Changing the kitchen layout or simply the desire to optimize space often raises the question of changing the direction of door opening for owners of household appliances. For refrigerators LG this procedure is quite realistic, but requires care and adherence to the sequence of actions. Incorrect rearrangement can lead to leakage or damage fittings, so it is important to strictly follow the algorithm.
Most modern models provide the possibility of rehanging, however, the design may differ significantly depending on the series. Before starting work, you must make sure that your unit technically supports such a modification. In this article, we will analyze the process in detail, paying special attention to the nuances characteristic of different types of chamber layouts.
It is worth noting that rearranging the door on the refrigerator LG is not just a mechanical action, but a process that affects the settings seals and position hinges. Ignoring the adjustment rules may result in the door no longer fitting tightly to the body, which will lead to increased energy consumption and freezing of food. Readiness for work begins with proper preparation of the tool and workplace.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! Working with live electrical appliances is prohibited by safety rules.
Preparation of tools and workspace
The success of the operation of changing the opening side directly depends on how well the workplace is prepared. You will need a clear area around the refrigerator to allow access from all sides. It is recommended to move the unit away from the wall at a distance of at least a meter so that nothing interferes with walking around the body while moving heavy elements.
As for the tools, the standard set of a home handyman is quite appropriate here, but there are nuances. The main tool will be screwdriver or a set of screwdrivers with different attachments, since fasteners may differ in the type of heads. You will also definitely need a level, preferably a bubble one, to accurately establish the position of the door leaf after rearrangement.
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) or a screwdriver with bits.
- 📏 Construction level for checking horizontal and vertical.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧼 Soft cloth and cleaning agent for cleaning the fastening points.
It would not be a bad idea to enlist the help of a second person, especially if we are talking about two-door models or refrigerators Side-by-Side. Door leaves, even empty ones, carry significant weight, and dropping them on the floor or on your foot is a risk you shouldn’t take. In addition, an assistant will help hold the door in the desired position while tightening the fastening bolts.
Determining the type of design and model compatibility
Before grabbing the tools, you must clearly identify type of your refrigerator LG. Structurally, they are divided into several categories, and each has its own algorithm of actions. The most common are models with a bottom freezer compartment, where the main door of the refrigerator compartment often has hidden hinges or a specific closer mechanism.
Models with a system No Frostrequire special attention, where air ducts or display control cables may pass through the doors. In such cases, a simple relocation may not be possible without re-soldering the wires or extending the cables, which is a complex engineering task. If you see wires coming out of the end of the door, most likely, your model is not intended for independent re-hanging without the involvement of a service center.
| Model type | Possibility of re-hanging | Complexity | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-chamber | High | Low | Hidden hinges, handle removal required |
| Double-chamber (bottom) | Medium | Medium | You need to rehang both doors, the handle can be rearranged |
| Side-by-Side | Low/No | High | Often monolithic design, complex electronics |
| With display on the door | Only in the SC | Critical | Requires transfer of cables and flashing |
It is also important to check the package contents. In some budget models, the holes for the hinges on the “unnecessary” side may be closed with decorative plugs, but the seats themselves may not be in the metal of the case. Carefully inspect the end of the case: if there are no threaded holes corresponding to the hinges, then changing the side is technically impossible.
How to find out exactly by the serial number?
Enter the model of your refrigerator on the manufacturer's official website in the support section. If the documentation (User Manual) contains a “Reversing the door” diagram, then the procedure is provided by the factory.
Dismantling the top part and removing the door panel
The process starts from the top door if you have a two-chamber refrigerator. The first step is always to remove the top cover, if it is structurally provided in your model LG. It can be attached with latches or screws that need to be carefully unscrewed. After removing the cover, access to the upper hinges opens.
Next, you should loosen, but not yet completely unscrew, the fastenings of the upper hinge. It is critical here that someone holds the door, as it may fall after the last locking element is removed. Carefully lift the door leaf, removing it from the lower pin or axle, and set it in a safe place, having previously spread a soft cloth.
- 🚪 Remove the decorative plugs from the holes for the hinges.
- 🔩 Loosen the bolts securing the top hinges.
- 🙌 Remove the door from the lower support axis.
- 🧹 Clean the ends of the case from dust and old grease.
If a handle is installed on the door, it must also be removed. The mounting screws are usually located under decorative trims or plugs that need to be pryed off with a thin knife or screwdriver. Be careful not to scratch the glossy surface or metal. After removing the handle, you can begin moving the fasteners to the opposite side.
☑️ Dismantling procedure
Rearrange the hinges and fittings
The most important step is installing the hinges on a new one side. Carefully study the design of the removed elements: often the upper and lower loops are not symmetrical and have a strictly defined orientation. To install on the opposite side, you may need to turn the hinge over or use special adapters if they are included.
