Changing the layout of the kitchen or simply a desire to improve ergonomics often raises the question of changing the side of the door opening for the owner of household appliances. Re-hanging the hinges on the refrigerator is a standard procedure provided for by the design of most modern models, from budget Indesit to premium Liebherr. It allows you to adapt the unit to narrow passages or simply make it more convenient for right- or left-handed people to use.
The process does not require calling a specialist or having complex professional equipment. A basic set of tools, attentiveness and adherence to the sequence of actions are enough. The main technical difficulty lies in accurately fixing the position of the case during dismantling in order to avoid damage to the fasteners or the fall of a heavy door. In this article we will analyze in detail each stage of work, paying attention to the nuances for different types of handles and finishing systems.
Before starting the active phase, it is necessary to evaluate the scope of work. Some models have symmetrical holes on both sides, others require the use of adapters or rearrangement of internal mechanisms. Improperly done reweighing can lead to a loose seal, which will cause ice freezing and increased energy consumption. Therefore, it is important to strictly follow the algorithm that corresponds to your specific modification of the equipment.
Preparation of tools and workspace
High-quality preparation of the place is the key to success and safety. The refrigerator is a heavy unit, and access to its bottom must be free. Move the equipment at least a meter away from the wall so that you can walk around it from all sides. Be sure to empty the shelves and drawers, especially the top ones, since when the cabinet is tilted, objects can move and damage the interior finish.
To work, you will need a set of tools that can be found in the arsenal of any home craftsman. Pay special attention to the quality of the screwdrivers: the slots should sit tightly in the grooves of the screws so as not to strip the threads. Also prepare a container for small parts - the loss of even one screw can stop the whole process.
The list of necessary equipment includes:
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flathead, preferably magnetic)
- 🔩 Socket wrenches or sockets (sizes 8, 10 are often required mm)
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges
- 🧱 Wooden block or stand for fixing the door in the open position
- 🧼 Rags for wiping mechanisms and removing old grease
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Remove the plug from the socket to eliminate the risk of a short circuit in case of accidental damage to the wiring running inside the door, or contact of metal tools with live parts.
☑️ Preparation for rehanging
Analysis of the design and type of door handles
The design of the door mechanism may vary significantly depending on the manufacturer and year of manufacture of the model. In modern units, two types of handles are most often found: mortise (hidden in the solid door) and overhead (fastened with screws from the outside). The first stage of dismantling depends on the type of handle.
If you have mortise handle, it is usually fixed with self-tapping screws on the inside of the door leaf. You will need to open the door and look for holes in the end or on the internal profile. In the case of overlay handles, the fastening elements are often hidden under decorative plugs. These plastic or metal linings must be carefully pryed off with a thin knife or flat screwdriver.
Models with a system No Frost and electronic control require special attention. In these refrigerators, a wiring harness may run through a hinge or along the door leaf to power the display or lamp. Before removing the door, make sure that the wires have sufficient length to be transferred to the other side, or that the design allows them to be disconnected.
Removing the top door and hinges
You should always start work from the top door, since it is removed first and provides access to the lower fastenings (in two-chamber models). First remove the top trim panel, if equipped. The top loop is hidden under it. Carefully unscrew the mounting bolts holding the hinge, but do not remove them completely until you secure the door.
Ask an assistant to hold the door so that it does not fall after the bolts are finally unscrewed. If you don't have a helper, use a pre-prepared block of wood or a stack of books to support the bottom edge of the door. After removing the top hinge, carefully lift the door and remove it from the bottom pin.
Now we move on to the bottom hinge of the top door (which is the top hinge for the bottom door). It also needs to be dismantled. In some models Bosch or Siemens the hinge axis can be integrated into the door body, and it must be removed along with the door. Carefully inspect the mechanism: if you see a retaining ring or retainer, remove it before dismantling.
For ease of storage and subsequent assembly, arrange the removed parts in the order in which you removed them. This is especially true for bushings and washers, which may have different thicknesses or diameters.
| Element | Action | Tool | Nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decorative plug | Pry with a knife | Flat screwdriver | Do not damage the plastic |
| Upper hinge | Unscrew the bolts | Socket wrench | Hold the door |
| Bottom pin | Remove from the body | Pliers | Maybe tight |
| Bushings | Save | Tweezers | Do not lose small parts |
Rehanging the bottom door and moving fittings
The bottom door of the refrigerator often has a more complex design due to the presence of a freezer compartment. After removing the top door you will have access to the bottom door mount. The principle of operation is similar: we unscrew the central hinge (which has now become the top hinge for the lower door), remove the door.
The key point is the transfer of the mating part of the lock and the opening limiter. At the end of the door, on the opposite side, there is usually a plastic socket for a magnetic lock or mechanical lock. It must be removed using a thin screwdriver and installed in the prepared symmetrical hole on the other side. Often this requires turning the part 180 degrees.
