Rearranging furniture in the kitchen or changing the layout often dictates new conditions, and the standard opening of the refrigerator compartment can become inconvenient. In such situations, owners of household appliances Electrolux ask themselves about the possibility of re-hanging the sashes to the opposite side. This procedure is quite realistic, but requires care, since the design of modern models involves the presence of hidden fasteners and fragile controls.
Dismantling the door leaf is not just removing the bolts, it is a set of actions aimed at maintaining the tightness and integrity of the electronics. Incorrect actions may cause damage seal or breakage of the wires leading to the display and lamps. Therefore, before starting work, you need to carefully prepare and study the features of your particular model.
In this article we will analyze in detail the process of removing doors, paying special attention to the nuances of working with hinges and electrical connections. You will learn what tools you will need, how to secure the equipment and what to pay attention to so that after installation in a new place the refrigerator will work just as efficiently.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
Before you begin physical impact on structural elements, it is necessary to ensure safe working conditions. A refrigerator is a large and heavy device, so freeing up the space around it is the first and mandatory step. Remove carpets, pushed chairs and other objects that may interfere with your movement or the fall of removed parts.
To perform the work, you will need a minimum set of tools, which are usually found in every home. The main tool will be a wrench or socket of 8 mm and 10 mm, since these are the sizes of fasteners most often used by the manufacturer Electrolux. You also cannot do without a Phillips screwdriver for removing decorative plugs and plastic covers.
- 🛠️ A wrench or a set of heads (sizes 8, 10 mm) is the main tool for removing hinges.
- 🪛 Phillips and flat screwdrivers - for working with screws and plastic fasteners.
- 🧤 Work gloves - will protect your hands from sharp metal edges and dirt.
- 🧼 Clean rags - useful for wiping surfaces and collecting small debris.
Pay special attention to the stability of the unit itself. If the floor is slippery, place anti-slip mats under the legs or ask an assistant to hold the body while unscrewing the upper fasteners. Safety in this process comes first, since an unsecured door has significant weight.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to Unplug the refrigerator from the power supply! Remove the plug from the outlet to eliminate the risk of electric shock when working with wires leading to the control unit or lighting.
Design features of Electrolux doors
Refrigerators of the Swedish brand Electrolux are distinguished by a thoughtful design, but their design may vary depending on the series and year of manufacture. The main difference lies in the type of hinges and the presence of a system No Frostthat affects the thickness of the door and the location of the internal channels. In some models, the hinges are hidden under decorative covers, in others they are open.
An important element is the control system. If your refrigerator has an electronic display on the front of the door, the removal process is complicated by the presence of wiring harnesses. They must be carefully disconnected, remembering or photographing the connection order, so that after rehanging the panel will work correctly.
Hidden hinges and their maintenance
In models with hidden hinges, access to the fasteners is often through special holes in the end of the door or after removing the decorative strip from above. Such structures require more delicate handling, since visual control of the condition of the metal is limited.
It is also worth considering the coating material. Doors can be made of stainless steel, painted metal or have a glass panel. The surface of stainless steel is easily scratched by tools, so all manipulations should be carried out with the utmost care, avoiding metal-to-metal contact.
Removing the upper door of the refrigerator compartment
The process of removing doors always starts from the top compartments, regardless of whether you have a two-chamber refrigerator or a combined one. First, you need to clear the camera of food and shelves to reduce overall weight and prevent objects from falling when the body is tilted. Open the door and make sure that nothing is blocking access to the hinges.
On the top of the body there is an upper hinge, which is often covered with a plastic decorative trim. Gently pry it open with a flathead screwdriver or your fingernail, being careful not to damage the latches. Under the plastic you will find mounting bolts. They must be unscrewed, but not removed completely, if the design assumes that the hinge is held on them temporarily.
