Changing the kitchen layout or simply rearranging furniture often requires changing the direction of opening the refrigerator door. For equipment owners Gorenje this procedure is not complicated, but it requires care and adherence to a certain algorithm of actions. Rehang the door you can do it yourself, saving on calling a technician, if you properly prepare the workplace and tools.
Most brand models have technical holes for installing hinges on both sides sides of the body. However, the design may differ depending on the series: Simple, Essential or built-in series. It is important to understand that incorrect dismantling can lead to damage to the plastic plugs or even deformation of the canvas.
Before starting work, make sure that you know exactly the model of your device. In some cases, especially with two-chamber models, the process requires sequential removal of first the upper and then the lower part. Tools must be on hand so as not to leave the disassembled equipment unattended for a long time.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
Quality performance of work directly depends on the availability of suitable tools. You don't need complex industrial equipment; a standard home craftsman's kit is enough. The main element will be hex key, since most fasteners in technology Gorenje have a corresponding head.
- 🛠️ A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) for dismantling handles and plugs.
- 🔧 Hex keys (usually 4 mm or 5 mm) for hinges.
- 📏 Level or square for horizontal control.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
Prepare a flat surface next to the refrigerator. It is advisable to cover the floor with a soft material, for example, cardboard or a blanket, so as not to scratch the floor covering and the unit itself when tilted. Assistant in this case it will be extremely useful, especially if we are talking about heavy two-door models.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Remove the plug from the socket to eliminate the risk of short circuit or electric shock if the wiring is accidentally damaged during manipulations with the housing.
Pay special attention fastening elements. Place all screws, bolts and washers in a separate container with a magnetic bottom or lay them out on a piece of paper in the order they were removed. This will avoid confusion when assembling on the new side, since the thread length of different parts may vary slightly.
Removing the top door and preparing the hinges
The process starts from the top of the device. The handle must first be removed if it is not integrated. In models with overhead handles, they are usually fastened with screws from the inside or hidden under decorative plugs. Carefully pry the plugs with a flat-head screwdriver to gain access to fasteners.
Next, unscrew the top hinge. Do not remove the bolts completely at once - loosen them, hold the door, and then unscrew them completely. It is important to fix the position of the canvas so that it does not fall to the floor. In some modifications Gorenje the top hinge also holds the door sensor wiring.
- 🔌 Carefully disconnect the sensor wire connector by pulling the plastic connector, not the wires themselves.
- 🚪 Remove the top door and place it in a safe place, leaning against the wall.
- 🔩 Remove the mating part of the hinge from the opposite side of the case, if it is installed there.
Now you need to move the upper hinge to the other side. For this, threaded holes pre-provided by the manufacturer are used. Make sure the hinge pin is firmly seated in the socket. If the model is equipped with a closer, check its condition and, if necessary, lubricate the mechanism.
Re-hanging the main lower door
After working with the top, we move on to the main, lower door. The algorithm of actions is similar, but there are some nuances related to weight and dimensions. First, remove the decorative panel or plinth at the bottom of the refrigerator to gain access to the bottom hinge and possibly the intermediate partition.
Unscrew the bottom hinge while holding the door. In two-chamber models, it is often necessary to remove the middle partition that separates the freezer and refrigerator compartments. This part can be bolted or simply inserted into the grooves. Middle hinge is also transferred to the opposite side while maintaining the correct orientation.
| Element | Action | Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom hinge | Repositioning to the other side | Requires removal of the base |
| Middle partition | Dismantling and revolution | It is important not to confuse the top and bottom |
| Stoppers | Removal and installation | Located at the ends of the doors |
| Handles | Transfer of plugs | Hidden installation |
After installing the door on a new hinge, do not tighten the fasteners completely. First, make sure that the axis of rotation is level and the blade is not skewed. Only after this can the final fixation of the bolts be made with the force recommended by the manufacturer.
Design features for different Gorenje series
Equipment Gorenje is produced in several lines, and each has its own design features. In budget series, a simplified hinge system is often used, where turning over takes a minimum of time. In more expensive models with the system NoFrost or IonAir there may be more plastic elements that require careful handling.
Specifics of built-in models
In Gorenje built-in refrigerators, the process is more complicated due to the presence of a furniture facade. First, the facade is removed from the door, then the metal door itself is flipped, and only after that the facade is attached to the new side using special adapters.
