A change in the layout of the kitchen or the need to optimize space often raises the question of changing the opening side of the refrigerator compartment before the owner of household appliances. This is an absolutely normal procedure provided for by the design of most modern models, be it massive Samsung or compact Bosch. However, the process itself requires not only physical strength, but also a clear understanding of the sequence of actions, since incorrect reinstallation can lead to leakage and compressor failure.
In this article we will look in detail at how to install refrigerator doors on the other side, what tools will be required for this, and how to avoid common mistakes. You will learn about the nuances of dismantling hinges, rearranging handles and, most importantly, correct adjustment of the gaps for a tight fit of the seal.
Before starting work, you need to make sure that that you have some room to maneuver. The refrigerator will need to be moved away from the wall, and ideally, placed in an open place to have access from all sides. Remember that the weight of a door with shelves can reach 20-30 kilograms, so it is better to enlist the help of a second person to avoid injury or damage to the floor covering.
Preparation of tools and work area
High-quality installation is impossible without the proper tools. Depending on the model of your unit, the set of tools may vary slightly, but every home craftsman should have a basic set. The main work will be performed screwdriver or a set of screwdrivers with different attachments, since fasteners can be of different calibers.
Manufacturers often equip equipment with specific fasteners, which require a special approach. For example, some models Liebherr or Siemens use star bolts, which will require a bit Torx. You also cannot do without a wrench if the hinges are secured with nuts, and a flat screwdriver to carefully remove the decorative plugs.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work on dismantling structural elements, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This is critical for safety as you will be working in close proximity to electrical components and wiring to the lamps and display.
Be sure to provide soft bedding. The removed door should not be placed on its end or placed flat on a hard floor without protection - this may deform the housing or damage the internal plastic. Use a blanket, thick cardboard or carpet to protect the surface from scratches.
Prepare several containers to store fasteners. It is better not to mix the bolts from the upper and lower hinges, as well as from the handles, as their length and thread may differ. Labeling the containers will help avoid confusion during reassembly.
- 🔧 Screwdriver or set of screwdrivers (phillips and flathead)
- 🔩 Wrench or set of sockets (often 8 mm or 10 mm)
- 🌟 Bit
Torx(for specific fasteners) - 🧤 Construction gloves to protect hands
- 🛋️ Soft bedding or blanket
☑️ Preparation for hanging doors
Removing the top door and rearranging handles
The process always starts from the upper chamber. The first step is to remove the top decorative panel if it covers the fasteners. It is usually held on by latches or small screws that need to be carefully unscrewed. Be careful not to break the plastic clips.
After gaining access to the top hinge, hold the door with one hand (or ask an assistant) to unscrew the mounting bolts. In some models, such as Indesit or Atlant, the top hinge may be combined with a snap mechanism, which requires special care when removing. Do not release the door until all the bolts are removed.
Now it’s time to work on the handle. If the design involves moving the handle to the other side, look for hidden mounting holes. They are often closed with plugs. After unscrewing the bolts, remove the handle and install it on the opposite side, using the same holes that were previously closed with plugs. The plugs, in turn, are moved to the free space.
Nuances of removing handles
In some refrigerator models, the handles are not symmetrical or have a complex shape. Before removing, carefully inspect the structure: you may need to remove the entire control panel or dismantle additional decorative elements to gain access to the handle fasteners. In rare cases, rearrangement requires a complete replacement of the handle with a mirror one, which comes with the refrigerator or is purchased separately.>
After removing the top door, place it on the prepared surface. Now you can proceed to removing the lower door, having first disconnected the lower hinge. The algorithm of actions is similar: remove the decorative plug, unscrew the bolts, remove the door.
Working with the lower chamber and the No Frost system
The lower door, especially in models with the No Frost system, often has a more complex design. There may be an air duct connecting the cameras or wiring for indicators. When removing the lower door, be extremely careful not to damage the plastic air circulation channels.
If your model has a middle hinge (a flip hinge between the chambers), it must also be removed and moved to the opposite side. To do this you will need to remove the entire structure. The middle hinge bolts are usually long and pass through the body, so unscrewing them may require a wrench with a long head.
⚠️ Attention: When working with No Frost system refrigerators, ensure the integrity of the plastic air ducts. Damage to them will disrupt the circulation of cold air, which will lead to the formation of ice and ineffective operation of the compressor. If the air duct is cracked, it will have to be repaired with sealant or replaced.
It is important to note that in some modern models LG or Whirlpool the middle hinge may be non-removable or require a specific angle of rotation for dismantling. In such cases, strictly follow the manufacturer's instructions, as force can lead to breakage of the mechanism.
After removing all moving parts, inspect the holes in the case. On the unused side there will be threaded holes that need to be closed with plugs (usually these are included in the kit or already installed). On the working side, the plugs are removed, opening access for installing hinges.
