The situation when standard opening of the refrigerator door becomes inconvenient due to the peculiarities of the kitchen layout is familiar to many owners of household appliances. It often happens that after rearranging a headset or purchasing a new model, the unit has to be moved close to the wall, and then the handle becomes blocked or rests against the adjacent cabinet. In such cases, the only way out is rehanging the doors to the opposite side, which allows you to maintain the ergonomics of the space and ensure free access to products.
Although the process seems complicated, most modern models, be it Indesit, LG or Beko, were originally designed taking into account the possibility of changing the opening side. Manufacturers provide symmetrical holes for hinges and spare plugs that are hidden on the front panel. However, despite the unification, there are dismantling nuances that require care, especially if the design includes a complex control system or built-in display.
Before taking active steps, you need to make sure that you have a basic set of tools and free space around the unit. It is important to understand that the wrong sequence of steps can lead to damage to the seal or disruption of the housing geometry, so strictly follow the algorithm described below. If you doubt your abilities, it is better to invite a specialist, but for those who decide to act on their own, this article will become a detailed guide.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
The first stage of any repair procedure is preparation, which in this case includes not only assembling tools, but also ensuring the safety of the process. You will need to remove all shelves, containers and food from the refrigerator to reduce the weight of the structure as much as possible and avoid objects falling when the case is tilted. Clear space in front of the unit so that you can easily walk around it from all sides and place the removed parts on a clean surface.
The basic set of tools, as a rule, does not require complex professional equipment, but its equipment may vary depending on the model. The standard list includes Phillips and flat head screwdrivers, wrenches (often 8, 10 or 13 mm sizes), and a spirit level for later adjustment. For some models, such as Samsung or Haier, you may need a hex key, which sometimes comes with the refrigerator itself.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! This is critical if your model is equipped with electronic door controls, opening sensors or a display built into the facade.
It is also recommended to prepare a soft rag or cardboard to cover the floor under the refrigerator and the place where the heavy metal hinges will be folded. It would be a good idea to have an assistant on hand, since the door of even a small refrigerator weighs a lot, and holding it with one hand while unscrewing the bolts is extremely inconvenient and risky for the integrity of the hinges.
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (Phillips, flat) for dismantling decorative panels.
- 🔩 Wrenches or heads of the appropriate size for hinge bolts.
- 📏 Construction level for checking the horizontal position after installation.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
☑️ Preparation for re-hanging
Analysis of the design and search for fasteners elements
Before picking up tools, carefully study the design of your refrigerator, since the location of fasteners may differ significantly. In most cases, the top hinge is covered with a decorative plastic cover, which must be carefully pryed off with a flat-head screwdriver or knife. Under this cover there are fastening bolts hidden, and there may also be a hole for a hexagon that fixes the position of the hinge.
Particular attention should be paid to models with a system No Frost or Full No Frost, where electrical wires can pass through the top of the door, powering the display or lighting lamp. If you see wiring harnesses running from the frame to the door, simply re-hanging the mechanical hinges is impossible without reconnecting the electronics. In such cases, it is often necessary to rearrange the connectors inside the case or even replace the harness itself with a longer analogue.
At the side ends of the door and case you will find symmetrical holes closed with plastic plugs. It is into these holes that the hinges will be transferred after changing sides. Make sure that your refrigerator includes spare bolts and plugs, since some budget models do not provide them, and you will have to look for analogues in thread size.
What to do if there are no spare ones bolts?
If the original fasteners are lost, measure the diameter and thread pitch of the existing bolts and select an analogue in a hardware store. Using bolts of smaller diameter is unacceptable - this will lead to thread breakage and the door falling.
Some manufacturers, for example Electrolux or Zanussi, use special locking pins to fix the rotation axis. In this case, before removing the hinge, it is necessary to push out the pin from below or from above, having first freed it from dirt and rust if it has formed over years of operation.
Removing the upper and lower hinges
The process of removing the door always begins with dismantling the upper hinge, since it is this that holds the main weight of the structure. After removing the decorative trim, unscrew the mounting bolts, but do not remove them completely until an assistant secures the door in a vertical position. Abruptly removing fasteners can cause a heavy door to fall to the floor, damaging the cover or injuring your feet.
Once the top hinge is released, carefully lift the door to remove it from the bottom axis. At this point, it is important to prevent distortion, which can deform the metal. If an opening limiter or damper is installed on the lower hinge, it must also be carefully disconnected, remembering the order of the washers and gaskets.
The lower hinge is often hidden by the plastic base of the refrigerator. To access it, you may need to remove the front panel at the bottom of the case. Unscrew the bolts securing the lower support axle and remove it along with the bushing. Now you have in your hands a freed door and a set of removed parts that need to be prepared for installation on the new side.
- 🛑 Remove the decorative cover of the top hinge.
- 🔓 Unscrew the fastening bolts, holding the door.
- 🚪 Remove the door from the lower axis and put it aside safe place.
- 🔧 Remove the lower support hinge and base.
