How to independently change the opening side of a refrigerator door: instructions with photos and video

Re-hanging the refrigerator door is a task that almost every appliance owner faces sooner or later. The reasons may be different: an inconvenient location in the kitchen space, a change in layout, the purchase of a new set, or even a banal desire to optimize access to products. However improper dismantling and installation often lead to loss of chamber tightness, skewed hinges and even compressor breakdown due to violation balance. In this article we will figure out how to do the job carefully, what tools are required, and what to look for when working with models of different brands - from budget Biryusa to premium Liebherr.

It is important to understand that the design of hinges and fastenings varies depending on the manufacturer. For example, Samsung i LG often use hidden hinges with plastic plugs, while Atlant or Indesit use classic metal hinges with bolts. We will go into detail about the universal steps, and also highlight the key differences for popular brands. If you have never done such work, do not worry: with the right approach, the process will take no more than 1–1.5 hours, and all the necessary parts are usually included with the refrigerator.

Before you begin, answer one question:

Preparation for work: tools and safety measures

Before you begin dismantling, make sure that you have everything you need at hand. Missing even one tool can damage the case or hinges. Here minimum setwhich will be required in 90% of cases:

• ⚒️ Phillips screwdriver (usually PH2) - for most modern models.
• 🔧 Wrench or 10-13 mm head - for loops with nuts.
• 📏 Level (bubble or laser) - to check the horizontal position after installation.
• 🧲 Magnet or a screwdriver with a magnetized tip - for ease of working with small parts.
• 🧴 Silicone grease (optional) - for processing hinges after rehanging.

If your refrigerator belongs to the premium segment (for example, Liebherr or Bosh Serie 8), the kit may include special keys or hexagons. They are usually kept in a documentation package. Also prepare soft cloth or towel - you can use them to support the door when removing it so as not to scratch the floor or body.

⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator is equipped with water dispenser or ice maker, the process becomes more complicated. You will need to turn off the water supply, drain the remaining fluid from the system and carefully reinstall the hoses. In some models Samsung Family Hub to do this you need to remove the top panel - without experience it is better to contact a specialist.

Don't forget disconnect the refrigerator from the mains 10-15 minutes before the start works This is necessary not only for safety, but also to ensure that the compressor cools down. A sudden movement of the door while the motor is on can cause water hammer in the cooling system - this is one of the most common causes of breakdowns after self-repair.

Step 1: Removing the door - how to remove without damage

Start with the top hinge - it usually fixes the main load. In most refrigerators (for example Atlant, Indesit, Beko), the hinge is secured with two to four bolts, covered with a decorative cover. Carefully pry off the cover with a flat screwdriver or knife - it is held on by latches.

After removing the cover, you will see bolts. They need to be unscrewed diagonallyto avoid distortion. For example, first loosen the top left bolt 2-3 turns, then the bottom right one, and so on. There is no need to completely unscrew the bolts - it is enough for them to come out of the thread by 5-7 mm. After this, lift the door up and remove it from the lower hinge.

It is easier to work with the lower hinge - it is usually fixed with one bolt or nut. However, there is a nuance here: in some models (for example, Samsung RB or LG Door-in-Door), the lower hinge is connected to shock absorber, which helps to smoothly close the door. When dismantling, do not pull the door towards you - first lift it 1–2 cm to release the hinge from the shock absorber.

⚠️ Attention: If the door of your refrigerator is equipped with electronic display or touch buttons (as in Samsung Family Hub or Haier Smart), before removing, disconnect the power cable. It is usually attached to a latch next to the top hinge. You cannot pull the wires - this can damage the contacts!

After dismantling, inspect the hinges for rust or play. If the bolts turn or the threads are worn out, it is better to replace them. Most service centers sell universal sets of hinges for popular models (cost - from 300 to 1500 rubles).

Step 2: Transferring the hinges to the other side

Now you need to move the hinges to the opposite side. It is important to follow here manufacturer markings. The refrigerator body usually has symmetrical holes for fastenings, closed with plugs. If there are no holes, it means that the model is not intended for rehanging (this is typical for some budget Midea or Vestfrost).

