Moving the refrigerator door to the other side: instructions with photos and expert advice

Moving the refrigerator door to the other side is a task that many face after purchasing appliances or rearranging furniture. It would seem that what is so difficult here? But in practice, the process requires accuracy, the right tools and knowledge of the nuances of a particular model. Errors during transfer can lead to distortion of the door, tightness failure or even hinge breakage.

In this article you will find step-by-step instructions taking into account the characteristics of different brands (Samsung, LG, Indesit, Atlant etc.), a list of necessary tools, as well as typical mistakesthat beginners can use. We will look at how to avoid problems with the seal, what to do if the door does not close well after transfer, and when it is better to entrust the work to professionals.

If you are just planning to buy a refrigerator and want to find out in advance whether you can change the opening side, pay attention to the models s reversible hinges (this is usually indicated in the characteristics). Some budget refrigerators (for example Birusa or Position) do not support moving the door - this information should also be clarified before purchasing.

Before starting work, check if it is located Is your refrigerator on Warranty service. Moving the door yourself may result in denial of warranty repairs! If the equipment is new, it is better to contact the brand’s service center.

1. Preparation: tools and working conditions

Moving the refrigerator door is an operation that requires a minimum set of tools, but you can’t do it without them. Here's what you'll need:

• 🔧 A Phillips screwdriver (most often - size PH2) and a flat blade (for some models).
• 🔨 Wrench (usually 8, 10 or 13 mm - depends on the model).
• 📏 Level (preferably laser or bubble wrench 30-50 cm long) to check the evenness of the installation.
• 🧲 Magnet or a screwdriver with a magnetic tip (so as not to lose small parts).
• 🧴 Silicone grease (for hinges and seal after installation).
• 📦 Box or soft cloth for temporary storage of the door (so as not to scratch).

Before starting work be sure to unplug the refrigerator and let it stand for 1-2 hours so that the condensation evaporates. Working with wet surfaces is not only inconvenient, but also dangerous - you can damage electronics. If there is ice in the freezer, it is better defrost the refrigerator completely.

Free up space around the equipment - you will need room to maneuver the door. If the refrigerator is built-in, first remove it from the niche (removing the front if necessary). For models with water dispenser (Samsung RF23, LG InstaView), it may be necessary to disconnect the hoses - check this point in the instructions.

2. Design features: what you need to know before starting work

Not all refrigerators are designed the same. The complexity of moving the door and the need for additional actions depend on the design. Here are the key points:

Loop type:

• 🔄 Removable hinges —the simplest option. The door is removed by unscrewing several bolts (for example, in Atlant or Stinol).
• 🔗 Fixed hinges - require complete disassembly of the mechanism (found in some models Bosch and Liebherr).
• 🔧 Hidden hinges - bolts are hidden under decorative plugs (typical for Samsung and LG premium class).

Number of doors:

• 🍺 Single-chamber refrigerators (for example, Indesit TLAA 10) - moving the door takes 20-30 minutes.
• ❄️ Two-chamber models (freezer + refrigerator compartment) - you will have to move both doors, which increases time up to 1–1.5 hours.
• 🧊 Side-by-Side (Samsung RS68A8840, LG GC-B247) - the most complex design, often requires reinstallation of the dispenser.

Presence of additional elements:

• 💧 Water/ice dispenser —relocation of hoses and sensors will be required.
• 🔌 Electronic control unit —the wires may need to be reconnected.
• 🔒 Door opening sensor —it also needs to be moved (found in models with No Frost).

If your refrigerator is equipped with a No Frost or Total No Frostsystem, be careful with the sensor wires. Their damage can lead to incorrect operation of the fans. and freezing of the chambers.

What are “reversible hinges”?

Reversible hinges are a design that initially provides the ability to move the door to the other side without modifications. Such hinges are symmetrical and have holes for mounting on both the right and left. They are usually found in mid-range and premium refrigerators (Liebherr, Bosch Serie 8, Samsung Bespoke).

3. Step-by-step instructions: how. rehang the refrigerator door

Now let's move on to the process itself. We will analyze a universal diagram that is suitable for most models. If your refrigerator has specific features, check the manufacturer's instructions.

