Re-hanging a door refrigerator Nord to the other side is a task that almost every owner faces sooner or later. The reasons may be different: rearrangement of furniture in the kitchen, inconvenient opening due to a nearby wall, or simply a desire to optimize the space. Fortunately, most models Nord (with the exception of some budget series) support reverse installation of doors, which allows you to do the work yourself without calling a specialist.
However, before taking a screwdriver, it is important to consider a few key points. Firstly, not all refrigerators Nord have symmetrical hinges - in some models you will need to rehang not only the door, but also rearrange shock absorbers or magnetic seals. Secondly, the process may differ depending on the type of refrigerator: single-chamber, double-chamber or with a system No Frost. Finally, improper installation can lead to door distortioncold leakage or even broken hinges. In this article we will analyze step-by-step instructions suitable for most models Nord (including popular series NRF, NRT, NRB), and also point out typical errors and nuances that are often silent in standard manuals.
If your refrigerator Nord was produced before 2015, check the availability of spare hinges in the kit - in older models they may not have been supplied. Modern refrigerators (2016 and newer) usually have universal hinges with mounting holes on both sides.
Preparation: tools and safety
Before starting work, make sure you have everything you need on hand. The minimum set of tools includes:
- ✅ Phillips screwdriver (preferably magnetic, so as not to lose the screws)
- ✅ Flat screwdriver or plastic spatula for removing decorative plugs
- ✅ Wrench (size depends on the model, usually 8 or 10 mm)
- ✅ Level (to check the evenness of the door after installation)
- ✅ Making tape (to fix the door during work)
Also prepare a clean cloth or towel - you can use them to cover the refrigerator shelves to avoid scratches when removing the door. If your model Nord has display or electronic control unit on the door, unplug the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before starting work. This will prevent possible malfunctions of the electronics.
⚠️ Attention: Some models Nord with the system No Frost have hidden hinge fastenings under the decorative panel. If you do not see the screws from the outside, carefully pry the panel with a flat-head screwdriver - it is usually held on by latches.
If the refrigerator is a two-chamber one, start with the top door (freezer). In most cases, the bottom door is attached to the middle hinge, so rehanging it is done last. Before removing the door, take photographs of the hinges and fastening points - this will help avoid confusion during reassembly.
Step 1: Removing the refrigerator door
Start by removing all removable elements from the door: shelves, egg trays and bottles. If there is magnetic sealon the door, inspect it for damage. When overweighed, the seal may move, and if it is already worn out, after installation, magnetic seal may appear cracks leading to freezing of the chamber.
Next follow the algorithm:
- Open the door 90 degrees and secure it with masking tape or ask an assistant to hold it.
- Remove the decorative plugs from the hinges (if any) - they are usually snapped or attached with Velcro.
- Unscrew the screws of the top hinge (usually 2-3 pieces). In some models Nord the screws may be hidden under plastic plugs - they need to be carefully pulled out.
- Holding the door, remove it from the bottom hinge by pulling up. If the door is “jammed”, do not use force - check that all the screws are unscrewed.
In two-chamber refrigerators, after removing the top door (freezer), you will have access to the middle hinge. It also needs to be unscrewed, but before that, remove the bottom door (of the refrigerator compartment), since it is usually attached to this hinge.
Remove all removable elements from the door
Disconnect the refrigerator from the mains (for models with a display)
Take a photo of the location of the hinges and screws
Prepare a place for laying the door (soft surface)
Check the availability of spare plugs in the kit-->
⚠️ Attention: In models Nord NRF-120 i NRF-140 the middle hinge can be connected to body through a metal plate. Do not lose it when dismantling - without it the door will hang!
Step 2: Transferring the hinges to the other side
After removing the door, you need to move the hinges to the opposite side. There is an important nuance here: in most refrigerators Nord holes for attaching hinges are already provided on both sides, but they can be closed with plugs. If there are no plugs, carefully drill holes with a metal drill (check the diameter in the instructions for the model).
Procedure:
- Remove the hinges from the refrigerator body and transfer them to the other side, aligning them with the existing holes.
- If there are no holes, use hinges as a template: attach them to the body, trace them with a marker and drill. The depth of the holes should be no more than 10–12 mm so as not to damage the internal lining.
- Screw the hinges into the new holes, but do not tighten the screws all the way - first you need to level the door.
