Changing the kitchen layout or simply wanting to optimize the workspace often leads to the need to change the direction in which the refrigerator opens. Re-hanging the door is a very real task that you can do yourself, without resorting to the services of service centers. This will allow you to save time and money, and will also give you complete control over the process of rearranging household appliances.
However, before you begin, you must be clearly aware that you are dealing with expensive equipment that requires careful handling. Incorrect actions can lead to damage to the hinges, failure of the seal, or even breakage of the housing itself. In this article, we will analyze in detail all stages of the process in order to minimize risks and guarantee a successful result.
Modern models of refrigerators, be it Indesit, Beko, LG or Bosch, are most often designed taking into account the possibility of changing the opening side. The design of the hinges involves rearranging the fastening elements, but the nuances may differ significantly. It is important to prepare the working tools and free space in advance so that nothing interferes with you during the work process.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
The success of the operation directly depends on quality preparation. You will need to clear some space in front of the refrigerator so you can access it from all sides. Do not try to do the job in a tight space, as this increases the risk of dropping a heavy door or scratching the floor and furniture.
A basic set of tools usually includes open-end wrenches, screwdrivers (Phillips and flat-head), and possibly hex keys. Some models, for example Electrolux or Haier, can be equipped with special keys that are stored in the technical compartment or mounted on the rear panel. Make sure you have everything you need at hand.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This is critical for your safety since you will be working with metal tools in close proximity to electrical components.
You will also need the help of a second person. The refrigerator door, even empty, weighs quite a lot, and holding it with one hand while unscrewing the bolts is extremely difficult and dangerous. It is better if one person holds the door, and the second one works with the fasteners.
☑️ Preparing to hang the door
Protect the floor covering by placing thick cardboard or soft cloth under the legs of the refrigerator or in the work area. This will save your laminate or linoleum from scratches if a tool or bolt accidentally falls.
Design features of hinges on different models
The design of door hinges may vary depending on the manufacturer and year of manufacture of the equipment. Most models have hinges located at the top and bottom of the door, but there are also options with one central hinge or complex hidden mechanisms. Understanding the type of your design is the key to success.
In standard two-chamber refrigerators Samsung or Atlant the top hinge is often load-bearing and fixes the position of the door, while the bottom serves as a support. When rehanging, it is important not to confuse the sequence of actions so that the door does not fall at the most inopportune moment.
Particular attention should be paid to models with the system No Frost. They can run electrical cables through or near the hinge to control the display or lights on the door. If your refrigerator has a screen on the front, be extremely careful.
Nuances of hinges for Side-by-Side
In Side-by-Side refrigerators, the design may be more complex. Often, reinforced hinges are used, and the weight of the door is much higher. In some models, re-hanging is possible only with a special kit, which sometimes needs to be ordered separately from the manufacturer.
Some budget models may not have holes for re-hanging on the opposite side. In such cases, decorative caps will be visible at the end of the door. If there are no holes for screws, then, unfortunately, changing the opening direction will not be possible without serious modernization, which is not recommended.
It is also important to check the condition of the hinges themselves. If you notice signs of corrosion or severe wear on them, it makes sense to replace them with new ones during the rearrangement process. This will ensure the durability and smooth operation of the door in the future.
Dismantling the upper and lower hinges: step-by-step algorithm
The dismantling process begins with the upper hinge. This is the most critical stage, since it is the upper node that holds the main load. First, remove the decorative plug or cover that hides the mounting bolts. It can usually be easily removed with a flathead screwdriver.
Use a suitable wrench to loosen the top hinge bolts. Don't unscrew them all at once - leave a few turns so that the loop stays in place but can be moved. After this, carefully lift the door (with an assistant) and finally unscrew the fasteners.
- 🔧 Remove the top decorative panel.
- 🔧 Loosen, but do not completely remove the fastening bolts.
- 🔧 Carefully lift the door and remove hinge.
- 🔧 Remove the door from the lower support pin.
After removing the upper part, the door is freed and can be set aside in a safe place. Be sure to place it on a soft surface, such as a blanket, to avoid damaging the plastic or glass. Now you can move on to the bottom hinge, which often has a simpler design.
The bottom hinge can be screwed to the frame or be part of a pin inserted into the door. Depending on the model Liebherr or Candy, you may need to remove the refrigerator base grill to access the lower fasteners. Be attentive to small details so as not to lose them.
Rearranging fittings and plugs
When the door is removed and the hinges are dismantled, the stage of rearranging the elements to the opposite side begins. You will see symmetrical holes at the end of the door and on the body of the refrigerator. Those that were occupied should be closed with plugs, and those that are free should be released for installation.
