Changing the opening side of the door of refrigeration equipment is a standard procedure that allows you to adapt the equipment to a new kitchen layout or features of the kitchen unit. Equipment owners Haier often face the need to move hinges to provide more convenient access to products. Manufacturers initially provide this possibility, but the process requires accuracy and adherence to a certain sequence of actions.
Before starting work, it is necessary to prepare the workplace and free up space around the unit. You will need to remove all shelves, drawers and containers to lighten the structure and prevent them from being damaged or falling out during the removal process. It is also important to disconnect the device from the power supply by unplugging the plug from the socket to eliminate any risks of electric shock or short circuit when working with electronics.
The main difficulty in performing the operation is the weight of the door leaves, especially in two-chamber models. It is almost impossible to handle a heavy metal door on your own, holding it with one hand and unscrewing the bolts with the other. Therefore having an assistant is a critical condition for the successful completion of the task without damage to the body or injury.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to unplug the refrigerator and let it stand for 10-15 minutes to stabilize the pressure in the system, if work has just been done compressor.
Necessary tools and preparation
To successfully rehang the door, you will need a minimum set of tools, which are usually found in every home. The main tool will be screwdriver or a set of screwdrivers with different attachments, since the fasteners may differ in the type of slot. Some models Haier use specific bolts, so it is recommended to prepare open-end wrenches or heads of the appropriate size in advance.
In addition to the main tool, you will need masking tape or protective film to secure moving parts during operation. This will prevent the doors from spontaneously closing and protect the enamel from scratches. It would also be a good idea to prepare a container for folding small parts so that the fasteners are not lost during dismantling.
- 🔧 A screwdriver or Phillips screwdriver for unscrewing the main bolts.
- 🔩 A set of wrenches or sockets (often a size of 8 mm or 10 mm is required).
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp edges and oil.
- 📦 Container for storing screws and plugs.
Particular attention should be paid to the cleanliness of the surface on which the parts will be laid out. Dust or small debris can get into the threaded connections or hinge mechanisms, which will subsequently cause the door to warp. Wipe the work area with a damp cloth and make sure that the work area is well lit.
⚠️ Attention: Do not reuse damaged or worn fasteners if the threads show nicks or signs of corrosion - this can lead to weakening of the structure.
Removing the top door and handle
The process starts from the top sash, since it is the most accessible and less loaded part of the structure. The first step is to dismantle the handle if the design of the model Haier involves its separate fastening. In most modern models, the handles are screwed from the inside or hidden under decorative covers, which need to be carefully pryed off with a flat screwdriver.
Next, you should remove the top decorative cover that covers the fastenings of the top hinge. It is usually held on by latches or small screws that can be easily removed. After removing the cover, you will see the main bolt securing the hinge to the body of the refrigerator. Do not unscrew it completely immediately - first loosen to make sure that an assistant is holding the door securely.
After unscrewing the bolts, the top hinge can be removed. At this point, an assistant should hold the door firmly, preventing it from falling. Then carefully remove the door from the bottom pin or axle and set it aside in a safe place, placing a soft cloth or cardboard underneath so as not to scratch the front surface.
What to do if the bolt is rusty?
If the fastener is stuck, do not use excessive force so as not to strip the threads. Treat the joint with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and leave for 15-20 minutes. After this, try to carefully remove the bolt from its place, lightly tapping it.
Removing the bottom door and main hinge
The bottom door of the refrigerator Haier is usually heavier than the top and has a more complex fastening system, often including an intermediate hinge. After removing the top leaf, access to the mechanism connecting both doors opens. It is necessary to unscrew the bolts that secure the middle part of the hinge on the body of the lower door.
When removing the lower door, it is important to take into account its weight and dimensions. One person should hold the sash from below and from the side, while the second person should unscrew the fasteners. After being released from the hinges, the door is carefully placed on the prepared surface. Now you can begin to dismantle the main lower hinge, which is attached directly to the bottom of the refrigerator.
