Reversing the refrigerator door to the opposite side is a problem that people face Many owners, when moving, renovating a kitchen, or simply needing to optimize space. Despite the apparent complexity, the procedure does not require calling a specialist if you approach the matter with instructions and the necessary tools. In this article we will analyze step-by-step algorithm for different types of refrigerators, indicate common mistakes and give advice on how to avoid damage to the seal or hinges.
Important understand that the design of hinges and fastenings varies depending on brand i models. For example, refrigerators often use hidden hinges with decorative plugs, while refrigerators often use classic open fasteners. We will take these nuances into account and provide universal recommendations applicable to 90% of household models. If your refrigerator belongs to the premium segment (for example, LG And Samsung Hidden hinges with decorative plugs are often used, and Atlant or Biryusa - classic open fastenings. We will take these nuances into account and provide universal recommendations applicable to 90% of household models. If your refrigerator belongs to the premium segment (for example, Liebeherr with a system NoFrost), check for the presence of additional door latches - their removal may require a special key.
Before you start, answer the question: do you really need to change the opening side? Sometimes the problem is solved by rearranging the furniture or purchasing an inexpensive accessory - a magnetic stop that prevents the door from opening spontaneously. If the decision is final, let's start preparing.
Preparation: tools and safety
To work, you will need a minimum set of tools, most of which can be found in your home arsenal:
- ✅ Phillips screwdriver (usually
PH2) - for most modern models. - ✅ Flat screwdriver —may be needed to remove decorative plugs.
- ✅ Wrench (more often
10 mmor13 mm) - for hinges with bolted connections. - ✅ Hexagon (if the refrigerator includes loops for such a wrench).
- ✅ Making tape — for fixing the door during work.
- ✅ Level (optional) - to check the horizontal position after installation.
Before starting work be sure to unplug the refrigerator and free the door from all products, shelves and containers. If your model has a water dispenser or ice maker, disconnect the water supply hoses (if equipped) and drain any remaining fluid. Do not ignore this step - even a small amount of water in the system can lead to leaks after re-hanging.
⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator is equipped with an electronic display on the door (like some models Samsung RF23 or LG InstaView), before dismantling take a photo of the location of the wires and connectors. Damage to the contacts can damage the control panel.
Step 1: Dismantling the old door
Start with the top hinge - it usually fixes the main load. Carefully remove the decorative caps (if any) by prying them off with a flat-head screwdriver. Under the plugs you will see mounting bolts or screws. In most models, the top hinge is secured two to four bolts, the bottom - with one or two.
Hold the door with one hand, and gradually unscrew the bolts with the other. If the door is heavy (for example, on refrigerators Side-by-Side), ask an assistant to support it. After removing the top hinge, carefully lift the door up to free it from the bottom pin. Do not pull the door towards you - this may damage the seal or plastic guides.
☑️ Preparing to remove the door
If the bottom hinge has a threaded pin, it can be unscrewed with a wrench. In some models (for example Indesit BIAA 13), the pin is fixed with a locking ring - it must be removed with pliers. Be careful: losing the retaining ring will make reassembly impossible!
Step 2: Transferring the hinges to the other side
After removing the door, you will see holes for attaching the hinges on the opposite side of the refrigerator. They are usually closed with plastic plugs - remove them by prying them off with a screwdriver. If there are no holes, it means that your model does not support overhanging (this occurs in some budget refrigerators Pozis or Stinol old model).
Move the hinges to the other side using the same bolts. Please note Marking: some loops have marks L (left) and R (right). If there are no marks, focus on the shape - a loop with a long pin is usually installed at the bottom. Tighten the bolts gradually, diagonally, to avoid distortion.
| Brand | Type of hinge fastening | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Atlant, Turkish | Bolts for a Phillips screwdriver | The plugs are easy to remove, the hinges are symmetrical |
| Samsung, LG | Bolts + decorative covers | Care is required when removing the covers (fragile plastic) |
| Indesit, Ariston | Bolts + retaining rings | The lower pin is often fixed with a ring - do not lose it! |
| Liebeherr | Hex + hidden bolts | Special keys from the kit may be required |
If there are no holes for bolts in the new position, you will have to drill them yourself. Use a metal drill with a diameter corresponding to the bolts. Before drilling, be sure to check if there are freon tubes or electrical wiring inside the case in this place - damage to them will lead to a refrigerant leak or short circuit.
Step 3: Installing the door on the new side
Before installing the door in a new location check the seal. If it is deformed or cracked, replace it in advance - after rehanging, the door may not fit well, which will lead to freezing or increased energy consumption. The seal is attached with self-tapping screws or glue; in some models it can be removed and turned over (if the thread is symmetrical).
Place the door on the lower pin, then carefully lower it down, aligning it with the upper hinge. Tighten the bolts, but don't tighten them all the way—check how the door opens and closes first. If it is skewed, loosen the fasteners and adjust the position. After this, tighten the bolts completely.
