Moving to a new kitchen or the need to carry a large refrigerator Side by Side through a narrow doorway often become the main obstacles for owners of modern household appliances. The design of such units means that the width of the body significantly exceeds the standard dimensions of conventional refrigerators, which makes transportation in assembled form impossible in many apartments. Dismantling doors is a standard procedure provided by engineers, but it requires care and adherence to the sequence of actions so as not to damage the hinges or seals.
Before starting the active phase of work, it is necessary to free up useful space around the device. Remove all food from the door shelves, pull out drawers and remove removable shelves to reduce the overall weight of the structure and eliminate glass or plastic breakage during the tilting process. It is also critical disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply to let it stand for at least 15-20 minutes so that the refrigerant and oil flow into the compressor if the device was working immediately before starting work.
In this article we will analyze in detail the process of dismantling the doors for models of various brands, such as Samsung, LG i Bosch, paying special attention to the nuances of removing the right and left parts. Understanding the design of the hinge mechanism will allow you to avoid common mistakes that can lead to misalignment of doors or damage to the electronic control unit, often located in the upper part of the case.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
To successfully complete the task, you will need a minimum set of tools that are usually found in every home. The main tool will be hex wrench (most often 4 mm or 5 mm in size) or a Phillips screwdriver, depending on the type of fastener used by the manufacturer. Some premium models may contain star bolts Torx, so it is recommended to prepare a set of bits or a universal tool in advance.
Particular attention should be paid to organizing the space. Refrigerator doors Side by Side are heavier and larger than those of conventional models, so working alone can be dangerous. Be sure to call an assistant who will hold the sash while unscrewing the fastening bolts. Also prepare a soft covering for the floor - an old blanket, cardboard or polystyrene foam, where you can carefully place the removed parts.
- 🛠️ A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) and hex keys.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
- 📦 Container for storing bolts so they don't get lost.
- 📸 Smartphone for taking pictures of the wiring diagram before disconnecting.
⚠️ Attention: If a system Door-in-Door or control display is installed on the doors, make sure you have access to electrical connectors and you understand the principle of their fixation so as not to break the plastic latches.
☑️ Preparation for dismantling
Removing the upper right door and hinge cover
The removal process usually begins with the right upper leaf, since it often blocks access to fastening other elements. The first step is to remove the decorative cover of the top hinge. It can be attached with latches or with a single screw that needs to be unscrewed. Removing the cover will reveal the hinge mechanism and possibly the wiring harness that goes to the display or door sensor.
If your model Side by Side wires pass through the hinge, they should never be pulled. Carefully disconnect the connectors, after photographing their location. The bolts holding the hinge itself should be unscrewed only when an assistant is already firmly holding the door. A sudden release of the door after unscrewing the last bolt can lead to an impact on the body and damage to the seal or the metal itself.
After removing the right upper door, access to the central hinge, which holds the left (freezer) door, opens. It is important here not to confuse the order of actions, since the left side is often the supporting part for the lower right sash in some designs. Use markerto mark the position of the adjusting screws if you plan to install them back in the same place, although this is rarely necessary when moving.
Wiring nuances
In some Samsung and LG models, the connectors can be very tight. Do not pull on the wires themselves - press on the connector body or use a thin flat-head screwdriver to carefully pry the retainer.
Removing the left (freezer) door
The left door in refrigerators Side by Side is usually the freezer compartment and often has a smaller height, but comparable weight. After removing the right upper part, you gain access to the upper hinge of the left door. The principle of operation is similar: remove the decorative plug, disconnect the wires (if there are any, for example, for a lamp or sensor), unscrew the bolts.
When removing the sash, you need to pull it straight up and slightly towards you in order to remove the axis of the lower hinge from the hole. Sudden movements from side to side can deform lower hinge pin, which in the future will lead to a loose fit of the door.
After removing the upper left door, it is often necessary to dismantle the lower left leaf, if the design allows this to be done separately, or to remove them together if they are rigidly interlocked. In most modern models Side by Side the doors are removed separately, which makes transportation easier.
- ❄️ Support the door with both hands at the top and bottom when removing.
