Rearranging furniture on The kitchen often poses an unexpected question to owners of household appliances: how to adapt the appliances to a new layout. If you purchased a refrigerator LG or simply decided to update the interior, the direction in which the door opens can become a critical ergonomic factor. Fortunately, most of the models of this brand are designed with versatility in mind, which allows you to change the opening side without calling a specialist.
The rehanging process is not just a mechanical action, but a precise procedure that requires attention to design details. Improper dismantling can damage sealer or strip the threads, so it is important to study the design of your unit in advance. In this article, we will analyze a step-by-step algorithm of actions, the necessary tools and nuances that are silent in standard manuals.
Before starting work, make sure that you have enough free space around the device. In models with the No Frost system, access to the lower fasteners can be hidden by a plinth or decorative strip. Preparation of the workplace and the right attitude are the key to successfully completing the operation in one approach without unnecessary fuss and risk for equipment.
Preparation of tools and workspace
High-quality preparation minimizes the risk of damage to the enamel or plastic elements of the case. You will need a basic set of tools that can be found in the arsenal of any home craftsman. The main attention should be paid to choosing the right screwdrivers, since in technology LG specific screws with heads of different types are often used.
For the job you will need the following tools:
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flathead of different sizes).
- 🔩 A 10 mm wrench or socket (for the main hinge bolts).
- 🧤 Protective gloves (to protect your hands from sharp metal edges).
- 📦 A small container for storing screws (so as not to lose small parts).
Pay special attention to the stability of the refrigerator. Before starting work, the device must be leveled so that it does not wobble when removing heavy elements. If the floor is slippery, place a rubber mat or thick cardboard under your feet. This will prevent accidental tilting of the case at the most crucial moment.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! Remove the plug from the socket to avoid short circuits or damage to the electronics if the wires accidentally touch.
☑️ Check before starting
Removing the top part and handle
The process starts from the top of the device, since that is where the main part is located load-bearing loop. In some models LG the top panel may be removable or require snapping of decorative plugs. Be careful, the plastic becomes more brittle over time, and sudden movement can lead to cracks.
First remove the decorative cover that hides the top hinge fasteners. It is usually held in place by latches or a single screw. After accessing the mechanism, loosen, but do not completely unscrew the mounting bolts yet. This will allow you to fix the door in the desired position before completely removing it.
Next, you should remove the handle if the design of your model requires it. In most modern refrigerators handle it is secured with screws from the inside of the door or from the bottom.
- 🔍 Inspect the bottom of the handle for hidden screws.
- 🔩 Unscrew the fastener, holding the handle with your other hand.
- 💾 Place all the screws in a prepared container, labeling their purpose.
After removing the handle, you can completely unscrew the top hinge bolts. At this stage you will definitely need an assistant. The refrigerator door is heavy and bulky, and holding it with one hand while unscrewing the fasteners is almost impossible and dangerous for your back.
Removing the door and rearranging the hinges
When the top hinge is released, carefully lift the door to remove it from the bottom support. You should not make sudden movements, as you can damage sealing rubber or scratch the end of the case. Place the removed door on a soft surface (for example, on a blanket or cardboard) with the outer side down.
Now we move on to the most important part - rearranging the fastening elements. At the opposite end of the case you will find symmetrical holes closed with plastic plugs. These plugs must be removed and moved to the vacant places on the working side. This will provide an aesthetic appearance and protection from dust.
The lower hinge also requires rearrangement. Depending on the model LG, it may be universal or require replacement with a mirror one. If the hinge is symmetrical, simply move it to the other side and secure with bolts. If the design is asymmetrical, make sure you are using the correct component from the kit.
| Element | Transfer Action | Important Part |
|---|---|---|
| Top Hinge | Remove and move | Requires door fixation |
| Bottom hinge | Move or turn over | Check for presence of pin |
| Plugs | Change in places | Monitor the integrity of the plastic |
| Handle | Dismantle and secure | Use new holes |
What to do if the screws do not fit?
In some cases, the threads on the opposite side may differ or be clogged with factory lubricant. Don't try too hard. Clean the holes with compressed air or carefully use a tap of the appropriate size. If the screw is too long for the new hole, place a washer, but make sure that this will not disrupt the seal of the hinge.
