The need to dismantle the door panels of the refrigerator LG Side by Side most often arises in two situations: when moving or when deep cleaning the premises. The dimensions of such models often exceed standard doorways in apartments, which makes it impossible to bring in assembled equipment. That is why the ability to properly remove doors becomes a critical skill for the owner.
The process of removing doors on models Side by Side is significantly different from classic two-chamber refrigerators. It uses a complex system of hinges, hidden fasteners and, often, electronic control components. Incorrect actions can lead to damage to the wiring or disruption of the geometry of the valves, so it is important to strictly follow the algorithm.
In this article we will analyze in detail the dismantling procedure for popular series LG, paying special attention to safety and security electronic cables. You will learn what tools are needed, how to prepare the unit and what to pay attention to so that after reinstallation the doors close tightly.
Preparation for dismantling refrigerator doors
Before starting any mechanical work, it is necessary to completely empty the interior space of the refrigerator and freezer compartments. Empty doors much lighter, which reduces the load on the hinges and reduces the risk of them falling during unscrewing. In addition, the removed products will not suffer from increased temperature while the equipment is de-cooled.
Be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. To do this, remove the plug from the socket. This safety requirement is dictated by the fact that on the doors LG Side by Side there are often displays, control buttons or indicators that are powered from the main unit. An open circuit under voltage can damage the controller.
Prepare the workplace in advance. You will need a free space in front of the refrigerator, covered with a soft material - a blanket or cardboard. This will protect the floor from scratches, and the doors will not be damaged if they have to be temporarily laid down. Also make sure that you have all the necessary tools on hand tools.
☑️ Preparing to remove the doors
It is worth noting that models LG may have different hinge options depending on the year release. In some modifications, the upper hinges are fixed with locking screws, which must be unscrewed first before loosening the main bolts. Carefully inspect the upper part of the structure.
Necessary tools and safety measures
For high-quality performance of work on door dismantling LG Side by Side does not require professional equipment, but the set of tools must be selected precisely. Using the wrong wrenches can cause the edges of the bolts to lick off, turning a simple repair into a serious problem.
The basic list of tools includes:
- 🛠️ Hex wrench (usually 4 mm or 5 mm) - the main tool for hinges.
- 🔧 Socket head or horn head 8 or 10 mm with a knob.
- 🪛 Flat screwdriver - for removing decorative plugs.
- 🧤 Gloves - to protect hands from sharp edges metal.
⚠️ Attention: The refrigerator doors Side by Side are equipped with powerful magnetic seals. They may slam sharply when removed. Always hold the blade with your hand, even if it seems that it has already been unscrewed.
Pay special attention to the fasteners. Refrigerators LG often use bolts with non-standard threads or coating. Do not use excessive force when unscrewing if the bolt does not go - it may be blocked by a lock nut or requires first removing the plastic casing.
Dismantling the top hinge and removing the left door
The process of removing doors on LG Side by Side traditionally begins with the left door (the freezer in most models), since it is attached to the top hinge, which also holds the right door. First you need to remove the decorative cover of the top hinge. It is usually secured with latches or one small screw.
After removing the plastic, you will see the main mounting bolt. It must be unscrewed with a key. However, before removing the bolt completely, have a helper hold the left door. The weight of the canvas is large, and dropping it on your foot or the floor means damaging floor covering or the refrigerator itself.
An important nuance concerns electronics. On many models LG a cable runs through the top hinge to the display on the door. Carefully disconnect the connector. Do not pull the wires - find the connector lock, press it and smoothly pull out the connector.
| Fasting element | Tool type | Removal features |
|---|---|---|
| Decorative cover | Flat screwdriver | Removed by moving upwards or sideways |
| Upper hinge bolt | 5 mm hexagon | Can be tightened very tightly |
| Electrical connector | Hands (without tools) | Requires releasing the plastic clamp |
| Lock screw (if any) | 8 mm wrench | Fixes the hinge axis in the body |
After unscrewing the bolt and disconnecting the wires, smoothly lift the door up, removing it from the bottom stud. Place the canvas in a safe place, placing it on a prepared soft surface with the outer side up so as not to scratch facade.
Removing the right door and lower fastenings
When the left door is removed, access to the fastenings of the right door (main refrigerator compartment) becomes open. The principle of operation is similar: remove the decorative trim of the upper hinge of the right side. Please note that on some models LG Side by Side the right hinge can be combined with the left into a single structure, and then the bolts are unscrewed at the same time.
If the model has independent upper hinges, unscrew the fasteners of the right door. Wiring may also occur here if the control display is located in the center or to the right. Check for harnesses before the final push. We remove the right door, holding it by the handle and the lower end.