- 🔌 Check that the cable does not pass through the middle partition of the case.
- 🔩 Place the fasteners from each hinge in a separate bag, labeling them.
⚠️ Attention: The hinges may have a spring-loaded mechanism. When unscrewing the bolts, hold the hinge with your finger so that it does not jump out under the pressure of the spring and injure your hand.
Removing the lower right door
The lower right door is usually the largest and heaviest part of the refrigerator. By the time it is removed, the upper sashes should already be dismantled, which greatly facilitates access to the lower hinge. This hinge is often hidden under a decorative plinth or plastic trim at the bottom of the refrigerator.
Remove the bottom panel (sometimes called the "hood" or "baseboard") by unscrewing the retaining screws. The lower loop will open in front of you. An assistant is especially necessary here: the weight of the sash can reach 20–25 kg, and dropping it on your foot or on the floor means guaranteeing a dent in the body or a crack in the plastic. Unscrew the hinge bolts, holding the door, and carefully lift it, removing it from the axis.
After removing all the doors, it is recommended to secure them with tape in the closed position or wrap them with stretch film so that they do not open spontaneously during transportation and damage other objects. It is also worth sealing the free ends of the wires with tape so that dust does not get into them.
Table: Features of fasteners for different brands
Different manufacturers use different types of fasteners and hidden mechanisms. Below is a comparison table that will help you navigate the specifics of your device. Please note that even within the same brand there may be different series with different designs.
| Brand | Type of top fastener | Presence of wires | Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung | 5 mm hexagon | Often yes (display) | Complex connectors, require care |
| LG | Phillips screwdriver / Hexagon | Yes (lamp/sensor) | Hinges are often closed with decorative caps |
| Bosch | 4 mm hexagon | Rarely (only in top models) | Very tight hinges, strong pressure required |
| Haier | Combined | Depends on the model | It is often necessary to remove the entire top cover of the case |
Use this information as a guide. If you encounter a non-standard fastening, do not use excessive force - there may be another retaining screw hidden under a sticker or rubber plug. Always look for hidden screws under decorative elements before using force.
Installing the doors in the reverse order and adjusting
After successfully transporting the refrigerator to a new location, it is necessary to install the doors in the reverse order. The lower right sash is installed first, then the left, and finally the upper right. It is important to ensure that the hinge axes fit exactly into the holes, otherwise misalignment may occur when tightening the bolts.
Tighten the bolts gradually, without tightening them all the way right away. First, attach all the fasteners, make sure that the door is level, and only then finally secure them with a key. If you removed the wires, connect them now, making sure that the connector latches click.
The final stage is adjusting the gaps. If after installation you notice that the door does not fit tightly or is warped, use the adjusting screws on the hinges (usually located on the side of the hinge). Turning the screw clockwise or counterclockwise allows you to change the position of the door in the plane.
⚠️ Attention: After connecting the refrigerator to the network, check the operation of the door opening sensors. If the alarm comes on or the light inside does not light, it means that the connectors are not fully connected or damaged.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do I need to defrost the refrigerator before removing the doors?
Yes, this is highly recommended. The ice in the evaporator can become dislodged when the doors are tilted or removed, causing damage to the internal plastic parts or tubes. In addition, water from melting ice may leak out during work.
Is it possible to remove the doors without unplugging the refrigerator?
Absolutely not. If you disconnect the wires, you risk receiving an electric shock or causing a short circuit in the control board. Always unplug the plug from the socket before starting any work.
What to do if the hinge bolt is broken or rusted?
Do not try to knock it out by force. Use a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40), wait 10-15 minutes and try again. If the head is torn off, use a special extractor or carefully drill out the rest of the bolt.
Will the warranty be lost after removing the doors?
Removing the doors for transportation is a standard procedure and does not void the warranty unless you damage the device in the process. However, if you break a loop or wire, the service center may refuse free repairs.
How to transport a refrigerator after removing the doors?
Even without doors, it is better to transport the refrigerator in an upright position. A tilt of more than 40 degrees can lead to oil leaking into the cooling circuit, which will require a long period of settling before the first turn on.