In models with automatic closing of the door (for example, Nord NRT-318) there may be spring mechanisms on the hinges. When transferring hinges, make sure that the springs remain in place and are not twisted. If the mechanism is removable, remove it before rehanging and install it back after attaching the hinges.
| Refrigerator model | Hinge type | Do I need to drill new holes? | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nord NRF-105, NRF-120 | Standard, 2 screws | No (there are holes) | Plugs to match the body color |
| Nord NRT-318, NRT-320 | With a spring mechanism | No | Care is required when working with springs |
| Nord NRB-160, NRB-180 | Reinforced, 3 screws | Yes (only for the lower hinge) | The lower hinge is attached through a metal plate |
| Nord Side-by-Side | Hidden, under the decorative panel | No | Requires removal of the side panel |
If your model has top decorative panel (for example, in Nord NRF-140W), it also needs to be removed before transferring loops. It is usually secured with latches or two screws under the plugs.
Step 3: Installing the door on the new side
Now you can begin reassembling it. Start with the top door (if the refrigerator is two-chamber):
- Place the door onto the bottom hinge, keeping it horizontal.
- Align the top of the door with the hinge on the body and carefully lower it.
- Tighten the top hinge screws, but do not tighten them completely.
- Check whether the door hangs level using a level. If necessary, adjust the position by slightly loosening the screws.
For two-chamber models, repeat the process with the lower door. Make sure that there is a gap of 2-3 mm between the doors - this is necessary for normal operation magnetic seal. If the doors are touching, loosen the middle hinge screws and adjust the position.
After preliminary installation, close the door and check:
- ✅ Does it open and close easily?
- ✅ Does it not? distortion (visually and in level)?
- ✅ Does the seal fit tightly around the entire perimeter?
- ✅ Does the door catch on the body or shelves?
If everything is in order, finally tighten the screws. Do not use excessive force as this may cause the threads to break. In models with plastic hinges (for example Nord NRF-90), it is enough to tighten the screws “all the way” without using a key.
Step 4: Adjusting and checking the tightness
Even if the door hangs evenly, this does not guarantee its tight fit. Over time, the seal may become deformed, and if overweighted, it may move. To check the tightness, use test with a sheet of paper:
- Insert a sheet of paper between the seal and the refrigerator body.
- Close the door and try to pull the sheet out.
- If the sheet comes out without effort, the seal is not tight. If it is difficult to pull it out, the tightness is normal.
Check the seal around the entire perimeter of the door. If there are areas where the sheet comes out easily, try adjusting the position of the door by slightly loosening the hinge screws. In some cases, it helps heating the seal with a hairdryer (temperature 50–60°C) - this will restore its elasticity.
If the seal is damaged (cracks, tears), it needs to be replaced. For refrigerators Nord universal seals with a magnetic insert are suitable, but it is better to choose an original part according to the model. For example, for Nord NRF-120 a seal is suitable NRF-120-SEAL, and for NRT-318 — NRT-SEAL-3.
⚠️ Attention: After rehanging the door, the refrigerator may work louder for the first 1-2 days. This is normal: the shock absorbers and hinges “grind in” to the new position. If the noise does not disappear after a week, check the fastening of the hinges and the seal.
Also pay attention to condensation. If, after rehanging, moisture appears on the walls of the refrigerator, this may indicate:
- 🔴 Loose seal seal
- 🔴 Warping of the door (even 1-2 mm is enough for cold leakage)
- 🔴 Damage to the magnetic tape inside the seal
In the first two cases, adjusting the hinges will help. If the problem is in the seal, it will have to be replaced.
Typical mistakes and how to avoid them
Even with the apparent simplicity of the process, many make mistakes, which then lead to breakdowns. Here are the most common ones:
- Ignoring the instructions for the model. For example, in Nord NRB-180 the lower hinge is attached through a metal plate, and if it is not moved, the door will hang. Always check the user manual.
- Tightening the screws too much. This may lead to thread breakage in the plastic case or deformation of the hinges. Tighten the screws with a Phillips screwdriver without excessive force.
- Failure to follow the sequence. In two-chamber refrigerators, first remove the top door, then the middle hinge, and only then the bottom door. If you do the opposite, you can damage the fasteners.
- Using inappropriate tools. For example, using a wrench instead of a screwdriver for plastic screws or a drill of the wrong diameter for new holes.
- Neglecting to check leaks. Even a small gap in the seal will lead to increased load on the compressor and increased energy consumption.
Another common problem is the door is skewed after installation. It can occur if:
- 🔹 The hinges are tightened unevenly (one is stronger than the other)
- 🔹 The holes for the screws are not drilled to the level
- 🔹 Door installed without taking into account weight (for example, the lower hinge bears a large load)
To avoid distortion, use a level at each stage of installation. If the door is already skewed, loosen the screws, adjust the position and tighten again.
What to do if the door does not close after rehanging?
If the door does not close or closes with difficulty, check:
1. Is there anything inside the refrigerator (shelves, trays) in the way?
2. Is the seal displaced (sometimes it “winds up” during installation).
3. Are the shock absorbers installed correctly (in models with an automatic closing system).
4. Is there any misalignment of the hinges (even 1 mm can interfere).
If the problem remains, try slightly loosening the screws of the top hinge and adjusting the position of the door.
