Changing the opening side of the refrigerator door is a standard procedure that is often required when moving to a new kitchen or after remodeling the premises. Equipment owners LG are faced with the need to turn the blade over when the standard arrangement of handles becomes inconvenient or blocks the passage. Fortunately, the design of most modern models provides for the possibility of reversible installation, which allows you to adapt the unit to any conditions.
The rehanging process requires care and a basic set of tools, but is not a complex engineering task. The main thing is to follow the sequence of actions and not lose small fasteners. In this article, we will look in detail at how to properly dismantle old hinges, move fittings and adjust the tightness of the fit to avoid problems with tightness in the future.
Before starting work, it is important to clear the space around the refrigerator and prepare a flat surface for temporary placement of the removed parts. If you doubt your abilities or the model has a complex system of electronic locks, it is better to turn to professionals, but most users successfully cope with the task on their own in 30-40 minutes.
Preparation of tools and workplace
High-quality preparation is the key to successful completion of the repair without scratches on the case or loss of screws. You will need a standard DIY kit that can be found in any toolbox. The main tool will be hex wrench (usually 4 mm or 5 mm), since it is this that is most often used in fasteners LG.
Also prepare a flat-head and Phillips screwdriver, a wrench (often a size of 8 mm or 10 mm is required) and pliers. It would be a good idea to have masking tape on hand to secure moving parts during work, and a soft cloth to protect the floor and the unit itself from accidental falls of tools.
- 🔧 Hex keys (metric set)
- 🪛 Screwdrivers (phillips PH2 and flat)
- 🔩 Wrenches (open-end or socket)
- 🧤 Work gloves (to protect your hands from sharp edges)
Be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply before starting any manipulations. This basic safety ruleis something that cannot be ignored, even if you are only changing mechanical hinges. Clear shelves and drawers to reduce the weight of the structure and prevent products from falling when the cabinet is tilted.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to work on a slippery floor (for example, on linoleum with detergent residue). Make sure that the refrigerator is stable, otherwise when removing the hinges it may lose balance and fall.
☑️ Preparing to rehang
Dismantling the top hinge and removing the door
The first step is always removing the upper part of the structure. Depending on the model LG, the top loop can be hidden with a decorative plug or open. Carefully pry up the plastic cover with a flathead screwdriver to gain access to the mounting bolts. In some models top hinge it is also part of the cooling system or has a built-in backlight wire.
If your model is equipped with a display or control buttons on the door, an electrical cable will run inside the hinge. In this case, you cannot simply unscrew the bolts. You must first carefully disconnect the wiring connector. Remember or photograph the position of the contacts so as not to confuse the polarity during assembly.
After loosening the mounting bolts, do not rush to remove the loop completely. The refrigerator door is heavy and without support it can fall suddenly. Have an assistant hold the blade or use wedges to secure it. After unscrewing the bolts, remove the top hinge and carefully set the door aside, placing it on a prepared soft surface.
What to do with the wiring?
If you find wires inside the hinge, do not pull them by force. Carefully separate the plastic connectors by pressing on the latches. Damage to the wire insulation can lead to a short circuit or failure of the control panel.
Rearranging the handle and plugs
After removing the door, you need to move the handle to the opposite side. On most models LG the handle is attached with screws from the inside or has a hidden fixation mechanism. Use hex wrench an appropriate size for dismantling.
After removing the handle, you will see holes that will remain visible from the new opening side. The refrigerator always comes with plastic plugs that allow you to hide these technical holes. If the plugs are lost, they can be ordered separately or use universal analogues of a suitable color.
- 🚪 Remove the handle by unscrewing the fastening screws
- 🕳️ Install the plugs in the vacated holes
- 🔩 Secure the handle on the new side using the same screws
- 🧼 Wipe the surface of the door from fingerprints
It is important to check that the handle is installed smoothly and has no play. If you feel misaligned during installation, loosen the screws, straighten the element and tighten them again firmly. High-quality fixation of the handle ensures not only aesthetics, but also durability of use.
Working with the bottom hinge and pin
The bottom of the door is attached to the base of the refrigerator through the bottom hinge and the central pin. After removing the top and removing the door, you need to remove the bottom hinge. Usually it is screwed with two or three bolts to the body of the refrigerator.
The key point in the models LG is the central pin (axis) on which the door is placed. When changing the opening side, this pin must be moved to a symmetrical hole on the other side. Unscrew the pin from the current socket and screw it into the prepared hole on the opposite side of the base.
Don't forget to rearrange the bottom loop itself. If the hinge design is asymmetrical, it may need to be reversed or use a mirrored hole for attachment. Make sure that the hinge sits tightly and does not wobble, as it bears the main weight load.
| Element | Action | Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom hinge | Dismantling and reinstallation | Hex / 8mm key |
| Central pin | Repositioning to a new socket | Spanner |
| Sleeve support | Checking and lubrication | Silicone grease |
| Fixing bolts | Tightening after installation | Screwdriver / Wrench |
It is recommended to lubricate the pin and bushing with a small amount of silicone grease. This will ensure silent door opening and extend the life of rubbing parts. Avoid using edible oils as they may thicken or go rancid over time.