Step 1. Removing the top door (for two-chamber models)

1. Open the refrigerator door and find decorative plugs on the hinges (usually they are plastic, pry off with a screwdriver).
2. Unscrew the bolts of the upper hinge (usually 2-3 pieces). Hold the door - it is heavier than it seems!
3. Carefully remove the door and place it on a soft surface (such as a blanket-covered floor).

Step 2. Transferring the hinges to the other side

1. Remove the plugs on the opposite side of the case (there should already be holes for the bolts there).
2. Move the top hinge to the other side and secure with bolts. Do not tighten them completely - you need to align the door first.
3. Repeat the procedure for the bottom hinge (if there is one).

Step 3. Installing the door in a new place

1. Lift the door and put it on. on the bottom hinge (if there is one) or carefully align with the top one.
2. Secure the door with bolts, but do not tighten them completely.
3. Check whether the door hangs evenly, using a level, if necessary, adjust the position of the hinges.

Step 4. Adjustment and check

1. Tighten all the bolts, but do not overdo it - you can break the threads.
2. Check whether the seal fits tightly. If there are gaps, adjust the hinges or tighten the door.
3. Connect the refrigerator to the power supply and make sure it turns on and cools.

All bolts are tightened, but not overtightened|

The door opens/closes without effort|

The seal fits evenly around the entire perimeter|

No distortions (checked by level)|

Electronic components (if any) are connected correctly -->

For models with freezer compartment at the bottom (for example, Atlant MXM 2835) the procedure is similar, but first remove the upper door (refrigerator compartment), then the lower one (freezer).

4. Typical mistakes and how to avoid them

Even with the apparent simplicity of the process, many make mistakes that then have to be corrected. Here are the most common ones:

🔧 Error 1: Overtightening the bolts

Excessive tightening force can lead to breaking the thread or deformation of the hinges. Tighten the bolts in a crisscross pattern, like the wheels of a car, and do not use excessive force. If the thread is still broken, you will have to use bolts of a larger diameter or insert threaded bushings.

🚪 Error 2: Ignoring the level

If the door hangs crookedly, the seal will not fit tightly, which will lead to freezing of the cameras and increased energy consumption. Always check that the installation is level!

🔌 Error 3: Damage to the wires

In models with a display or door opening sensors (Samsung RB37, LG GB-B579) it is easy to touch the wires when removing the door. If after assembly the refrigerator does not turn on or the indicators are blinking, check the integrity of the wiring.

🧊 Error 4: Forgetting about the seal

After moving the door, the sealing rubber may become deformed. Warm it up with a hairdryer (temperature no higher than 50°C) and lubricate it with silicone grease. If the seal is torn or has lost elasticity, replace it.

❄️ Error 5: They do not take into account the weight of the door

Refrigerator doors are heavier due to built-in fans. Do not try to remove them alone - ask an assistant or use supports. No Frost heavier due to built-in fans. Do not try to remove them alone - ask an assistant or use supports.

5. Nuances for refrigerators of different brands

Each manufacturer introduces its own design features that affect the process of moving the door. Let's consider the most popular brands.

For refrigerators Liebherr and Miele moving the door often requires a special tool (for example, a torque wrench), so it is better to contact a service center.

Attention! In some models Whirlpool and Beko after moving the door is required reprogramming the electronic unit, otherwise the refrigerator will not cool properly. This information is usually indicated in the instructions.

6. What to do if the door does not close after transfer?

If after installation the door does not fit well, opens spontaneously or creaks, do not panic. In 90% of cases, the problem can be fixed without calling a technician.

🔍 Diagnosis of the problem:

• 📏 The door is skewed —check the level and adjust the hinges.
• 🧲 The seal does not fit —heat it with a hairdryer or replace.
• 🔧 The bolts are not tightened enough -tighten them, but do not overdo it.
• 🚪 Shelves or drawers are in the way -check that they do not cling to the door.

🛠️ Solutions:

• If the door is sagging - place washers under the hinges or replace the bolts with longer ones.
• If the seal comes off in the corner - grease it with silicone grease and press it with tape for a day.
• If you can hear it creaking - apply grease to the hinges (do not use WD-40 - it corrodes plastic!).

In models with electronic control (Samsung RF23, LG InstaView), after moving the door, an error may occur dE or Er IF. This means that the door sensor does not work. Solution: reconfigure the sensor according to the instructions or reset the error with the button Reset.