Action algorithm:

1. Remove the plugs on the opposite side (they can be on latches or glued).
2. Move the top hinge, observing symmetry - the distance from the edge of the body should match.
3. Install the bottom hinge, but do not tighten the bolts to the end - first you need to hang the door.
4. If the model has middle hinge (as in some Liebherr), move it too.

In refrigerators with French door (double door models, for example, Samsung RF or Whirlpool) the process is more complicated. Here you need to re-hang both doors simultaneously, and also reconfigure the synchronization mechanism. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to call a specialist - an error in the settings can lead to loss of tightness. uneven closing and loss of tightness.

After transferring the hinges, check whether the holes for the bolts match. If they are slightly misaligned, do not try to expand them yourself - this may cause cracks in the case. In such cases, use universal adapters for hinges (sold in spare parts stores).

Step 3: Door installation and adjustment

Before hanging the door back, make sure that the hinges are secure symmetrically and have no backlash. Start with the top hinge:

1. Carefully slide the door onto the lower hinge, holding it by the top edge.
2. Align the door - it should be strictly vertical.
3. Tighten the bolts of the top hinges, but not all the way - leave room for adjustment.
4. Close the door and check for distortion. If the door itself opens or closes with difficulty, adjust the position of the hinges.

To adjust, use wrench or a screwdriver. In most models, you can adjust:

• 🔄 Vertical position - by tightening the bolts of the upper hinge.
• ↔️ Horizontal position - by shifting the lower hinge to the left/right.
• 🔳 Closing force - changing the tension of the shock absorber (if any).

After preliminary adjustment, close the door and check tightness. To do this, take a sheet of paper, insert it between the seal and the body, and try to pull it out. If the sheet comes out without effort, the seal does not fit tightly. In this case, you need to tighten the hinges or adjust the position of the door.

What to do if the door does not close tightly?

If after adjusting the hinges the door still does not fit, the problem may be deformed seal. Try heating it with a hairdryer (temperature 50–60°C) and level it with your hands. If this does not help, the seal needs to be replaced. The cost of a new one is from 800 to 3000 rubles, depending on the model.

Step 4: Checking operation and troubleshooting

After installing the door, turn on the refrigerator and let it work for 1-2 hours. During this time, check:

• ❄️ Temperature in the chambers —it must correspond to the specified settings.
• 💧 Condensation on the seal —if it is, it means the tightness is broken.
• 🔊 Extraneous sounds —creaking or knocking may indicate misalignment of the hinges.

If the refrigerator begins to operate louder or the compressor turns on more often than usual, this may be a sign balance imbalance. The fact is that when the door is outweighed, the distribution of the load on the body changes. In some models (for example, with a system) this can lead to displacement of the tubes. If you notice such symptoms, immediately turn off the refrigerator and call a technician. Samsung with the system Twin Cooling Plus) this can lead to freon leak due to displacement of the tubes. If you notice such symptoms, immediately turn off the refrigerator and call a technician.

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators with No Frost system after re-hanging the door, air circulation may temporarily deteriorate. This is normal - let the equipment work for 12-24 hours. If frost appears in the freezer after a day, it means that the seal is broken or the air ducts have moved.

If you notice that the door opens on its own (for example, when closing with a slam), there is a problem lies in incorrect closing force. In most models, this is adjusted with a special screw on the top hinge. Turn it clockwise to increase the tension.

Nuances for refrigerators with additional functions

Modern refrigerators are often equipped with additional options, which complicate the reweighing process. Let's consider the most common cases:

1. Refrigerators with a water dispenser (Samsung RF, LG InstaView)

In such models, they are connected to the door water supply hoses. When rehanging them, you need to:

• Disconnect from the water supply.
• Drain the remaining water from system (usually there is a special valve at the bottom of the refrigerator).
• Carefully reinstall the hoses on the other side, observing the bends.

2. Refrigerators with an electronic display (Samsung Family Hub, Haier Smart)

The main thing here is not to damage power cablewhich goes from the door to case. It is usually attached to a latch next to the top hinge. When removing the door, disconnect the cable, and when installing, make sure that it is not twisted or strained.

