Changing the kitchen layout or moving to a new one apartment, the owner of household appliances is often presented with a difficult question: how to move the refrigerator door to the other side. The standard opening on the right can become an obstacle in a narrow passage or inconvenient in a new location of the work area. Fortunately, most modern models Indesit, Atlant, Beko and Liebherr provide the ability to reinstall the hinges without the need to call a technician.
This process requires care, a basic set of tools and an understanding of the design of your unit. Incorrect assembly can lead to a loose seal, skewing of the blade, or damage to the closing mechanism. In this article, we will analyze in detail all stages of work, from preparation to final adjustment, so that you can complete the task efficiently and safely.
Before you begin dismantling, you need to make sure that your model really supports reverse. Although this is typical for 90% of refrigerators, there are exceptions, especially in older or budget series, where the hinges are welded or the body design does not have symmetrical openings. It is also important to check whether the handle or decorative element does not block access to new fastening points after the revolution.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
To successfully complete the work, you will need a standard home craftsman's kit. The main tool will be a set of screwdrivers, including Phillips and flat slots of different sizes. Screws with hexagon heads are often found, so the presence a set of hex keys would not be superfluous. Some models, such as Samsung or LGmay require socket wrenches with a diameter of 8 or 10 mm.
In addition to the main tool, prepare auxiliary materials. You will need masking tape to secure moving parts and protect the surface of the case from scratches. A rag or soft cloth that can be placed under the removed parts will not be superfluous. If your refrigerator has removable handles, you may need a thin wire or a special hook to remove the locking pins from the inside.
- 🛠️ Set of screwdrivers (Phillips, flathead) and hex keys
- 🧲 Magnetic container or box for storing small screws
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges
- 🔦 Flashlight or additional lighting for working in the lower part of the unit
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! This is critical for safety since you will be working in close proximity to electrical components and wiring to the control panel.
Get some space in front of the refrigerator. You need to ensure free access to the unit from all sides, since the door will have to be removed and set aside. Remove all food from the door shelves to reduce door weight and prevent items from falling during removal. If the model has a system No Frostmake sure that the trays and containers are also removed.
Removing the top hinge and removing the door
The process starts from the top of the refrigerator, since that is where the main supporting hinge is located. First, remove the decorative cap that usually hides the mounting bolts. It can be made in the form of a plastic lid with latches or simply a glued element that needs to be carefully pryed off with a knife. Be careful not to damage the plastic as it may become brittle.
Once you have access to the fasteners, loosen the top hinge bolts, but do not remove them completely yet. This is necessary so that the hinge remains in place and holds the door. If your refrigerator has a door-mounted control panel, like models Bosch or Siemens, you must first disconnect the electrical connector. To do this, you often need to remove the entire top cover of the case.
How to disconnect the cable cable
Gently pull the plastic connector, avoiding tugging on the wires themselves. Some connectors have a locking tab that must be pressed with a finger or a thin screwdriver before removal.
Now you can completely unscrew the top hinge bolts. Hold the door with your other hand (or ask an assistant) to remove the hinge. The door is now only held in place by the bottom pin. Smoothly lift the door up to release the bottom bushing, and set it in a safe place, placing it on a soft cloth with the outer side facing up.
- 🔩 Loosen the top hinge bolts without completely removing them
- 🔌 Disconnect the control panel wire connectors (if equipped)
- 🚪 Remove the top hinge and carefully lift the door up
- 🧱 Set the door aside, ensuring it is in a stable position
It is important not to lose the intermediate bushings or washers that may be located between the hinge and the door body. These elements provide the necessary clearance for smooth running. Remember their location or take a photo before removing them. Some designs use closerswhich also require careful handling during dismantling.
Flipping the lower support and rearranging the handles
After removing the door, attention turns to the lower part of the refrigerator. There is a support loop here, which also needs to be rearranged. Unlike the top one, it is often hidden by a plastic base or decorative strip near the floor. Remove this element to gain access to the mounting bolts.
Unscrew the bolts holding the lower support sleeve or pin. In most models, this pin is simply inserted into the hole and can be removed with pliers or your fingers. Inspect the hole: on the opposite side of the housing there should be a symmetrical blind hole with or without threads where you will move the support.
At the same time, work on the handles. If they are removable, find where they are attached. Often the screws are hidden under decorative caps on the inside of the door or on the bottom/top of the handle. Unscrew the fasteners and move the handles to opposite, pre-prepared holes. For models with a hidden profile (recess in the body), this step can be skipped.
⚠️ Attention: The design of the lower assembly may vary depending on the brand. Refrigerators Indesit i Ariston often use a plastic sleeve that cannot be confused between top and bottom. Carefully inspect the shape of the part before installing it in a new location.
Install the lower support in a new location. If the kit included special plugs for the old holes, cover the vacant spaces on the left with them to maintain an aesthetic appearance. Make sure that the pin sits tightly and does not wobble, since it will bear the main weight of the door in the assembled state.