Now you need to dismantle the middle hinge (if there is one) or release the lower studs. The design Side by Side often uses a central crossbar connecting two doors. It must be unscrewed if you plan to transport the refrigerator in a narrow elevator.
⚠️ Attention: Do not leave the refrigerator open for a long time without doors. This can lead to deformation of the body or damage to the internal partitions if you accidentally lean on them.
The lower door bushings are usually simply removed or unscrewed after dismantling the door leaf. Clean them of dirt and old grease if you plan to reinstall them. Check the condition sealing rubber in the area adjacent to the lower hinge.
What to do if the bolt is rusty?
If the upper hinge bolt does not unscrew due to corrosion, do not use force. Treat the joint with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and leave for 15-20 minutes. Repeat the procedure if necessary. Sharp jerks can break the threads in the aluminum hinge body.
Working with the No Frost system and air ducts
One of the main features of refrigerators LG is the system No Frost. When removing doors, it is important not to damage the cold air ducts. In some models, when the door is opened to a certain angle, a mechanical limiter is activated, but when completely dismantling, you need to be careful.
Air duct dampers may be located on the inside of the door. They are fragile and made of plastic. When transporting a removed door, make sure that nothing presses on the inner panel so as not to break these regulation mechanisms air flow.
If you are removing doors to replace the seal, check the condition of the door perimeter heater (anti-condensation circuit). It runs inside the canvas along the perimeter. Damage to this circuit due to careless handling will lead to constant fogging of the door ends in the future.
When reassembling, make sure that the air ducts on the refrigerator body and on the door match. Incorrect installation can disrupt air circulation, which will lead to the formation of ice in the depths of the chambers, despite the proper operation of the compressor.
Adjusting and installing the doors back
Installing the doors is done in the reverse order of removal. The right sash is installed first, then the left. It is important to set the gaps correctly. In refrigerators LG Side by Side the gaps between the doors and the body, as well as between the doors themselves, play a key role in tightness.
To adjust the height of the door, adjusting screws are used in the lower hinge or thrust bearing. If the door is skewed (one corner fits tighter than the other), it is necessary to loosen the top bolt of the hinge, set the correct position of the leaf and tighten the fasteners again with force.
After installation, be sure to check the operation of the magnetic latches and the tightness of the fit. A sheet of paper sandwiched between the door and the body must be removed with noticeable force along the entire perimeter. If the paper falls out freely, tightening the hinges or replacing seal is required.
⚠️ Attention: After installing the doors and turning on the refrigerator, let it work for 2-3 hours without loading food. This is necessary to stabilize the temperature and check the operation of the No Frost system.
Frequent errors during dismantling
Ignoring electronics is a common mistake. Users forget to disconnect the connectors and try to force the door off, which leads to broken wires. Restoring the cable LG is a complex process that requires soldering and selection of compatible connectors.
Another mistake is the loss of lock washers or screws. Fasteners in refrigerators are specific, and replacing them with a regular bolt from a hardware store is often impossible due to differing thread pitch or length. Always use a magnetic tray for all removed parts.
Also, do not try to remove the doors alone. Even if you are physically strong, the design Side by Side requires synchronized actions: one person holds, the other twists. Misalignment when unscrewing the last bolt can lead to a back injury or damage to the flooring.
Finally, do not forget about transportation. Removed doors must be transported vertically, pressed tightly against something, so that they do not fold up and crack. The glass on the facade (if any) is especially sensitive to impacts at the end.
Is it possible to turn the doors over?
Reversing the doors (changing the opening side) on LG Side by Side models is not always possible. This requires symmetrical holes for the hinges and appropriate fittings included. Check the instructions for your specific model.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before removing the doors?
Yes, this is highly desirable. The ice in the evaporator can become dislodged when the door is tilted or removed, damaging the internal tubes or plastic housing. In addition, a defrosted refrigerator is lighter, which will simplify the work.
What to do if, after installation, the doors do not close tightly?
Check whether the doors are seated correctly on the lower studs. It is often necessary to loosen the top hinge bolts, press the doors against the frame, and retighten the bolts. Also check if anything inside (shelves, food) is preventing the closing.
Is it possible to remove the doors without turning off the refrigerator?
Absolutely not. Doors LG Side by Side often have electrical connections. Working under voltage is dangerous to life and can damage the electronic control board of the refrigerator.
Where can I get the assembly diagram for my LG model?
The exact diagram (Exploded View) is available in the service manuals. They can be found on the official LG support portals or specialized forums for repairing household appliances by entering the full model number (located on a sticker inside the camera).
How many people do you need to remove the doors?
It is recommended to work together. One person secures and holds the heavy door leaf, the second is engaged in unscrewing the bolts and disconnecting the wires. This guarantees the safety and security of the equipment.