Changing the kitchen layout often requires rearranging furniture and household appliances to ensure comfortable use of the space. Refrigerator owners LG often face the need to change the direction of door opening when the standard configuration is no longer convenient. Fortunately, most models of the South Korean brand provide for the possibility of reinstalling the hinges on the opposite side, which allows you to adapt the unit to new operating conditions.
The rehanging process does not require calling a specialist and special technical knowledge, but it does require accuracy and adherence to the sequence of actions. Improper dismantling can lead to damage to the housing or loss of seal, so it is important to prepare the work area in advance. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the stages of work, the necessary tools and nuances that will help you complete the task safely and efficiently.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Before starting any manipulations with the body of the refrigeration equipment, you must make sure that you have a complete set of tools. To work with fasteners LG most often you need open-end wrenches or heads of sizes 8, 10 and 14 mm, as well as Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers. It will not be amiss to prepare wide tape to secure the door during removal, and a soft rag to protect the floor.
It is important to ensure good lighting of the work area, since some fasteners may be located in hard-to-reach places or hidden by decorative plugs. Clear some space in front of the refrigerator to allow easy access from all sides, and place cardboard or thick cloth on the floor. This will prevent scratches on the floor covering and protect the legs of the unit.
- 🔧 Open-end wrenches or a set of sockets (8, 10, 14 mm).
- 🪛 Screwdrivers (Phillips and flat) for removing plugs.
- 📦 Wide tape for fixing doors.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp edges.
☑️ Preparation for rehanging
Design features of hinges of different LG models
Structural design of hinged systems for refrigerators LG may vary significantly depending on the series and year of manufacture of the device. Classic two-chamber models usually use upper and lower hinges, as well as intermediate mounts for each chamber. Models with a system No Frost often have additional elements, such as bushings or specific washers, that cannot be lost during disassembly.
Particular attention should be paid to models with a display on the door, since an electrical cable may pass through the top hinge. In such cases, the procedure is complicated by the need to disconnect the loop, which requires special care. If you are not confident in your abilities when working with electrical components, it is better to stop at the dismantling stage and contact a service center.
Nuances of hinges for models with a display
In models with a screen on the door, a power cable passes through the top hinge. It must be carefully disconnected, remembering the position of the contacts, so as not to damage the connector when removing the door.
Some modern modifications are equipped with hidden hinges or decorative trims that must be carefully removed before unscrewing the bolts. Inspect carefully the upper part of the body for the presence of plastic covers or screws hidden under rubber plugs. Ignoring these details can lead to breakage of the plastic elements of the case when attempting to apply force.
Dismantling the upper part and removing the door
You must begin work by disconnecting the refrigerator from the power supply by unplugging the plug from the socket. This is a mandatory safety requirement that cannot be ignored, especially if you are working with models that have electronic components on the door. After this, you should free the doors from the products and shelves to reduce their weight and prevent the contents from falling.
Next, remove the top decorative panel, if present, and unscrew the bolts securing the top hinge. To prevent the door from falling on your feet or hitting the body, have a helper hold it or use tape to temporarily hold it in the closed position. Carefully lift the door up, removing it from the axis of the lower pin, and set it aside in a safe place.
⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to remove a heavy door alone without first securing it - this may result in a back injury or damage to the floor covering.
If the door has a door closer or magnetic lock, be sure to that you correctly understood the principle of attaching them before completely removing them. In some cases, it is necessary to remove intermediate hinges if the design of the refrigerator involves the presence of several chambers. It is better to immediately put all removed fasteners into a separate container so as not to lose them among small parts.
Reweighing the lower hinge and transferring elements
After removing the door, we proceed to dismantling the lower support hinge, which holds the bulk of the structure. Unscrew the fastening bolts and remove the hinge along with the bushing, if any. Now you need to transfer all the dismantled elements to the opposite side of the case, using the holes provided by the manufacturer.
When installing the hinge in a new place, make sure that it fits tightly to the case and has no play. Threaded connections It should be tightened with force, but without fanaticism, so as not to break the threads in the metal case. If there are decorative plugs left on the old side, carefully remove them and install them on the vacated holes on the opposite side.
| Element | Action | Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Remove and move | Key 14 mm |
| Bottom hinge | Dismantle and install | Key 10 mm |
| Plugs | Move to the other side | Screwdriver |
| Door handle | Remove and reinstall | Hexagon |
Installing the door in a new place
The process of installing the door on a new side is performed in the reverse order, but requires increased coordination of actions. Place the bottom of the door onto the hinge shaft, making sure it sits evenly and without distortion. Only after this can you begin to install the top hinge, which will fix the position of the door in the closed state.
When tightening the bolts of the top hinge, do not tighten them completely at once - first tighten all the fasteners, level the door and only then make the final tightening. This will avoid misalignment, which can lead to a loose fit of the seal and a violation of the seal of the chamber. Check that the gap between the door and the body is the same along the entire length.
If the refrigerator model includes intermediate hinges or additional fasteners for the second chamber, install them now. Make sure all screws are securely fastened, as vibration from the compressor can loosen loose connections over time. After assembly, check the operation of the door: it should open smoothly and close independently at a small opening angle.
⚠️ Attention: If the door does not close tightly, check if anything is interfering with the seal, and if necessary, adjust the height of the refrigerator legs.
Position adjustment and inspection tightness
The final stage of work is adjusting the position of the refrigerator and checking the tightness of the closure. Using a spirit level, make sure the unit is level and tighten the adjustable feet if necessary. Correct leveling is critical for the correct operation of the self-closing door system.
To check the tightness, you can use a simple test with a sheet of paper: hold the sheet with the refrigerator door so that half is outside, and try to pull it out. If the paper is removed with noticeable force along the entire perimeter, it means that the seal is tight. In places where the sheet can be easily removed, tighten the hinges or check the integrity of the rubber.
Plug in the refrigerator and let it run for several hours to make sure there are no extraneous noises and vibrations. Listen carefully to the operation of the unit: if new sounds appear, check whether the door is touching adjacent objects or elements of the housing. If problems are found, repeat the adjustment procedure, paying special attention to tightening the bolts.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to reverse the door on an LG Side-by-Side refrigerator?
In most models LG Side-by-Side reversing the doors is impossible due to the complex design and the presence of a built-in cooling system between the doors. Only some specific models allow such an operation, which should be indicated in the instructions.
What to do if, after hanging, the door does not close tightly?
Most likely, the installation geometry is broken or the seal is weakened. Check the tilt level of the refrigerator - it should be slightly tilted back. Also make sure that all hinge bolts are tightened evenly and there is no misalignment.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging?
Defrosting is not necessary, but it is recommended to empty the refrigerator of food and shelves to reduce weight and avoid objects falling. This will also make it easier to access the fasteners.
Will the warranty still apply if I re-hang the door myself?
Re-hanging the door myself will generally not void the warranty unless the frame or electrical components are damaged in the process. However, if problems arise due to improper installation, the service center may refuse free repairs.