Features for different Nord models
Although the general principle of reversing the doors is the same for most refrigerators Nord, some models have nuances. Let's look at the most popular series:
1. Single-chamber refrigerators (Nord NRF-90, NRF-105, NRF-120):
- 🔹 The easiest to hang - usually 2 hinges (top and bottom).
- 🔹 There are already holes for attaching the hinges on both sides, plugs to match the color of the body.
- 🔹 In models with
Direct Cool(drip system) after rehanging, it may be necessary to adjust the legs for alignment.
2. Two-chamber with a freezer on top (Nord NRT-318, NRT-320):
- 🔹 It is necessary to rehang three loops: top, middle and bottom.
- 🔹 The middle loop is often has a spring mechanism - be careful when removing.
- 🔹 In some models, the freezer may have a separate seal, which also needs to be re-hung.
3. Two-chamber with a freezer at the bottom (Nord NRB-160, NRB-180):
- 🔹 The lower loop is attached through a metal plate - do not lose it during dismantling.
- 🔹 The upper door (of the refrigerator compartment) is heavier than the bottom, so the hinges must be tightened more securely.
- 🔹 In models with
No Frostafter rehanging, you may need to reset the settings (disconnect from the network for 5–10 minutes).
4. Side-by-Side (Nord SBS-550, SBS-600):
- 🔹 The hinges are hidden under decorative panels that need to be removed.
- 🔹 The doors are heavy - you definitely need an assistant.
- 🔹 Some models require moving the display or control panel.
If your model is not included in this list, check the instructions or look for information on model code (usually indicated on a sticker inside the refrigerator compartment). data-i="240">- similar Nord NRF-140W the reweighing process will be identical NRF-120, and for Nord NRT-318X - similar NRT-320.
When is it better to call a specialist?
Although hanging the refrigerator door Nord is a task that you can handle yourself, in some cases it is better to contact a professional:
- 🛠️ If the refrigerator is under warranty - repair it yourself may lead to its loss.
- 🛠️ If the hinges or seal are damaged and require replacement (in some models, this requires disassembling the body).
- 🛠️ If after rehanging the door does not close and adjustment does not help (possible factory defects of the hinges).
- 🛠️ If the refrigerator built-in —its dismantling and reinstallation requires experience.
- 🛠️ If the model is equipped with electronic display on the door —relocating the wiring can be difficult.
The cost of re-hanging a door at a service center is usually 1,500–3,000 rubles (depending on the model and region) If you are not confident in your abilities or the refrigerator is expensive (for example, Nord Side-by-Side with a system Twin Cooling), it is better not. take risks.
However, in most cases, even a beginner can do the job. The main thing is to take your time, follow the instructions and check each step. If something goes wrong, you can always return the door to its original position and try again.
1. Tightness of the seal.
2. level).
3. Fastening the hinges (the screws must be tightened, but not overtightened).
In 90% of cases, the problem is solved by adjustment.-->
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about rehanging the Nord door
Is it possible to rehang the door on the Nord refrigerator, if it is turned on?
No, before starting work, the refrigerator must be disconnected from the power supply. In models with electronic control (for example, Nord NRT-320) this will prevent malfunctions of the display. In addition, an open door while the compressor is on can lead to overheating.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door opens by itself?
This means that the refrigerator is not level or the hinges are not adjusted correctly. Check:
- Floor level - if the refrigerator is tilted forward, the door will open under its own weight. Adjust the legs.
- Tightening the hinges - if the top hinge is loose, the door may “fall off”.
- Sealant - if it is worn out, the magnetic attraction weakens.
As a last resort, you can install additional lock (sold in refrigerator spare parts stores).
Is it necessary to reposition the internal shelves after changing the side of the door?
In most models Nord the shelves are symmetrical, so reposition them no need. However, in some refrigerators (for example Nord NRB-180), trays for eggs or bottles may have a fixed fastening. Check whether they interfere with the door closing after hanging. If yes, remove them and move them to the other side.
How often can you rehang the door?
Technically, refrigerator hinges Nord are designed for 3-5 rehanging cycles without loss of strength. However, each time it is dismantled, the threads in the plastic case wear out, so it is not recommended to do this more often than once every 2-3 years. If you plan to frequently change the opening side, install universal hinges with metal inserts (sold separately).
Can the door be hung on a Nord refrigerator with the No Frost system?
Yes, the system No Frost does not affect the ability to hang the door. However, in such models (for example Nord NRT-318), it is important to make sure that after installation the door closes tightly - otherwise air circulation will be disrupted and ice may appear on the walls. Also check if the fan is in the way (it is usually located in the freezer).