Rearranging furniture in the kitchen often poses a challenge to owners household appliances present unexpected challenges, especially when the standard refrigerator configuration no longer fits into the new interior. The situation when the handle rests against the wall or the door opens in an inconvenient direction is solved by a procedure known as re-hanging the doors. This is not just a cosmetic change, but a full-fledged technical operation that requires understanding hinge designs and sequence of actions.
Many users mistakenly believe that this procedure is available only to certified craftsmen, however, most modern models Indesit, Bosch, LG i Atlant designed with self-service capabilities in mind. Correctly performed replacement of the opening side allows you to optimize the working space and extend the service life of the seals, which will not deform from constant misalignment. In this article, we will analyze the rearrangement process in detail, paying attention to the nuances for different types of equipment.
Before taking up the tools, it is critical to make sure that your unit supports reverse opening. Some budget models or specific modifications have non-removable hinges or an asymmetrical body design, which makes re-hanging impossible without violating the warranty or the integrity of the metal. Carefully study the technical data sheet, where there should be a diagram with holes for hinges on both sides.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
High-quality execution work directly depends on preparation. You don't need complex industrial equipment, but your set of hand tools should be complete and in good working order. Not having the right screwdriver can cause the slots on the screws to break off, turning a simple operation into a long struggle with metal.
Free up space around the refrigerator, ensuring access from all sides. It is advisable to move the equipment at arm's length from the wall in order to be able to freely walk around the unit. It is better to cover the floor with soft material, as parts may fall, and the refrigerator itself will become lighter and more mobile when dismantling the doors.
For work you will need the following tools:
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (Phillips and flat) for different types of screws.
- 🔑 Open-end or socket wrenches (often size 8, 10 mm required).
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp edges.
- 🧼 Rags and lubricant (for example, lithol) for servicing mechanisms.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! Even if you are working only on mechanical parts, accidental damage to wiring or sensors can cause a short circuit.
Pay special attention to fasteners. In some models Samsung or LG screws may be hidden under decorative plugs. They need to be carefully pryed off with a thin knife or awl, being careful not to damage the plastic. Keep all removed parts in one container so as not to lose small washers or bushings.
☑️ Preparing to rehang the doors
Removing the top panel and freezer door
The process always starts from the top of the refrigerator, since the structure is assembled from the bottom up. First, you must remove the top cover of the unit if it interferes with access to the top hinges. In most cases, it is held on by two screws on the back or clamps on the sides.
After removing the cover, you will have access to the top hinge. It can be screwed directly to the body or to a decorative strip. Carefully unscrew the fastening bolts, but do not remove the hinge itself completely yet - it holds the door. Ask an assistant to hold the freezer door so that it does not fall on your feet or damage the floor.
The following is the algorithm of actions:
- 🚪 Remove the top hinge from the axle or unscrew it from the door.
- ❄️ Carefully remove the door freezer and leave it in a safe place.
- 🔩 Dismantle the mating part of the hinge that remains on the case.
- 🕳️ Find the plugs on the opposite side and move them to the vacant places.
When dismantling, pay attention to the condition of the bushings and washers. If they have signs of wear or rust, it is better to replace them. Lubricating the hinges This is an important step that is often ignored, but it is this that ensures quiet operation and ease of movement in the future.
What to do if the screws are rusty?
If the fastener does not budge, do not use excessive force to avoid stripping the threads. Apply penetrating lubricant (WD-40) to the joint and leave for 10-15 minutes. Heat can also help, but use a hair dryer rather than an open flame to avoid damaging the plastic and paint.
On models with the system No Frost be careful with the wires going to the sensors or display on the door. They can pass through the top loop. If there are wires, they must be carefully disconnected, having first memorized or photographed the connection diagram.
Rehanging the main refrigerator compartment
After successfully dismantling the upper door, it is the turn of the main compartment. The principle of operation is similar, but there are some nuances associated with the large weight of the structure and the presence of additional elements. The central hinge often combines fastenings for both doors or has a complex system of axes.
Remove the middle hinge, having first secured the main door. In some models Bosch i Siemens the door can be very heavy, so the help of a second person is required. After removing the door, inspect the lower axle - it can be pressed into the body or screwed into the bottom.