If all else fails, the door frame may have been deformed during transfer. In this case, the door or hinges will need to be replaced.

7. When is it better to turn to professionals?

Moving the refrigerator door is a task that most users can handle. However, in some cases it is better to trust specialists:

• 🔌 Refrigerator for warranties - independent repair will void it.
• 💻 Models with complicated electronics (Samsung Family Hub, LG ThinQ).
• ❄️ Refrigerators Side-by-Side or with French door.
• 🔧 If during disassembly you find rust on the hinges or damaged details.
• 📉 After moving the refrigerator does not cool or gives errors.

The cost of moving the door in the service center is from 1 500 to 4,000 rubles (depending on model and region). This is not as expensive as repairing after an unsuccessful attempt on your own.

Attention! If your refrigerator is equipped with a Smart Diagnosis (LGor SmartThings (Samsungsystem, after moving the door you may need re-registering the device in the mobile application. Without this, some functions (for example, remote control) may not work.

8. Care after transfer: how to extend the life of a refrigerator

After successfully moving the door, it is important to ensure proper care so that the equipment lasts a long time:

🧹 Cleaning and lubrication:

• Wipe the seal with a soft cloth with a soapy solution (without abrasives!).
• Apply to the hinges silicone grease (1-2 drops on each).
• Check the seal once every 3 months - repeat the procedure if necessary.

🔧 Regular check:

• Check the level once every six months. evenness doors level.
• If the door starts to close poorly - tighten the hinges.
• Make sure that mold or dirt does not accumulate on the seal .

⚠️ What not to do do:

• Use for lubrication vegetable oil or WD-40 —they spoil rubber and plastic.
• Hang on the door heavy magnets or accessories —this leads to sagging.
• Opening/closing the door sharply - this will wear out the hinges faster.

If you moved the door for the summer (for example, for convenience at the dacha), and in winter you want to return it back, repeat the procedure, but be prepared for the fact that the holes for the bolts may be slightly spill the beans. In this case, use threadlocking bolts or locking washers.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about moving the refrigerator door

Is it possible to move the door on a refrigerator with a water dispenser?

Yes, but it is more difficult than in conventional models. You will need to:

1. Disconnect the water supply hoses.
2. Move sensors and electronic components.
3. Reinstall the tubes in a new position.

In models Samsung RF23 i LG GC-B247 special holes are provided for this. If they are not there, you will have to drill the housing, which can lead to loss of tightness. It is better to contact the service.

What to do if the refrigerator does not have holes for hinges on the other side?

In some budget models (Indesit TLAA 10, Beko CN 325220) the holes are not drilled. Solutions:

• Carefully drill holes yourself (risk of damaging the case!).
• Use universal extension loops (sold in spare parts stores).
• Contact the service - they will do it carefully and with a guarantee.

If you decide to drill yourself, use a metal drill and low speedsso as not to deform the case.

How to move the door on a refrigerator Atlant with a freezer below?

Procedure:

1. Remove top door (refrigerator).
2. Move the top hinge to the other side.
3. Remove the bottom door (freezer) and move the bottom hinge.
4. Install the doors in the reverse order (freezer first, then refrigerator).

In models Atlant MHM 2835 i XM 4625 after transfer it may be necessary adjusting the legs - the freezer should be slightly higher than the refrigerator compartment for proper closing.

How long does it take to move the door?

Time depends on the model:

• Single-chamber refrigerator — 20–40 minutes.
• Double-chamber —1–1.5 hours.
• Side-by-Side or with dispenser —2–3 hours (or more if transfer of electronics is required).

If you are doing this for the first time, allow 30–50% more time. Take your time - it’s better to spend an extra hour than to damage the refrigerator.

Is it possible to move the door on the refrigerator No Frost?

Yes, but with caution. In models with No Frost (Samsung RB37, LG GA-B489) when moving the door you need to:

• Carefully disconnect sensor wires (usually they are attached to the door).
• Move air ducts (if they are in the freezer).
• Check tightness after installation - failure of the seal leads to freezing.

B refrigerators with Total No Frost (Bosch Serie 8) may require reconfiguration of the fans through the service menu.