor wires |
| Lower support | Unscrewing and screwing in | 8 mm wrench | Check the thread for debris |
| Door handle | Dismantling and installation | Phillips screwdriver | Use plugs for old holes |
| Plugs | Replacing sides | Flat screwdriver | Do not lose small parts |
Adjusting gaps and checking the tightness
After installation, you need to make sure that the doors close tightly and evenly around the entire perimeter. The gap between the door and the body should be the same at the top and bottom. If the door warps and does not fit in one of the corners, loosen the middle or top hinge fasteners and slightly move the door, then tighten the bolts again.
Check the operation of the magnetic seal. Carry out a test with a sheet of paper: clamp it between the door and the body at different points around the perimeter. The sheet should be removed with noticeable effort. If the paper falls out freely, it means that the seal is broken in this place, and additional adjustment of the hinges or replacement of the seal is required.
⚠️ Attention: If after adjustment the door still does not fit tightly, check whether the products on the shelves or the shelf itself are interfering with proper closing. Sometimes it’s enough just to move the containers deeper.
Plug in the refrigerator and listen to the work. The absence of extraneous squeaks when opening and closing indicates the correct installation of the hinges. During the first hours of operation, monitor the temperature in the chambers to make sure that the tightness is completely restored and the cold does not escape.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to reverse the door on an LG refrigerator with a display?
Yes, this is possible on most models. However, the process is complicated by the need to move the control panel or extend the cables. In some cases, it is necessary to flash the controller so that the display displays information correctly in the new position. It is recommended that you carefully study the instructions for your specific model or contact a service center.
What to do if the holes for the hinges do not match?
If the holes do not match, this means that the model of your refrigerator does not allow for the doors to be hung by the manufacturer. Drilling new holes in the housing is strictly not recommended, as this will damage the thermal insulation and lead to loss of warranty. In this case, you will have to return the door to its original position.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging it?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, it is recommended to empty the chambers of food to make the design lighter. If there is a lot of ice in the freezer, it is better to wait until it melts so that water does not get on the electrical contacts when tilting or dismantling.
Why, after rehanging, does the door not hold and opens by itself?
Most likely, the refrigerator is not level. For proper closure, the upper hinge must be slightly higher than the lower one (the body must be tilted back). Adjust the front legs of the refrigerator by unscrewing them to lift the front of the unit.