Make sure that the door opens smoothly and does not require effort. If you hear a squeak, lubricate the hinges with silicone lubricant (do not use petroleum-based oils - they can damage the plastic). Check magnetic fit: take a piece of paper, close the door and try to pull it out. If the sheet comes out easily, the seal needs to be adjusted or replaced.
Features for refrigerators with a dispenser
Models with a water supply system (Samsung RS62R5001, LG GC-B247) require additional manipulations. When reversing the door, you will have to:
- Disconnect the water supply hoses from the rear panel.
- Move the tubes to the other side, following the markings (they are usually marked
L/R). - Check the tightness of the connections after assembly - leaks can damage the electronics.
In some cases, it may be necessary to replacing hoses longer ones if the standard ones do not reach the new position. Do not use extensions - this breaks the tightness of the system and can lead to flooding.
⚠️ Attention: If the dispenser stops working after rehanging, check the position of the microswitch in door B. models Samsung it can be blocked if installed incorrectly.
Common errors and how to avoid them
Even with careful work, there is a risk of making mistakes that will lead to incorrect operation of the refrigerator. Here are the most common ones. them:
- ❌ Tightening the bolts —this will deform the hinges or threads. Tighten the bolts with force, but without fanaticism.
- ❌ Ignoring the locking ones rings —without them the door will “walk” and sag over time.
- ❌ Incorrect position of the seal - if you twist it, the door will not be sealed.
- ❌ Damage. freon tubes When drilling new holes, always drill at low speeds and check the depth.
If, after re-hanging, the refrigerator begins to make noise or does not cool well, the probable cause is tightness failure. Check:
- ✔ The tightness of the seal throughout perimeter.
- ✔ No gaps between the door and the body (you can check with a flashlight - if light passes through, there is a gap).
- ✔ Correct connection of the wires (for models with electronic control).
What to do if the door sags after installation?
If the door is sagging, loosen the bolts of the top hinge and slightly lift the door up, then tighten the bolts again. If the problem persists, check the integrity of the hinges - they may be deformed and require replacement.
Re-hanging the door in refrigerators Side-by-Side
Two-door refrigerators (for example, Samsung RS68A8841 or LG GC-X247) have a more complex design. Here you need to rehang both doors, and the procedure depends on the type of hinges:
- 🔹 Separate hinges — each door is attached independently. Dismantling is similar to single-chamber models.
- 🔹 Combined hinges — the top hinge is common to both doors. It needs to be removed completely and then installed in a mirror image.
In Side-by-Side refrigerators central pillarwhich can interfere with rehanging. In some models it can be moved to the other side, in others you will have to put up with the inconvenience. Before starting work, read the instructions for your model - there is usually a diagram of possible configurations.
After reversing, check opening synchronicity if one opens. tight, and the other is too easy, adjust the hinges or check the balancing.
When is it better to contact a specialist
Despite the apparent simplicity, there are situations when hanging the door yourself can result in problems:
- 🛠 The refrigerator is under warranty - self-repair will void the warranty.
- 🛠 Models with
NoFrostand electronic control - an error in connecting the wires can damage the board. - 🛠 Lack of holes for hinges on the other side - drilling without experience, there is a risk of damage to the cooling circuit.
- 🛠 Refrigerators with the system Ice & Water Dispenser require reconfiguration of water pipes and sensors.
If you are not confident in your abilities, contact a service center. The average cost of re-hanging a door in 2026 is 1500–3000 rubles, depending on the region and complexity of the model. For comparison: replacing a seal will cost 2,000–4,000 rubles, and repairing electronics after an incorrect connection will cost from 5,000 rubles.
⚠️ Attention: If after re-hanging the refrigerator the freezing becomes worse, immediately disconnect it from the network. It is possible that the refrigerant pipes were damaged during dismantling. Further operation will lead to failure of the compressor.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to hang the door on the refrigerator Stinol 104?
Yes, but only if the model has holes for hinges on both sides. data-i="210">usually symmetrical hinges, but in older versions (before 2010) there may be no holes. Check for plugs on the opposite side. Stinol 104 usually symmetrical hinges, but older versions (pre-2010) may not have holes. Check for plugs on the opposite side.
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging?
Not necessary, but it is recommended if there is ice in the freezer. Vibration during dismantling can damage the evaporator. Turn off the refrigerator 4-6 hours before work so that the ice melts.
What to do if the door does not close after rehanging?
The reasons may be different:
- 🔸 Skewed hinges - loosen the bolts and adjust the position.
- 🔸 Deformation of the seal - try heating it with a hair dryer (temperature no higher than 50°C).
- 🔸 A foreign object getting into the groove - check the perimeter of the door.
How long does reweighing take?
On average - from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the model and experience. Atlant or Biryusa can be reweighed in 40 minutes, and Samsung Side-by-Side - up to 1.5–2 hours.
Is it possible to hang the door on the refrigerator with NoFrost?
Yes, but with caution In models with NoFrost (For example, Indesit ITF 118) there are often additional sensors in the door. When dismantling, do not pull the wires and make sure that they do not twist.