Modern refrigerators LG with a system Door-in-Door or built-in display Ice & Water Dispenser are complex engineering structures that require a delicate approach when reinstalling. The need to change the opening side of the doors often arises when moving, remodeling a kitchen, or purchasing new furniture, which dictates its own ergonomic conditions. Unlike classic models, it is critical here not to damage the control cables and to carefully remove the decorative trims.
The process of hanging doors on models with electronics on the facade differs significantly from working with conventional units, as it requires intervention in the power supply system to the display. Incorrect sequence of actions can lead to broken contacts or breakage of plastic fasteners, which are made in modern models very fragile. Before starting work, you need to make sure that you have a second person, since the weight of the sash with the display and system No Frost can exceed 30-40 kilograms.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for the safe dismantling and installation of hinges, as well as transfer control modules. You will need a basic set of tools and attention to detail, since the design of the hinge mechanism has its own unique features. We will look at the nuances of working with the upper and lower hinges, as well as the specifics of transferring the plugs. LG has its own unique features. We will look at the nuances of working with the upper and lower loops, as well as the specifics of transferring plugs.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
Before starting the physical part of the work, you need to prepare the space around the refrigeration cabinet. Access area It should be free on all sides so that you can easily walk around the unit and lay removed parts. It is recommended to clear a space with a radius of at least one and a half meters from the front panel of the device.
To complete the task, you will need a specific set of tools, the availability of which is best checked in advance. The absence of the required head can lead to the edges of the bolts breaking off, which will significantly complicate the process.
- 🔧 Set of wrenches and sockets (most often sizes 8, 10, 13 mm)
- 🪛 Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers (for removing plastic plugs)
- 🧤 Protective gloves (to protect hands from sharp metal edges)
- 📦 Container for folding small hardware (to avoid losing screws)
Particular attention should be paid electrical safety. Even though we work with mechanical components, the presence of a display implies the presence of wiring inside the door body. Before starting any manipulations, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply by removing the plug from the socket.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to disconnect the display wire connectors while live. Even after unplugging, residual currents may remain in the control unit, which can damage sensitive electronics.
Also prepare a soft covering for the floor where you will put the removed doors. A covering of cardboard or thick fabric will prevent scratches on the glossy surface and protect the floor from damage from heavy metal elements.
Removing the top panel and accessing the electronics
The first step is always removing the top cover of the refrigerator, under which the top hinge and, in some models, part of the wiring are hidden. On refrigerators LG this panel is usually attached to screws hidden under decorative plugs or rubber pads.
Carefully pry off the plugs with a flat screwdriver. Do not use excessive force to avoid breaking the plastic clips. After removing the fasteners, you will see the screws securing the cover. Unscrew them and remove the panel, putting it in a safe place.
Nuances of the top cover design
In some LG models, the top panel may be combined with the control unit or have additional latches on the sides. If the panel does not come off after removing the visible screws, check for hidden fasteners in the back or sides of the end.
Under the cover you will find the top hinge and wiring harness that goes to the display on the door. In models with a display Ice & Water or simply an information board, the wires can pass through the hollow axis of the hinge or next to it. Disconnecting the connectors is the most crucial moment at this stage.
Find the connectors connecting the main body of the refrigerator and the door. They can be protected with additional insulation or clips. Carefully release the fasteners and break the connection. Do not pull on the wires themselves, hold only the plastic housing of the connector.
Removing the top hinge and door
After the wires are disconnected, you can begin to dismantle the top hinge itself. It supports the weight of the entire door structure, so its removal requires fixing the leaf. Fixing the door mandatory, otherwise it may fall and damage the flooring or get a dent.
Use a key of the appropriate size (usually 10 or 13 mm) to unscrew the bolts of the top loops. In some models LG there may be three or four bolts, and they may have different lengths. Remember or write down which bolt is unscrewed from where, since their length affects the tightness of the hinge.
☑️ Procedure for dismantling the top part
Once the hinge bolts are unscrewed, carefully lift the door up, removing it from the lower axis. This action is best performed by two people: one person holds the door, the second controls the exit of the axle from the lower bearing. Place the removed door on the prepared soft covering with the outer side up.
