Modern kitchens often require redevelopment, and the standard arrangement of household appliances may no longer suit you owners Re-hanging the door on an LG refrigerator - this is the optimal solution that allows you to adapt the unit to a new space configuration without losing functionality. Many users mistakenly believe that this process requires calling a specialist, however, the design of most brand models allows you to independently change the opening side.
The procedure for changing the hinge of the door leaf requires care and adherence to a certain sequence of actions so as not to damage accessories or break the tightness of the seal. In this article, we will analyze in detail each stage of the work, from preparing the tools to the final adjustment of the gaps, which will allow you to complete the task efficiently and safely.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Before starting any manipulations with the structure of the refrigerator, it is necessary to prepare the appropriate tool kit. To work with fastenings LG you will need wrenches (most often 8, 10 or 13 mm), flat and Phillips screwdrivers, and pliers. It will not be superfluous to have a building level and a soft rag on hand to protect the housing cover from scratches during dismantling.
It is important to ensure sufficient space around the unit: move the refrigerator away from the wall at least 50-70 centimeters. This will provide free access to the side and top panels, where the main panels are located Fixation mechanisms. If the model is equipped with a display or No Frost system with complex wiring in the door, make sure that you have access to an electrical network for possible testing after assembly.
- 🔧 A set of wrenches or sockets of the appropriate size.
- 🪛 Various types of screwdrivers (PH2, flat spline).
- 📏 Construction level for checking geometry.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp edges.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply by removing the plug from the socket. This will prevent the risk of a short circuit if the wiring going to the door modules is accidentally damaged.
Pay special attention to the condition threaded connections. If the refrigerator has been in use for a long time, the bolts may be too tight or covered with oxides. In such cases, it is recommended to use a penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40), applying it 10-15 minutes before unscrewing, to avoid thread stripping or fastener breakage.
Design analysis and model compatibility
Not all models of LG refrigerators support reversible door function, so the first step is to study the technical documentation or visually inspect the ends of the housing. There should be technological holes on the side panels, closed with decorative plugs, where they will be transferred hinges. If there are no holes on one side or the panel is solid, then re-hanging for this modification is impossible without serious modernization.
Modern series LG DoorCooling+ or models with the InstaView system often have a complex internal door structure, including ventilation ducts and additional sensors. In such cases, the procedure may differ from the standard one, and the presence of jumpers in the housing sometimes makes reverse physically impossible. Always check the product data sheet, which indicates the possibility of changing the opening side.
| Model type LG | Possibility of re-hanging | Complexity of work | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single chamber (without ice maker) | Yes | Low | Minimum electronics in the door |
| Two-chamber (Top Mount) | Yes (often) | Average | Relocation of air ducts required |
| Side-by-Side | No | Not applicable | The design does not provide for reverse |
| With a display on the door | Depends on the model | High | Re-soldering or lengthening of the cables is required |
If you are the owner of the model Side-by-Side, then, unfortunately, you will not be able to change the opening side due to the monolithic design and location of the compressor unit. In other cases, after making sure there are holes, you can begin preparation. Remember that the absence of factory holes on the opposite side makes the procedure impossible without drilling the metal, which is strictly not recommended.
Removing the top panel and refrigerator door
The process begins with removing the top cover of the case, which often hides the fasteners of the top hinge. Carefully unscrew the screws securing the panel and slide it back or up, depending on the design of your model. Under the panel you will find top hingeto which the door leaf is attached.
Before unscrewing the hinge itself, you need to fix the door in the open position or ask an assistant to hold it. Abruptly removing the fasteners can cause the heavy door to fall and damage the floor covering or the technician's feet. Unscrew the bolts of the top hinge and remove it together with the axle.
- 🔩 Remove the decorative plug from the top hinge.
- 🔓 Unscrew the bolts securing the top hinge to the body.
- 🚪 Remove the refrigerator door from the bottom hinges.
- 🛡️ Place the dismantled door in a safe place, placing soft material.
⚠️ Attention: Do not allow the door to skew during removal, as this may deform the lower hinge or damage the rotation axis. Keep the blade strictly vertical.
After removing the door, inspect the holes in the body from where the bolts were removed. They may have plastic bushings or threaded couplings installed in them, which must be moved to the opposite side. If there are plugs left in the old holes, remove them and install them in a new place where the hinge will be located after rehanging.
Removing and moving the bottom door and freezer
The next step is to work with the lower part of the unit, if we are talking about a two-chamber refrigerator. The principle of operation is similar: the decorative strip (if any) is removed, the middle or lower hinge is unscrewed, and the door of the freezer compartment is dismantled.
In models with the system No Frost air ducts often pass between the chambers, which can be fixed on the inside of the door or have flexible joints. When removing the lower door, be careful not to damage the plastic cold air ducts. If the air duct is rigidly fixed, it may need to be partially dismantled or disconnected.
