The need to change the direction of opening the refrigerator door LG often arises when moving to a new kitchen or after redevelopment of the premises, when the standard arrangement interferes with convenient access to products. Owners of equipment are faced with a situation where the handle rests against a wall or adjacent furniture, making the operation of the unit extremely inconvenient. Fortunately, the design of most modern models allows you to do rehanging doors on your own, without calling a technician, if you follow a clear algorithm of actions.
The process of replacing the opening side requires care and the availability of a basic set of tools, since the door leaf has significant weight and a complex fastening system. An incorrect dismantling sequence can lead to damage to the plastic elements or loss of sealing. Before starting work, it is important to make sure that your specific one model range supports such a function, since some budget or built-in series may have fixed hinges.
In this article we will analyze in detail all stages of work, from preparing the workplace to the final adjustment of the gaps, so that you can complete the task efficiently and safely. We will look at the nuances of working with electronics if the control panel is located on the facade, and ways to eliminate common errors during assembly. Proper re-hanging will extend the life of the hinges and preserve the aesthetic appearance of your kitchen.
Preparation of tools and workspace
Before you begin dismantling heavy structural elements, you need to prepare a flat and free area where you can temporarily lay the removed parts. You will need a space of at least two square meters next to the refrigerator so as not to carry loaded modules across the apartment. It is better to cover the floor with a soft material, such as a blanket or cardboard, to avoid scratches on the decorative covering and damage to the internal shelves when removing them.
To perform work on replacing the opening side, you will need a standard DIY kit, which usually does not require the purchase of specialized equipment. The main tool will be a set of screwdrivers with different slots, since the design LG uses different types of screws, including Phillips and flat. You may also need a wrench or 8 or 10 mm socket to remove the main mounting bolts of the hinges.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the electrical outlet by removing the plug from the outlet to eliminate the risk of a short circuit or electric shock if the wiring is accidentally damaged.
It will not be amiss invite an assistant, especially if you have a model with a bottom freezer or Side-by-Side, where the door leaves are impressively heavy. One person will hold the structure while the second unscrews the fasteners, which minimizes the risk of falling and injury. In addition, prepare a container for storing screws and small parts so that nothing gets lost during the lengthy disassembly process.
☑️ Preparing for rehanging
Removing the top hinge and door handle
The process of changing the hinge begins from the top of the refrigerator compartment, since this is where the main load-bearing hinge is located, holding the weight of the door leaf. First you need to remove the decorative plug, which usually hides the mounting bolts and gives an aesthetic appearance to the end of the case. To do this, carefully pry up the plastic cover with a flat-head screwdriver or knife, being careful not to use excessive force so as not to break the latches.
After gaining access to the fasteners, you should loosen the bolts of the top hinge, but do not remove them completely yet, so that the door does not move prematurely. If on your model LG the handle is integrated into the body or has a complex fastening system, it should also be dismantled at this stage according to the instructions for the specific series. In some cases, the handle is simply moved to the opposite side, for which symmetrical holes and plugs are provided.
When moving the door to the side for removal, be extremely careful not to pull or damage cable route. If the wires interfere with complete opening, they must be carefully disconnected, having first remembered or photographed the location of the connectors.
Nuances of working with electronics
If a display is installed on the door, a cable runs inside the door cavity. It must not be cut or bent too much. It is often necessary to remove the plastic trim on the inside of the door to gain access to the connector and disconnect it before completely removing the leaf.
When all the fasteners of the upper hinge are loosened or removed, you can begin to remove the door leaf itself from the lower support. Hold the door firmly with both hands, as once the top clamp is removed, it will only be held in place by friction in the bottom bushing. A sudden movement can lead to an impact with the floor or adjacent objects, so control the weight of the structure throughout the entire process.
Removing the door leaf and lower fastenings
After releasing the upper hinge, the most crucial moment comes - physically removing the door from the lower axis. To do this, it is necessary to lift the door strictly vertically upward to remove it from engagement with the lower pin or bushing. This operation requires good physical preparation or the help of a second person, since the weight of the door leaf with shelves and seal can reach 20-30 kilograms.
Put the removed door on a previously prepared soft surface with the outer side down so as not to damage the glossy coating or enamel. Now you can begin to dismantle the lower hinge, which is attached to the end of the refrigerator body. Unscrew the bolts holding the hinge and remove it, freeing up space for installation on the opposite side.
| Type of fastening | Required tools | Removal features |
|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Phillips screwdriver, 8mm key | Requires fixing the door from falling |
| Bottom sleeve | Flat screwdriver | Often has a plastic case |
| Pin stopper | Pliers | You need to pull out the axle before removing |
| Plug decor | Knife or thin spatula | Act carefully, plastic fragile |
If a locking system or transport fasteners are provided at the bottom, they must also be removed and moved to the new side. Some models LG use plastic bushings, which can dry out or crack over time. If damage is detected, it is recommended to replace these elements with new ones to ensure smooth operation and no squeaks in the future.
