The situation when, after purchasing or rearranging furniture, it turns out that refrigerator is inconvenient to open, arises quite often. The door may rest against the kitchen unit, block the passage, or simply interfere with getting food from neighboring cabinets. Fortunately, most modern models from LG, Bosch, Indesit and other manufacturers provide the ability to door reversethat is, change the opening side.
This process does not require calling a technician and special technical knowledge, however it requires care, accuracy and a basic set of tools. An incorrect sequence of actions can lead to damage accessories, skewing of the canvas or failure of the seal. In this article, we will analyze in detail how to safely perform rehanging, what to pay special attention to and how to avoid common mistakes.
Before you begin, you need to make sure that your model technically supports such an operation. If you are planning a rearrangement in the near future, it is better to check this possibility before purchasing the unit.
Preparation of tools and workplace
To successfully complete the task of changing the opening side, you will not need many devices, but they should be at hand at the right time. The main tool will be screwdriver or a set of screwdrivers with different tips, since fasteners may differ between brands. A wrench, pliers, and possibly a utility knife will also come in handy to carefully remove the plugs.
It is critical to prepare a flat and soft surface next to the refrigerator. You will have to remove heavy door panels, and it is strictly forbidden to place them on a hard floor or tiles - this will damage the decorative coating and may deform metal case. Cover the work area with thick cardboard, an old blanket or carpet.
Be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply before starting any manipulations. Although we do not directly address electrical circuits, accidental damage to wiring when removing panels or careless movement can be dangerous. In addition, it is better to remove all shelves and products from the unit in advance to reduce the overall weight and make work easier.
☑️ What to prepare before starting work
Analysis of the design and removal of the top panel
The first stage of work is to dismantle the top cover of the refrigerator, if it removable, or top decorative panel. Many models, such as Atlant or Stinolhave a plastic strip on top that covers the hinge fasteners. It must be carefully removed by prying it with a flat screwdriver or a knife, being careful not to damage the plastic latches.
Under the panel you will find an upper hinge that holds the door. This is where the process begins. On some models, display or light control wires may be connected to this same area. If there are wires, they should not be pulled under any circumstances - carefully disconnect the connector or simply move the harness to the side so that it does not interfere.
⚠️ Attention: If the control wires are built directly into the loop or pass through the axle without the possibility of quick disconnection, refer to the instructions for your specific model. In rare cases, partial disassembly of the case is required to remove the cable.
Now you can unscrew the bolts securing the upper hinge. Use the appropriate bit size to avoid stripping screw heads. After the bolts are unscrewed, it is too early to remove the hinge - it still holds the door. First you need to free the door leaf.
Removing the door leaf and the lower hinge
After loosening the upper hinge comes the most The crucial moment is removing the door. It is strongly recommended that two people work here, since doors with glass or system No Frost can be quite heavy. One person holds the door, the second completely unscrews the top hinge mounting bolts.
Carefully lift the door up, removing it from the bottom hinge pins, and set it in a safe place on a prepared soft base. You now have access to the bottom of the refrigerator. There may be a decorative trim or plinth, which also needs to be removed to access the lower mount.
The lower support sleeve or hinge is usually screwed to the body. It must be dismantled in order to move it to the opposite side. Pay attention to the condition of the bushings - if they show signs of severe wear or cracks, it is better to replace them with new ones to avoid misalignment of the door in the future.
What to do if the bolt is rusty?
If the mounting bolt does not unscrew due to corrosion, do not use excessive force so as not to strip the threads. Treat the joint with a penetrating lubricant (eg WD-40) and leave for 10-15 minutes. After this, the attempt can be repeated.
Rearranging the fittings to the opposite side
The main part of the work has been completed, now we have to move the fastening elements. On the opposite side of the refrigerator body you will find symmetrical holes closed with plastic plugs. They need to be carefully removed. Often these plugs have notches for easy extraction, but if they are not there, a thin awl or knife will help.
We rearrange the removed upper hinge, lower support sleeve and all intermediate elements (if you have a two-chamber refrigerator) to new places. In such cases, they may need to be mirrored or rotated 180 degrees.
