The situation when, after purchasing large household appliances, it turns out that refrigerator door opens in the wrong direction is familiar to many. This can block access to adjacent cabinets, interfere with passage, or simply disrupt the ergonomics of the kitchen space. Fortunately, most modern models, be it Indesit, Beko or LG, provide the ability to reinstall the hinges and move the handle to the opposite side.
This process does not require calling a specialist and special technical knowledge, but it requires accuracy and compliance strict sequence of actions. Incorrect installation can lead to misalignment of the flap, failure of the seal and, as a consequence, breakdown of the compressor due to constant operation. In this article, we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions that will help you safely change the opening side.
Before starting work, you need to prepare the workplace and free up space around the unit. You will need at least one assistant, as the doors, especially in two-chamber models, are heavy and can cause the fragile shelves inside to fall if not handled carefully. It is also worth studying in advance manufacturer's instructionsas the design of fastening units may vary significantly between different brands.
To get started, you will need a standard set of tools that can be found in every home. The main tools will be wrenches (usually open-end or socket wrenches of 8 and 10 mm), flat-head and Phillips screwdrivers, as well as masking tape to secure moving parts. It would be a good idea to prepare a container for folding the screws so as not to lose small parts during the dismantling process.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work with electrical appliances, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This will protect you from electric shock and prevent accidental starting of the compressor while manipulating the wiring.
Some models have hidden fasteners or decorative plugs that must be carefully removed before unscrewing the bolts. If you are not sure about the type of fastening, it is better to additionally consult the technical data sheet of a specific model so as not to damage the plastic case.
Preparation for reinstalling door hinges
The first step is always to completely unload the door shelves and remove all removable elements. This will not only make the design lighter, but will also prevent food or glass bottles from falling when you remove the sash from its hinges. Also free up space in front of the refrigerator to have free access to the unit from all sides.
It is important to check the condition sealing rubber before starting work. If it already has defects, then after re-hanging and re-installation, the tightness may be compromised even more. In such cases, it is recommended to purchase in advance a new seal suitable for your model of equipment.
- 🔧 Prepare wrenches of the appropriate size and screwdrivers with different types of tips for working with fasteners.
- 🧤 Wear work gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges metal fastener edges and possible tool slippage.
- 📸 Take a photo of the current hinge location before disassembling - this will help with reassembly if you forget the installation order.
If your refrigerator has a system No Frost or an electronic display on the door, you need to be careful with the wires. In these models, the cables run in or near the loop, and damage to them may cause the control panel to fail. Carefully disconnect the connectors, first remembering or photographing their location.
Removing the top and bottom panels
Process Removing the door usually begins from the top of the structure. Depending on the model, the top panel may be secured with bolts that are hidden under a decorative plug or plastic cover. Carefully pry up the plug with a flat screwdriver, being careful not to scratch the surface of the plastic.
After removing the decorative elements, you will have access to the main fastener. Remove the bolts holding the top hinge in place, but do not remove them completely until you are ready to remove the door. In some models, such as Stinol or older models Atlant, the top hinge can be combined with the housing lid, which requires a special approach.
| Refrigerator type | Location fasteners | Required tools | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single chamber | Top and bottom of the door | 10 mm key | Simple design, minimum wires |
| Two-chamber (Top) | Between the chambers and on the roof | Set of screwdrivers | You need to remove both doors sequentially |
| With display | Hidden in the loop | Torx key, pliers | Requires caution with cables |
| Built-in | Specific brackets | Hexagons | A decorative facade is needed |
When unscrewing the bottom hinge, access is often difficult, since it can be covered by a plinth panel or decorative plinth. Remove this element to gain full access to the mechanism. If the bolts are stuck or rusty, use a penetrating lubricant, but avoid getting chemicals on the rubber seals.
When all the fasteners are loosened, you need to carefully lift the door and remove it from the bottom pin hinge. This action is best performed by two people: one person holds the door, the second controls the exit of the axle from the bushing. Sudden movements can damage the magnetic valve or deform the metal.
⚠️ Attention: Do not leave the door hanging on one upper mount for a long time - this creates a critical load on the metal and can lead to irreversible deformation of the case.
Re-hanging the main door
After successful dismantling of the door the stage of its physical reinstallation on the opposite side begins. To do this, you need to move the hinges to new seats, which are usually preserved with plastic plugs on the back of the case. Remove the plugs and install them in the vacated holes on the side where the door stood previously.
Install the door on the lower support axis on the new side and align it vertically. At this stage, it is important not to tighten the fasteners completely, but only tighten the bolts in order to be able to adjust the position of the sash. Check that the gaps between the door and the body are the same along the entire length.