Installing the door on the new side
After preparing the seats, you can begin hanging the door. This stage requires coordination between two people. One person holds the door in an upright position, aligning the holes in the bottom hinge with the holes on the body, the second controls the top.
Insert the bottom pin or axle into the corresponding sleeve on the door. Make sure it fits snugly and without distortion. Only after this can you begin installing the top hinge. Align the holes and tighten the bolts by hand, without tightening them completely at once.
Tighten the fasteners diagonally, gradually increasing the force. This will ensure even distribution of the load and prevent distortion door leaf. Use a wrench for final fixation, but try not to overtighten the bolts so as not to strip the threads in the aluminum case.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use an impact tool (drill driver) to final tighten the hinges. High torque can damage the internal threads of the refrigerator body, which will make it impossible to secure the door tightly in the future.
Adjusting gaps and tightness
After installing the door in place, you need to check the quality of its fit. The door should close tightly around the entire perimeter, without gaps. If you notice gaps or the door does not fit tightly, you will need to adjust the height of the refrigerator legs or the position of the hinges.
Tilting the case is often used to adjust the gaps. The front legs of the refrigerator LG usually have threaded adjustment. By rotating them, you can lift the front of the unit, which will cause the door to slam shut under its own weight. This is especially important for models with a magnetic seal.
If the distortion remains, check the horizontal installation of the refrigerator itself using a building level.
- 📏 Place the level on the top panel lengthwise and crosswise.
- 🔧 Tighten the front or rear supports for leveling.
- 🚪 Check the door operation after each change of position.
Features of models with a display and the No Frost system
Owners of modern models LG with a display on the door or system No Frost should be especially careful. These refrigerators often have electrical cables running through the top loop to power lights or fans. They cannot just be thrown to the other side without preparation.
When removing the top cover, carefully inspect the space under it. If you see wires going to the door, do not pull the door too hard. The cables have a limited length and can only be disconnected at special connectors. To transfer them, you may need to remove the top panel completely and carefully move the wiring harness into the provided channel on the other side.
In some cases, the length of the wires does not allow moving the display to the other side. Then the display remains in its place, and the functionality of the “open door” button can be changed in the settings (if the model supports reprogramming the buttons). In simple cases, the wires are simply neatly laid in a new groove, preventing them from being pinched by the loop.
Frequent errors and ways to eliminate them
Even following the instructions, you can make mistakes that will affect the operation of the refrigerator. The most common of them is incomplete tightening of the screws, which leads to vibration and noise when the compressor operates. Always check the tightness of all fasteners after completing installation.
Another mistake is ignoring the plugs. Leaving holes not only spoils the appearance, but also violates thermal insulation and can also become a place for moisture to enter the housing. Always use the supplied plugs for all unused holes.
If, after rehanging, the door begins to touch the cabinet or shelves, check that the stops are installed correctly. Some models LG have plastic stops that change their position depending on the opening side. Their rearrangement is often overlooked, which leads to the door knocking on the body when closing.
Is it possible to perform this procedure alone?
Technically this is possible, but it is highly not recommended. The refrigerator door is heavy and has a large sail. Without an assistant, it is very easy to drop it, damaging the floor, the door itself, or the master’s feet. In addition, it is difficult to hold the door and get into the hinge holes at the same time.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging it?
Full 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 in advance. This will make the structure lighter and prevent water from entering the electrical contacts when tilted.
What to do if the plugs for the holes are lost?
Plugs can be ordered at the service center LG according to the model of the refrigerator. Temporarily, you can use a piece of white sealant or carefully seal the hole with a decorative sticker to match the body to preserve aesthetics.
Does re-hanging affect the warranty?
According to the rules of most manufacturers, re-hanging the door yourself does not void the warranty if the unit components are not damaged in the process. However, if you break the threads or break the display glass, this case will not be considered under warranty. Keep all removed parts.
Why does the door not fit tightly after rearrangement?
Most likely, the installation geometry is broken. Check the floor level, the height of the refrigerator legs and the tightness of the hinges. Also make sure that the sealing rubber has not jumped out of the groove when manipulating the door.