The situation when, after purchasing a new one refrigerator or rearranging furniture, it turns out that the door opens in the wrong direction, familiar to many. This creates significant inconvenience during operation, blocks access to shelves or interferes with passage in the kitchen. Fortunately, most modern models Indesit, Beko, LG and Atlant are designed with this possibility in mind and allow you to change the opening side.
The process hanging the door does not require specialized tools or deep engineering knowledge, however, it demands accuracy and attention to detail. Incorrect actions can lead to damage to the hinges, skewing of the canvas or failure of the seal. In this article, we will analyze the algorithm of actions for various types of structures so that you can complete the work efficiently and safely.
Before you begin dismantling, you need to make sure that your specific unit supports this function. This is usually confirmed by the presence of plugs on the opposite side of the housing. If you are ready to work, be patient and follow our recommendations.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
The first step will be organizing the space. You will need a clear area in front of the refrigerator so you can step back and put the parts you removed. Remove all products and removable elements from the top shelves to reduce the weight of the structure and avoid objects falling when the case is tilted.
To complete the work, you will need a minimum set of tools. The main role will be played hex wrench (usually 4 mm or 5 mm) and a Phillips screwdriver. In some models, for example, old series Stinol or Zil, 8 or 10 mm open-end wrenches may be required.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work Be sure to unplug the refrigerator from the electrical outlet. This is critical for safety, as you will be working with metal in close proximity to electrical components and wiring.
Also have a soft cloth or cardboard that you can lay on the floor to avoid scratching the flooring when moving heavy equipment. It would be a good idea to call an assistant, since even an empty refrigerator has an impressive weight, and it will need to be tilted.
☑️ Tools for work
Analysis of the design and type of hinges
Before unscrewing the first bolts, carefully study the design of the fasteners. There are two main types of loops: top and bottom. In most cases, the door is supported on two supports, but there are models with one central axis. Understanding how your opening mechanismworks will help you avoid mistakes.
Inspect the side wall where the door will be moved. There should be technological holes closed with plastic plugs. It is into these holes that the bolts will be screwed in after moving the fittings. If there are no holes, then the model does not provide for overhanging, and further actions may lead to breakdown.
The control system deserves special attention. If you have a refrigerator Side-by-Side or a model with a display on the door, check the location of the cables. In such cases, it is often necessary not only to physically transfer the loops, but also to lengthen or reconnect the wires, which greatly complicates the task.
Features of hinges with a closer
In premium models (for example, some Bosch or Siemens series), the hinges can be equipped with closers. Such mechanisms cannot simply be turned over or rearranged without special adjustments. Often they require replacement of the entire assembly or complex adjustment of the springs, so it is better to contact a service center.
Make sure that the sealing rubber is not glued to the body. In old refrigerators it could “stick” or be fixed with glue. A sharp jerking movement when removing the door can tear the seal, which will require its replacement.
Dismantling the top part and removing the door
The process begins with removing the top cover of the refrigerator if it interferes with access to the top fastenings. Carefully unscrew the fixing screws and remove the panel. Now you can see the top loop. In some models, such as Samsung or Haier, a control wiring harness may be attached to the loop.
If the wires are present, they must be carefully disconnected. Remember or take a photo of the order in which the connectors are connected so that you do not mix up the contacts during assembly. After this, you can move on to the main fasteners. Loosen the top hinge bolts, but do not remove them completely yet to prevent the door from falling.
⚠️ Warning: The refrigerator door is heavy and awkward. When unscrewing the lower fasteners, the upper hinge should already be loosened, but hold the door leaf with your other hand or ask an assistant to prevent it from falling on your feet.
After completely unscrewing the upper hinge, carefully lift the door and remove it from the lower axis. Place the removed door on a prepared soft surface with the outside side down to avoid damaging the shelves and interior covering.
