Changing the kitchen layout or rearranging furniture often raises the question of changing the door opening side for owners of household appliances. For refrigerators LG this procedure is technically possible and often does not require calling an expensive technician if you act carefully. Hanging doors allows you to adapt the device to new operating conditions, providing comfortable access to products.
The process requires care, since the design of the hinges and canopies may differ for different series of units. It is important to understand that not all models support reverse, especially those equipped with a built-in display or a complex configuration system. Before starting work, you need to make sure you have a basic set of tools and free space. No Frost complex configuration. Before starting work, you need to make sure you have a basic set of tools and free space.
In this article we will analyze the algorithm of actions in detail, analyze common mistakes and give safety recommendations. Compliance with the sequence of operations will help to avoid damage facade panel or violation of the tightness of the seal.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any manipulations, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Working with live electrical components is strictly prohibited.
Preparation of tools and workplace
The success of the operation directly depends on the quality of preparation. You will need a stable surface to place the removed items on and adequate lighting. Do not try to work in a tight corner where it is impossible to approach the unit from all sides.
The basic set of tools usually includes a Phillips and flat-head screwdriver, a wrench (often 8 or 10 mm in size) and hex keys. For some models LG you may need a special key for adjusting the height of the legs, which is included in the kit, or pliers to remove stoppers.
- 🛠️ Phillips screwdriver (PH2) for removing the mounting screws.
- 🔧 Wrench or ratchet head for hinge bolts.
- 📏 Construction level to check the horizontal installation.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
Pay special attention fasteners. When dismantling old hinges, the screws may be covered with factory paint or show signs of corrosion. It is recommended to prepare a penetrating lubricant, such as WD-40, in advance to make it easier to unscrew soured joints.
Removing the top door and removing the hinges
The process begins from the top of the refrigerator. First you need to remove the decorative plug covering the top hinge. Depending on the model LG, it may be latched or held on by a screw. Carefully pry it off with a flat screwdriver, being careful not to damage the plastic.
After removing the plug, access to the main fastener opens. Before completely removing the top hinge bolts, have a helper hold the door to prevent it from falling. If you are working alone, you can use a wedge or stop, but this is less safe for glass shelves inside.
After unscrewing the bolts, remove the hinge and carefully set the door in a safe place, placing it on a soft cloth or cardboard, face up. This will prevent scratches on the glossy surface. Now you have access to the upper part of the case for further work.
⚠️ Attention: Do not leave the door hanging after loosening the fasteners. The weight of even an empty door is significant and can lead to injury or damage to the floor.
At this stage, it is important to check the condition sealing rubber. If during removal you notice cracks or loss of elasticity, it makes sense to immediately order a replacement, since after rehanging the old rubber may not provide proper tightness.
Working with the lower section and freezer compartment
The lower part of the refrigerator, whether it is the freezer compartment or the zone freshness, often has a more complex loop design. In models LG with the system No Frost lighting or sensor wires can pass through the door. They must be disconnected by first photographing the location of the connectors.
To remove the bottom door, it is often necessary to remove the middle transverse partition or supports. Use a hex wrench to remove the retaining screws. Act smoothly, without jerking, so as not to strip the threads in the aluminum bushings of the body.
☑️ Check before assembly
After removing all moving elements, inspect the holes in the case. They can be fitted with plastic bushings or threaded inserts. If you plan to use these holes to install hinges on the other side, make sure that they are free and not damaged.
In some cases, rearrangement is required keep plates on the refrigerator body itself. They can be secured with latches or screws on the reverse side. Move them to the opposite side, following the symmetry of the holes.
Rearranging handles and fittings
If your refrigerator LG is equipped with external handles, they also need to be rearranged. In most cases, the handles are symmetrical and have universal mounting holes on both sides. However, there are models where there are holes for fasteners only on one side.
To rearrange the handles, it is usually enough to unscrew the screws on the inside of the door. They can be hidden under plastic plugs or decorative overlays. Be careful not to overtighten the screws when reinstalling, so as not to damage the plastic.
- 🔩 Find the hidden screws securing the handle inside the doorway.
- 🚪 Carefully remove the handle, holding it from the outside.
- 🔄 Install plugs in the vacated holes for aesthetics.