⚠️ Attention: When moving the pin, make sure it is screwed in all the way and secure. An under-twisted pin can cause the door to skew and spontaneously close or open.
Installing the door and installing the top hinge
After preparing the base and transferring the pin, you can begin installing the door. Lift the blade and carefully slide its bottom hole onto the installed pin. At this stage, it is critical to keep the door strictly vertical so as not to damage the pin or plastic sleeve.
Have a helper hold the door open while you install the top hinge. Align the hinge holes with the holes on the refrigerator body and insert the mounting bolts. Do not immediately tighten them all the way; leave a little play for final adjustment.
If the model is equipped with wiring, now is the time to connect the connectors. Make sure that the cables are not pinched by the metal loop and are in the channels provided for them. After connecting, check the operation of the display and backlight lamps by turning on the refrigerator.
The final stage of this section is the final tightening of all the bolts of the upper hinge. Use torque wrench or just act carefully so as not to strip the thread. The metal at the fastening points is quite soft, and there is no need for excessive force here.
Adjustment and checking tightness
After installing the door in a new location, it may require adjustment. A loose seal will result in loss of cold and ice freezing. Check how the door closes: it should close on its own when opened to an angle of more than 30-40 degrees.
To adjust the door height, use the adjusting supports (legs) in the front of the refrigerator. By turning them clockwise, you lift the body, which causes the door to close tighter under the influence of gravity. You can also loosen the bolts of the top hinge and slightly move the door to the left or right.
- 📏 Check the gap between the door and the body around the entire perimeter
- 🌬️ Make sure that the seal fits without folds or creases
- 🚪 Check the operation of the closers and magnets
- ❄️ After switching on, check for the absence of condensation after 2-3 hours
There is a simple leak test: clamp a sheet of paper between the door and the body in several places. If the paper is removed easily and without resistance, it means that the seal does not fit tightly in this place. The hinges need to be adjusted or the seal replaced.
⚠️ Attention: If after adjustment the door still does not fit tightly, the seal may have been deformed during storage. Warm it up with a hairdryer (without overheating!) or pour boiling water at the bend to restore the elasticity of the rubber.
Features of models with the Door-in-Door system
Owners of premium models LG with the system Door-in-Door (door in doors) must be careful. The design of such refrigerators is more complex, and reversing the main door may require dismantling the external access panel.
In such models, it is often necessary to rearrange not only the main hinges, but also the mechanisms for opening the additional compartment. Instructions may vary depending on the year of manufacture. Some components may not be removable without a special tool.
If you are the owner of a model with the function InstaView (transparent glass with backlight), make sure that when transferring the wiring you do not damage the thin cables going to the LED panel. Any careless movement can lead to expensive electronic repairs.
Is it possible to hang the Door-in-Door door yourself?
Technically it is possible, but the risk of damaging the complex mechanism is high. If you do not have experience, it is better to call a technician from an authorized LG center, since a mistake can cost more than the rehanging service itself.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
One of the most common mistakes is the loss of fasteners. The bolts from the left and right sides may differ in length or thread. Never use bolts from other components of the refrigeratorIf you are not sure of their identity, this can lead to penetration of the housing or damage to the insulation.
Another mistake is ignoring the floor level. If the refrigerator is crooked, no amount of adjusting the hinges will help achieve proper closure. Always start by leveling the cabinet using adjustable feet.
Also, users often forget to remove the transport locks from the compressor or other components if the refrigerator has just been delivered. Although this does not specifically apply to doors, general preparation is important. Make sure that all temporary fasteners are removed before turning on.
What should you do if the door does not close tightly after rehanging?
Most likely, the problem is in the adjusting feet. Try unscrewing the front supports to tilt the refrigerator slightly backwards. This will help the door close under its own weight. Also check whether the contents of the shelves do not prevent them from closing tightly.
Is it possible to change the side of the door on a built-in LG refrigerator?
Yes, but the procedure is more complicated. You must first dismantle the front panels and fasteners connecting the refrigerator to the furniture frame. Often it is necessary to rehang not only the refrigerator door, but also the decorative panel of the furniture.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, if there is a lot of ice inside, it may fall out when you tilt or remove the door. It is recommended to carry out the defrosting procedure in advance to make the work easier and avoid puddles on the floor.
Will the warranty remain valid after re-hanging it yourself?
According to the law, independent repairs or modifications (which include re-hanging) do not void the warranty if you have not damaged the unit components. However, if you break the loop or wiring in the process, this case will not be covered under warranty.
What if the plugs for the holes are lost?
Plugs can be ordered at the service center LG according to the catalog number of your model. You can temporarily use decorative stickers or plugs from other appliances of a similar size, but it is better to find original components to preserve the aesthetics.