The situation when, after purchasing a new refrigerator or remodeling the kitchen, it turns out that the door opens in the wrong direction, a familiar problem to many. This creates serious inconveniences: the passage is blocked, it is impossible to fully open adjacent cabinets, or there is simply not enough space for easy access to the shelves. Fortunately, most modern models, be it Indesit, Beko or LG, provide the ability to change the opening side.
The process rehanging doors does not require calling a specialist and special technical knowledge if you act carefully and consistently. The main difficulty lies in correctly dismantling the old fittings and installing new ones without damaging the enamel or seals. In this article we will look at all the nuances that you may encounter when rearranging hinges.
Before you get started, you need to make sure that your model really supports this function. This is usually confirmed by the presence of plugs on the opposite side of the case and a set of spare parts in the instructions. Carefully study the assembly diagram in the manual for your particular model, since the location of the mounting holes may differ even for refrigerators of the same brand.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Quality preparation is the key to successful completion work without scratching the floor or missing screws. You will need a set of tools that any man has in his home, but it is better to prepare it in advance so as not to be interrupted in the process. The main tool will be screwdriver or a set of screwdrivers with different bits (phillips and flat).
In addition to the main tool, you will need auxiliary materials to protect the surface and fix the elements. Clear the space in front of the refrigerator in advance so that nothing interferes with your movements, and the doors can swing wide open without obstacles.
- 🛠️ A set of screwdrivers or a screwdriver with bits for hexagons and Phillips screws.
- 🔧 Open-end wrenches (sizes 8, 10 or 12 are often required mm) for hinge nuts.
- 🧤 Construction gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 📦 A small container (container or magnetic tray) for folding fasteners.
Particular attention should be paid to the type of fastener. Some models Samsung or Bosch may use screws with specific heads that require socket keys. If the refrigerator came with a special key for the hinges, be sure to use it, as it fits perfectly with the geometry of the bolts.
Design features and types of hinges
Understanding the structure of the opening mechanism will help you avoid mistakes during dismantling. Refrigerator hinges are divided into upper and lower, and each of them has its own design features. The upper hinge is often combined with a decorative cover or holder, and the lower one may have a built-in pin or axle.
There are models with hidden loopsthat are not visible from the outside, and open fastening systems. In refrigerators with the system No Frost it is important not to damage the cable channel, which often runs inside the door or along the body near the hinges. Careless movement can lead to breakage of the wires powering the lamp or display.
⚠️ Attention: If your model has an electronic display or a power button on the door, you must carefully disconnect the cable cable before removing it. Do not pull the door sharply until you are sure that the cables are free.
The bottom hinge often takes the brunt of the door's weight, so it is more massive and is secured with stronger bolts. In some designs, for example, y Atlant or Stinol, the lower axis may be part of the hinge itself, while in others it is pressed into the door body. Determine the type of your design by looking at the bottom end of the door.
What to do if the fasteners are rusty?
If the screws do not unscrew due to oxidation, do not use excessive force to don't tear off the hat. Treat the joints with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and leave for 15-20 minutes. After this, try to carefully remove the thread again.
Step-by-step instructions for dismantling the door
The process of removing the door requires following a strict sequence of actions. Failure to do so may result in the mechanism becoming skewed or a heavy door falling. Start by completely emptying the shelves on the door and removing them to reduce the weight of the structure.
First remove the top part of the mount. Unscrew the screws securing the top hinge and remove the decorative trim. If you have a two-compartment refrigerator, you may also need to remove the middle hinge that holds the freezer compartment. Proceed carefully, holding the door with your other hand.
☑️ Dismantling checklist
After removing the top hinge, carefully lift the door to release the bottom axis. It is better to do this together, since even an empty refrigerator door weighs a lot. Place the removed door on a prepared soft surface (such as a blanket or cardboard) to avoid scratching the enamel and floor.
Now work on the bottom hinge. Unscrew it from the refrigerator body. If there are plugs at the site where the new hinge will be installed, remove them. Often the plugs fit tightly, and they need to be carefully pryed off with a knife or a thin screwdriver, trying not to damage the housing coating.
