A situation where intervention in the design of a refrigeration unit is required often takes owners by surprise. This is especially true for models Candy, which may have different fastening systems depending on the year of manufacture. The need to change the door arises not only in case of mechanical damage, but also when remodeling the kitchen, when it is necessary to change the opening direction of the door. Correct execution of the procedure guarantees the preservation of the tightness and energy efficiency of the device.
Before proceeding with dismantling, you need to clearly understand what kind of problem you are facing. This could be replacing broken glass, repairing a warped hinge, or completely changing the side of the awning. In any case, hanging the door requires accuracy and a basic set of tools. Errors at the planning stage can lead to damage to the seal or electronic control module.
In this article we will analyze in detail the process of working with Kandy refrigerators. You will learn how to safely remove a heavy sash without damaging the floor and fingers, as well as how to properly adjust the gaps after installation.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tools
Quality preparation is half the success of the entire operation. A refrigerator Candy is a large and heavy device, so the first step should be to free up the space around it. You will need access from all sides, especially if you plan to move the unit to another wall. Make sure that the floor is covered with soft material or cardboard to avoid scratches if tools are accidentally dropped.
The work will require a standard DIY kit. The base consists of screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead), wrenches or a set of sockets, and pliers. Some models may require hex keys. It will not be amiss to prepare a marker for marking and masking tape for fixing the moving parts.
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers with different slot sizes for screws of different depths.
- 🔩 A 10 or 13 mm wrench (depending on the hinge model).
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 📏 Level for checking the horizontal installation after completion of work.
Particular attention should be paid lighting. Shadows can hide small fasteners or cracks in plastic plugs. If natural light is not enough, use a portable lamp. It is also recommended to empty the refrigerator of food in advance in order to reduce its weight and prevent food spoilage during long periods of inactivity.
Design analysis and damage diagnosis
Kandy refrigerators may have different designs of door blocks. In classic models, the door is attached to two or three hinges, one of which is often combined with the closer mechanism. In more modern versions, especially in models No Frost, there may be additional fastening elements for decorative panels. Before starting disassembly, carefully examine the joints and connection points.
If your goal is to replace broken glass or damaged panel, you must order an original spare part using the serial number of the device. The use of incompatible parts will result in a leak. If you just want rehang the door to the other side, make sure that the kit includes the necessary plugs for the holes that are formed after the rearrangement.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! This is critical for safety, since during dismantling you can accidentally damage the wiring going to the lamp or display.
Carry out a visual inspection of the sealing rubber. Often it is its wear and tear that creates the illusion of the door being skewed. If the rubber has lost its elasticity or is torn, replacing the door may not be necessary - just replace the seal. Also check the condition of the hinges: if they show severe corrosion or wear of metal, it is better to replace them with new ones.
How to check the tightness of a door without special instruments?
Take a regular sheet of A4 paper. Clamp it with the refrigerator door around the perimeter. If the sheet is easily removed without resistance, it means that the seal is broken in this place and the seal needs to be adjusted or replaced.
Removing the top and bottom panels
The process of removing the door always begins with the top fastening. In refrigerators Candy the top hinge is often closed with a decorative plastic plug. Gently pry it off with a flathead screwdriver, being careful not to scratch the surface. Under the plastic you will find fastening bolts that need to be unscrewed.
After removing the top hinge, the door cannot simply be released - it is held in place only by the lower fastening and the force of friction. Holding the sash with one hand (or having an assistant), carefully lift it to release the bottom axis. If the model is equipped with an electronic display on the door, be extremely careful: there is a wire harness inside the hollow hinge. wiring harness.
For models with electronics, the sequence of actions is as follows:
- Remove the top decorative panel.
- Disconnect the wire connectors, having previously taken photographs their position.
- Unscrew the bolts of the upper hinge.
- Remove the door from the lower support.
The lower hinge is usually hidden under the base plate or located in the lower part of the body. To access it, you may need to remove the front panel of the refrigerator or simply unscrew the protective cover. In some cases, complete emptying of the lower shelves is required to ensure access.
☑️ Checklist before removing the door
Removing the door leaf and replacing elements
The most physically demanding stage is the direct removal of the door. The weight of the door of a two-chamber refrigerator can reach 20-30 kilograms. A sudden jerk can cause back injury or damage to the flooring. Movements should be smooth, strictly vertical.
If you are replacing the entire door due to chips or dents, then after removing the old door, replace all removable elements with the new one: shelves, holders, magnetic latches and, of course, handles. Handles on models Candy are often attached to hidden screws on the inside or to powerful bolts passing through the panel.
