The situation when the refrigerator door opens in the wrong direction is familiar to many owners of household appliances. This may be due to kitchen remodeling, interior design changes, or simply inconvenient placement of outlets and communications. Fortunately, most modern models from manufacturers like Liebherr, Bosch or Indesit provide for the possibility of reversing the sash. This is a standard procedure that does not require calling a specialist or special expensive tools.
This process requires attentiveness, accuracy and strict adherence to the algorithm of actions. If you act at random, you can damage the decorative elements, break the plastic latches or break the tightness of the seal. In this article, we will look in detail at how to properly prepare the equipment, what tools you will need, and how to avoid common mistakes when dismantling and installing hinges.
Before you begin, you need to make sure that your refrigerator even supports this function. In some budget models or specific series freezers the hinges may be welded or may not have holes for fastening on the other side. It is also important to understand that replacing the door with a glass or mirror one (if provided for by the design) may require replacing the doors themselves, and not just rehanging the fittings.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This is not only a safety issue, but also a way to avoid false alarms from open door sensors, which can emit sound signals during the process.
Preparation of tools and workplace
The success of the operation depends 90% on proper preparation. You don't need a locksmith's entire arsenal, but a basic set of tools is a must. The main tool will be screwdriver or a set of screwdrivers with different bits (phillips and flat). Some models, for example, Samsung or LGmay require hexagons of a certain size, which are often included with the equipment.
In addition to the main tool, prepare a soft backing. The doors of refrigerators, especially double-chamber ones, have significant weight and dimensions. If you drop them on a hard floor, you may damage the coating or deform the case. A thick blanket, blanket or piece of polyurethane foam is ideal.
- 🛠️ A set of screwdrivers (Phillips, flat, Torx) or a screwdriver with bits.
- 🔧 Hex keys (often 4 mm or 5 mm).
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🛌 Thick blanket or soft bedding on the floor.
- 🧼 Rags and degreaser for cleaning fastening areas.
Pay special attention to lighting. You will have to work in the lower part of the refrigerator, where it is often dark. Use a flashlight or lamp to clearly see the mounting points lower hinges. It is also worth clearing the space in front of the refrigerator in advance so that nothing interferes with putting away the removed parts.
Dismantling the top panel and preparing for removal
The first stage is the release of the upper part of the refrigerator. In many models, the top cover (if it is removable) interferes with access to the top hinges or is their supporting part. First you need to empty the top shelf and remove all the drawers to reduce the weight of the structure.
Remove the top decorative panel. It is usually secured with latches or several screws hidden under plastic plugs. Carefully pry up the plugs with a flat-head screwdriver, unscrew the screws and remove the cover. Be careful: control or lighting wires often come to this panel.
What to do with the wires?
If wires (control, lamp) come to the top panel, do not disconnect them immediately unless absolutely necessary. It is better to carefully move the panel to the side so as not to damage the contacts or change the settings. If the wires are in the way, remember their position or take a photo of the connectors before disconnecting.
Now you need to empty the door of the contents. Shelves, bottles, heavy products - all this needs to be removed. The door should be as light as possible. If you have a model No Frost, check for ice on the seal, which can stick the sash to the body when opening.
Removing the door and dismantling the hinges
The most crucial moment is removing the door from the top hinge. Unlike the lower models, here the door is held in place by only one fastening unit. You will need a helper to hold the sash while you remove the bolts. If you act alone, there is a high risk of dropping a heavy door on your foot or breaking the tiles on the floor.
Unscrew the screws securing the top hinge to the refrigerator body. After this, carefully lift the door up, removing it from the bottom hinge pin (if there is one) or simply moving it to the side. Place the removed sash on the prepared soft substrate with the outer side down.
☑️ Dismantling procedure
Now we move on to the bottom part. If you change the opening side, the bottom hinge will also have to be removed or rearranged. In some models Atlant or Biryusa the lower hinge is hidden under the base plinth. Remove the plastic strip at the bottom of the refrigerator to gain access to the fasteners.
Unscrew the bolts of the lower hinge. If the threads become soured (which can happen due to humidity), do not use excessive force immediately. Treat the connection with a penetrating lubricant, for example WD-40, and wait 10-15 minutes. A sudden force can break the threads in the aluminum body, which will become a serious problem.
Re-hanging handles and fittings
After the door is removed and lying on the floor, you need to move the handle to the opposite side. In modern models, the handles are often hidden (mortise) or made in the form of a groove, which simplifies the task. If you have an overhead handle, you need to dismantle it.