Main stages of working with the lower part:
- 🔻 Remove the lower support sleeve or axle.
- 🔄 Rearrange the stoppers and limiters to the opposite side.
- 🧱 Install the lower hinge into the prepared holes on the other side.
- 🧹 Clean the ends of the doors from dust and old grease before installation.
It is important to install correctly opening limiter. This small plastic or metal piece prevents the door from hitting the frame or wall. If you forget to rearrange it or install it incorrectly, the door will open too wide, which can lead to damage to the hinges.
⚠️ Attention: The design of hinges from different manufacturers may vary radically. Parts from Indesit will not fit to Atlant, and seemingly symmetrical holes may have different threads. Use only original fasteners.
Comparison of hinge designs from different brands
Different manufacturers use different engineering solutions for fastening doors. Understanding these differences can help you avoid mistakes and expensive component failures. Below is a table showing the features of popular brands.
| Brand | Top hinge type | Wiring features | Difficulty of replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlant | Open, on bolted | Often inside the case | Low |
| Indesit | Hidden under the cover | Through a hinge | Medium |
| Bosch | Combined | Complex connector | High |
| LG | Decorative panel | Along the end | Medium |
As can be seen from the table, equipment Atlant is the easiest to maintain, while European brands may require a more delicate approach to electronics. In models with displays on the door, the wires pass through the hollow axles of the hinges, and they must be carefully transferred to new channels.
When working with wire connections never pull the wires with force. They should lie freely, without tension, so that when the door is opened, the contact is not broken. Use plastic clamps to secure the harnesses, if provided for by the design.
Installation of doors and final adjustment
Assembly is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. First, the lower support is installed, then the main door is hung, the middle hinge is installed, and only after that the upper part with the freezer is installed. Do not tighten the bolts “all the way” right away - just tighten them first to be able to adjust the position.
The key point is adjusting the gaps. The doors must fit tightly to the body around the entire perimeter. If the bottom of the door moves away and the top is pressed (or vice versa), this indicates a misalignment. Loosen the fastenings of the central hinge and, with light force, level the plane of the door.
Criteria for correct installation:
- ✅ The doors close hermetically without force.
- ✅ Gaps between the doors and the body is the same on top and bottom.
- ✅ When opening the door does not touch neighboring objects.
- ✅ The sealing rubber does not have creases or deformations.
If the door does not close completely or, on the contrary, slams too hard, the height of the refrigerator legs may need to be adjusted. Tilt of the unit slightly back helps the doors close automatically under the influence of gravity. Check the horizontal installation using a level.
⚠️ Attention: After installation, let the refrigerator stand turned off for 2-4 hours. This is necessary so that the refrigerant and oil in the compress settle after tilting and moving, which are inevitable when working with doors.
Frequent problems and ways to eliminate them
Even with careful work, difficulties may arise. The most common problem is the door does not fit tightly. Most often, this can be solved by heating the seal with a hairdryer (carefully, without fanaticism) or by re-adjusting the hinges. Sometimes installing an additional gasket under the hinge helps.
If the door is difficult to open or creaks, check whether the wiring cable is pinched in the hinge mechanism. The reason may also be a lack of lubrication or dirt getting into the rubbing pairs. Treat the mechanism with silicone grease, which does not dry out and is safe for rubber. There are cases when, after rehanging, the light stops working or the display stops working. This indicates an error when connecting the connectors. silicone grease, which does not dry out and is safe for rubber.
There are cases when, after re-hanging, the light stops turning on or the display stops working. This indicates an error in connecting the connectors. Checking the contacts is the first thing to do. Make sure that the plugs snap into place until you hear a characteristic click.
In rare cases, the holes on the case may not line up perfectly due to manufacturing defects or previous repairs. This may require drilling holes or using washers of larger diameter, but this already requires a skilled technician.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging the doors?
Yes, this is highly recommended. First of all, an empty refrigerator is easier to maneuver. Secondly, when tilting and moving, water will not flow from the defrosted chambers, which could damage the electrics or the floor.