When replacing glass (if the design allows this without replacing the entire door), you must:
- 🧩 Carefully remove the internal plastic frame holding the glass.
- 🧼 Clean the seat from fragments and old glue.
- 🔨 Install new glass using a special sealant or fastening clips.
It is important not to overtighten the fasteners when assembling a new door. Excessive force can split the plastic or deform the metal frame, which will again lead to misalignment. Tightening torque Must be medium, ensuring reliable fixation without play.
Installing the door on a new side (Re-hanging)
Reversing the door to the opposite side is a popular procedure when changing the layout of the kitchen. Most Kandy refrigerators have a symmetrical mounting system. On the opposite side of the case there may already be technological holes closed with plastic plugs.
First you need to move the lower support pin to the opposite side. To do this, unscrew it from the current hole and screw it into the prepared socket on the other side. Make sure the pin is inserted all the way and secured. Then install the lower hinge in a new place, but do not tighten the bolts completely yet.
| Work stage | Action | Tool |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Preparation | Removing the plugs from the new side | Flat screwdriver |
| 2. Lower support | Rearranging the pin and loop | Open-end wrench |
| 3. Installation | Installing the door on the lower axis | Assistant |
| 4. Fixation | Attaching the upper hinge | Phillips screwdriver |
After installing the lower part, carefully place the door leaf on the axle. Now your task is to get the upper holes of the hinge into the mating parts on the body. Here again you will need an assistant to hold the door while you screw in the top bolts. Don't forget to pass the wires through the technological channels if your model is equipped with them.
⚠️ Attention: When rehanging the door, check that the internal shelves or drawers will not rest against the new opening side. Sometimes it is necessary to rearrange the internal stops.
Adjustment and final tightness check
After installing the door in place, it may appear skewed or may not fit tightly to the body. This is normal, as new loops require adjustments. Modern Candy refrigerators often provide the ability to (micro-adjust) the height and tilt of the door using adjusting screws on the hinges.
By rotating the adjusting bolts, achieve a uniform gap around the entire perimeter of the door. The gap between the door and the body should be the same at the top and bottom. If the door is skewed diagonally, it may be necessary to adjust the support legs of the refrigerator itself.
The final check includes:
- 👀 Visual inspection of the tightness of the seal.
- 🚪 Checking the ease of opening and closing (it should feel light vacuum).
- ❄️ Monitoring the operation of the refrigerator after turning it on (after 2-3 hours).
If the door does not close completely, check whether the contents of the shelves are interfering with it or the shelf itself has not moved back. The reason may also be the slope of the floor in the room. In this case, tighten the front adjustable legs of the refrigerator to raise its front part.
Frequent errors and ways to eliminate them
Even following the instructions, Beginners often make mistakes. One of the most common is the loss or confusion of mounting bolts. The bolts from the top and bottom hinges may differ in length and thread. Installing a long bolt into a short hole can pierce the housing or damage the insulation.
Another mistake is ignoring the wires. If you rush, you can tighten the harness too much, which will lead to broken contacts or damage to the insulation. This may result in a short circuit or display failure. Always leave a small supply of wire inside the channel.
List of common problems:
- The door does not hold the magnet - the seal needs to be replaced or the tilt adjusted.
- Creak when opening - the hinges need to be lubricated.
- Gaps uneven - the height of the legs needs to be re-adjusted.
If after all the manipulations the refrigerator begins to work louder or hold the cold worse, check whether you have damaged the evaporator tubes due to careless handling of the tool. In such cases, it is better to contact a service center.
Is it possible to change the door yourself without experience?
Yes, if you have basic skills in working with tools and the physical strength to support the weight of the door. However, if the model is equipped with complex electronics or a No Frost system with thin air ducts in the door, the risk of error increases. In such cases, it is better to call an assistant.
Where can I find original spare parts for the Candy door?
Original spare parts can be ordered from the brand’s authorized service centers or from official dealers. You will need the exact model of the refrigerator (indicated on the nameplate inside the chamber) and, preferably, the serial number.
What to do if, after hanging, the door touches the body?
Most likely, the gap is set incorrectly or the hinge is twisted. Loosen the mounting bolts, level the door and tighten them again. Also check to see if any internal fittings are protruding.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before replacing the door?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, if you are planning a long repair or replacement of the seal, which requires a clean and dry surface, it is better to defrost and wash the refrigerator.