Now you need to remove the mating part of the upper hinge on the opposite side of the refrigerator, if a shipping plug is installed there, or rearrange the hinge itself. Often, a decorative plug is already installed on the unused side, which must be removed and moved to the active side.
Moving controls and display
The most difficult part of the process for models with a display is transferring the control elements. Depending on the specific model LG, the display can be built directly into the door or located on the top panel. If the display is on the door, the wires are already disconnected, but the module itself may need to be moved or the cable configuration changed.
In some cases, it is necessary to remove the inner panel of the door in order to route the wires through a new hole or secure the harness in new channels. Internal lining attached with many screws and plastic latches. Remove it sequentially, starting from the bottom or top, carefully snapping the latches.
| Element | Action during transfer | Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Repositioning to the other side | Requires removal of the cover |
| Bottom hinge | Replacing the axle or turning it over | Need a lift or an assistant |
| Plugs | Change places | Keep in original form |
| Connectors | Disconnect/Connect | Requires care |
If your model involves moving the display module itself to the other side (which is rare, but occurs in custom assemblies), follow the instructions for disassembling the facade. However, in 95% of cases, the display remains on the same door, only the opening side changes, and the wires are simply switched to the corresponding sockets on the refrigerator body.
⚠️ Attention: When laying wires through the new side, make sure that when opening and closing the door, the cable does not rub against metal edges and is not pinched by mechanisms.
Adjusting the bottom hinge and installing the door
Bottom hinge for refrigerators LG often has an adjusting screw to level the height of the door. Before installing the door in a new location, it is necessary to move the lower support to the opposite side. To do this, you need to tilt the refrigerator slightly back (being careful) or use a special lift.
Unscrew the bolts of the lower hinge from the active side and move them to the new side. Make sure that the adjusting screw is set to the middle position in order to be able to make subsequent adjustments. Bottom bearing Must be clean and lubricated for easy rotation.
Install the door on the lower axis, holding it vertically. Align the holes in the top hinge with the matching holes on the refrigerator body. Insert the bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet. This will allow you to level the door.
Check the horizontal installation of the refrigerator using a building level. The legs of the refrigerator must be unscrewed so that the unit is stable and the door closes itself when opened 45 degrees.
Final assembly and functionality check
After the door is installed and aligned, you can begin the final assembly. Tighten the top hinge bolts completely. Make sure that the gaps between the door and the body are the same along the entire length. If skew is observed, use the adjustment screw on the bottom hinge to correct.
Connect the display wire connectors. You should hear a characteristic click of the latch. Replace the top cover and secure it with the screws. Return the decorative plugs to their places.
Now you can turn on the refrigerator. Check the operation of the display, whether the indicators light up, whether the backlight works (if any). Open and close the door several times, listening for extraneous sounds. The door should move smoothly, without jamming.
Leave the refrigerator empty for several hours until it returns to operating mode. Check the tightness of the seal around the entire perimeter. If the door moves away in some place, you may need additional adjustment of the height of the legs or the tension of the hinges.
Frequent errors and troubleshooting
If you do it yourself When rehanging doors, users often make mistakes that can lead to malfunctions. One of the most common is the loss or confusion of bolts of different lengths. This can cause the long bolt to hit the plastic and crack the hinge body.
Another mistake is ignoring the wires. If you forget to disconnect the connectors before removing the door, you are guaranteed to break the cable. Restoring such cables is difficult and requires soldering, which is not always possible at home.
What to do if the door does not close well after rehanging?
Check the tilt level of the refrigerator. The front should be slightly higher than the back. Also check whether the contents of the shelves do not interfere with closing, and make sure that the seal is not folded inward.
Is it possible to hang the door alone?
Technically possible, but highly not recommended for models with a display due to their weight and dimensions. The risk of dropping the door and breaking the display glass or damaging the floor is very high.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging it?
It is advisable that there is no ice in the freezer compartment, which can spill out when tilting or removing the door. This will also lighten the weight of the structure.
Where to put the old plugs?
Save them. If you ever decide to return the door to its original side, or move to a location that requires a reverse configuration, these plugs will be essential.
Does re-hanging affect the warranty?
Re-hanging doors yourself generally will not void the warranty on the compressor and major components, unless you damage the equipment in the process. However, if you break the hinge or display, this case will not be covered by warranty.