After freeing the housing from the door panels, it is necessary to move keep plates and the stops to the opposite side. Use the same holes, but on the other side of the case. Make sure that all plastic elements snap tightly and do not dangle, as this affects the noise of operation and the tightness of the closure.
☑️ Checklist before installing hinges
Don't forget to move handles on the doors, if the design of the model requires their symmetrical installation. In some LG series, the handles are asymmetrical, and to transfer them you may need to purchase an additional set or use special adapters included in the delivery kit.
Installation of hinges and installation of doors on a new side
Assembly is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. First, the door freezer is installed on the lower hinge, which is already fixed on the new side. Align the canvas vertically using a level and secure it with the top (middle) loop. Tighten the bolts gradually, making sure that the door does not warp.
Then install the upper door of the refrigerator compartment. Align the holes in the bottom hinge of the door with the axle on the body, lower the door leaf and secure the top hinge. At this stage, it is important not to tighten the fasteners all the way, leaving a small gap for final adjustment of the position of the door relative to the body.
- 🔧 Install the lower hinge in a new place and secure with bolts.
- 🚪 Hang the lower door and align it with the level.
- 🔩 Fasten the middle/top hinge without tightening it completely.
- 📐 Check the vertical installation of both door leaves.
If your model is equipped with electrical components in the door (display, lamp, opening sensor), now is the time to connect the corresponding connectors. Make sure that the contacts are connected correctly and make sure that the wires are not pinched by the metal parts of the hinges when closing the door.
What to do if the wires are short?
In some cases, the standard length of the cable may not be enough to move the door to the other side. In such a situation, you will need to lengthen the wires using soldering and high-quality insulation, or replace the cable with a longer analogue from the service center.
Adjusting the position of the doors and tightness
The final and, perhaps, the most important stage is adjustment. Even with precise installation, small distortions may remain, due to which the door will not close tightly or, conversely, too tightly. Adjustment is carried out by tightening adjusting bolts on the hinges or changing the height of the support legs of the refrigerator itself.
Use a building level, applying it to the end of the door when closed. The gap between the door and the body around the entire perimeter should be the same. If the bottom of the door protrudes more than the top, you need to unscrew the front adjusting leg of the refrigerator from the corresponding side or tighten the bolt on the bottom hinge.
⚠️ Attention: Excessive force when tightening the adjusting bolts can lead to deformation of the hinge or breakage of the thread. Turn the key 15-30 degrees and check the result.
Check the work magnetic seal. The door should fit tightly to the body around the entire perimeter without gaps. To check, you can use a sheet of paper: clamp it between the door and the body in different places. If the sheet is removed with force along the entire length, it means that the tightness is ensured correctly.
Common mistakes and tips for use after rehanging
After completion of work, users often make the mistake of immediately loading the door shelves with products. Let the structure “settle”: leave the refrigerator empty for 2-3 hours, periodically checking to see if the door has dropped under its own weight. It is also recommended not to slam the door sharply on the first day so that seal takes the correct shape.
One of the common problems is the appearance of a squeak some time after rehanging. This may be due to insufficient lubrication on the new rotation axes. If you hear extraneous sounds, remove the decorative plugs and add a little silicone grease silicone grease to the hinge mechanism
- 🕒 Do not load the door shelves immediately after installation.
- 🧹 Regularly clean the hinges from dust and moisture.
- 🔍 Check the tightness of the seal once a month.
- 🛠️ If a squeak appears, immediately lubricate the rubbing parts.
If you notice that the door has begun to close worse than before reweighing, the angle of inclination of the refrigerator itself may have been disturbed. Make sure that the unit is strictly level, and the back is slightly raised relative to the front to ensure the self-closing effect self-closing.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to hang the door on an LG refrigerator with a display?
This depends on the specific model. If the length of the cables allows you to connect the display on the other side without tension and soldering, then you can. In most modern models, the wires have sufficient reserve, but in some cases the contacts need to be extended.
Are special tools needed to hang LG doors?
In most cases, a standard set of household tools is sufficient: screwdrivers and wrenches. Specialized equipment is required only for complex models with integrated control systems.
Why does the door not fit tightly after rehanging?
Most likely, the installation geometry was violated or the final adjustment of the height of the legs and the position of the hinges was not carried out. Also, the cause may be deformation of the seal, which needs to be straightened with a hairdryer or replaced.
Will the warranty remain valid after re-hanging the door yourself?
According to the law, independent repairs or modifications that lead to breakdown may become grounds for denial of warranty service. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact an authorized service.
How to understand that there are holes for hanging?
Inspect the side ends of the refrigerator body. If there are symmetrical holes on both sides (left and right) at the top and bottom, closed with plastic plugs, then the design provides for the possibility of reversing.