Rearranging the door of a built-in refrigerator is often a necessary procedure when changing the layout of the kitchen or purchasing a new set. Many owners are faced with a situation where the standard arrangement of handles becomes inconvenient and is required door reverse. Fortunately, most modern models, be it Bosch, Liebherr or Indesit, structurally provide for the possibility of changing the opening side.
This process is technically simple, but requires accuracy, a certain set of tools and an understanding of the device. facade system. Unlike free-standing models, here work is carried out with a decorative panel, which is attached directly to the door of the refrigeration unit. An error during dismantling can damage the facade or break the seal of the chamber.
Before taking active steps, you need to make sure that your unit really supports this function. Usually information about this is contained in operating instructions, and at the end of the door or inside the chamber there are often plugs for hinges on the opposite side. If you are ready to work, be patient and follow our guide.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the electrical outlet. This is critical for safety, as you will be working with metal elements near electrical components and wiring.
Required Tools and Workplace Preparation
The success of the door re-hanging operation directly depends on proper preparation. You don't need complex industrial equipment, but the set should be complete. The main tool will be screwdriver or a set of screwdrivers with different attachments, since the mounting screws may differ in the type of heads.
Since built-in refrigerators are often installed in niches with minimal gaps, you may need to completely remove the unit from the furniture box. This will provide access to the sides and bottom of the device. Don't forget to prepare a soft substrate so as not to scratch the floor or facade panel when temporarily placing removed elements.
To work with small fasteners and decorative plugs, it is convenient to use tweezers or a thin awl. You should also have a building level on hand to check for correct installation after installation is complete. Sometimes the help of a second person is required, especially if the refrigerator is large and two-chamber.
- 🛠️ A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) or a screwdriver with bits.
- 🔧 Wrench or 8-10 mm socket (depending on model).
- 📏 Construction level for checking the horizon.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
Dismantling the decorative facade and top hinge
The first step is always the removal of the decorative panel, which is attached to the refrigerator door. In most models Electrolux or Hotpoint it is held on by screws hidden under plastic plugs or located inside the camera. Carefully remove the plugs and unscrew the fasteners holding the facade.
After freeing the decorative door, it must be dismantled top loop. It fixes the position of the door relative to the body. Before unscrewing the bolts, it is recommended to support the door or ask an assistant to hold it to avoid a sharp fall and damage to the upper hinge seal.
By removing the upper hinge, you will gain access to the bulk of the fasteners. At this stage, it is important to remember the sequence of actions or take photographs, since the design brackets may not be obvious. Some models have additional stoppers that need to be pressed out before removal.
☑️ Dismantling the facade
Removing the door and rearranging the support sleeve
When the top hinge is dismantled, The door can be carefully removed from the lower support. Place it on a prepared soft surface with the outer side down. Now attention turns to the lower part of the refrigerator, where the support sleeve or stem is located.
You need to unscrew the lower support and move it to the opposite side. In some designs, for example y Samsung or LG, it may be necessary to replace the rod itself with a symmetrical one, which often comes complete with plugs. Make sure that the thread fits tightly and without distortions.
In parallel with rearranging, the support should be moved closer (if provided by the model) to the other side. The door closer mechanism is usually secured with latches or screws and requires precise installation to operate correctly. Incorrect installation may result in the door not closing tightly.
| Element | Action | Nuance |
|---|---|---|
| Lower support | Rearrangement to the other side | Check the thread |
| Closer | Dismantling and installation mirrored | Keep an eye on the spring |
| Stoppers | Replacing plugs | Use original |
| Fasteners | Sorting by type | Do not lose washers |
Installation of the upper hinge on the new side
After preparing the lower part and turning over the door itself (if it was necessary to move the fastening elements on it), it is time to install top hinge on the new side. On the opposite side of the refrigerator body there should be corresponding threaded holes, closed with plastic plugs.
Put the hinge in place and begin to attach the mounting bolts. Do not tighten them all the way straight away. First, make sure that the hinge pin fits correctly into the hole on the door when you put it in place. Alignment This step is crucial for the door to hang straight.
Pay special attention to the wiring if your model has a door open indicator or a display on the facade. The cable may be long enough for relaying, but in some budget models Indesit or Beko the wires may be short. In this case, extremely careful manipulation is required so as not to damage the insulation.
⚠️ Attention: If the door indication cable is too short and does not reach the new side, do not try to stretch it. In some cases, it is necessary to disassemble the upper part of the case to reconnect the cable inside.
Installation of the decorative panel and final adjustment
When the main door is installed on new hinges, you can begin installation decorative facade. Place the furniture panel against the refrigerator door and align the mounting holes. Tighten the screws, but again, do not apply maximum force immediately.
Now comes the stage adjustments. Using a building level, check the vertical and horizontal. Most hinges have adjustment screws that allow you to move the door slightly up and down or left and right. This is necessary to ensure uniform clearance around the perimeter.
After final tightening of all bolts, check the operation seal. The door should close tightly around its entire perimeter without effort. If you notice misalignment, loosen the fasteners and repeat the adjustment procedure. Correct installation guarantees energy efficiency and long service life of the compressor.
What to do if the door does not close tightly?
If after installation there is a gap left, try heating the seal with a hairdryer at a low temperature or put a weight inside the chamber overnight so that the rubber takes on the desired shape form.
Common mistakes and troubleshooting
When re-hanging doors on their own, beginners often make mistakes that can lead to repeated disassembly. The most common of them is loss or confusion fasteners. The screws for different sides may have different lengths, and using the wrong size can damage the case.
Another mistake is ignoring the check horizon. If the refrigerator is not level, the door may open spontaneously or, conversely, not close completely. Always use the level in the final stage. It is also worth checking whether the facade handle does not touch the adjacent elements of the kitchen unit.
If after all the manipulations you find that the door has become harder to close, you may have tightened it too much adjusting screws or incorrectly set the axis of rotation. In this case, it is worth loosening the fastenings and allowing the mechanism to fall into place under its own weight.
⚠️ Attention: The design of the hinges and the location of the mounting holes may vary depending on the year of manufacture and the specific modification of the refrigerator. Always check the manufacturer's technical documentation for your model.
Is it possible to change the hinges on a two-chamber refrigerator yourself?
Yes, you can, but the process will take longer. You will have to rehang the refrigerator and freezer doors separately. The principle of operation is similar, but more attention is required to alignment so that the gaps between the chambers are even.
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before replacing the hinges?
It is desirable, but not necessarily completely. The main thing is to free up shelves and door baskets to reduce the weight of the structure. Complete defrosting will be required if you plan to move the refrigerator far from the niche, so as not to damage the floor with water from the drainage.
What to do if the plugs for the old holes are lost?
The plugs perform a decorative function and cover the threads. If you have lost them, you can order a set from the manufacturer or use universal plastic plugs of a suitable diameter. It is not recommended to leave the holes open due to the risk of corrosion.
Why did a creaking appear after rehanging the door?
The creaking may occur due to dust getting into the hinge mechanism or lack of lubrication. Also check that the door does not touch the body. It is recommended to lubricate the hinge axis with a special silicone grease that does not leave marks.