Changing the opening direction of the LG refrigerator door is a standard procedure that is often required when moving to a new kitchen or remodeling an existing space. Modern models of the South Korean brand LG are designed with installation flexibility in mind, but the process itself requires care and adherence to a certain sequence of actions. Incorrect assembly can lead to misalignment of the valves or failure of the seal.
In most cases, all the fittings for hanging are already included with the device, but sometimes the necessary bolts or plugs need to be looked for in a separate bag inside the chamber. Before starting work, it is extremely important to empty the refrigerator of food and completely disconnect it from the power supply. This is not only a safety issue, but also a way to reduce the weight of the structure, making work more convenient and faster.
In this article we will analyze in detail the process of changing the opening side for various types of LG refrigerators, including models with the system No Frost and classic two-chamber options. You will learn what tools you will need, how to properly dismantle the hinges and rearrange the handle, as well as how to avoid common mistakes that can damage the case.
Preparation of tools and work area
The first thing you need to do before starting any manipulations with large household appliances is to prepare a flat and free area. You will need to move the unit far enough away from the wall so that you can walk around it on all sides. For models with a bottom freezer or Side-by-Side, this is especially critical, since access to the bottom hinges may be limited.
As for the tools, the basic kit of a home craftsman usually already has everything you need. However, to work with refrigerators LG may require specific sizes of keys, which are not always included in standard sets.
- 🔧 Set of open-end and ring wrenches (most often sizes 8, 10, 13 mm)
- 🪛 Screwdrivers: Phillips (PH2) and flathead (for prying up plugs)
- 🔩 Hexagons (often used to adjust the height of legs and some types of hinges)
- 🧤 Work gloves (metal edges of shelves and doors can be sharp)
- 🧱 Stands for the case (wooden blocks or thick cardboard)
Pay special attention to organization work space. The floor must be clean so that a fallen bolt does not roll into an inaccessible place. It is also recommended to lay a soft blanket or cardboard next to the refrigerator to be able to safely place the removed doors.
⚠️ Attention: Do not start dismantling if the floor is slippery or cluttered with things. A falling heavy refrigerator door can cause serious foot injury or damage to the flooring.
Removing the top part and door handle
The process always starts from the top of the refrigerator compartment. In models LG the handle is often part of the door structure or attached to hidden screws. If your model requires repositioning the handle, you first need to remove the decorative plugs that hide the fasteners.
Use a thin flat-head screwdriver or a special plastic tool to carefully pry the plugs off. Proceed without fanaticism, as the plastic on older models can be fragile. After removing the decorative elements, you will have access to the handle mounting bolts.
Unscrew the mounting bolts and remove the handle. If the handle is integrated into the body (made in the form of a recess), this step is skipped. Next, you should remove the top cover of the refrigerator, if it is structurally provided for in your model. In some series LG the top panel is fixed with latches, in others - with screws at the back.
Now you can move on to the top hinge. It holds the door in a vertical position. Before completely unscrewing the hinge, make sure that the door is securely locked or has an assistant holding it. The weight of the door can reach 15-20 kg, and dropping it on the floor is guaranteed to damage the seal or break the glass (if any).
Removing the door of the refrigerator compartment
After loosening the fasteners of the top hinge, the most crucial moment comes - removing the door. Refrigerators LG often use a system where the hinge pin is inserted into the door frame rather than screwed directly to it. This makes the process easier, but requires careful lifting.
Lift the door strictly vertically upward to remove the axle from the lower mounting hole. This may require physical effort, especially if the refrigerator has been in use for a long time and dirt or oxidation has accumulated in the mechanisms. Do not wobble the door from side to side, so as not to loosen the lower hinge ahead of time.
Put the removed door on a prepared soft surface with the outer side up. This is important to avoid scratching the front panel. Now inspect the location where the hinge is attached to the door itself. It often happens that the holes for the bolts are symmetrical, and the hinge just needs to be moved to the opposite side using the same holes.
| Element | Action | Feature for LG |
|---|---|---|
| Top hinge | Dismantling and rearrangement | Often has an asymmetrical shape |
| Hinge axis | Repositioning to a mirror position | May require replacement with a component from the set |
| Stopper doors | Repositioning to the opposite hole | Located at the bottom end of the door |
| Plugs | Plywood on the vacated holes | Need to maintain adhesiveness or replace |
At this stage it is also worth checking the status sealing rubber. While the door is removed, it can be washed and dried. If the rubber has cracks or has lost elasticity, re-hanging it is the ideal time to replace it.
