Modern kitchen dictates its own rules of ergonomics, and often the standard arrangement of household appliances ceases to suit the owners after moving or new arrangement of furniture. LG refrigerator - this is a complex device that was initially designed with the ability to change the side of the door opening, which is a huge plus for layout flexibility. Many users mistakenly believe that this will require special skills or calling a specialist, but the design allows you to perform the procedure yourself.
The rehanging process takes an average of 30 to 60 minutes if you have a basic set of tools and a clear understanding of the sequence of actions. It is important to understand that ignoring certain steps, such as dismantling the handle or adjusting the level, can lead to a loose seal. In this article we will examine in detail how correctly change the door hinge so as not to damage the plastic elements and maintain the tightness of the chamber.
Before starting any manipulations, you must make sure that you are working with the device disconnected from the network. Safety —the main priority, since the work will be carried out in close proximity to electrical components and heavy metal sheets. Let's look at what tools you will need and how to prepare for work so as not to damage the flooring.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to unscrew the hinges if there are heavy glass shelves or bottles of liquid left inside the chamber - this may shift the center of gravity and cause the door to fall.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
To successfully complete the task of rearranging the door, you will need a minimum set of home craftsman. The main tool will be screwdriver or a set of Phillips-head screwdrivers, since most fasteners in LG technology are made specifically for this type of bit. Also, a flat-head screwdriver will not be superfluous, which will help to carefully pry up the decorative plugs without scratching the body.
In addition to the main tool, prepare a container for folding screws and small parts. Fastening elements may be different in length and diameter, so they can be lost or mixed up in the process work is unacceptable. It is recommended to use a magnetic tray or several small jars labeled with a marker to know exactly where each part was unscrewed from.
Pay special attention to protecting the floor covering. The refrigerator will have to be tilted or moved, so cardboardthick fabric or an old blanket placed under the bottom of the unit will save your laminate or linoleum from scratches. Also make sure that there is enough free space around the equipment for maneuver.
- 🛠️ A screwdriver or a set of screwdrivers (phillips and flathead)
- 📦 A container for sorting screws and fittings
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges
- 🧼 Clean rags for wiping the hinges from old grease
☑️ Ready for rehanging
Removing the top part and door handle
The first stage of work is always removing the top panel, if present in your model, or dismantling the handle. In most models LG the handle is attached to screws, which can be hidden under decorative plugs. Carefully pry them off with a flathead screwdriver, being careful not to use excessive force so that the plastic does not crack.
After removing the plugs, you will see the mounting screws. They must be unscrewed while holding the handle itself so that it does not fall. In some modifications, the handle can be integrated into the body, and then this stage is skipped. Top cover The refrigerator is usually held on by two screws in the front and latches in the back - after unscrewing the front ones, slightly slide the panel back and up.
If your model is equipped with a display or control panel on the door, the situation becomes more complicated. Before complete removal, the doors will need to be disconnected wire loops. This must be done extremely carefully, fixing the connectors with your fingers so as not to damage the thin contacts. Do not pull on the wires, always pull on the plastic connector itself.
⚠️ Attention: When working with electronics, be sure to wait until the capacitors are completely discharged (about 5-10 minutes after unplugging from the outlet), although the risk of electric shock is minimal, care for the control board is mandatory.
What to do if the screws are rusty?
If you find that the screws do not unscrew due to oxidation, do not use brute force - you can tear off the cap. Use WD-40 or a similar penetrating lubricant, apply it to the threads and wait 10-15 minutes. After this, the fasteners should come out easily.
Removing the door leaf from the hinges
The most crucial moment is the direct removal of the door. You will need an assistant, since the door leaf, along with the seal and the contents of the shelves, can weigh from 15 to 25 kg. One person should hold the door, while the second should unscrew the screws of the upper hinge.
After unscrewing the fasteners, the upper hinge is removed, and the door is carefully lifted to remove it from the pins of the lower hinge. Avoid sudden jerks or distortions that could deform the metal. Place the removed door on a prepared soft surface with the outer side down so as not to damage sealing rubber.
While the door is removed, inspect the condition of the hinges. If old dried grease or dirt is visible on them, they need to be cleaned. Technical Vaseline or special silicone grease is suitable for updating the layer, which will ensure silent opening in the future.
- 🤝 Involve a second person to insure the gravity
- 📉 Remove the door strictly vertically upward
- 🛌 Lay the canvas on a soft mat face down
- 🧹 Clean the hinge seats from dust and dirt
Move the fittings to the opposite side side
Now you need to rearrange the fastening elements. On the opposite side of the case you will find holes covered with plastic plugs. Remove the plugs from the side where the door opened previously and install them in the free space to close the technical holes. This is important for thermal insulation and aesthetics.
Move the bottom loop to the new side. LG refrigerators often come with special bushings or pins that need to be moved into the corresponding holes at the end of the door. Please note that the holes can be threaded or smooth - it is important to use exactly those parts that are intended for the active side.
If the design of your model requires the presence stop for the door in the open position, it must also be rearranged. This is usually a small plastic or metal piece at the bottom of the case. Make sure it is securely fastened, otherwise the door will not lock when fully swung.
Installing the door and adjusting the position
The door is installed in the reverse order of removal. First, we put the fabric on the bottom loop, making sure that the axes fit into the holes. Then install the top hinge, but do not tighten the screws all the way yet. This will allow us to carry out adjustment position of the door relative to the body.
Close the door and check the gaps around the perimeter. They should be the same on top and bottom. If the door is skewed, slightly loosen the fasteners and move the door in the desired direction. Uniform fit of the seal along the entire contour is the key to proper operation of the compressor and saving energy.
After alignment, tighten all screws tightly. If you removed the handle, install it in a new place using the holes that were previously covered with plugs. Make sure that the latching mechanism (if there is one) works correctly and the magnets seal tightly hold the sash.
| Element | Action when rearranging | Important nuance |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom hinge | Transfer to a new side | Check the floor level after installation |
| Upper hinge | Transfer and adjustment | Do not tighten until final alignment |
| Plugs | Switch places | Make sure the thermal insulation is maintained |
| Door stop |