Changing the opening side of the refrigerator compartment is a common need when remodeling a kitchen or purchasing a new model that does not fit into a niche due to the direction of the door leaf. Many owners of household appliances mistakenly believe that this requires special skills or calling a specialist, however, in most modern models Liebherr, Beko or Atlant this procedure is provided for by the design and can be performed independently. The key point here is to understand that reweighing is not just rearranging bolts, but a set of actions to move handles, hinges and, most importantly, magnetic seals.
Before taking active steps, it is necessary to free the internal space of the unit from products and shelves, since the weight of the full refrigerator can make the structure unstable when tilted. Modern models often have hidden hinges that require dismantling decorative panels before starting work. If you plan to watch video instructions, make sure that it matches the type of device you have, since the hinge designs of double-chamber and single-chamber models may differ significantly.
Therefore, the first step should always be to study technical data sheet or visual inspection of the back of the door for the presence of plugs for fastenings on the opposite side. If there are no plugs, then, alas, it will not be possible to redo the opening side without serious modification of the case, which is not recommended.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This is necessary not only for your safety, but also to avoid accidental damage to electronic control boards that may be located in the hinge installation area.
Preparation of tools and workplace
To perform the task efficiently, 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 fasteners may differ in the type of slots. It would also be a good idea to prepare masking tape to secure the moving parts and a soft rag so as not to scratch the glossy surface of the case during work.
The organization of the space around the refrigerator plays a critical role: you need to ensure easy access to the unit from all sides, including the top and back. If you are working in a narrow kitchen, you may need to temporarily dismantle baseboards or remove nearby furniture to be able to tilt the refrigerator at the desired angle without the risk of damaging the walls or floor.
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flathead) or a screwdriver with bits.
- 🛠️ A wrench or socket on 8-10 mm (depending on the model).
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 📦 Container for folding small parts and fasteners.
Some models, such as individual series Indesit or Stinolmay require the use of a specific tool for removing decorative overlays. In such cases, it is better to prepare a thin spatula or plastic card in advance in order to carefully pry the latches without damaging the plastic. Remember that strength is not the main ally here; accuracy and understanding of the design are more important.
Removing the top panel and hinges
The process begins with removing the top cover of the refrigerator, if it is structurally provided for in your model. In most cases, it is secured with latches or several screws, which can be hidden under decorative plugs. After removing the cover, you will have access to the top hinge, which holds the door in an upright position.
Before unscrewing the top hinge bolts, it is recommended to fix the door in the open position or have an assistant hold it to avoid a sharp fall and damage to the bottom hinge. Top hinge often has a complex design with an integrated closer mechanism or opening sensor, so it is important to remember or take a photo of the disassembly procedure.
After loosening the fasteners, the top hinge is removed and the door can be carefully detached from the body. At this point, it is important not to lose any bushings or washers that may be inside the hinge hole. If your refrigerator is a two-chamber one, then first you usually remove the freezer door, and then the main refrigeration compartment.
☑️ Removal steps
⚠️ Attention: Do not use excessive force when unscrewing rusted bolts, as you can strip the threads or break the fastener head. If the bolt does not fit, treat it with a penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40) and wait 10-15 minutes.
Flipping the door and moving the fittings
The most critical stage is physically moving the handle and preparing the door for installation on the new side. The handle is usually attached to screws on the inside of the door leaf, so the door must be placed on a soft surface (for example, on a spread blanket) with the inside side up. After unscrewing the fasteners, move the handle to the opposite side, using pre-prepared holes, which are factory-closed with plugs.
In parallel with the handle, it is also necessary to rearrange the mating parts of the hinges, if they have an asymmetrical shape. In some models Bosch or Siemens the hinges are universal and do not require replacement, you just need to turn them over or rearrange the pins. However, in simpler models, it may be necessary to completely replace the elements with mirror analogues, which are often included with the refrigerator in a package with documents.
Particular attention should be paid magnetic seal. When changing the opening side, the direction of the magnetic field may become non-optimal, and the door will not fit properly. To fix this, the seal is carefully removed from the groove, heated with a hair dryer (without overheating the plastic) to restore elasticity and reinstalled with the correct orientation of the magnetic tape.
