Changing the layout in the kitchen or simply the desire to make life more comfortable often leads to the need to change the direction of opening the door of the refrigeration equipment. Rehang the Liebherr refrigerator door is a completely solvable task for a home craftsman, but it requires accuracy and understanding of the design of a particular model. German engineering in the technology of this brand is highly accurate, so any manipulations with fasteners must be carried out strictly according to regulations.
Unlike budget analogues, where the hinges are often hidden by decorative plugs, in Liebherr the mechanism can be integrated into the body in a more complex way way. Before starting work, it is important to make sure that your model technically allows such a procedure, since there are series where the hinges are welded or the design is asymmetrical. In this guide, we will look at universal principles and specific nuances for different types of equipment.
The main rule to remember before starting: do not use excessive physical force. If the element does not come off with moderate force, then you are missing some kind of retaining screw or latch. Proper preparation of the workplace and the availability of suitable tools is already half the success of the entire operation.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tools
The success of the operation directly depends on how well you prepare for the process. You'll need a set of tools to have on hand so you don't interrupt your work or lose small parts. Pay special attention to the stability of the unit itself when dismantling heavy elements.
For work you will need the following items:
- 🛠️ A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) of different sizes.
- 🔧 Socket wrench or socket 8 or 10 mm (depending on models).
- 📏 Construction level for checking horizontality.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp edges.
⚠️ 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 electric shock or accidental start of the compressor while manipulating the wiring.
Free up space around the refrigerator. You need access to the unit from all sides, including the rear wall where the bottom mounts are often located. Remove all food, shelves and drawers - an empty refrigerator is easier to tilt, and you will not damage the glass shelves in the process.
If you work alone, provide stops in advance to prevent the equipment from sliding on a slippery floor. In some models Liebherr with a system NoFrost partial defrosting may be required if there is ice left in the channels that interferes with the removal of the panels.
☑️ Checklist before starting work
Removing the top hinge and handle
The process always starts from the top of the structure. This is the most loaded unit that supports the weight of the entire door. In models Liebherr the top hinge is often combined with a handle mount or hidden under a decorative cover.
First remove the top decorative panel, if present. It is usually held in place by latches or a single screw. Carefully pry it off with a flathead screwdriver, being careful not to scratch the plastic. Under it you will see the bolts for securing the top hinge.
It is important to secure the door so that it does not fall when unscrewing the bolts. Have an assistant hold the sash or use wedges. Unscrew the top hinge bolts counterclockwise. In some models hinge it may be spring-loaded, so proceed with caution.
Nuances of attaching handles
In some Liebherr series, the handle is integrated into the door profile and cannot be removed separately. In other cases, it is fastened with screws from the inside, access to which is only possible after removing the decorative trim. Always check for hidden screws under the rubber plugs.
Once the top hinge is removed, the door can usually be lifted slightly and removed from the bottom pivot. However, if you plan to simply flip the hinges, the door can be left hanging on the bottom support, having first fixed it. Remove the handle if the design requires its transfer to the other side. To do this, unscrew the fixing screws from the inside of the panel.
Features of working with the lower hinge and base
The lower part of the refrigerator is an area of increased complexity, since the base grille and fan mechanism are often located there. In models with NoFrost access to the bottom hinge may be blocked by a plastic casing.
Remove the base grille. It can be attached with latches or magnets. Proceed delicately, plastic becomes brittle in the cold. After removing the grille you will have access to the lower hinge group. In two-chamber models, an intermediate loop for the freezer may be located here.
Algorithm for actions with the lower part:
- 🔩 Unscrew the bolts securing the lower support axle.
- 🌀 Remove the axle from the seat.
- 🚪 Remove the door (if not already removed) and put it in a safe place.
- 🧩 Remove the counter part of the hinge from the refrigerator body.
Pay attention to the washers and bushings. When assembling in a new location, they will also need to be rearranged. Some models Liebherr use special bushings to adjust the height; their loss will result in the door being skewed.
