Changing the direction of opening the LG refrigerator door is not just a whim, but often a necessary measure for ergonomic use of the kitchen. When you buy a new model or simply decide to rearrange your furniture, you may find that the standard arrangement of handles and hinges interferes with free passage or access to products. In such cases, the question arises of how to safely and correctly flip the door to the other side without damaging the complex mechanisms and appearance of the equipment. Manufacturers seem to design their units taking into account the possibility of modification, but the process itself requires care and adherence to a clear sequence of actions. Improperly removing a heavy blade or ignoring the fasteners can lead to damage to the seal, displacement of the axle, or even deformation of the housing. That is why, before starting work, it is important to prepare theoretically and obtain the necessary tools so that the procedure goes smoothly.
Manufacturers like LG Electronics design their units taking into account the possibility of modification, but the process itself requires care and adherence to a clear sequence of actions. Improperly removing a heavy blade or ignoring the fasteners can lead to damage to the seal, displacement of the axle, or even deformation of the housing. That is why, before starting work, it is important to prepare theoretically and obtain the necessary tools so that the procedure goes smoothly.
In this article we will analyze in detail the stages of dismantling, the design features of various series of refrigerators of the Korean brand and give practical advice that will help avoid common mistakes. You will learn what nuances there are in models with a system No Frost or a display on the door, and how to properly adjust the gaps after installation.
Preparation for work and the necessary tools
Before you begin active actions, you need to free up the workspace and prepare the tools. A refrigerator is a large and heavy appliance, so make sure there is enough room to maneuver around it and the floor is protected from scratches. It is best to carry out the work together, since the door leaf, even empty, has significant weight and can slip out of your hands at the most inopportune moment.
To complete the task, you will need a minimum set of tools, which is usually found in every home. The main elements will be a Phillips screwdriver and an open-end wrench, the size of which depends on the model of your equipment (most often it is 8, 10 or 13 mm). It would also be a good idea to prepare masking tape to secure moving parts and a soft cloth to protect the surface.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to unplug the refrigerator from the power supply! This is critically important if your model of door hinges is equipped with electrical contacts for a display or light control.
You should not ignore the instructions that came with the device, especially if we are talking about specific models of the series LG DoorCooling+ or built-in options. They may use unique fasteners or hidden mechanisms that are not typical for standard designs. If the documentation is lost, carefully inspect the hinges: sometimes access to the bolts requires removing decorative plugs.
Dismantling the top part and removing the door
The process begins with the top hinge, since it is this that holds the bulk of the door leaf. On most LG models, the top hinge is secured with three bolts that must be unscrewed counterclockwise. If the hinges are hidden under a decorative cover, it must be carefully pryed off with a flat screwdriver or knife, being careful not to damage the plastic.
After the fasteners of the top hinge are released, do not rush to immediately remove the door. At this stage, it is often discovered that wires are connected to the canvas leading to indicators or a display on the external panel. These cables are connected through connectors that must be carefully disconnected after photographing their position for reassembly.
- 🔧 Use masking tape to secure the door in the closed position before removing the top hinge - this will prevent it from opening spontaneously.
- 🧤 Wear work gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges metal fasteners and possible lubrication in the mechanisms.
- 📸 Take a photo of the location of all the removed bolts and washers - this will help you not lose anything and correctly assemble the structure back.
When all connections are broken and the bolts are unscrewed, you can proceed to removing the canvas. Holding the door handle with one hand and holding the bottom with the other, smoothly lift it up, removing it from the lower support sleeve. Sudden movements here are unacceptable, as you can damage the sealing rubber or deform the axle.
☑️ Checklist before removing the door
Features of models with a display and system Door-in-Door
Owners of modern LG refrigerators often face additional difficulties if their model is equipped with an external display or technology Door-in-Door. In such devices, the door panel is not just a damper, but a complex module with electronic filling. Hanging such doors requires special care when working with cables.
Wires in models with a display usually run inside the hinge or through a special channel in the housing. When dismantling, it is important not to put too much tension on the cables, as the contacts may be fragile. Connectors often have latches that need to be pressed with a finger or a thin screwdriver before removing the connector.
| Model type | Presence of wires | Difficulty of dismantling | Required tools |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic two-chamber | No | Low | Screwdriver, key |
| With display on the door | Yes (wire harness) | Medium | Screwdriver, wrench, tweezers |
| Door-in-Door | Yes (several loops) | High | Set of keys, assistant's help |
| Built-in refrigerator | Depends on the configuration | High | Hexagons, screwdriver |
If you are the owner of a model with a window InstaView, remember that the glass on the door also adds weight and requires careful handling. Make sure that when removing the door you will not hit the glass panel on furniture or walls. In some cases, it may be necessary to temporarily remove the glass panel itself, if the instructions provide for this, but more often it is enough to simply carefully dismantle the entire unit.
