The situation when refrigerator door opens in the wrong direction, familiar to many owners of household appliances. This may be caused by the redevelopment of the kitchen, the peculiarities of the arrangement of furniture, or simply the desire to make operation more convenient. Fortunately, most modern models from leading manufacturers, such as Indesit, Atlant, Bosch or LG, provide the ability to reversing the door to the opposite side without calling a technician.
This process does not require deep technical knowledge, but it definitely requires accuracy and following the sequence of actions. Incorrectly performed manipulations can lead to distortion of the canvas, disruption seal tightness or even damage to the body. In this article, we will analyze in detail how to do the work yourself, what to pay special attention to and how to avoid common mistakes.
Before starting work, it is extremely important to make sure that your specific model generally supports such a function. Some budget options or specific built-in structures may have asymmetrical design casings, which makes re-hanging impossible. It is also worth preparing the necessary tools in advance so as not to be distracted during the work process.
Diagnostics and preparation of the workplace
The first step will be to carefully study the instructions for your unit. It is there that the manufacturer indicates the presence of special holes for loops on the reverse side and gives specific recommendations for this series. If the paper manual is lost, it can be easily found on the Internet using the model indicated on the nameplate inside the chamber.
Free up space around the refrigerator. You'll need to provide access to the device from all sides, including the back, where the bottom mounts or stops are often located. Move the equipment away from the wall at least a meter to be able to walk around it freely.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This is necessary not only for safety, but also to give the compressor and internal systems time to cool down and stabilize the pressure.
Prepare the tool. You will need a set of screwdrivers (Phillips and flat head), possibly an Allen wrench (often included with the equipment), as well as pliers. It would be a good idea to call an assistant, since the door of even a small refrigerator weighs noticeably, and holding it with one hand while unscrewing the bolts is extremely inconvenient.
Check the condition sealing rubber. If it is heavily worn, has cracks or has lost elasticity, it makes sense to replace it at the moment the door is removed. It is much easier and better to do this on a removed canvas than on an installed one.
☑️ Preparation for rehanging
Dismantling the upper part and removing the door
The process begins with the top hinge, since it is this that holds the main weight of the door. Depending on the model, the loop may be closed with a decorative plastic plug. It must be carefully pryed off with a flat screwdriver or knife, being careful not to scratch the surface of the case.
Unscrew the bolts securing the upper hinge. If your refrigerator has an intermediate shelf or drawer that interferes with access to the fasteners, these will also need to be temporarily removed. Often the top hinge is structurally combined with the housing cover or design element.
After the bolts are unscrewed, do not remove the hinge too far. Carefully lift the door to remove its axis from the lower fastening and remove the door leaf. It is best to immediately place it on a prepared soft surface (for example, on a spread blanket or cardboard) so as not to damage the enamel or plastic.
Now take care of the handle. In most models, the handles are asymmetrical and require rearrangement. To do this, unscrew the fastening screws from the inside of the door (often they are closed with plugs) and move the handle to the opposite side, using the holes provided by the factory.
Working with the lower support and axis of rotation
The lower part of the door rests on a special bushing or pin, which is part of the lower hinge. In some models, this element must be unscrewed from the old hole and screwed into a new, symmetrical one. In others, it is enough to simply rearrange the bushing itself.
Pay attention to the condition of the lower bushing. If it shows signs of heavy wear, rust or scuffing, it is better to replace it. A new bushing will ensure smooth door movement and no squeaks in the future. Lubricate the element with a small amount of technical grease, if recommended by the manufacturer.
If in your model the lower hinge is part of the frame and cannot be removed, check for the presence of a locking screw. Sometimes, to change the opening side, you simply need to rearrange the door travel limiter, which prevents it from swinging too wide.
| Element | Action during dismantling | Action during installation | Nuances |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Unscrew the bolts, remove | Install in new holes | Requires door support |
| Handle | Unscrew the screws, remove | Screw on the other side | Keep an eye on the plugs |
| Bottom bushing | Unscrew or knock out | Screw into a new socket | Important for alignment |
| Plugs | Remove from old holes | Install into vacant ones | For body aesthetics |
Installing the door on a new one side
After preparing all the elements, you can begin installation. Lift the door and slide it with the bottom sleeve onto the prepared bottom pin. Make sure that the door is level and fits tightly to the body along its entire length.
Now you need to fix the top hinge. Align the holes on the hinge with the holes on the body and screw in the bolts. At this stage there is no need to tighten them all the way “tight”. First, simply tighten all the bolts to be able to adjust the position.
Check the vertical installation of the door. It should open and close smoothly, without distortions or jams. The gap between the door and the body around the entire perimeter should be uniform. If you notice a misalignment, slightly loosen the top bolts and align the position of the blade.
⚠️ Attention: When final tightening the top hinge bolts, be careful. Excessive force can strip the threads in the metal casing or deform the mounting holes, which will lead to a loose fit.
What to do if the door does not close tightly?
If after rehanging the door does not close tightly, check to see if anything is blocking the seal. Perhaps the products on the shelves hit the door. Also make sure that the refrigerator is positioned strictly vertically. If there is no distortion, try heating the seal with a hairdryer at a low temperature or placing a soft cloth under it overnight.
Adjusting the position and tightness
The final stage is fine adjustment. Close the door and evaluate the tightness seal along the entire perimeter. There should be no gaps anywhere through which the cold can escape. Pay special attention to the corners.
If the model is equipped with adjustable legs, use them to correct the tilt of the entire refrigerator. Often, for better self-closing of the door, the rear legs are made slightly higher than the front ones, creating a slight slope back.
Check the operation of the light switch and door opening sensors. When repositioned, the mechanical buttons may move relative to the position of the door. If the button does not press or is pressed too tightly, it may need to be moved or adjusted.
Plug in the refrigerator and listen. After 10-15 minutes of operation, check whether condensation has appeared in the area adjacent to the door. This is the best indicator of the quality of your work. If the cold remains inside and the outside of the case is dry, you did great.
Frequent errors and ways to eliminate them
One of the most common errors is the loss or confusion of fasteners. The bolts for the top and bottom hinges may differ in length. If you screw a long bolt into a short hole, you can damage the inner lining of the chamber or the refrigerant circulation system.
Another problem is damage to the seal during removal. If you pulled the door sharply, the elastic could stretch or jump out of the groove. In this case, it must be carefully pushed into place, and if deformed, it must be replaced.
Sometimes users forget to move the plugs into the vacated holes. This spoils the appearance of the equipment. Be sure to close all technological holes with the decorative elements included in the kit.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Is it possible to hang the door on a two-chamber refrigerator yourself?
Yes, you can, but it takes more time. You will have to remove and rehang both doors (freezer and refrigerator) sequentially. It is important not to confuse the fasteners and follow the sequence of actions described in the instructions for your specific model.
What to do if there are no holes for the handle on the new side?
If there are no holes, it means that the refrigerator model does not allow for hanging the handle, or the handle is a non-removable part of the structure. In some cases, there are holes, but they are covered with a layer of paint or plastic - they can be carefully opened, but this may void the warranty.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, if the refrigerator is old and requires defrosting, it is better to do this before starting work, so that water does not flow when the body is tilted, and it is lighter.
Why does the door open by itself after rehanging?
Most likely, the angle of inclination of the refrigerator itself is broken. To close properly, the top of the refrigerator must be tilted back slightly. Adjust the height of the front legs by unscrewing them.