What to do if the holes for the handles do not match?
In some older or budget models, the holes may be drilled on one side only. In this case, drilling new holes yourself is not recommended, as this will compromise the integrity of the thermal insulation layer and can lead to corrosion. It is better to leave the handle in place or contact a service center for professional modification.
Installing the lower support and adjusting the tilt
After preparing the door and moving the fittings, it is necessary to prepare the lower part of the refrigerator body. The bottom hinge or support sleeve is also moved to the opposite side. To do this, the refrigerator is carefully tilted (being careful that the compressor does not hit the floor), and the support is dismantled on one side and installed on the other.
An important point is to adjust the height of the support legs. As the door opens in the opposite direction, the center of gravity will shift and the tilt of the entire unit may need to be adjusted to ensure the door closes properly due to gravity. Usually the front legs are twisted so that the body is slightly tilted back.
| Element | Action when turning over | Nuances |
|---|---|---|
| Upper loop | Transfer to opposite side | Monitor the sensors |
| Lower support | Replacing the bushing or rearranging the axle | Requires tilting the body |
| Handle | Dismantling and installation on the other side | Use plugs |
| Sealant | Checking fit and reorientation | Warming up may be required |
Do not Don't forget to install the plastic plugs in the vacated holes on the old side of the mount. This will not only improve the aesthetic appearance, but also prevent moisture and dust from entering the housing structure. If the plugs are lost, they can be temporarily replaced with silicone sealant, choosing the color.
Door installation and final assembly
Now that all preparatory steps have been completed, you can begin installing the door in a new location. This step is best done with two people: one person holds the door, aligning the holes in the bottom hinge, and the second person fixes the top part. First, tighten the bolts of the top hinge, but do not tighten them all the way, so that there is room for adjustment.
After installing the top hinge, check the ease of movement of the door. It should open smoothly, without creaking or jamming. If everything goes well, you can finally tighten the fasteners. Make sure that the gap between the door and the body around the entire perimeter is the same - this indicates correct installation.
The finishing touch is the installation of all decorative panels and covers that were removed at the beginning of the process. Check that all the latches are in place with a characteristic click, and that the wires (if they went through the door, as in models with a display) are neatly laid out and not pinched.
Typical errors and ways to eliminate them
In the process of self-repair, situations often arise when the result does not meet expectations. One of the most common mistakes is an incorrect sequence of actions, when craftsmen forget to rearrange the internal stops or forget about the plugs. Also often encountered is the problem of the door not fitting tightly, which can be solved by adjusting the hinges or replacing the seal.
If, after rehanging, you notice that the door begins to touch the body or shelves inside, it means that the axis of rotation is installed incorrectly or the door itself is skewed. In this case, it is necessary to loosen the fasteners and, slightly raising or lowering the edges, find the ideal position. Sometimes it is necessary to repeat the procedure several times to achieve the result.
- 🚫 The door does not close tightly: check whether the contents of the shelves are in the way or whether the seal is installed correctly.
- 🚫 Creak when opening: lubricate the hinges with special oil or graphite grease.
- 🚫 Gap between the door and the body: adjust the height of the refrigerator legs.
⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator has a freshness zone or a zero chamber located in the door, make sure that the airtightness of the air ducts is not broken when turning over. In some models, this may require additional adjustment of the dampers.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to reverse the door on a refrigerator with a display?
Yes, this is possible, but it requires more caution. You will have to carefully disconnect the cable that goes to the display, move it across the top of the case and reconnect it. It is important not to damage the contacts and assemble the connectors correctly, otherwise the display will not work.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging it?
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, since when tilted, water may flow into the mechanisms or onto the floor. In addition, an empty refrigerator is easier to maneuver.
What to do if the plugs for the holes are lost?
Plugs can be ordered at the manufacturer’s service center or selected universal analogues in furniture fittings stores. As a last resort, the holes can be carefully sealed with a decorative sticker in the color of the body or painted over with a correction pencil.
Will the warranty remain valid after rehanging the door with your own hands?
According to the law, self-repair does not void the warranty if you have not caused damage. However, if during the rehanging process the hinge is broken or the case is scratched, the service center may refuse free repairs. Save all the details and act carefully.