Owners of large equipment are often faced with a situation where it is impossible to carry large equipment through the doorway of a kitchen or elevator without dismantling it. The standard width of such models usually exceeds 90 centimeters, which creates insurmountable obstacles when moving or rearranging furniture. In such cases, the only safe solution is partial disassembly of the case. Side by Side refrigerator it is impossible to carry it through the doorway of a kitchen or elevator without dismantling it. The standard width of such models usually exceeds 90 centimeters, which creates insurmountable obstacles when moving or rearranging furniture. In such cases, the only safe solution is partial disassembly of the case.
Many users are afraid to begin this procedure on their own, considering it complicated and risky for electronics. However, if you know the fasteners and follow safety precautions, you can successfully do the work yourself. The main thing is to act consistently and not force events, since hinges and fittings require careful handling.
Modern LG models are equipped with a complex connection system, including electrical cables for the display and sensors. Improper shutdown may result in failure of the control board. Therefore, before starting work, you need to carefully study the design of your specific unit and prepare the appropriate tools.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Before proceeding with dismantling, it is important to ensure free access to the refrigerator from all sides. It is optimal to move the equipment away from the wall at a distance of at least one meter. This will allow you to easily walk around the device and not damage the floor covering or the body itself when working with heavy elements.
To perform the operation, you will need a minimum set of tools, which can be found in every home. The main working element will be screwdriver set with various splines, including cross and flat. You may also need a socket wrench or socket of a certain size, often 8 mm or 10 mm, depending on the model.
- 🛠️ Phillips and flat head screwdrivers for removing decorative caps and screws.
- 🔧 Socket wrench or socket with a wrench for unscrewing the main hinge bolts.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp edges and dirt.
- 📦 Container for folding small parts so that they do not get lost.
Particular attention should be paid to fixing the position of the refrigerator itself. Since the center of gravity shifts when the doors are removed, the unit may become unstable. It is recommended to enlist the help of an assistant who will hold the case while unscrewing the fasteners.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Remove the plug from the socket to eliminate the risk of electric shock if the wire insulation is accidentally damaged or the contacts are short-circuited.
Prepare in advance a soft surface, such as a blanket or thick cardboard, where you can place the removed doors. This will protect them from scratches and chips, and also prevent damage to the floor.
Dismantling the upper part and removing the right door
The disassembly process usually begins on the right side, since this is where the main control elements and top hingeare most often located. The first step is to remove the decorative cover that hides the fasteners. It can be secured with latches or small screws.
Carefully pry the cover open with a flat-head screwdriver or use a plastic card to avoid leaving marks on the glossy surface. Once the guard is removed you will have access to the bolts holding the top hinge in place. Their number varies from two to four pieces depending on the series LG Side by Side.
☑️ Preparation for removing the right door
Before completely unscrewing the bolts, make sure that the door is securely fixed. The weight of a door with shelves can reach 30-40 kilograms, and it is extremely undesirable to drop it on your foot or floor. It is best if one person holds the door and the second unscrews the fasteners.
An important point is the presence of an electrical connection. On most LG models, wires run through the top hinge to the display and door sensor. Cable cable or the connector must be disconnected before you finally remove the door from its hinges.
- 🔌 Find the connector of the wires going from the case to the door.
- 🖐️ Gently press the connector lock and pull it to the sides, avoiding jerking.
- 📸 Take a photo of the connection so as not to mix up the contacts during assembly.
After disconnecting the wires, you can completely unscrew the bolts of the upper loop. Then the door smoothly lifts up and is removed from the lower pin. Place it in a safe place, having first checked whether there are any bolts or washers left on the floor.
Features of removing the left door and central hinges
The left door in refrigerators Side by Side often does not have a display, but can be equipped with a system No Frost with its own evaporator or simply serve as a freezer. The design of its fastening may differ, especially if there is a central jumper between the doors.
In some LG models, the central hinge is a single block connecting both doors. In this case, after removing the right sash, it is necessary to dismantle the left one in order to free the common axis. The center hinge bolts are usually hidden under a decorative trim similar to the right side.
⚠️ Warning: Do not forcefully bend or break off the plastic hinge retainers. If the fasteners do not budge, check to see if there is a hidden screw under the sticker or rubber plug.
When working with the left door, it is also important to monitor the wires if they are routed through the center pillar. Although there are fewer of them, accidental tension can damage the insulation. Proceed slowly and carefully inspect the area under the hinges.