- 📐 Use a building level to check that the door is installed vertically relative to the floor.
- 🔩 Tighten the bolts crosswise, gradually increasing the force to avoid distortion of the metal hinge.
- 🚪 Make sure that the door opens smoothly and does not touch the body either in the extreme or in the intermediate position.
If your model has the ability to change the opening side, then at the end of the door you will find symmetrical holes for installing the handle and the lock strike plate (if there is one). Move the handle to a new location using the same screws, or components from the repair kit, if the length of the old screws is not suitable for the new wall thickness.
☑️ Checklist for correct installation
Working with the No Frost system and wires
Modern refrigerators with a No Frost system have a more complex design, since air channels and electrical cables often run between the chambers. When reversing the door of the upper chamber, it is necessary to disconnect the connectors of the wires going to the light bulb, temperature sensor or control panel.
Proceed with extreme caution: the plastic connector retainers are fragile and easily break if handled carelessly. Press the connector latch and gently pull it towards you. If the connector does not budge, do not use force - perhaps you have not fully pressed the latch.
After reinstalling the door, the wires must be laid in special channels or grooves provided by the design and reconnected. Make sure that the cables are not strained or twisted, as when the door is opened they will move, and the tension can lead to broken contacts.
⚠️ Attention: When assembling, make sure that no wires get caught under the rubber seal. A pinched wire can cause a short circuit or break the seal of the camera.
In some models Samsung or LG the wires run inside a hollow loop. In this case, you must carefully thread the harness through the hole in the new loop before installing it. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to refer to the diagram in the instructions, which shows the path of communications.
Adjusting the position and gaps
The final and, perhaps, the most important stage is adjusting the position of the door. Even a perfectly installed hinge may require adjustments due to uneven floors or small manufacturing tolerances. Adjustment is carried out using adjusting bolts located on the lower support or in the upper hinge.
If the door is skewed to one side, slightly loosen the fastening and raise or lower the corresponding corner. You need to check the result visually and by touch, running your hand along the junction of the door and the body. The gap should be uniform along the entire length.
Pay special attention to the fit of the seal. The door should close tightly, but without excessive force. If you notice that in some place the seal does not fit, try slightly heating this area with a hairdryer (without overheating the plastic) and press the door until it cools so that the rubber takes the desired shape.
What to do if the door does not close tightly?
If after adjusting the door still does not fit tightly, check the condition of the magnetic tape inside seal. Perhaps it has shifted or lost its properties. Also, the reason may be overloading of the shelves, which deflects the door from the vertical.
Installing the handle and final check
The final touch is installing the handle in a new place. In most cases, holes for fasteners are already present and closed with plugs. If there are no holes, but the instructions allow transfer, drilling may be required, but this is rare for modern models and requires high precision.
Secure the handle with screws, making sure they fit tightly and do not wobble. After this, carry out a final check of the operation of the entire mechanism. Open and close the door several times, listening for sounds. There should be no creaks, knocks or sensations of metal rubbing against metal.
Check the operation of the magnetic lock (if there is one) and the tight fit around the entire perimeter. To check the tightness, you can use a simple test with a sheet of paper: hold the sheet with a door and try to pull it out. If the sheet is pulled out with difficulty along the entire perimeter, the tightness is normal.
⚠️ Attention: Do not turn on the refrigerator immediately after rearranging if you tilted the unit strongly during work. Allow the oil in the compressor to drain into the crankcase for 2-4 hours.
Is it possible to hang the door on a built-in refrigerator?
Yes, on most With embedded models this is possible, but the process is more complicated. You will need to rehang not only the refrigerator door, but also the decorative facade of the furniture door, using special fastening slides. The instructions for built-in appliances are usually more voluminous and require attention to the details of fastening the furniture.
What to do if the plugs for the holes are lost?
If the plastic plugs are lost, the holes can be closed with pieces of self-adhesive film in the color of the body or you can purchase a universal set of plugs at a furniture fittings store. It is not recommended to leave the holes open, as this violates thermal insulation and aesthetics.
Why did the door begin to close worse after rehanging?
Most often, the reason lies in incorrect adjustment of the tilt of the refrigerator itself. Make sure the front legs are twisted out so that the body is slightly tilted back. Also check if the wires inside the loop are twisted, preventing a tight closure.
Does it need to change the seal when rehanging?
You need to change the seal only if the old one has visible damage, cracks or has lost elasticity. If the rubber band is intact and soft, it is enough to carefully remove it, clean it and reinstall it, heating it with a hairdryer to straighten it.