The need to change the opening side of the refrigerator often arises when moving to a new apartment or after remodeling the kitchen, when the standard door location becomes inconvenient. Reposition the refrigerator door - a task that can be completely solved on your own if you have a basic set of tools and an understanding of the hinge mechanism. Modern models of household appliances, be it Bosch, LG or Indesit, often provide for this possibility at the design stage.
Before proceeding with dismantling, it is important to make sure that your model technically allows such manipulations. Most manufacturers leave hidden holes for fastening on the opposite side of the case, closed with decorative plugs. If there are no threaded holes for hinges at the end of the case, it is impossible to rehang the door without complex modification of the case, which is not recommended. The process requires care, since the door leaf has significant weight and can be damaged if handled carelessly.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions, the necessary tools and specific features for different types of refrigeration units. You will learn how to properly prepare the work area, remove old hinges and install fittings in a new location. Compliance with the sequence of operations ensures that after assembly the refrigerator will work correctly, and the seal will ensure proper tightness.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
High-quality preparation is the key to successful completion of the work without damage to the kitchen unit or the unit itself. You will need to clear out some space around the refrigerator so that you can access it from all sides, including the top and bottom. It is recommended to cover the floor with thick cardboard or soft material, since heavy parts may fall during operation.
To dismantle and install the hinges, you will need a standard DIY kit. Basic tools include:
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead) for working with screws of different diameters.
- 🔩 Wrenches or sockets (often required size 8, 10 or 13 mm) for tightening hinge bolts.
- 🧤 Construction gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧱 A level or assistant for holding the door in a level position.
Particular attention should be paid to the type of fastener. In some models, for example, in rulers Samsung or Whirlpool, specific screws with a countersunk head or hexagonal slot may be used. Key Tools must be in good working order so as not to tear off the bolt heads. If the hinges are rusty or stuck, penetrating lubrication may be required, but this is rare on new refrigerators.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to unplug the refrigerator! Remove the plug from the outlet to avoid the risk of electric shock or accidental start of the compressor while handling the wiring.
Also, prepare a container for small parts in advance. Bolts, washers and decorative plugs are very easy to lose on the floor, and it will be difficult to find replacements for them later. Magnetic cup or a small jar is ideal for storing fasteners in one place.
Removing the top hinge and removing the door
The re-hanging process always starts from the top of the unit, since it is the top hinge that often holds the door in a vertical position. First you need to remove the decorative panel if it blocks access to the fasteners. Usually it is either pryed off with a flat screwdriver or moved to the side along the guides.
After gaining access to the mechanism, you need to loosen, but not completely unscrew, the bolts of the upper hinge. It is critical that someone hold the door at this stage, otherwise it may fall under its own weight and damage the floor or finish. If you work alone, use special suction cups or wedges, but it is better to enlist the help of an assistant.
Then the algorithm of actions is as follows:
- 🚪 Completely unscrew the bolts securing the top hinge to the refrigerator body.
- 🙌 Carefully lift the door, removing it from the bottom support axis (if the design allows) or move it to the side.
- 🔌 If electronics (display, lamp) are installed on the door, carefully disconnect the wire cables, remembering their location.
The removed door should be put in a safe place, placed on a soft surface with the outer side up so as not to scratch the facade. You now have access to the top of the case to rearrange the elements. Please note that in some models top hinge may be asymmetrical, and for the new side you will need to turn it over or use components from the repair kit that comes with the refrigerator.
☑️ Preparing to remove the door
Work with the lower support and rearrangement of elements
After removing the door, attention turns to the lower part. In most designs, the bottom hinge is a support hinge and is often combined with a locking or height adjustment mechanism. You need to dismantle the lower support pin or plate on one side and move it to the opposite.
To do this, unscrew the fasteners holding the lower bracket. Sometimes it may be hidden under the plastic base of the refrigerator, which must be carefully removed. When rearranging the elements, carefully monitor their orientation: the pin must fit into the corresponding hole in the door strictly vertically.
It is important to check the condition of the threaded holes. If factory grease or dust gets into them, it is better to blow them out or wipe them. Lower support experiences the greatest load, so it must be secured as securely as possible. In models with the system No Frost in this area there may also be channels for draining melt water, which cannot be damaged or pinched.
Nuances of rearranging the studs
In some models, the studs have different lengths or diameters for the left and right sides. Always check the instructions for details. If the pin does not fit into the hole freely, do not hammer it in - check the installation side for compliance.
