Rearranging furniture in the kitchen often poses a difficult task for owners of household appliances: the refrigerator door opens in the wrong direction, interfering with passage or access to other cabinets. The situation when opening direction is chosen incorrectly occurs very often, especially after a move or major renovation. Fortunately, most modern models Samsung, LG, Bosch and Indesit are designed taking into account the possibility of re-hanging the hinges. This allows you to change the opening direction without calling a technician and extra costs.
The rehanging process requires accuracy, basic tools and an understanding of the design of your unit. Improper execution of work can lead to distortion of the blade, loss of seal tightness, or even damage to the housing. In this article we will look in detail at how to correctly rehang the door, what nuances to take into account when working with different models and how to avoid common mistakes that can shorten the service life of equipment.
Before taking up the tools, you need to make sure that your model really supports this option. Some budget or specific modifications have an asymmetrical body, where holes for hinges are provided only on one side. If you are sure that the design allows this, you can begin preparing the workplace and collecting the necessary equipment.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tools
The success of the operation directly depends on quality preparation. You will need clear space around the refrigerator to be able to access it from all sides. It is advisable to remove rugs and small objects that may interfere with movement or fall under your feet at the most crucial moment. It is also recommended to empty the refrigerator of food, since full shelves they significantly increase the weight of the structure, which makes working with the door dangerous and difficult.
To perform the work you will need a standard home handyman kit. The main tool will be a screwdriver or a set of screwdrivers with different bits (phillips and flat). Some models may require wrenches or hexagons, which are often included with the refrigerator itself. It would be a good idea to prepare a plastic spatula or flat spatula to carefully pry up the decorative plugs.
- 🛠️ Screwdriver or set of screwdrivers (Phillips, flathead, Torx)
- 🔧 Wrenches or set of sockets (often 8 mm or 10 mm)
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp edges
- 📏 Level or ruler for checking symmetry
- 🧼 Soft cloth for wiping hinges from dust
They must be removed carefully so as not to damage the appearance of the equipment. If your refrigerator is equipped with a display or control panel on the door, it is complicated by the need to disconnect the cables, which we will talk about in the corresponding section.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! This is critical for safety, especially if the model has electronic controls on the door.
☑️ Tools and preparation
Design features and model compatibility
Not all refrigerators are the same. The design of the hinges and the location of the mounting holes can vary greatly depending on the manufacturer and year of manufacture. In older models, there were often universal holes closed with plastic plugs that simply needed to be rearranged. Modern mounting systems have become more complex and aesthetic, often hiding under decorative panels.
Particular attention should be paid to models with a system No Frost and a "" (zero zone) camera. In such units, the door may be heavier due to additional insulating layers, and the closer mechanism requires precise adjustment. If you have a two-compartment refrigerator, the process for rehanging the top and bottom doors may be different. In some cases, the upper door is hung separately, and the lower one requires removal of the entire structure.
Models with a display on the door (for example, many versions LG or Samsung) require additional care. The cable connecting the control board to the main part of the refrigerator has a limited length. When rehanging, it must be carefully disconnected and reconnected to the corresponding connector on the other side, or, if the design allows, simply transfer the loop without breaking the contact.
| Model type | Difficulty of rehanging | Do I need to disconnect the cable? | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-chamber | Low | No | Simple design, minimum parts |
| Double-chamber (regular) | Medium | No | Requires removal of both doors |
| With display on the door | High | Yes | Needs work with electronics |
| Side-by-Side | Very high | Yes | Heavy doors, complex hinge system |
If you are not sure about the type of your model, it is better to find a technical data sheet or download instructions from the manufacturer’s website. The model code and the ability to reverse the door are always indicated there. The absence of holes on the opposite side of the body is a sure sign that rehang the door in your case it is technically impossible without drilling new metal, which is strictly not recommended.
Is it possible to drill new holes?
Drill new ones holes in the refrigerator body are not allowed! This will compromise the integrity of the thermal insulation layer, leading to corrosion and loss of warranty. Use only the standard holes provided by the manufacturer.
Step-by-step instructions: dismantling the top door
The process always starts with the top door, since it is held on the top hinge, which is attached to the housing cover. First, remove the decorative trim that hides the fasteners. It is usually held in place by latches or a single screw. Gently pry it off with a plastic spatula, being careful not to scratch the surface. Underneath you will find bolts securing the top hinge.
Use a wrench or screwdriver to remove the bolts. At this stage, be sure to call an assistant to hold the door. Even if it seems light, a sudden tug can cause injury or damage to the floor. After unscrewing the bolts, carefully lift the door up, removing it from the bottom hinge. If the model is equipped with a cable, do not pull the door sharply - first disconnect the connector.
Now pay attention to the loop itself. It often has a pin that the door fits onto. It must be removed or rearranged into a symmetrical hole on the other side of the loop, if the design provides for this. In some models Bosch or Siemens the hinges are asymmetrical, and they need to be swapped with the bottom ones or rotated 180 degrees. Study the geometry of the part carefully before installation.
- 🔓 Remove the decorative cover of the upper hinge
- 🔩 Unscrew the fastening bolts of the upper hinge
- 🤲 Remove the door from the lower pin (an assistant is needed)
- 🔌 Disconnect the cable (if any) through the connector
- 🔄 Move the hinge pin to the other side or unfold the hinge
After dismantling the upper door, work on the lower one. The principle of operation is similar, but often the bottom hinge is hidden under a plinth or decorative strip at the bottom of the refrigerator. Remove the panel, get to the fasteners and repeat the procedure. Do not forget to close the vacated holes on the old side with plastic plugs, which are usually included in the kit or are already installed on the door.