- ✅ Attach the handle to the new side using the same fasteners.
It is important to keep all screws and plugs. The loss of even one small element can affect the balance or appearance of the unit. If the refrigerator came with special plugs for the reverse side, use them.
What to do if the holes do not match?
In some budget models, holes for handles may only be on one side. In this case, you will need to do your own drilling or use overhead handles, but this may affect the warranty.
Assembling and installing hinges on the new side
Assembly is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling, but using holes on the opposite side. Start by installing the bottom hinge. Insert the bushings or axles into the body and secure them with bolts. Do not tighten them all the way right away, leave a small gap for later adjustment.
Install the bottom door onto the bottom hinge axis. If the model provides for routing wires, carefully place the bundles in the channels intended for them so that they do not get pinched when opening. Connect the connectors of the electrical circuits, making sure that the latches click.
Then install the middle partition (if there is one) and the top hinge. Now you can finally tighten all the bolts. Use torque wrench or simply act with moderate force so as not to strip the threads, but ensure reliable fixation.
| Assembly stage | Required tools | Key point |
|---|---|---|
| Installing the bottom hinge | Hexagon, 10 mm key | Do not tighten all the way immediately |
| Installing the door | Assistant | Control of wires |
| Attaching the top hinge | Phillips screwdriver, wrench | Checking verticality |
| Final adjustment | Level, key | Uniform gap around the perimeter |
After installing all elements, check the operation of the doors. They should open smoothly, without creaking or jamming. When released, the doors should close independently thanks to the magnetic seal and the correct tilt angle of the body.
Adjusting the gaps and checking the tightness
The final stage is adjustment. If the door is skewed or does not fit tightly, it is necessary to adjust the height of the refrigerator legs or the position of the hinges. Models LG often provide the ability to (fine-tune) the position of the top hinge.
Use a building level to check that the unit is installed vertically. An uneven floor can cause doors to open spontaneously. Tighten the front adjustable supports until the body is perfectly level.
Pay attention to the gaps between the door and the body. They should be uniform along the entire length. If the gap is wider at the top than at the bottom, or vice versa, this indicates misalignment, which must be corrected by loosening and re-tightening the hinge bolts.
⚠️ Attention: If after adjustment the door still does not close tightly, check to see if there is anything inside that is in the way (for example, a pulled out shelf or bottle). Also make sure that the seal is not wrapped inward.
Common mistakes and troubleshooting
When re-hanging doors on their own, beginners often make mistakes that can lead to damage. One of the most common is the loss of fasteners or mixing up screws of different lengths. Always sort parts as you remove them.
Another mistake is ignoring electrical wires in display doors. An attempt to close the door without connecting the cable or with a twisted wire can lead to broken contacts and failure of the control module LG.
- ❌ They forget to remove the shipping bolts (if they remained after purchase).
- ❌ They overtighten the screws, breaking the plastic housing of the hinge.
- ❌ They do not check the level of the floor before installation.
- ❌ They forget to turn the door lock (Child Lock) to off.
If you encounter a situation where the screws do not turn or the holes do not line up, do not use excessive force. Perhaps your refrigerator model LG does not require hanging doors at home or requires special tools.
Is it possible to hang a door if it has a built-in screen?
Yes, in most models LG with a display Door-in-Door or an external screen, rehanging is possible. However, this requires special care when disconnecting the loops. Be sure to turn off the power to the refrigerator from the outlet 10-15 minutes before starting work so that the capacitors on the control board are completely discharged.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging?
Complete defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, if there is a lot of ice in the freezer, it is better to defrost the unit in advance. Ice may crumble and get into the hinge mechanisms or stain the floor when the door is tilted. In addition, empty shelves are lighter and the risk of damage is minimal.
What to do if there is an extra screw left after rehanging?
This is an alarming signal. Carefully inspect all fastening points. Most often, the “extra” screws are the screws from the transportation supports or the screws that should have been screwed into the technological holes from the reverse side. Find a place for them, as the lack of fasteners can cause vibration.
Will the warranty remain valid after re-hanging it yourself?
Formally, if you do not damage the components during dismantling, the warranty remains valid. However, if the service center receives a refrigerator with a broken thread or a broken hinge after you attempt to repair it, warranty service may be denied. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to call an official technician.