Sudden desire moving the refrigerator to the other side of the kitchen often faces an obvious obstacle: the door opens in the wrong direction. This is a standard situation for owners of household appliances, and in the case of LG refrigerators solving the problem usually does not require calling a technician. The design of most modern models allows you to independently change the side of opening of the doors, which gives freedom in the layout of the kitchen space.
The process of rehanging, or re-hanging, is technically simple, but requires accuracy and a basic set of tools. It is important to understand that important elements are hidden inside the mechanism - hinges, opening sensors and wiring, damage to which can lead to expensive repairs. That is why, before starting work, you need to carefully study the structure of your unit.
In this article we will analyze all stages of preparation and execution of work, paying special attention to the nuances characteristic of LG equipment. You will learn how to properly dismantle old fasteners, move controls and install hinges on the opposite side without the risk of damaging the housing or compromising the tightness of the system.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
Before proceeding with the physical dismantling of the doors, it is necessary to ensure safe working conditions. The refrigerator is a large and heavy item, so you will need free space around it. Move the equipment away from the wall at least a meter so that you can walk around it on all sides without touching the furniture.
To complete the task, you will need a minimum set of tools, which is usually found in every home. The main tool will be a wrench or a set of sockets, since the hinge bolts are often tightened quite tightly. Also, do not forget to prepare a flat-head and Phillips screwdrivers for working with decorative plugs and screws.
Particular attention should be paid to fixing the refrigerator itself. If you are working alone, place small wooden blocks or special wedges under the front legs so that the unit does not wobble when you apply force to unscrew the bolts. This is critical for safety.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Working with live electrical wiring and sensors is prohibited by safety regulations.
For convenience, put all the necessary tools in one place. You may need:
- 🛠️ A set of wrenches (usually sizes 8, 10, 13 mm)
- 🔧 Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
- 📦 Container for storing small bolts and washers
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp edges
☑️ Ready for work
Dismantling the top part and the main door
The rehanging process always starts from the top of the refrigerator. First of all, you need to remove the top cover of the case, if it is structurally provided for in your model. Usually it is fixed with several screws on the back or side, which need to be unscrewed, and then carefully slide the lid back and lift it.
Next comes the step of dismantling the upper hinge on which the refrigerator door is held. The important thing here is not to drop the heavy door when you unscrew the last bolt. It is best to carry out this operation with an assistant or use a stop. Unscrew the bolts securing the upper hinge and remove the hinge itself.
After removing the hinge, carefully lift the refrigerator door up to remove it from the lower support sleeve. Place the door in a safe place on a soft surface to avoid scratching the finish. Now you will have access to the internal mechanisms and wires.
In some LG models, a wiring harness passes through the top, leading to the display or backlight. If you see wires, carefully disconnect the connectors. Do not pull the wires sharply - press the connector latches and smoothly disconnect them.
Nuances with wires
In some models, the wires can be pulled through the hollow axis of the loop. In this case, they do not need to be disconnected, just carefully release the loop from the groove, following the bend of the cable.
Working with the freezer door
After the upper part is dismantled, you need to remove the bottom door of the freezer. The principle of operation is similar, but has its own characteristics. First, remove the middle hinge (which has now become the top hinge for the freezer), first securing the door so that it does not fall.
After removing the freezer door, pay attention to the lower support sleeve and pin. They also need to be dismantled, since they will be moved to the opposite side. Often the pin may be rusty or strongly stuck, so it may require applying force or using a penetrating lubricant.
Place all removed elements - hinges, pins, bushings and plugs - in a prepared container. Losing even one small screw can make assembly difficult, so order of parts is important. Visually inspect the removed parts for damage or excessive wear.
If your model LG Door-in-Door or has additional fastening elements for drawers, make sure that you have removed all opening stops. They can interfere when installing the door on a new side.
Transfer of controls and plugs
One of the most critical stages is the transfer of functional elements. In the place where the handle or control panel was previously located, there will now be decorative plugs. Conversely, on the new opening side you will need to install working elements.
Remove the plugs from the new opening side. Usually they are held on by latches or simply inserted into the grooves with a slight tension. Carefully pry them up with a flathead screwdriver and remove them. Install the same plugs in place of the removed handles or panels.
If your model is equipped with an electronic display or buttons on the door, you will need to move the control unit. To do this, unscrew the fastening screws on the back of the door, remove the module and install it in the prepared place on the other side. Do not forget to reconnect the cables if they become disconnected.
