Door elements of refrigeration equipment LG often fail or lose their appearance, requiring dismantling. Owners of household appliances are faced with the need to replace fittings due to mechanical damage or the desire to update the interior of the kitchen. The removal procedure may seem complicated, but with the right approach it takes a minimum of time.
Modern models of the South Korean brand are equipped with various types of fastenings that require an individual approach. Incorrect actions can lead to damage to decorative trims or disruption of the tightness of the door leaf. Before starting work, it is important to accurately determine the type of design of your unit, be it Side-by-Side or the classic two-chamber version.
In this material we will analyze all the nuances of the process, the necessary tools and precautions. You will learn how to avoid common mistakes and maintain your device warranty. Read the instructions carefully to complete the replacement safely and effectively.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
To successfully complete the task, you will need a minimum set of tools that every craftsman can find in his home. The main tool will be a Phillips screwdriver, preferably with a magnetic tip for ease of working with small screws. You may also need a flat-head screwdriver or a plastic spatula to carefully remove decorative plugs.
Organize your work space so that the refrigerator doors can open freely 90 degrees or more. Remove foreign objects that may interfere with movement around the equipment. Prepare a container in advance for folding fasteners so that they do not get lost during the work process.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This will prevent the risk of electric shock if you accidentally damage the wiring to the display or door light.
It is recommended to prepare a soft cloth or mat in advance on which to place the removed parts. This will protect the floor surface from scratches, and the handle itself from chips and damage. If you plan to paint, make sure that the room is well ventilated.
☑️ Preparation for dismantling
Determining the type of handle fastening on LG models
The design of the door elements LG varies depending on the series and year of manufacture of the model. Most often there are two main types of fastenings: screw and hidden. Screw fastening involves the presence of visible holes, closed with decorative plugs that are easy to identify visually.
Hidden fastening is typical for more modern and expensive models, where fasteners are hidden inside the structure or under decorative strips. In such cases, the handle may be held on by powerful latches or screws that are accessible only after removing the top cover of the door. You can determine the type by carefully examining the upper and lower parts of the fittings.
- 🔩 Screw fastening: The screws are located under plastic plugs on the end or inside of the door.
- 🔒 Hidden fastening: Fixation is carried out through the upper end of the door leaf or special grooves.
- 🧲 Magnetic fastening: is rare, mainly on decorative overlays of budget models.
Some models Smart ThinQ have integrated control systems on the door, which complicates the design. In such devices, the handle may be part of a single module that requires more delicate handling. Always check the technical documentation if you are in doubt about the type of fastening.
Step-by-step instructions: removing handles with visible fastenings
If you find decorative plugs, the dismantling process begins with their careful removal. Use a thin flathead screwdriver or knife to pry up the plastic cover. Be careful not to scratch the surface of the door or break the plug itself, as the plastic becomes brittle over time.
After removing the plugs, you will have access to the mounting screws. Use a Phillips screwdriver of the appropriate size to unscrew them counterclockwise. Do not apply excessive force if the screw does not budge - the thread may have become soured and pre-treatment with penetrating lubricant is required.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use a metal tool to pry up plugs on glossy surfaces. High risk of leaving deep scratches that cannot be removed. It is better to use a plastic card or a spatula.
When all the screws are unscrewed, grab the handle with both hands and pull it towards you. The movement should be confident, but smooth. If the handle does not come off, check to see if one of the hidden screws at the bottom or top is still unscrewed.
What to do if the screw is broken?
If the screw head is broken, try using a rubber layer between the screwdriver and the screw for better grip. In extreme cases, you will have to drill out the fasteners, but this requires professional skills.
Dismantling integrated and hidden handles
Models with hidden fastenings require a more complex approach. Often the fasteners are located under the top decorative strip of the door. To access them, you must first remove this bar, which is usually held on by latches or screws hidden under rubber seals.
In some cases, especially in models LG DoorCooling+, the handle is part of a solid panel. This may require removing the entire outer door panel. To do this, unscrew the screws at the top end, after which the panel carefully snaps off around the perimeter.
Sharp tugging of the panel can lead to breakage of the cables. Always check for connections before completely removing the element.
- 📐 Remove the top door cover by unscrewing the screws at the end.
- 🔌 Disconnect the display cables if they interfere with access to the fasteners.
- 🔓 Unscrew the hidden bolts, handles holding the base.
After releasing all attachment points, the handle should easily separate from the body. If it's tight, rock it slightly from side to side, but don't force it. Plastic fasteners may crack under excessive pressure.
Features of removing handles on Side-by-Side refrigerators
Refrigerators of the type Side-by-Side have oversized doors and massive handles, often occupying the entire height of the panel. The design of such elements can be end-to-end, passing through the entire door, or attached only to the top and bottom. The weight of such handles is significant, so it is better to carry out the work with an assistant.
Fastening elements in such models are often hidden under decorative overlays in the upper and lower parts. Sometimes access to them is through the inside of the door, which requires preliminary removal of shelves and drawers to provide access to the screws from the inside.
The table below will help you navigate the types of fasteners for different series of refrigerators LG:
| Refrigerator series | Fixing type | Location screws | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| LG GA-B409 | Hidden | Upper end of the door | Average |
| LG GC-B509 | Screw | Under the plugs on handle | Low |
| LG Side-by-Side | Combined | Top, bottom and inside | High |
| LG InstaView | Integrated | Under the panel Glass | High |
When working with models InstaView (with a transparent window), be especially careful. The panel glass is very fragile, and misalignment of the handle when removing it can lead to a crack. Here it is critical to follow the sequence of unscrewing the screws specified in the service manual.
Installing new handles and checking functionality
Installing new handles or returning old handles is done in the reverse order. Insert the fasteners into the holes and carefully tighten the screws. Do not tighten them all the way at once - first tighten all the screws to align the position of the handle, and then tighten them evenly.
After fixing, check the tight fit of the handle to the body. There should be no backlash or gaps into which moisture can enter. If the handle is loose, tighten the screws or check whether the guide pins are seated correctly.
⚠️ Attention: When installing, make sure that the handle does not block the ventilation holes or touch adjacent furniture when opening the door. This can lead to overheating of the compressor or damage to the facade.
Plug in the refrigerator and check the operation of the door sensors. If the handle has been removed from the door where the display is located, check that the display is working correctly and showing the correct temperature. The tightness of the refrigerator compartment should remain unchanged.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to remove the handle without removing the door from its hinges?
In most cases, yes, the handle is dismantled without removing the door itself. However, for models with hidden fastenings, access to internal screws is sometimes required, which may require partial dismantling of the door leaf for convenience.
Where can you find original handles for an LG refrigerator?
Original spare parts can be purchased at authorized service centers LG or from official partners. There are also compatible analogues from third-party manufacturers, but their quality and fit accuracy may vary.
What to do if the plastic fastener inside the handle breaks?
If a plastic pin or bushing breaks, simply replacing the screws will not help. It is necessary to order a repair kit or a new handle assembly. Attempts to glue plastic often turn out to be ineffective due to tensile loads.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before removing the handles?
There is no need to specially defrost the unit, unless you plan to work for long periods with the door open in a hot room. However, it is better to remove the products so that they do not interfere with visibility and access to fasteners.
How to paint removed handles a different color?
For painting, use special paints for plastic, having previously degreased the surface and primed it. It is necessary to remove the handles for painting, since paint on the refrigerator body or seals is unacceptable.