- ❄️ Check the condition of the seal on the bottom door
- 🌬️ Inspect the air duct channels for cracks
- 🔌 Make sure the wires are not stretched (if yes)
- 🔩 Save all removed plugs for reinstallation
Installing hinges and hanging doors
Assembly begins with the bottom door. Place the bottom support hinge on the new side by inserting it into the prepared holes. Secure it with bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet. This will allow for further precise adjustment adjustment of the door position.
Place the bottom door onto the hinge pin. If the design includes a middle hinge, install it on top of the bottom door and secure it. Now you can hang the top door. Align the holes in the top hinge with the holes in the body and insert the fasteners.
The bolts should be tightened evenly, diagonally, gradually increasing the force. This will ensure there are no distortions. After final tightening, check how the doors open and close. The move should be smooth, without jamming or creaking.
| Work stage | Required tool | Key action | Important nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Removing the top door | Screwdriver, key | Removing the hinge | Hold the door |
| Rearranging the handle | Hexagon | Change sides | Do not lose the stubs |
| Removing the bottom door | Key, screwdriver | Removing the bottom | Take care of the air duct |
| Installing hinges | Screwdriver | Installation on a new side | Do not tighten completely |
| Adjustment | Key | Alignment of gaps | Checking the magnets |
If your model has wire connections (for a display or lamp) on the door, make sure the cable is long enough to be turned around. In some cases, it is necessary to switch the connector to the other side of the board or extend the wiring, which is a more difficult task.
Adjusting gaps and tightness
A correctly installed door should fit tightly to the body around the entire perimeter. If you notice that a gap has formed in one of the corners through which the cold escapes, adjustment is necessary. To do this, slightly loosen the hinge mounting bolts, align the door and tighten them again.
Pay special attention to the magnetic seal. It should touch the body evenly. Check this with a piece of paper: press it between the door and the body at different points. The sheet should be removed with the same force along the entire perimeter. If the paper moves freely at the top, but is clamped tightly at the bottom, it means the door is skewed.
⚠️ Attention: Adjusting the tilt of the refrigerator also affects the closing of the doors. If the unit is standing strictly vertically, the door may not close on its own. Make sure that the front legs of the refrigerator are unscrewed so that the body is slightly tilted back (about 2 degrees).
In some cases, especially after prolonged use, the seal may become deformed. If adjusting the hinges does not help, try heating the seal with a hair dryer at low temperature, straightening it and letting it cool in the closed position. This will restore elasticity to the rubber.
Do not forget to check the operation of the stoppers, if they are provided for in the design. The door should not open wider than the kitchen space allows, but it should not slam too sharply, damaging the contents of the shelves.
Checking operation and common errors
After completing installation and adjustment, turn on the refrigerator. Let it run for 10-15 minutes, then check the temperature inside the chambers. If the compressor operates smoothly, without unnecessary vibrations, and a slight cold begins to appear on the walls of the chambers, it means that the seal is not broken.
One of the common mistakes is overtightening the bolts. Excessive force can strip the threads in the body or deform the metal of the hinge, which will lead to permanent misalignment of the door. Use moderate force, sufficient to secure, but not break the structure.
Also, users often forget to check the horizon level. If the refrigerator is positioned crookedly, even a perfectly installed door will open spontaneously or, conversely, not close completely. Use a building level to check the position of the unit in two planes.
If you notice that after hanging the door, the refrigerator begins to consume more electricity or the compressor turns on more often, this is a signal of a leak. In this case, the procedure for adjusting the gaps will have to be repeated more carefully.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Is it possible to reverse the doors on a refrigerator with a built-in display?
This is only possible if the design of the model provides for such an option. You will need to check the display cable length. If the wires are short and do not have room to move to the other side, or if the connectors are located only on one side of the board, then it will not be possible to rehang the doors without resoldering or extending the wires.
What to do if the plugs for the holes are lost?
The plugs perform an aesthetic function and protect from dust. If you have lost them, you can order a set from the manufacturer or service center, indicating the model of the refrigerator. Temporarily, the holes can be covered with decorative stickers or carefully sealed, choosing a color to match the body.
Why does the refrigerator door not stick after installation?
There may be several reasons: the door is skewed due to improper adjustment of the hinges, deformation of the magnetic seal, or contamination of the adjacent surfaces. Also check whether the contents of the shelves are preventing them from closing tightly. If the seal is old and petrified, it is better to replace it with a new one.
Do you need to wait after installing the doors before turning them on?
There is no special waiting time for the door itself. However, if you tilted or placed the refrigerator heavily during work, it is recommended to let it stand upright for 2-4 hours before turning it on. This is necessary so that the oil in the compressor flows into the crankcase, otherwise the unit may fail.