⚠️ Attention: When removing the door, make sure that it does not fall to the floor. The weight of the canvas can reach 15-20 kg, which is dangerous for the feet and can damage the floor covering.
Working with the bottom door and freezer
The bottom door, be it a freezer in a two-chamber refrigerator or a separate module, often has its own mounting features. In models with a bottom freezer, the door can be attached directly to the body or to a special frame. If you have a refrigerator Indesit or Atlant, there is often an option where the lower hinge is inserted into the body and secured with bolts from below.
For dismantling, you may need to remove the middle partition between the chambers, if the design requires it. However, in most modern models it is enough to simply unscrew the bottom hinge. Pay attention to the magnetic seal. When the door is flipped, it should remain in the correct position. If you notice that the elastic has become deformed when removed, you can warm it up with a hairdryer (not hot air, but warm) to restore elasticity.
Installing the door on the new side is done in the reverse order. First, the lower loop is fixed in a new place. It is important not to tighten the bolts “all the way” right away. Leave a little play so that you can adjust the position of the door for a perfect fit. Then the door itself is hung, and only after that the fasteners are finally clamped.
Pay special attention to modeling the gap between the door and the body. It should be uniform along the entire length. If the gap is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, it means the door is warped. This can be corrected by adjusting bolts on the hinges or by placing washers (in rare cases), but most often it is enough to correctly align the vertical when tightening.
Installation of doors and final adjustment
The final stage is the most critical. After both doors are placed in their new places, careful adjustments must be made. Close the refrigerator and evaluate the tightness of the seal around the entire perimeter. It should touch the body evenly, without gaps or cracks. If you see gaps, it means that the seal is broken, and the cold will escape and the compressor will work harder.
To adjust, use the side holes on the hinges. Loosen the fasteners and move the door left and right or up and down until the ideal position is achieved. Some models include special adjustment screws that allow you to change the tilt of the door without completely unscrewing the hinges. Check the operation of the closer (if there is one): the door should close completely on its own when opened by about 30-45 degrees. LG And Samsung There are special adjustment screws that allow you to change the tilt of the door without completely unscrewing the hinges. Check the operation of the door closer (if there is one): the door should close completely on its own when opened approximately 30-45 degrees.
Do not forget to install all decorative elements in new places. The plugs that were on the working side should now cover the holes on the non-working side. The plastic hinge covers also change sides. Make sure that all the latches are in place with a characteristic click, and that there are no unnecessary parts hanging out anywhere.
After assembly, turn on the refrigerator. Let it run for several hours without loading food to make sure the temperature is operating correctly. If the doors close tightly and do not slam on their own due to a draft (or, conversely, do not open due to a vacuum), then you have completed the task successfully.
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The door does not fits | Incorrect adjustment of hinges | Loosen the bolts and align the door |
| A squeak is heard | Friction of metal on metal | Lubricate the hinges with graphite lubricant |
| The door opens on its own | The angle of inclination is broken | Check the installation level of the refrigerator |
| The seal is stuck | Distortion during installation | Repeat the adjustment of the gaps |
Common mistakes and precautions
One of the most common mistakes is the loss of fasteners elements. Bolts and washers are often non-standard size or thread pitch, and replacing them with "look-alike" ones from the hardware store can strip the threads in an aluminum housing. It is recommended to put all removed parts in a magnetic tray or labeled container so as not to confuse the upper and lower fasteners.
Another mistake is ignoring cables. In models with displays, an attempt to pull the door further than the wire allows leads to broken contacts. Repairing the cable is a complex soldering task that requires skill. Always check for wires before making any sudden movements. If there is no wire, but the door does not come off, it means that you forgot to unscrew some hidden screw.
Also, do not use excessive force. If the fastener does not budge, it may have become stuck or rusted. In this case, it is better to use a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and wait 10-15 minutes rather than risk breaking the bolt head. It is extremely difficult to remove a broken bolt; drilling is often required, which will damage the hinge.
⚠️ Attention: The design and location of fasteners may vary depending on the specific modification. Always check the manufacturer's official documentation, as the instructions are general in nature.
What to do if you lose the plug?
If you lose the plastic plug for the hole, do not leave the hole open - moisture and dust will get in there. Temporarily seal the hole with a piece of aluminum tape or cover it with a bottle cap of a suitable size until you find the original spare part at a service center.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
Is it possible to rehang the door on a refrigerator with a display yourself?
Yes, it is possible, but it requires more caution. You will need to carefully disconnect the control cable connectors. The main thing is to remember or photograph the order in which the wires are connected so as not to confuse them during assembly. If you are not confident in your abilities with electronics, it is better to invite a specialist.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging it?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, if there is a lot of ice in the freezer, the door may become heavy and slippery. It is recommended to carry out the defrosting procedure in advance so that the inside is dry and clean, since water can leak when tilted.
What to do if, after hanging, the door does not close tightly?
Most likely, the problem is in adjusting the hinges. Loosen the top and bottom hinge mounting bolts and try to move the door in the desired direction. Also check to see if the seal is caught in the gap when slamming shut. If the gap is large, the hinge may be installed incorrectly or the seal may be worn.
Will the warranty still apply after rehanging the door?
If you did not damage the body, did not drill new holes or break plastic elements during dismantling, the warranty remains valid. However, if in the process you break the thread or break the display, the service center may refuse free repair. Proceed carefully.