Usually the handle is attached from the inside of the door with screws. Find the holes on the inner contour of the door (they may be closed with plugs), unscrew the fasteners and remove the handle. Install it on the other side, using the same holes (if the design is symmetrical) or new ones provided by the manufacturer.
| Handle type | Fastener location | Tool | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Invoice | Inside the door | Phillips screwdriver | You need to remove the plugs |
| Mortise (groove) | Does not require action | No | Symmetrical in design |
| Hidden (button) | Inside the mechanism | Hexagon | Requires disassembly of the mechanism |
| Metal profile | From the ends | Screwdriver | A plug is often included |
Don't forget about plastic plugs! There will be holes on the side where there is no handle. The refrigerator always comes with plastic plugs or decorative covers to cover these places. Install them so that dust and moisture do not get inside.
Installing the hinges on the new side
Now you need to prepare the refrigerator body for installing the hinges on the other side. At the end of the case, where previously there were no hinges, there should be technological holes closed with plastic plugs. Remove them carefully. If the holes are covered with metal plates, they need to be moved to the opposite side.
Install the top loop in a new location. Insert the bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet. Leave a small gap so that you can adjust the position of the door when hanging it. This is a critical point to ensure correct fit of the seal seal fit.
If the design involves rearranging the bottom hinge pin, remove it from the old hole and insert it into the new one on the opposite side. Make sure the pin fits snugly and does not wobble. In some models, the pins may differ in length or diameter for the left and right sides, be careful.
⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse the left and right sides when installing the opening limiters. If the stop mechanism does not work correctly, the door may open too wide and damage furniture or become deformed.
Door installation and final adjustment
Invite an assistant to install the door in place. Lift the sash, place the bottom hinge hole on the pin (or install the bottom hinge if it is separate) and bring the top part to the installed hinge. Align the holes and insert the mounting bolts.
Now the adjustment phase begins. The door should close tightly, without gaps, but not too tightly. If there is a gap between the body and the seal, slightly loosen the hinge bolts and move the door in the desired direction. Then re-tighten the fasteners.
Check the operation of the door open sensor. When the door is closed, the light inside should go out and the fan (if audible) should stop. If the refrigerator continues to hum or the light is on, the door may be warped and is not pressing hard enough on the sensor button.
After all bolts are fully tightened, reinstall the decorative panels, plinth, and plugs. Let the refrigerator stand for 15-20 minutes before turning it on, especially if you actively moved the compressor during manipulations (although when reversing the doors, the tilt is usually minimal).
Frequent errors and troubleshooting
Even following the instructions, you may encounter difficulties. One of the most common problems is overtightened bolts. If you tighten the fasteners too much, the metal may warp and cause the door to tip over. As a result, it will open on its own. In this case, you need to loosen the fasteners and level the position.
Another mistake is the loss of small parts. Washers, groovers, bushings - all these little things are important for the operation of the mechanism. If you have lost a specific bushing from Whirlpool hinges, replacement may be difficult. Lay out the parts in the order they are removed or use a magnetic tray.
- 🚫 The door does not close all the way: Check that the contents of the shelves or bottles in the door pockets are not in the way.
- 🚫 There is a gap in the corner: Height adjustment is required refrigerator legs or tightening the top hinge.
- 🚫 You can hear a squeak: Lubricate the hinges with silicone grease, but do not use oil, which can ruin the plastic.
If after all the manipulations you notice that the seal does not fit, try warming it with a hairdryer (carefully, without fanaticism) or pouring it into deformed area with hot water to restore elasticity to the rubber. However, if the deformation is severe, replacing the seal will be a more effective solution.
What to do if the fastening in the body is broken?
If the thread in the refrigerator body is torn, you can use a repair pin or switch to a larger bolt diameter, carefully drilling the hole. However, this requires skill and may void the warranty.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before re-hanging the doors?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, if there is a lot of ice in the freezer, it may fall off when the door is tilted or interfere with removal. It is better to carry out the defrosting procedure in advance so that the inside is dry and clean.
Is it possible to hang the door by one person?
Technically possible if the door is light (for example, in single-chamber models). But in two-chamber refrigerators and Side-by-One models, the door weight is high. The risk of dropping equipment or damaging the floor covering is very high, so having an assistant is strictly recommended.
Will the warranty remain valid after re-hanging?
Re-hanging the doors yourself, as a rule, does not void the warranty, since this is a standard procedure described in the instructions. The main thing is not to damage the case, strip the threads or break the plastic elements during dismantling. Keep receipts and handle parts carefully.
Why did the refrigerator door begin to close worse after rehanging?
Most likely, the horizontal level of the refrigerator itself is broken. When re-weighing, you could move the unit. Check the adjustable feet: the front of the refrigerator should be slightly higher than the back so that the door closes itself under the influence of gravity.