If your model provides for rearranging the handle, then at this stage the old holes on the front panel are closed with special plugs (usually included with the refrigerator), and new ones are drilled or opened if there are already technological holes there. Models LG and Samsung often use universal holes, covered with decorative inserts.
What to do if you lose the plugs?
If you have lost the plastic plugs for the old holes for the handle, do not leave the holes open - moisture and dirt will get there. You can temporarily cover them with a decorative sticker in the color of the body or order a set of plugs from an official dealer of the brand. You can also use a piece of plastic, cut to size and placed on glue, but this is less aesthetically pleasing.
Don't forget to check the condition of the sealing rubber. When turning the door over, the rubber band may require adjustment. Sometimes it has to be rearranged, swapping the upper and lower parts if the profile of the seal is asymmetrical, although in modern models this is rarely required.
Assembling and installing hinges on the new side
Assembly is done in the reverse order, but taking into account the new opening side. Start by installing the bottom door. Insert the lower pin (axis) into the refrigerator body from the new side. Make sure it fits snug and straight. Place the door on the axle, making sure it fits into the grooves.
Install the middle hinge (which will now be the bottom for the top door and the top for the bottom). Secure it with bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet. This will allow you to later adjust the position of the doors so that they stand level and do not warp.
Then install the top door. Place it on the top axle and mount the top hinge. Now that the entire structure is assembled, you can begin the final tightening. Move the doors up and down and from side to side, achieving ideal clearance around the entire perimeter.
⚠️ Attention: Do not over-tighten the hinge bolts. Excessive force can deform the metal hinge body or strip the threads in the door's aluminum alloy, causing play. Tighten until contact is tight, then add approximately 10-15% force.
Adjusting the position of the doors and checking the tightness
After installing the hinges in a new place, it is critical to correctly adjust the position of the doors. A loose fit will cause the refrigerator to run non-stop, trying to compensate for the loss of cold. Visually assess the gaps: they should be the same along the entire length of the joint.
To adjust the height of the door, adjustable supports (legs) in the front of the refrigerator are often used. By rotating them clockwise, you raise the angle; counterclockwise, you lower it. Achieve a position so that the doors close on their own when opened at an angle of about 30-45 degrees (self-closing effect).
You can check the tightness with a simple test with a sheet of paper. Press the door around the perimeter of the leaf and try to pull it out. If the paper is pulled out with noticeable force, the seal is good. If the sheet falls out or is pulled out freely, additional adjustment of the hinges or replacement of the seal is required.
Frequent errors and ways to eliminate them
Even following the instructions, beginners can make mistakes. One of the most common is incorrect installation of the opening limiter. If you forget to rearrange this plastic stop, the door will hit the body of the refrigerator when opening, which can lead to chips of the enamel or breakage of the hinge.
Another problem is the mixed sides of the hinges. Some loops have a specific shape and are not symmetrical. If you try to install the left hinge on the right, the bolts may not fit into the holes or the door may not fit correctly. Always check the shape of the parts with the holes in the body.
Table of common problems:
- ❌ The door does not close completely - check if the contents of the shelves are in the way or if the seal is installed incorrectly.
- ❌ Severe misalignment of the door - loosen the hinges, align the door and tighten again.
- ❌ Creak when opening - it is necessary to lubricate the hinges and check the vertical installation of the refrigerator itself.
- ❌ The gap between the doors is too large - adjust the height of the legs of the refrigerator.
⚠️ Attention: The design of the hinges and the location of the fasteners holes may vary depending on the specific series and model year. If you see that the holes don't line up or the parts don't fit, stop and check the official instructions for your model on the manufacturer's website.
Is it possible to rehang a door if it is glass?
You need to be extremely careful with glass doors (models with stained glass). Often their fastening elements are hidden, and the structure itself is less torsionally strong. For such models, it is strongly recommended to use the original adapters included in the kit and not to apply force to the glass surface during installation.
Is it necessary to empty the refrigerator of food before rehanging it?
Yes, this is a mandatory requirement. Full shelves significantly increase the weight of the door, which creates a risk of dropping it when removing the hinges. Additionally, food may become dislodged and break. Empty the refrigerator completely or at least remove all heavy objects from the door shelves.
What to do if you have lost the instructions for the refrigerator?
Don’t be upset. Find the model of your refrigerator (usually a sticker inside the chamber or on the back). Enter “model + door reversal” or “model number + door reversal” into the search. Manufacturers often post diagrams in PDF. YouTube videos for a specific series will also help.
Is it possible to hang the door on a built-in refrigerator?
It is possible, but more difficult. You will need to remove the decorative furniture trim. The process is similar, but you need to be careful with the facade fasteners. The help of a second person is often required, since the structure of the furniture door is very heavy.
Why did the door begin to close worse after rehanging?
Most likely, the installation geometry is broken. Check whether the refrigerator itself is level (use a level). If it is tilted back, the door will open on its own, but will not seal properly. Also check if the seal is wrapped during installation.