Pay special attention to the handles. If they are asymmetrical, they also need to be rearranged. In some models, the handles are simply screwed on the other side, while in others, disassembly of the element itself is required. Make sure that all the holes match and the fasteners fit in freely, without distortions.
For two-chamber models, the procedure is repeated for each chamber separately, starting with the top (freezer), then moving to the bottom (main). Between the chambers there is often a middle hinge, which also needs to be rearranged, not forgetting about the pins and bushings.
Installing the door and final adjustment
When All the hinge parts are fixed in new places, you can start hanging the doors. The process is in reverse order: first install the bottom door (if the refrigerator is a two-chamber one), putting it on the bottom sleeve. Then we mount the middle hinge and hang the top door.
After installing the door panels, you need to tighten all the fastening bolts. This should be done evenly, without tightening one bolt all the way, leaving the others weak. First, tighten all the screws, and then gradually tighten them diagonally, ensuring an even fit.
The final stage is adjustment. The door should close tightly, without gaps, and open freely, without touching the body. If you notice a distortion, you can slightly loosen the fasteners and adjust the position of the blade. Also check the operation of the magnetic lock and the tightness of the fit sealing rubber band along the entire perimeter.
| Type of refrigerator | Features of overhang | Required tool | Working time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single chamber | Simple design, 2 loops | Screwdriver, key | 15-20 min |
| Double-chamber | You need to remove both doors, 3-4 hinges | Screwdriver, set of bits | 30-45 min |
| Side-by-Side | Complex system, often requires help | Full set, assistant | 45-60 min |
| Built-in | You need to remove the front panels | Hexagons, screwdriver | 40-50 minutes |
Why may the door not close tightly after rehanging?
Most often the reason lies in the wrong installing a seal or misaligning the door. Check to see if the edge of the rubber band is curled inward and make sure the refrigerator is level. The legs may need to be adjusted.
Typical mistakes and expert advice
In the process, beginners often make mistakes that can negate all efforts. One of the most common is the loss of plugs or screws. To avoid this, immediately insert plugs into the old holes or secure them with tape, and sort all fasteners by stages of work.
Another mistake is ignoring the level. After rehanging, the door may begin to open spontaneously or, conversely, not close completely. This happens if the refrigerator is tilted. Be sure to check the position of the unit using a building level and tighten the adjusting legs.
- 🛠️ Always use a magnetic bit for a screwdriver so as not to drop the screw inside the refrigerator body, where it will be very difficult to remove.
- 🧊 Do not try to force open a frozen door before starting work - defrost the unit completely, otherwise you may damage it seal.
- 🔧 If the refrigerator came with special instructions for reverse, follow it exactly, since the design of hinges for different brands (Samsung, Electrolux, Haier) may differ radically.
Do not forget that some models may have special stoppers or transport clamps installed, which must be removed before use. It is also worth checking the condition of the hinges: if they show wear or play, replacing the opening side may not solve the problem of loose closure, and the fittings themselves will need to be replaced.
⚠️ Attention: The design of the hinges and the presence of holes for hanging may vary even within the same model line, depending on the year of manufacture. Always check the technical documentation of the specific device.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to change the opening side on a built-in refrigerator?
Yes, on most built-in models this is possible. However, the process is more complicated, since you first need to remove the front kitchen panel from the door. Be careful with the length of the mounting screws so as not to pierce the door through.
What to do if there are no holes for hinges on the opposite side?
If there are no symmetrical technological holes on the body, it means that your refrigerator model does not allow for overhanging the door. An attempt to drill new holes may break the tightness of the circuit and damage the thermal insulation.
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging it?
It is advisable. Although this is not a strict technical requirement for the mechanical part, defrosting will make the unit lighter, and will also prevent water from getting on the floor when tilting or removing the doors if there is ice inside.
Will the warranty still apply after re-hanging it yourself?
As a rule, re-hanging the door is not a complex repair and does not void the warranty unless you damage the components of the unit. However, if in the process the seals on the compressor are broken or the housing is damaged, the service center may refuse free service.