Moving the fittings to the opposite side
Now that the door is removed, you need to rearrange the handle (if it is not through) and hinges. Remove the handle from the door leaf by unscrewing the screws from the inside. Install it in the opposite place using the pre-provided holes. Often new holes already have threads, but sometimes you have to use a tap or carefully screw in self-tapping screws if the design allows.
Next, let's deal with the refrigerator body itself. Remove the top and bottom hinges from the “working” side. This may require a key. Move them to the opposite side, screwing them into the prepared technological holes. Make sure that the bottom hinge pin points straight up.
Don't forget about the plugs. Those holes that are free on the old side must be closed with plastic plugs, which usually come with the refrigerator or are in a bag with documents. This is necessary to maintain thermal insulation and aesthetics.
| Element | Action | Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Door handle | Moving to the other side | Phillips screwdriver |
| Upper hinge | Dismantling and installation from right to left | Hex / Key |
| Lower hinge | Transferring the axle and bushing | Open-end wrench |
| Plugs | Closing old holes | Hands |
It is important to check the condition bushings and washers. If they show signs of heavy wear or rust, it is better to replace them with new ones to ensure smooth movement of the door in the future.
Door installation and final adjustment
After the hinges are installed in a new place, you can hang the door. This is the most crucial moment. You need to accurately hit the hole in the bottom of the door on the axis of the lower hinge. To do this, the refrigerator can be slightly tilted back and the door held at a slight angle.
When the door “sits” on the lower axis, align the upper hole of the door with the installed upper hinge. Insert the mounting bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet. This will allow you to make preliminary position adjustment position adjustment.
Close the door and check the tightness of the seal around the entire perimeter. There should be no cracks or gaps anywhere. If the door is skewed, loosen the bolts and, using thin washers (or adjusting the position of the hinge itself), achieve an ideal horizon. After this, tighten all fasteners as tightly as possible.
If your model has wires, carefully place them in the designated channels and connect the connectors. Make sure that the wires are not pinched with metal or twisted, otherwise they may be damaged when opening the door.
Common mistakes and troubleshooting
Even following the instructions, beginners often make mistakes. One of the most common is the loss of fasteners. Refrigerator hinge bolts often have non-standard threads or lengths, so losing one of them can be a serious problem.
Another mistake is overtightening the bolts. Excessive force can strip the threads in the aluminum body of the refrigerator, which is extremely difficult to restore. Tighten the bolts tightly, but without fanaticism, using a ratchet wrench to control the force.
⚠️ Attention: If after rehanging the door does not close tightly or, conversely, opens on its own, check the horizontal installation of the refrigerator itself. Often the problem lies not in the hinges, but in the fact that the legs of the unit are twisted incorrectly and the body is skewed.
It is also worth mentioning the problem with the magnetic tape. If, when rehanging, you severely deformed the door or set the gap incorrectly, the magnet may no longer hold the door. In this case, you may need to warm up the seal with a hairdryer to restore its shape.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to hang the door on a refrigerator with a display?
In most cases, no, or it is very difficult. Display control wires are often fixed length and run through the chassis. To transfer, it would be necessary to lengthen the cables, which would violate the warranty and could lead to unstable operation of the electronics.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, if you plan to tilt the refrigerator, it is best to remove all food and glass shelves to prevent them from falling out. It is also worth waiting 10-15 minutes after switching off for the refrigerant to distribute.
What to do if the holes for the hinges do not match?
If the holes on the body and door do not match after rearrangement, it means either the model does not support overhanging, or you are using the wrong holes. In some cases, it is necessary to turn the loop itself over (if it is symmetrical) or change the order in which the washers are installed.
How long does the procedure take?
For an experienced craftsman this takes 15-20 minutes. When working independently without experience, allow about 40-60 minutes, including time for preparing the tool, studying the design and carefully adjusting the gaps.
Will the warranty remain valid after rehanging?
If you did not damage the housing, did not strip the threads or break the seals on the compressor, the warranty is usually maintained. However, if in the process you damage the wiring or break the glass, the service center has the right to refuse free repairs.