What to do if the bolts are rusty?
If the fastening bolts of the upper hinge are stuck and will not unscrew, do not use excessive force so as not to break the thread. Treat the joint with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and leave for 15-20 minutes. After this, try to carefully remove the bolt with a wrench.
Working with the bottom freezer
If you are the owner of a refrigerator with a bottom freezer, the process continues below. The principle of operation is similar to the upper compartment, but there are some nuances. First, remove the base panel (if any), which covers the bottom of the refrigerator and the compressor.
Then the freezer door is removed. Please note that in some models LG with the No Frost system, electrical wires (for the display or lamp) may be connected to the door. In this case, you can’t just pull the door - you need to carefully disconnect the connectors.
- 🔌 Disconnect the power cables, remembering their position (it’s better to take a photo)
- 🔩 Unscrew the bottom hinge holding the freezer
- 🚪 Remove the door and rearrange the hinge to the new side
- 🔁 Install plugs in the old holes
It is important to remember about switch rod the light, which is often located in the area of the middle hinge or in the corner between the cameras. When reversing the doors, it also needs to be moved to the opposite side, otherwise the door will not close tightly, and the refrigerator will think that it is open.
⚠️ Attention: When working with the freezer door wires, be sure to unplug the refrigerator from the outlet. A short circuit can damage the electronic control module.
Reversing the Side-by-Side door
Side-by-Side models from LG have the most complex design, as they consist of two high vertical sections. Re-hanging here often involves not just rearranging the hinges, but a complete reconfiguration of the hitch, which sometimes requires the participation of two people.
In such refrigerators, the doors are very heavy and wide. It is almost impossible to remove them yourself without the risk of damaging the floor or your back. It is critical here to use Leveling Legs (adjusting supports) to lift the frame and take the stress off the hinges before dismantling.
The process involves removing both doors, rearranging the center hinges, and moving the entire set of hardware to the other side. Often, the Side-by-Side kit comes with special instructions with a diagram showing which holes to use for a specific configuration.
☑️ Ready to rehang the Side-by-Side
After installing the hinges on the new side, make sure that the gaps between the doors and the body are the same throughout the entire height. In Side-by-Side models, a misalignment of even a few millimeters can cause the doors to touch each other when opening.
Assembly and final adjustment
When all the hinges have been rearranged and the doors are prepared, reassembly begins. Install the bottom door (freezer) by inserting the bottom hinge pin into the frame. Then put on the middle hinge (if there is one) and mount the top door.
Attach the top hinge, but do not tighten the bolts “all the way” yet. Leave a little play to be able to adjust the position of the doors. After installing all the elements, check the tightness of the seal around the entire perimeter.
To adjust the height, use adjusting screws at the base of the refrigerator. By turning them with a key, you can raise or lower the corresponding corner of the unit. A properly adjusted refrigerator should open on its own when the door is tilted 45 degrees, and close tightly with a slight push.
Critical: After re-hanging the doors, allow the refrigerator to stand turned off for at least 2-4 hours before turning it on, especially if you tilted the body too much during operation. This is necessary so that compressor oil flows back into the compressor crankcase.Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do I need to call a specialist to rehang LG doors?
In most cases you can do it yourself if you have basic skills and a set of tools. However, for Side-by-Side models or built-in refrigerators, it is better to involve a professional or assistant due to the large weight of the structures.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not close tightly?
Check whether the door sensor rod is installed correctly and whether something is interfering with the seal. Also try adjusting the height of the legs of the refrigerator - often the problem is solved by slightly tilting the body back.
Is it possible to lose the warranty if you change the opening side yourself?
Hanging the doors yourself is not grounds for voiding the warranty if you have not damaged the body, hinges or other components in the process. The main thing is to act carefully and according to the instructions.
Where can I get new plugs if the old ones are lost?
Plugs can be ordered at an authorized service center LG according to your model code. As a last resort, the holes can be sealed with a decorative sticker in the color of the case, selected at a hardware store.