3. Two-chamber refrigerators with separate doors (Liebherr, Bosh Serie 8)

In such models it is necessary reweigh both doors synchronously, and also reconfigure the synchronization mechanism. If this is not done, the doors will close unevenly, which will lead to loss of tightness.

For refrigerators with system. data-i="234">rebooting the electronic module Total No Frost (for example, Indesit NBA) after rehanging, you may need rebooting the electronic module. To do this, unplug the refrigerator for 5-10 minutes, then turn it on again. This will reset possible errors associated with changing the position of the door.

Frequent errors and how to avoid them

Even if you carefully follow all the steps, you can make mistakes that will lead to breakdowns. Here are the most common ones:

• 🔧 Uneven tightening of bolts - leads to door misalignment and loss. tightness.
• 🧲 Ignoring the magnetic seal —if it is not reconfigured, the door will not close tightly.
• ⚡ Switching on the refrigerator immediately after installation —you need to give time for the temperature to stabilize.
• 🔌 Damage to the display cable - relevant for models with electronic panels.

One of the most dangerous mistakes is use of unsuitable bolts. For example, if you replace standard bolts with longer ones, they may rest against the internal parts of the housing (for example, pipes with freon). This is fraught refrigerant leakage and expensive repairs.

Another problem is incorrect shock absorber installation (if there is one). If the shock absorber is skewed or too tight, the door will close with a bang or, conversely, will not close completely. data-i="254">If, after rehanging, the refrigerator becomes LG The shock absorber is attached to the bottom hinge - it also needs to be moved to the other side.

⚠️ Attention: If after re-hanging the refrigerator becomes vibrate more strongly or appears uncharacteristic noise, immediately turn it off. This may be a sign that the hinges are tightened too tightly and deform the housing, which leads to the compressor moving.

When is it better to call a technician

Despite the fact that hanging the door is a task that you can handle on your own, in some cases it is better to trust the professionals. Contact the service center if:

• 🛠️ Your refrigerator belongs to premium segment (Liebherr, Miele, Smeg) - a mistake can be expensive.
• ❄️ After re-weighing, frost in the freezer compartment appeared - this is a sign of a violation tightness.
• 🔌 The refrigerator is equipped with smart control system (Wi-Fi, touch panels) - there is a risk of damaging the electronics.
• 🔊 Appeared extraneous noise (knocking, humming) - this may indicate a displacement of the compressor.

The cost of the service for re-hanging the door in service centers varies from 1500 to 5000 rubles, depending on the complexity. comparison: self-repair in the event of an error can cost 10–20 thousand (for example, replacing a compressor or seal). If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better not to risk it.

It is also worth considering that in some models (for example, Samsung Bespoke or LG InstaView Door-in-Door) rehanging the door void the warranty. Before starting work, check the terms of warranty service in the documents.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to reverse the door on a refrigerator with a No Frost system?

Yes, but after rehanging, you need to let the refrigerator run for 12–24 hours so that the air circulation system stabilizes. If frost appears in the freezer after a day, it means that the seal is broken or the air ducts have shifted - adjustment is required.

What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not close tightly?

First, check whether the hinges are installed evenly - use a level. If the door still does not fit, try heating the seal with a hairdryer (temperature 50–60°C) and align it with your hands. If this does not help, the seal needs to be replaced.

Do you need to rehang both doors in a two-chamber refrigerator?

Yes, in models with two doors (for example, Liebherr or Bosh Serie 8) you need to rehang both simultaneously. Otherwise, the synchronization mechanism will not work correctly, and one of the doors may not close.

Is it possible to hang the door on a refrigerator with an ice maker?

Technically, yes, but the process is more complicated - you need to turn off the water supply, drain the remaining liquid and carefully reinstall the hoses. In some models Samsung this requires removing the top panel. If you have no experience, it is better to contact a specialist.

How much does it cost to rehang a door at a service center?

The cost depends on the model and complexity. On average:

• Budget models (Atlant, Indesit) - 1500–2500 rubles.
• Middle segment (Samsung, LG) - 2500–4000 rubles.
• Premium (Liebherr, Miele) - 4000–7000 rubles.

The price usually includes adjustment and leak testing.