Rearranging fittings and strike plates
After dismantling all the elements on one side, you need to move the fittings to the opposite end of the refrigerator. The case usually has symmetrical holes for attaching hinges, closed with plastic plugs. Carefully remove the plugs from the new side of the unit and install them in the vacated holes, maintaining the neat appearance of the unit.
Particular attention should be paid to the strike plates and stoppers that secure the door in the closed position. They must be moved exactly to the level of the old installation so that the magnetic lock or mechanical lock coincides with the counterpart on the door leaf. If the installation accuracy is not observed, the door will not close tightly or, conversely, too tightly.
For models with the system No Frost it is important not to confuse the holes for fasteners with technological channels or insulation elements. Do not tighten the screws with excessive force to avoid stripping the threads in the metal housing or cracking the plastic insert. All previously removed plugs must be used for their intended purpose so that there are no open holes left in the case that violate the thermal insulation.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use screws to secure the hinges that are not included in the delivery set or are not intended for this model, as they may have a different length and damage the internal components of the refrigerator.
Now you can install the lower hinge in a new place, securing it with bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet. This will allow you to make minor adjustments when hanging the door. Make sure that the hinge axis points strictly vertically upward, since the correct installation of the door leaf and the absence of distortions depends on this.
Installing the door and adjusting the gaps
The most difficult stage is placing the door leaf in a new place, which is best done together. One person lifts and positions the door, aligning the bottom hinge hole with the axle, while a second person controls the top and prepares the top hinge for installation. Carefully lower the door onto the lower axis, making sure that it is seated in the groove all the way and is level.
After installing the door leaf, you need to secure the upper hinge by inserting the bolts into the corresponding holes in the body and door card. At this stage, do not tighten the fasteners completely, leave a small gap to be able to adjust the position of the door. Check the parallelism of the door edges relative to the refrigerator body along the entire perimeter.
- 🔹 If the door is skewed to one side, slightly loosen the bolts and move the door in the desired direction until you obtain a uniform gap.
- 🔹 Check the tightness of the seal along the entire contour using a sheet of paper - it should stretch slightly force.
- 🔹 Make sure that when closing the door does not touch the body and handles of adjacent cabinets or walls.
The final tightening of the bolts is done after you are convinced of the correct positioning. Use a wrench or screwdriver to securely secure all connections, but avoid overtightening, which can distort the metal. After tightening, check the door operation again: it should open smoothly, without creaks, and close tightly with a slight push.
Connecting electronics and checking operation
If your refrigerator LG is equipped with a display on the door or internal lighting, you need to restore the electrical connections. Carefully connect the wire connectors to the mating parts, making sure that the latch clicks. Lay the wires inside the channels intended for them so that they do not get pinched when the door moves and do not touch the heating elements.
After assembling all the mechanical and electrical components, you can turn on the refrigerator and check the operation of the indicators. If all segments on the display are lit or, conversely, it does not light up, check the tightness of the cable connections. In some cases, you may need to reset the settings or reboot the system to display information correctly.
Leave the refrigerator operating in test mode for several hours, periodically checking the temperature inside the chambers and the tightness of the doors. Pay attention to the appearance of condensation or ice in the corners of the chamber, which may indicate insufficient sealing due to improper adjustment. If necessary, repeat the procedure for adjusting the position of the canvas.
What to do if the door does not close completely after overhang?
Most often the problem lies in incorrect adjustment of the height of the refrigerator legs. If the front of the unit is not raised relative to the back, the door will not close on its own due to gravity. Adjust the support screws at the bottom of the case so that the refrigerator tilts slightly back.
Is it possible to change the opening side on a built-in LG refrigerator?
In most cases, on built-in appliances, re-hanging is impossible or extremely difficult due to the fastening of the door to the furniture facade and the specific design of the hinges. It is recommended to check the instructions for the specific model, as there may be installation restrictions.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging?
Complete defrosting is not a mandatory requirement, but it is recommended to remove all food and removable shelves. This will significantly reduce the weight of the structure, reduce the risk of spilling products when tilted and make it easier to work with heavy door leaves.
Why did a creaking appear after installation?
The creaking usually occurs due to friction of the metal parts of the hinge against each other or against the plastic bushing without lubrication. It may also be caused by overtightened fasteners, which creates tension in the metal. Treat the rubbing surfaces with silicone grease and loosen the bolts half a turn.