If your model has a removable central partition, it can also be removed to make the design easier. However, this requires additional steps and may affect the rigidity of the case during transport. In most cases, it is enough to remove only the door panels.
Working with electrical connections and sensors
Modern LG refrigerators are complex electronic devices. In addition to lighting, the doors may have temperature sensors, opening sensors and control elements. All of them are connected to the main board via flexible cables or stranded wires.
Electrical connector is a vulnerable element. When disconnecting it, you should not pull on the wires themselves, as they may come off the contacts inside the plastic block. Always grasp the hard part of the connector.
| Connection type | Location | Disconnection method | Risks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display connector | Top hinge | Pressing the latch | Break of plastic ears |
| Opening sensor | Inside body/hinge | Pulling the chip | Breakage of thin wires |
| Backlight wires | Around the door perimeter | Removing terminals | Short circuit |
| Control loop | Upper part | Lifting the latch | Damage to the tracks |
If you find oxidation on contacts, it is recommended to gently wipe them with a dry soft cloth. The use of harsh chemicals or moisture is unacceptable as this may lead to future corrosion.
When reassembling, make sure that all connectors click into place. A loose or incompletely inserted connector can cause the refrigerator to not operate correctly, for example, lack of cooling or malfunction of the display.
Removing the bottom part and transportation bolts
After dismantling the door panels, the structure becomes much lighter and narrower. However, to fully prepare for transportation or installation in a narrow opening, it may be necessary to remove the plinth panel and lower supports.
The plinth is usually secured with latches or a few screws at the front. Removing it gives you access to the compressor compartment and legs. If you plan to carry the refrigerator by drag (which is not recommended, but sometimes necessary), it is better to remove the legs or screw them in as much as possible.
Is it necessary to remove the compressor during transportation?
It is strictly not recommended to remove the compressor yourself. This requires evacuating the refrigerant system and special skills. For transportation, it is enough to fix the internal moving parts and maintain an inclination angle of no more than 40 degrees.
There may also be transportation bolts at the bottom if they were not removed during initial installation. Their presence blocks the shock absorption of the compressor, which leads to strong noise and vibration during operation. Check the instructions for your model LG Side by Side for their location.
Make sure that all removable shelves, drawers and trays are removed from the interior. Even if the doors are removed, loose objects inside can shift and damage the plastic or glass partitions when moving.
Frequent errors during dismantling and precautions
One of the most common mistakes is ignoring the weight of the structure. The doors of Side by Side refrigerators are heavier than they seem, and if they fall, they can not only injure your legs, but also break, especially if they are made of tempered glass or thin metal.
Another mistake is the loss of fasteners. Hinge bolts often have a specific thread or length, and replacing them with random ones from a home drawer can lead to stripped threads in the case or insufficient fixation. Fasteners it is better to immediately put them in a magnetic tray or labeled container.
- ❌ Do not use impact tools (hammers) for knocking out jammed bolts.
- ❌ Do not leave the refrigerator open for a long time without doors, so as not to damage the seals.
- ❌ Do not try to carry the refrigerator by the door handles after installing them - these are not lifting points.
It is also worth remembering the fragility of plastic elements. At low temperatures (if the refrigerator was transported in winter), the plastic becomes brittle. Allow the equipment to warm up to room temperature before starting work if it was in the cold.
⚠️ Attention: The design of the loops and the location of the wires may vary depending on the year of manufacture and the specific series of the LG refrigerator. Always refer to the official diagram in the user manual if available.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to remove LG refrigerator doors alone?
Technically it is possible, but it is highly not recommended. Doors are heavy and bulky and are easy to drop or damage the frame. For safe dismantling, at least two people are required: one holds the door, the second works with the tool.
What to do if the top hinge bolts do not unscrew?
Do not use excessive force, so as not to tear off the splines. Try using a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) by applying it to the threads and waiting 10-15 minutes. Make sure you are using the correct size screwdriver or wrench.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before removing the doors?
Complete defrosting is not necessary just for removing the doors, but is highly advisable if you are planning transportation. The ice inside can shift and damage the interior walls when tilted. In addition, water may leak when the position of the unit is changed.
Will removing the doors affect the warranty?
Removing the doors for transportation itself is not a violation of the warranty conditions if you have not damaged the components in the process. However, if hinges, wires or plastic are broken during removal, the service center may refuse free repairs.
When completing the work, check again that all elements have been dismantled and are located safely. Correctly performed door dismantling LG Side by Side will allow you to easily carry the refrigerator into any doorway and install it in a new place.