At this stage, it is important to remember or photograph the location of all washers, bushings and gaskets. The order of their installation when assembled, the reverse side must be identical, otherwise the door may not fit tightly to the body or warp. It is recommended to lay out all removed parts in the order of their dismantling.
☑️ Dismantling checklist
Re-hanging the hinges opposite side
After complete dismantling of all elements, the stage of rearranging the fittings begins. On the opposite side of the refrigerator body Haier there are symmetrical holes closed with plastic plugs. Carefully remove the plugs from the working holes on the new side and install them in the vacated holes on the side where the door will no longer be.
Install the bottom hinge in its new location using the same bolts as before. Make sure it fits snugly to the body and has no play. Then install the bottom door by sliding its axle onto the hinge pin and secure the middle part of the mechanism. It is important to check that the door rotates freely and does not touch the body.
Next, install the upper hinge and hang the upper door. When tightening the bolts, do not apply excessive force at once - first just tighten them so that the structure “sits” in place, and then tighten all the fasteners evenly. This will ensure correct load distribution.
| Fastening element | Location (Standard) | Location (After overweight) | Fastening type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top loop | Upper right corner | Upper left corner | M8 bolt |
| Middle hinge | Between chambers on the right | Between chambers left | M6 bolt + bushing |
| Bottom hinge | Bottom right corner | Bottom left corner | M8 bolt (reinforced) |
| Door handle | Right side | Left side | Hex screws |
⚠️ Attention: Make sure all plugs are installed tightly. If you leave the holes open, dust and moisture will get inside the case, which can damage the thermal insulation material.
Adjusting the tight fit of the doors
After installing the doors in a new location, additional adjustment is often required. If the door does not fit tightly or, on the contrary, closes too tightly, it is necessary to (adjust) the height of the hinges. On most models Haier adjustment is carried out by rotating the adjusting bolts or placing washers.
Check the horizontal installation of the refrigerator itself. If the floor is uneven and the unit feet are not adjusted, the door may open or close spontaneously. Use a building level and twist-out supports at the bottom of the body to level the equipment in a plane.
Pay special attention to the magnetic seal around the perimeter of the door. After rehanging, it may become deformed or move away from the body. Warm the seal with a hairdryer at low temperature or fill it with hot water in a bag, applying it to the problem area to restore its elasticity and original shape.
Installation of handles and final check
The final stage is the installation of handles on the new side. Depending on the model Haier, handles can be integrated or overhead. If the handles are overhead, install them in the prepared holes and securely tighten the fixing screws from the inside or outside, using decorative plugs to hide the fasteners.
After assembling the entire structure, conduct a visual inspection. Make sure all tools are removed and no unnecessary parts remain. Check the operation of door locks (if any) and closers. The door should open smoothly, without creaking or jamming, and close tightly with a characteristic sound.
Now you can turn on the refrigerator. Let it run for several hours without loading food to make sure the compressor is working correctly and there are no problems with the seal of the chamber. If everything is functioning normally, load the products.
Is it possible to hang the door yourself without an assistant?
Theoretically, this is possible for models with one camera or very light options, but it is highly not recommended. The door is heavy and can slip out, causing damage to the floor, the door itself, or injury to your feet. It’s better to call a neighbor or relative for backup.
What to do if, after overweight, the door does not close completely?
Most likely, the angle of the refrigerator is broken. According to the rules, the upper part of the body should be slightly tilted back. Adjust the front legs by twisting them to raise the front of the unit. Also check whether the contents of the shelves do not interfere with closing.
Will the warranty for a Haier refrigerator remain valid after reversing the doors?
Independently reversing the doors, as a rule, does not void the warranty, since this is a standard procedure described in the instructions. However, if in the process the hinges are damaged, the glass is broken or the threads are torn off, the service center may refuse to repair these specific components free of charge.