Installing the door on the new side
Now that all the preparatory work has been completed, you can begin installation. Lift the door and carefully slide it with the bottom hole onto the installed pin. Make sure that it sits evenly and fits snugly along the entire length of the body. At this stage, it is better to work together so as not to drop the heavy structure.
Attach the top hinge to the body and door, aligning the holes. Insert the bolts and begin to tighten them by hand to secure the position. Do not tighten them all the way right away - first you need to achieve the correct position of the blade relative to the body. Check whether the door touches adjacent elements or the floor.
☑️ Installation sequence
If your model is equipped with electronics on the door, it’s time to connect the cables. Route the wires through the provided channels in the hinge body so that they are not pinched or chafed when opening. Carefully insert the connectors until you hear a characteristic click and place them in the cable channels.
| Work stage | Tool | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| Removing the top hinge | Screwdriver/Key | Don't forget to disconnect the wires |
| Repositioning the support | Pliers | Check the integrity of the bushing |
| Installation handle | Hexagon | Maintain symmetry |
| Final tightening | Key | Control the gaps |
After all the elements have fallen into place, you can begin the final tightening bolts Use torque wrench or proceed carefully with a regular screwdriver so as not to strip the thread. The metal of the hinges is quite strong, but excessive force can deform the seats.
Adjusting the gaps and tightness
Installing the door is only half the battle. The key is proper adjustment to ensure the refrigerator compartment is sealed. If the door is warped, the cold will escape, and the (compressor) will work without interruption, trying to compensate for the heat loss. This will lead to increased energy consumption.
Check the tightness of the seal around the entire perimeter. To do this, you can use a simple test with a sheet of paper: hold the sheet with a door and try to pull it out. It should come out with noticeable force. If the sheet is pulled out too easily in some place, it means that a gap has formed there.
To eliminate distortions, use the adjusting bolts, which are often located in the lower hinge or in the hinge mechanism itself. By turning them, you can raise or lower the corner of the door. There are also special screws in the very top hinge that allow you to adjust the tilt of the leaf forward or backward.
- 📏 Check the gaps between the door and the body - they should be uniform
- 🌬️ Make sure that the magnetic strip of the seal is adjacent to the metal along the entire contour
- 🔄 Open and close the door several times, checking for smooth movement
- 🧊 Let the refrigerator stand for 2-3 hours before turning it on (if you changed the oil in the compressor at a strong tilt)
⚠️ Attention: If after adjusting the door still does not fit tightly, it may The seal is deformed or dirty. Try washing it with warm water and soap or heating it with a hairdryer (gently!) to restore elasticity.
In some cases, adjustment of the lock or latch is required. If the door opens by itself or, conversely, is too tight, check the position of the strike plate on the body. It can also be moved by loosening the mounting screws.
Common mistakes and ways to eliminate them
Even when carefully following the instructions, beginners often make mistakes. One of the most common is the loss or confusion of fasteners of different hinges. The upper and lower support bolts may have different lengths and thread pitches. An attempt to screw a long bolt into a short hole can lead to piercing the wall refrigerator or damage to the internal circuit.
Another mistake is ignoring the wires. When reassembling, they forget to connect the connectors or do not secure them well. This leads to the fact that after turning on the refrigerator works, but the indication does not light up, the display or the control system do not work. In the worst case, a short circuit is possible. Smart management. In the worst case, a short circuit may occur.
Plugs are also often forgotten. Leaving open holes on the front panel spoils the appearance and can become a collecting point for dust and moisture. If the original plugs are lost, you can make them from a piece of plastic or buy a universal set at a hardware store.
If you notice that after rehanging the door begins to touch the body when opening to a certain angle, check whether the intermediate sleeve is installed correctly. Sometimes it needs to be turned over or replaced with a symmetrical one from the spare parts kit.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to reverse the door in a refrigerator with a glass front panel?
Yes, it is possible, but special care is required. The glass is attached to special glue or hidden guides. When removing such a door, there is a high risk of damaging the decorative layer. It is recommended to strictly follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific model Gorenje or Bosch with the Glass panel.
What to do if the hinge holes do not line up with the new side?
In 99% of cases, the holes are symmetrical and are already drilled at the factory. If you can't see them, they may be covered with plastic plugs that match the color of the case. Carefully inspect the end of the door and the side of the refrigerator. You cannot drill new holes - this will break the tightness of the circuit.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before hanging the door?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, if you plan to tilt the refrigerator to access the bottom bolts, it is better to turn it off beforehand. Tilt of a running compressor by more than 40 degrees can damage the lubrication system.
How to remove the handle if there are no visible screws?
Often the screws are hidden under decorative trims. Try carefully prying the plastic plug on the inside of the door with a thin screwdriver. In some models, the handle is held on by powerful latches and is removed with a sharp but controlled movement up or to the side.
Why does the door slam or close poorly after installation?
Most likely, the angle of the refrigerator is broken. For proper gravity closure, the body must be tilted slightly backwards. Adjust the height of the front support legs by unscrewing them so that the front of the refrigerator rises 1-2 cm higher than the back.