The plugs are usually plastic and can be easily removed with a thin knife or awl. Be careful not to damage the refrigerator's coating. If the plugs are lost or broken, they can be temporarily sealed, but it is better to order new ones from the manufacturer.
Now you need to rearrange the handle, if it is asymmetrical, and the lower hinge pin. The pin is unscrewed from one hole and screwed into the corresponding hole on the other side. For reliability, the threads can be lubricated with a small amount of graphite grease.
⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse the upper and lower hinges when installing on a new side. They may have a different angle of inclination or length of the pin, which will lead to the door being skewed and making it impossible to close it normally.
If your model has a magnetic valve or door opening sensor, it also needs to be rearranged. It is usually located in the upper corner of the case. Disconnect the connector (if there is one), remove the sensor and install it in a symmetrical hole on the other side.
It is important to check that all fasteners are tightened with the required force. An under-tightened bolt will lead to backlash, and an over-twisted one can tear off the threads in the plastic. Use a torque wrench if possible, or use moderate force.
Installing the door and adjusting the gaps
After preparing all the holes and rearranging the studs, you can begin installing the door on the new side. This stage will again require the help of a partner. Lift the door and slide it onto the bottom support pin, making sure it is level.
While holding the door upright, install the top hinge in place. Insert the bolts and start tightening them, but do not tighten them all the way yet. This is necessary in order to be able to level the door.
Adjusting the gaps is a critical point. The door should fit tightly around the entire perimeter of the body. If you notice a misalignment, use adjusting bolts (if provided by the design) or place washers under the hinge to correct the position.
After the final tightening of all bolts, check the smooth movement of the door. It should open and close without effort or extraneous sounds. If the door tries to open on its own or, conversely, does not close completely, it means that the refrigerator is not level or the hinges are installed skewed.
Do not forget to install all decorative trims and plugs in their new places. This will not only improve the appearance of the equipment, but also protect the fasteners from dust and moisture.
Checking tightness and troubleshooting
The final stage is checking the quality of the work performed. Plug in the refrigerator and let it work. After 15-20 minutes, check the temperature inside the chambers and make sure that the seal fits snugly around the entire perimeter.
If after rehanging the door does not close tightly, there may be a problem with the sealing gum. It could become deformed during dismantling. In this case, you can try heating it with a hairdryer at a low temperature to restore elasticity.
Sometimes a problem occurs when the door, after hanging, begins to touch the body or shelves when opening. This indicates that the axis of rotation is shifted or the door is not installed vertically. Use a building level to check the position of the refrigerator body.
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Door does not close completely | Casing is skewed or loose hinges | Align the refrigerator, tighten the fasteners |
| A creaking sound is heard when opening | Lack of lubrication in the hinges | Lubricate the hinges with silicone or graphite grease |
| Ice formation at the door | Violation of the seal tightness | Check the fit, warm up the rubber band or replace it |
| The door opens itself | Tilt of the body forward | Unscrew the front adjustable supports |
If you find that the door warps immediately after installation, do not try to close it by force. This may damage the seal or strip the threads. It is better to loosen the hinges again and set the geometry.
In rare cases, especially with older models, the metal of the hinges may be worn out. If the play persists even after careful adjustment, it may be necessary to replace the entire hinge assembly with a new original set.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to hang the door on a refrigerator with a display on the facade?
Yes, it is possible, but it is more difficult. You will have to carefully disconnect the cable going to the display and feed it through the new hole in the case. It is important not to damage the contacts and to snap the connectors correctly. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact a specialist.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging it?
It is advisable that there is no food or excess moisture inside, since the refrigerator will have to be tilted. However, complete defrosting is not necessary if you are working quickly. The main thing is to clear the shelves to reduce weight and avoid heavy objects falling.
What to do if you lose the plugs for the holes?
You can use pieces of plastic in the color of the refrigerator, carefully cut from an inconspicuous place (for example, the back), or buy a universal set of plugs at a hardware store. Small pieces of thermal tape are also suitable if the hole is not in a visible place.
Why did the refrigerator become louder after rehanging?
Most likely, the geometry of the installation was broken. If the refrigerator is not level, the compressor may operate with increased vibration. Also check whether the door touches the body or pipes from behind when opening.
Will the warranty still apply after re-hanging it yourself?
In most cases, the warranty is still valid if you have not damaged the equipment in the process. However, some manufacturers require that such work be carried out by authorized service centers. It is recommended to check the terms of the warranty card for your model Bosch or LG before starting work.