⚠️ Attention: The design of the hinges and the location of the wires may vary depending on the year of manufacture and the specific series. Always check the technical documentation for your model, since there is no universal diagram for all devices.
What to do if the wires are too short?
If the length of the wiring harness does not allow you to freely move the door to the other side without tension, under no circumstances try to lengthen them yourself. In such cases, it is necessary to resolder the contacts inside the case or use special extension cables from the manufacturer. Contact the service center to correctly solve the problem.
Rearranging the lower support and hinges
After successfully dismantling the door, attention turns to the lower part of the refrigerator. Here is the support sleeve and, possibly, the lower hinge, which also needs to be rearranged. In some LG models, the lower axis is simply inserted into the hole and secured with a stopper, in others it is bolted from below.
To rearrange the support, you need to unscrew the locking screw (if there is one) and remove the bushing from the current socket. Then it is installed in a symmetrical hole on the other side of the housing. It is important to check that the bushing fits tightly and without play, otherwise the door will be warped.
- 🧹 Thoroughly clean the holes for the hinges from dust and old grease before installing new components.
- 🔩 Check the condition of the threads in the new seats - they should be intact, without torn turns.
- 🧴 Lubricate the hinge axes with special grease (for example, lithium) to ensure silent opening and closing.
Don't forget about the decorative plugs. There will be holes on the side where the loop was previously located. They must be closed with plastic plugs, which usually come with the refrigerator or are in a bag with documents. If the plugs are lost, they can be ordered separately or selected similar in size.
Installing the door on the new side
The most important step is hanging the door on the new side. Here again you will need the help of a second person. The door is brought to the body, the lower pin is inserted into the bushing, and then the upper part is aligned to install the hinge. It is important to ensure that the door does not slam and damage the seal.
The top hinge is installed in place and secured with bolts. Do not tighten the fasteners all the way straight away. First tighten all the bolts, make sure the door is level, and only then make the final tightening. This will allow you to compensate for possible micro-displacements during installation.
If you are working with a model that has a system Multi Air Flow, make sure that when closing the door, the air duct dampers are not blocked and work correctly. Incorrect installation can lead to disruption of the circulation of cold air inside the chambers.
Adjustment and checking tightness
After installation, it is necessary to check the tightness of the seal. The door should close tightly, without distortions or gaps. If you notice that the door does not fit tightly in one of the corners, you may need to adjust the height of the refrigerator legs or loosen the hinges for positioning.
A simple test with a sheet of paper will help assess the quality of the fit. Clamp the sheet between the door and the body in different places around the perimeter. If the paper comes out easily or, conversely, breaks with difficulty only at certain points, then additional adjustment is required.
⚠️ Attention: After rehanging the doors, the refrigerator must stand in a vertical position for at least 2-4 hours before turning on. This is necessary to stabilize the refrigerant in the system, especially if the device was tilted during work.
Check the operation of the magnetic latches and closers (if any). The door should be brought to its end smoothly, without jerking. If you hear a squeak or feel resistance, check whether the wires inside are twisted and whether the axles are installed correctly.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to rehang the door yourself if the refrigerator is under warranty?
Technically, this is possible, and manufacturers usually do not cancel the warranty just for the fact of reversing the door, if you did not damage the equipment in the process. However, if during self-installation the threads are broken, the hinges are broken or the wires are damaged, the warranty claim for these components may not be accepted. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to call a technician from an authorized service center.
What to do if, after hanging, the door does not close tightly?
First of all, check the adjusting bolts on the top hinge - perhaps the door is skewed. Also make sure that the seal does not curl inward during installation. If the problem persists, try adjusting the height of the front legs of the refrigerator to change the angle of the body.
Do you need to completely defrost the refrigerator before working?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly and carefully. However, if there is a lot of ice in the freezer, it is better to defrost the unit in advance. This will lighten the weight of the door (if you decide to remove it along with the shelves, which is not recommended) and will prevent water leaks when tilting the case.
Where can I get new plugs for the holes if the old ones are lost?
The plugs can be ordered at the official LG service center, indicating the model of your refrigerator. Also suitable are universal furniture plugs of suitable diameter, which are sold in hardware stores. As a last resort, the holes can be carefully sealed with a decorative sticker in the color of the body.