⚠️ Attention: When moving the control panel, be careful with the cables. They are very thin and easily tear if handled carelessly.
Also check for magnetic seals. In rare cases, it may be necessary to rearrange magnets or metal plates if the door design requires asymmetrical closing, although this is rare in modern LG models.
Comparison of models and features designs
Not all LG refrigerators are designed the same. The design of the hinges and opening system may vary depending on the year of manufacture and series. Below is a table to help determine the features of your model.
| Model type | Hinge location | Presence of wires | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic (Top Mount) | Hidden or external | Often in the top hinge | Requires removal of the top cover |
| No Frost Multi | External, in plain sight | Rarely | Simple design, minimum electronics |
| Door-in-Door | Complex system | Required | You need to remove the additional door |
| Side-by-Side | Several levels | Available in every compartment | Requires the participation of two people |
Owners of series models Door-in-Door should be especially careful. They have an additional transparent door, which also needs to be correctly reoriented or its opening mechanism reconfigured, if provided for by the design.
For models Side-by-Side the procedure is similar, but is performed separately for the left and right halves. It is important not to confuse the left and right doors when reinstalling them, since they have different fittings and handle shapes.
Assembling and adjusting the doors on the new side
After preparing all the holes and transferring the plugs, reassembly begins. Install the lower support sleeve and pin to the new side. Place the freezer door onto the pin with the hole in the hinge. While holding the door, screw the middle hinge with the bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet.
Then install the upper refrigerator door. Thread the wires (if any) through the holes in the loop and body. Secure the top hinge with bolts. At this stage it is important to leave all fasteners slightly loosened for final adjustment.
Adjustment is key. The door should close tightly, without gaps, and not touch the body when opening. If the door is skewed, tighten the adjusting bolts (usually they are located on the hinge itself or under the decorative trim).
Check the operation of the door opening sensor. When the door is open, the light should come on, and when closed, it should go out. If the sensor does not work, the magnet in the door may have moved when re-hung and needs to be adjusted.
⚠️ Attention: If after adjustment there is a gap at the bottom of the door, try slightly unscrewing the front adjusting feet of the refrigerator to change the angle of the body.
Common mistakes and expert advice
When doing work on their own, beginners often make mistakes that can ruin all their efforts. One of the most common is the loss of fasteners. LG refrigerator hinge bolts often have a specific thread or length, and replacing them with random ones from stock can lead to thread breakage.
Another mistake is overtightening the bolts. Excessive force can deform the metal hinge or even damage the plastic body of the door, especially where the handles are attached. Tighten the bolts tightly, but without fanaticism, using a wrench with moderate force.
Do not forget about the level. After moving the refrigerator to a new place, be sure to check its level. If the floor is uneven, use the adjustment screws on the legs to compensate for differences.
One last thing: do not put any weight on the door shelves immediately after installation. Allow the hinge mechanism to “settle” for at least a couple of hours. A sudden load on newly installed and adjusted hinges can again throw off the setting.
What to do if the door creaks?
If a creaking appears after rehanging, lubricate the rubbing parts of the hinges with a special silicone lubricant. Do not use WD-40 or machine oil, as they can damage the plastic or rubber seals.
Do you need to call a technician to rehang an LG door?
In most cases, calling a technician is not required. If you have basic tool skills and the physical strength to hold the door, you can do it yourself in 30-40 minutes. A technician will only be needed in complex cases, for example, if the factory fasteners are damaged or in models with complex electronics that require re-flashing.
Is it possible to lose the warranty if you re-hang the door yourself?
According to consumer protection legislation, independent repairs or upgrades (which may include re-hanging) do not void the warranty if you do not equipment was damaged in the process. However, if you strip the threads or break the display, that particular damage will not be covered under warranty.
What if the holes on the new side don't line up?
At the factory, hinge holes are provided on both sides. If you don't see any holes, check to see if they are covered with decorative plugs. It is strictly forbidden to drill new holes in the refrigerator body - this will damage the thermal insulation and may damage the cooling circuit.
What to do with the magnetic seal after a revolution?
Usually the magnetic seal (elastic band) is symmetrical and does not require replacement. However, if after rehanging the door begins to close worse, the elastic can be heated with a hairdryer (without overheating!) and straightened so that it takes the desired shape for a tight fit.