Models LG often use a system where the axis rotates inside the bushing. When changing sides, you need to make sure that the bushings are installed correctly and the lubricant has not dried out. If you notice traces of corrosion or a lack of lubricant, it is recommended to apply a small amount silicone grease to the rubbing parts. This will ensure smooth running and no squeaks in the future.
⚠️ Attention: Do not overtighten the hinge bolts! This can lead to metal deformation or thread breakage, which will make further adjustment of the gap impossible.
After installing the hinges in a new location, check their reliability. They should fit tightly, without play. If the design requires the use of lock washers or groovers, make sure they are installed on the correct side. Now you can move on to hanging the door leaf in a new place.
For models with electronics in the door (display, Ice Plus button), this stage can be complicated. If the wires are short, they may not be long enough for the transfer. In such situations is strictly prohibited try to extend the wires yourself if you do not have soldering skills and knowledge of electrical circuits, as this can lead to a short circuit or failure of the control board.
Adjusting the door position and gaps
After the door is installed in a new place, it’s too early to celebrate the victory. The next stage is fine tuning. The door should close tightly around the entire perimeter, without distortion. To check, use a building level, applying it to the end of the closed door in vertical and horizontal positions.
Height adjustment is carried out by turning the support legs at the bottom of the refrigerator or rotating the adjusting bolts on the hinges (if the design allows). If the door tilts forward or backward, it is necessary to tighten the corresponding adjusting screws on the hinges, achieving a strictly vertical position.
Pay special attention magnetic seal. After repositioning, it may not fit tightly due to changes in geometry or direction of spring force. If you notice gaps, try heating the seal with a hairdryer (without overheating!) and straighten it, or loosen/tighten the hinges a little to change the angle of fit.
Common mistakes and troubleshooting
In the process of work, beginners often make mistakes that nullify all efforts. One of the most common is the loss of fasteners. Small screws easily roll under the refrigerator or get lost in the carpet. It is recommended to use a magnetic tray or container with compartments to sort parts by disassembly stage.
Another mistake is not checking the floor level. If the refrigerator is standing on an uneven surface, even a perfectly executed re-hang will not produce results: the door will open on its own or, conversely, will not reach the end. Always start and finish your work by checking the horizontal installation of the unit itself.
- ❌ They forgot to remove the transport bolts from the compressor (if there were any) before tilting.
- ❌ They mixed up the upper and lower hinges during installation.
- ❌ They damaged the seal during installation, which led to a loss of tightness.
- ❌ They did not check the operation of the light switch (it may be designed to open from a certain side).
If after all the manipulations the door closes with difficulty or a gap remains, do not rush to disassemble everything again. Let the refrigerator sit for several hours. Sometimes the seal needs time to “get used” to the new position and straighten out. If the problem persists, check to see if any shelves or food on the door are preventing the door from closing tightly.
⚠️ Note: Design of some models may vary depending on the year of manufacture. If you did not find the holes where they should be according to the instructions from the Internet, check the manual specifically for your series.
Final recommendations and check of work
The final stage is a comprehensive check. Make sure all the screws are tight, the decorative caps are in place (now on the old side), and the appearance of the unit is not affected. Plug in the refrigerator and listen to see if the sound of the compressor has changed (although this is unlikely, vibration through the modified hinge design may be transmitted differently).
Check the operation of all functions: whether the light comes on when opening, whether the magnet holds the sheet of paper inserted between the door and the body tightly. If everything is in order, you can return the products to their places. Remember that complete stabilization of the temperature after a long period of inactivity may take up to 24 hours.
Following all steps of the instructions will allow you to successfully change the direction of opening the door on your refrigerator LG, making using the kitchen more convenient. The main thing is to take your time and act carefully, remembering the fragility of some plastic elements and the importance of the tightness of the system.
Is it possible to rearrange the door if it has a display?
In 90% of cases it is impossible to do this on your own. Wire strings are often not long enough to be transferred to the other side, and their extension requires professional skills. In addition, it may be necessary to re-flash the controller so that it understands that the door is now on the other side.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before moving it?
Yes, this is highly recommended. Firstly, the refrigerator will become lighter. Secondly, when tilting (even minimally), oil or refrigerant may leak out of the system if there is a lot of ice or liquid condensate inside, which is dangerous for the compressor.
What to do if the door does not fit properly after moving?
Check the adjusting screws on the hinges. Try loosening the fastener a little and pressing the door with your hand, then tighten it. Also check whether there is anything inside (shelves, bottles) in the way and whether the floor under the refrigerator is level.
Will the warranty remain valid after rearranging it yourself?
Formally, if you do not damage anything during disassembly, the warranty on the compressor and electronics remains valid. However, if you break the thread or break the plastic, the service center may refuse free repair, citing violation of the operating rules.