Installing the hinges on the new side
Installation on the new side begins with rearranging the hinge itself and the mating parts. Take the bottom hinge and install it on the opposite side of the case, securing it with bolts. Do not tighten them completely “all the way” yet, so that there is still the possibility of (fine-tuning) the position.
Install the door on the lower axis, having previously aligned the holes in the upper part. If the design includes a middle partition, make sure it is also rehung or rearranged if required by the model. In some refrigerators Haier or Shivaki the stoppers may need to be rearranged.
| Element | Action | Nuance |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom hinge | Move to the opposite side | Follow the direction of the axis |
| Upper hinge | Remove the plugs, install the hinge | Do not tighten the bolts immediately |
| Handles | Rearrange or turn over | Check that the fasteners are complete |
| Plugs | Install the hinges in the old place | Latch until you hear a characteristic click |
After installing the door in place and attaching the top hinge, check the vertical position. The door should close tightly, without distortion. If everything is straight, finally tighten all the bolts with a wrench. Make sure that sealing rubber fits evenly around the entire perimeter.
Adjusting and checking the closing tightness
The final stage is adjustment. Even with careful installation, the door position may need to be adjusted. If the door does not close tightly or, conversely, too tightly, it is necessary to loosen the hinge mounting bolts and slightly move the door in the desired direction.
Check the operation of the magnetic lock. The door should magnetize itself when brought at a distance of 2-3 cm. If this does not happen, perhaps the misalignment is too great, or products on the shelves that need to be arranged correctly are in the way.
⚠️ Attention: After re-hanging the door, let the refrigerator stand turned off for 2-3 hours before turning it on. This is necessary so that the refrigerant and oil in the compressor are distributed correctly after a possible tilt of the unit.
Pay attention to the gaps between the door and the housing. They should be the same along the entire length. If the gap is wider at the bottom than at the top, it means the door is warped. In models with adjustable legs, you can also try to tighten them to level the position of the refrigerator itself on the floor.
Frequent errors and ways to eliminate them
If you do it yourself Beginners in repair often make typical mistakes. One of the most common is the loss of fasteners or mixing up screws of different lengths. To avoid this, use the “matryoshka” method or label the containers in which you put the parts from each loop.
Another mistake is excessive force when unscrewing. This leads to licking of the edges of the screws. If the screw doesn't fit, it's better to apply some lubricant and wait than to strip the thread. Restoring broken threads in the refrigerator body will be extremely difficult and will require serious plumbing work.
- ❌ They forgot to remove the shipping bolts or films from the new seals.
- ❌ They mixed up the left and right plugs, which caused cracks to form.
- ❌ We did not check the horizontal installation of the refrigerator itself before starting work.
If after installation you notice that the light in the chamber does not light up, check the door sensor button. When reweighing, the pressing mechanism could have shifted, or the wiring might have been accidentally pinched. In such cases, partial disassembly of the control panel may be required.
What to do if the door is sagging?
If after a while the door sag, loosen the top hinge bolts again, lift the door up until it stops and tightly tighten the fasteners. This often solves the problem of sagging under its own weight.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging it?
Yes, this is a prerequisite. There should be no ice inside, and the unit itself should be dry. In addition, defrosting will make it easier to remove shelves and drawers that can “stick” in the cold.
Is it possible to rehang the door if a display is installed on it?
Yes, it is possible, but this requires more caution. You will have to disconnect the cable going to the display, and perhaps move it to another channel or extend it, if the design allows for it. In some models LG or Electrolux the wires have sufficient length.
Why does the door open by itself after rehanging?
Most likely, the angle of the refrigerator is broken. The door should close on its own due to gravity if it is open less than 30-40 degrees. Try unscrewing the front adjustment feet so that the body tilts slightly back.
Will the warranty still apply after re-hanging it yourself?
According to the consumer protection law, you have the right to service the equipment yourself. However, if in the process you break the thread or break the glass, this will be considered mechanical damage and will not be covered under warranty. Proceed carefully.