☑️ Procedure for removing the top door
If the model is equipped with a display, there will be a connector with wires in the area of the top hinge. It must be carefully disconnected. Do not pull on the wires themselves, only grab the plastic part of the connector. After turning off the power, you can completely unscrew the bolts and remove the top hinge along with the door.
⚠️ Attention: Always work with an assistant when removing the door from the hinges. The refrigerator door is heavy and has an offset center of gravity; if you drop it, you can damage the floor, your leg, or the equipment itself.
Removing the bottom door of the freezer
After the upper part is dismantled, it’s time to move to the freezer. The principle of operation here is similar, but there are some nuances. The lower hinge is usually located at the very bottom of the case and experiences the greatest load, so the fasteners there can be tightened more.
First remove the decorative plug from the lower hinge, if it is provided for in the design. Remove the bolts holding the hinge. At this moment, the door will be held only by friction and weight, so it must be securely fixed with your hands or ask an assistant to support it.
In models with the system No Frost an axis or rod may pass through the lower hinge, transmitting movement to the damper. When removing the door, make sure that this mechanism is not deformed. Gently lift the door away from the bottom hinge and set it aside in a safe place.
Nuances of working with electronics and display
Modern refrigerators Electrolux are often equipped with complex electronics located directly in the door leaf. These can be not only displays, but also door opening sensors, LED strips and control buttons. Working with these components requires special care.
Wires in such models pass through special channels inside the body and door. When dismantling, it is important not to pinch or twist the harness. Connectors may have different latches: some need to be bent, others need to be pressed. Act delicately so as not to break the plastic “ears” of the connector.
| Element type | Location | Removal feature |
|---|---|---|
| Display | Top part door | Requires disconnection of the cable, fragile matrix |
| Lighting lamp | Inside the chamber / end | Often there is a separate wire to the top loop |
| Sensor opening | Case or door | Magnetic or mechanical, it is important not to lose |
If you are not confident in your abilities when working with electrical components, it is better to limit yourself to mechanical re-hanging without disconnecting the wires, if the length of the harness allows, or contact a specialist. Damage control boards can cost significantly more than the services of a master.
Installing doors on a new side and adjusting
After successful dismantling, you can begin installation on the opposite side. The refrigerator body must have technological openings closed with plastic plugs. Move the plugs to the vacant places to maintain an aesthetic appearance and protection from dust.
Install the hinges in new places using the same fasteners. The bolts should be tightened evenly, without tightening them all the way all at once. First, tighten all the bolts, visually align the door, and only then make the final tightening. This will ensure proper load distribution.
After installation, check the operation of the door. It should open smoothly, without creaking or jamming. The gap between the seal and the housing must be uniform around the entire perimeter. If you notice a skew, use the adjusting screws on the bottom hinge to align the position of the canvas.
⚠️ Attention: Do not plug in the refrigerator immediately after rearranging. Allow the compressor and refrigerant to sit in an upright position for at least 2-4 hours, especially if the unit has been tilted more than 40 degrees.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to remove the Electrolux refrigerator door alone?
Technically possible if you have special suction cups for glass or a reliable stop, but it is highly not recommended. The door is heavy and slippery; the risk of dropping it and damaging the floor or body is very high. It is better to enlist the help of a second person.
What to do if the hinge bolts are rusty and cannot be unscrewed?
Do not use excessive force so as not to strip the threads. Treat the joint with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and leave for 15-20 minutes. After this, try to carefully remove the bolt. If this does not help, it is better to call a specialist so as not to break the loop.
Is it necessary to change the rubber seal when rehanging?
Usually this is not necessary if the old seal is intact, elastic and fits well. However, if you notice that after installation the door does not close tightly, perhaps the rubber band needs to be heated with a hairdryer or replaced with a new one.
Will the warranty remain on the refrigerator after re-hanging it yourself?
According to the law, the consumer has the right to self-service if it does not lead to a breakdown. However, if you damage the wiring or hinges when removing the doors, the service center may refuse warranty repairs to these components. Save all the parts and act carefully.