⚠️ Attention: When removing the hinges, pay attention to the presence of adjusting washers. Write down or photograph their location so that when assembling on the new side, repeat the configuration exactly.
Transfer of fittings and handle elements
The most critical stage is the physical transfer of all fittings to the opposite side of the door leaf. The refrigerator handle is usually attached to two or more bolts, which are covered with decorative caps. Carefully remove the plugs, unscrew the fasteners and move the handle to a new location using symmetrical holes. If the holes on the new side are closed with factory plugs, remove them and install them in place of the old holes.
The upper and lower hinges also need to be rearranged. Please note that the rotation axis may be asymmetrical, and it must be turned over or moved to the corresponding slot on the case. Some models Bosch or Siemens require replacing the hinge bracket itself with a mirror one, which is included in the kit.
Do not forget about limiters and dampers. If your model has a soft close mechanism, make sure it is installed correctly in relation to the new opening side. Incorrect installation may result in the door slamming or, conversely, not completely adhering to the body.
Check the condition of the sealing rubber. While the door is removed, there is an excellent opportunity to wash and dry the folds of the seal, and also check the integrity of the magnetic tape. If the rubber has lost its elasticity, re-hanging may not save the situation, and the seal will need to be replaced.
Installing the door and adjusting the gaps
Installing the door to a new location begins with installing the bottom hinge. Insert the axle into the prepared hole on the body and secure with bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet. This will allow you to fine-tune the position of the door in space. Place the door on the lower axis, holding it from above.
Next, install the upper hinge. Align the holes in the door and body, insert the mounting bolts and tighten them by hand. Now that the door is fixed on both sides, you can begin leveling. Use a building level, applying it to the end of the door to make sure that it is strictly vertical.
The gaps between the door and the body should be uniform along the entire length. If the door fits tightly at the top but there is a gap at the bottom (or vice versa), you need to loosen the bottom or top hinge bolts and move the door slightly until the ideal position is achieved. After adjustment, tighten all fasteners tightly.
| Problem | Possible cause | Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| The door does not fit tightly | The body is skewed or loose hinges | Adjusting the height of the refrigerator legs and tightening the bolts |
| The door opens itself | The refrigerator is tilted back | Tighten the front adjustment supports |
| Audible creaking | Lack of lubrication in the hinges | Lubricate the rubbing parts |
| Gap between the seal | Rubber deformation | Warm with a hairdryer or replace seal |
Features of models with electronics and display
Owners of modern refrigerators LG, Samsung or Haier with a display on the door will have to deal with an additional stage of work - transfer electrical connectors. the wires usually pass inside the hollow door and exit at the top through a special technological hatch or through the space between the hinges.
It is necessary to carefully disconnect the connector chips. They may have latches that need to be pressed out. After rehanging the door, the wires may be too short or, conversely, too long. In the first case, you will need to lengthen the harness, in the second, you will need to carefully lay the excess inside the case so that it does not get under the moving parts.
After assembly, be sure to check the operation of the display and buttons. If the screen does not light up, check the tightness of the connectors. Some complex models may require a soft reset or reconfiguration of the operating mode via the control panel, as described in the user manual.
⚠️ Attention: The design of electrical connections may vary dramatically between different manufacturers. If you are not confident in your knowledge of electrical engineering, for models with a display it is better to call a specialist to avoid a short circuit.
It often happens that after rehanging the door with a display, the image on the screen turns out to be upside down. This is a normal situation for many models. To fix this, you need to enter the service menu or use a combination of buttons (for example, holding the "Freeze" and "Cool" buttons for 5-10 seconds) to flip the image orientation.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to hang the door on a two-chamber refrigerator yourself?
Yes, it is possible, if the design of the model allows for it. However, for tall two-chamber models (over 180 cm), it is highly recommended that two people work together, as the upper door may be too heavy and bulky for one person. It is also important to follow the sequence: first the upper door is removed, then the lower one, and installation is done in the reverse order.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not close completely?
Most likely, the angle of inclination of the refrigerator itself is broken. For proper closure, the body must be slightly tilted backwards (back lower than front). Adjust the height of the front legs of the refrigerator by unscrewing or tightening them with a wrench. Also check whether the seal or food on the shelves is preventing it from closing.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging the door?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, it is recommended to remove all products and shelves to make the structure lighter. If you plan to tilt the refrigerator to access the lower hinges, make sure that there is no excess water in the systems that could leak out when tilted.
Is it possible to hang the door on a refrigerator with a No Frost system?
Yes, you can. The No Frost system does not interfere with overweight, since the cold air supply channels are usually located in the rear wall of the chamber, and not in the door. The only exception is models where ventilation ducts are built into the doors (rare), in which case the instructions will contain a special prohibition or a complex scheme for transferring air ducts.
Will the warranty remain valid after re-hanging the door yourself?
In most cases, mechanically re-hanging the door does not void the warranty, since this is a standard procedure provided by the manufacturer. However, if during the work you break threads, break plastic or damage wiring, the service center has the right to refuse free repair of these components. Keep all removed parts and plugs.