Models with displays on the door deserve special attention. If the screen is located on one of the doors, you must work very carefully with the cables. The wiring in such cases passes through special channels inside the case and requires careful removal and placement in new grooves on the opposite side.
Some older models may be missing one of the holes for the loop on the new side. In this case, you need to use special adapters, which sometimes come included, or drill a hole (which is highly not recommended to do without experience). Check the instructions for your specific model for such nuances.
Adjusting the position of doors and eliminating distortions
After installing all the elements in new places, the adjustment stage begins. The door should close tightly, without gaps, but not too tightly. If you notice that the sash is skewed, do not rush to panic. Adjustment is carried out by loosening the hinge mounting bolts and slightly moving the blade.
- 📐 Use a building level to check the vertical installation.
- 🔄 Smoothly turn the adjusting screws (if provided by the design) to change the gap.
- 🔍 Check tight fit of the seal around the entire perimeter.
A frequent problem after rehanging is the loose fit of the magnetic seal. To fix this, you can warm the rubber band with a hairdryer (without overheating!) or simply leave the refrigerator closed for several hours. Tightness is a key factor in the correct operation of the compressor.
⚠️ Attention: Do not leave the refrigerator open for too long during adjustment. This can lead to defrosting of the evaporator and increased load on the system upon first start-up.
Checking tightness and first start-up
The final stage is checking the quality of the work performed. Visually inspect the joints. There should be no visible gaps between the door and the housing. Carry out a test with a sheet of paper: clamp the sheet between the door and the body at different points. If it is pulled out with force around the entire perimeter, it means seal it is working correctly.
After assembly, turn on the refrigerator. Let it work without loading food for 2-4 hours. This will allow the system to reach operating temperature conditions. Listen to the operation of the unit: extraneous knocks or creaks may indicate that the door is touching the body or shelf.
☑️ Final check
If everything went well, you can load products. However, during the first day, try not to open the door too often in order to stabilize the microclimate inside the chambers. A correctly hung door will last a long time and will not require re-adjustment.
Frequent errors and ways to eliminate them
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes. One of the most common is the loss or confusion of fasteners. If you screw a long bolt into a short hole, you may damage the inner wall of the chamber or the cooling system. Always check the length of the screws before installation.
Another mistake is ignoring the locking pins. Plastic stops are often installed at the ends of the doors Gorenje . When turning the door over, they must be removed from the old holes and moved into new ones (previously plugged). If this is not done, the door will open wider than necessary or hit the body.
They also often forget to route the sensor wiring correctly. The wire should not be stretched or pinched by the loop mechanism. Place it in the designated grooves, securing it with plastic clamps if necessary. Violation of the wire insulation can lead to false signals about an open door.
What to do if the door creaks?
Creaking after installation often occurs due to metal-on-metal friction in the hinges. Lubricate the rubbing surfaces with technical petroleum jelly or special lubricant for refrigerators. Do not use edible oil - it will thicken over time.
Do you need to completely defrost the refrigerator before rehanging?
Complete defrosting is not a requirement if you are working quickly. However, if you plan to tilt the unit more than 40 degrees or leave it turned off for an extended period of time, defrosting is recommended to prevent water from getting on the electrical components.
Can you re-hang the door yourself if the refrigerator is under warranty?
Reversing the door yourself will usually not void the warranty unless you have damaged the seals on the compressor and did not break parts during dismantling. However, if breakdowns occur during the process, the service center may refuse free repairs, citing violation of operating rules.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not close completely?
Check whether the locking pins are installed correctly at the ends of the doors. Also make sure that the floor under the refrigerator is level and that the legs are adjusted so that the cabinet slopes slightly backwards. This ensures spontaneous closing.
Where can I get new plugs for the holes if the old ones are lost?
Plugs can be ordered at an authorized service center Gorenje, indicating the exact model of the refrigerator. Temporarily, the holes can be covered with decorative stickers or carefully painted over, choosing a color to maintain an aesthetic appearance.
Does re-hanging the door affect energy consumption?
The re-hanging process itself does not affect energy consumption. However, if after the procedure the tight fit of the seal is broken, the cold will go away, the compressor will work more often, and energy consumption will increase. Therefore, high-quality adjustment is critically important.