Do not forget to rearrange the locking elements, if they are provided for in the design. These can be plastic bushings or metal clamps that prevent the door from opening spontaneously during transportation. They also need to be transferred to the new side, into the corresponding technological holes.
Installing hinges on the new side
Now that all the elements are prepared and transferred to the opposite side, you can begin installation. Install the top hinge (or bracket) to the new location, tightening the mounting bolts by hand. Do not tighten them completely at once - this will allow you to adjust the position of the door when hanging.
Make sure that all decorative plugs are rearranged. On the old side, where there will now be no hinges, the holes need to be closed with plastic plugs, which are usually included in the kit or are already installed on the back side. This is necessary to preserve the aesthetic appearance and protect the inside of the case from dust.
The table below will help you navigate the sequence of actions for different types of hinges:
| Hinge type | Installation features | Required tools |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed (integrated) | Requires complete removal of the door from the axis | 10-13 mm key |
| Removable (on a pin) | Door can be removed vertically up | Screwdriver, pliers |
| Hidden (secret) | Fastening inside the case, access required | Long Phillips screwdriver |
When installing, make sure that hinge mechanism is not skewed. If the hinges are skewed, the door will not close tightly or, conversely, too tightly. Ideally, the gaps between the door and the body should be uniform around the entire perimeter.
Hanging the door and connecting the electrics
The most crucial moment is putting the door in place. Carefully lift the door leaf and slide it onto the lower support pin. Make sure that the hole in the door aligns exactly with the axis. If the door is equipped with a magnetic lock or an opening sensor, make sure that they do not interfere with the installation.
Once the door is seated on the bottom support, align the top holes with the previously installed top hinge. Insert the mounting bolts and begin tightening them. At this stage, an assistant is again needed to hold the door in the desired position while you fix the upper fasteners.
If your model is equipped with a display or control panel on the door, you need to connect the cables. Do this very carefully, as the wires are electronic panel thin and break easily. The connectors usually have latches that need to be bent before removal and snapped back until a characteristic click is heard.
⚠️ Attention: Do not allow the wires to be pinched between the case and the door during installation. Damage to the insulation can lead to a short circuit or incorrect operation of the temperature sensors.
After finishing with the wires, finally tighten all the bolts of the upper and lower loop. Check that the door opens and closes smoothly, without jerking or extraneous sounds. The seal must fit evenly around the entire perimeter of the housing.
Adjusting the position and checking the tightness
After installation, final adjustment is often required. If the door is warped or does not fit tightly, use the adjusting screws (if the model has them) or tighten the hinge bolts, loosening them slightly. In some refrigerators Electrolux or Haier the height of the legs of the refrigerator itself also affects the angle of the doors, causing them to close on their own.
Checking the tightness is a mandatory step. Take a piece of paper or a banknote and clamp it around the perimeter of the door. When closed, the paper should be pulled out with noticeable force. If it falls out or is pulled out too easily, it means that in this place seal it does not fit tightly.
What to do if the door does not fit:
- 🌡️ Warm up the deformed area of the seal with a hairdryer (carefully, without overheating the plastic) and press.
- 🔧 Loosen the hinge fasteners on the loose side and move the door slightly.
- 🧹 Clean the surface of the seal and the mating part of the body from dirt and grease.
Give it to the refrigerator stand in the off state for 2-3 hours after installation, especially if you tilted the unit strongly during operation. The oil in the compressor should return to the crankcase. After this, you can turn on the device and load the products.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to rehang the door on a two-chamber refrigerator separately for each chamber?
Yes, in most two-chamber models (Atlant, Indesit) the upper and lower doors are hung independently of each other. However, the procedure may vary: sometimes you need to first remove the top door of the freezer to gain access to the main chamber mounts. Carefully study the diagram in the instructions.
What to do if the holes for the hinges on the new side are smooth, without threads?
This means that the refrigerator model does not provide for re-hanging the doors in the factory way. You cannot drill new holes in the housing - this will damage the thermal insulation and lead to corrosion. In such cases, the opening side remains unchanged.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging it?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, if you plan to tilt the refrigerator for easier access to the bottom screws, it is better to unload the food and defrost the chamber so that water does not get into the electronic units or onto the floor.
Why did the door begin to open on its own after rehanging?
Most likely, the angle of the entire refrigerator is broken. For proper closure, the housing must be tilted slightly backwards. Adjust the height of the front legs of the refrigerator by unscrewing them so that the front part rises.