⚠️ Attention: Do not lose the adjusting washers! They often have different thicknesses and are responsible for the tight fit of the door to the body. If you confuse their order, the door may not close hermetically.
If you have a model with one chamber, then after removing the bottom hinge you will need to remove the stops that prevent you from opening the door 180 degrees in a new direction. They are usually located on the opposite side of the case.
Transferring the elements to the opposite side
Now that all the elements have been dismantled, the mirror assembly stage begins. On the opposite side of the case you will find technological holes closed with plastic plugs. This is where we will transfer the hinges.
Pull the plugs out of the holes on the new side and insert them into the empty spaces on the old side. This is important for aesthetics and protecting the insides from dust. Install the lower support shaft to the new location. Tighten the bolts, but not all the way yet, so that adjustment is possible.
For the upper hinges the situation is similar. Install the bracket on the new side. If you removed the handle, install it on the opposite end of the door. Make sure that the screws are tightened tightly, as the handle bears a constant load.
It is important to check hole compatibility. In most models Liebherr the holes are symmetrical, but in designer series with stained glass or other coating, transfer may not be possible. Always check the device data sheet.
Installing the door and final adjustment
The most important stage is placing the door in a new location. Lift the door leaf and slide it onto the lower axle. Make sure that the holes in the top hinge line up with the matching holes on the body.
Ask an assistant to hold the door while you screw in the top hinge bolts. Don't tighten them completely right away. First, tighten all the bolts, make sure that the door is level, and only then make the final tightening.
Checking the quality of installation:
- 🚪 The door should open and close freely, without jamming.
- 🧲 When closing, a characteristic clap should be heard, indicating the operation of the magnetic seal.
- 📐 The gaps between the door and the body must be uniform around the entire perimeter.
If the door does not close tightly or, conversely, is too tight, the height of the refrigerator legs or the position of the hinges must be adjusted. Models Liebherr often provide the ability to (fine-tune) the position of the axis.
Specifics of models with the NoFrost system
Owners of equipment with automatic defrosting need to be especially careful. In these refrigerators, the loop may have a wiring harness for the fan or sensors running through it. Simply re-weighting the metal will not work here.
If wires pass through the loop, they must be carefully disconnected. Typically the connectors are located inside the door or on the top of the cabinet. Unclip the plastic cover, disconnect the contacts and remove the wires from the loop channel.
When installing on a new side, the wires will need to be re-routed. Make sure that when opening the door the wires are not pulled or chafed. Some models NoFrost require rearrangement of the loop itself on the wire, which requires care.
⚠️ Attention: When working with electrical components, make sure that the refrigerator has not been connected to the network for several minutes. Capacitors can store charge. Be careful with plastic wire clamps - they can easily break if handled carelessly.
After assembly, be sure to check the operation of the fan. Turn on the refrigerator and listen. If you hear a hum or the fan does not spin, you may have poorly connected connectors.
Compatibility table
Below is a summary of hinge types and features for different series. This will help you navigate the nuances before starting work.
| Liebherr series | Loop type | Wiring | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| CBN / CBNes | Hidden, complex | Yes (sensors) | High |
| CT / CTs | Open, standard | No | Low |
| GN / GNP | Combined | Yes (NoFrost) | Average |
| K / KB | Standard | No | Low |
If your model is not listed in the table, find the sticker with the serial number (usually inside on the side wall or back) and check with the official documentation. For models with a double door (Side-by-Side), re-hanging is often impossible without completely disassembling the case and can lead to loss of warranty.
Remember that technical characteristics and designs may vary depending on the year of manufacture. Always check the current diagrams for your specific modification in the official user manual.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Is it possible to rehang the door if the refrigerator is built into the kitchen unit?
This is extremely difficult and often impossible without removing the refrigerator itself from the niche. You will need full access to the back and sides. In addition, furniture facades can interfere with opening in a new direction. It is recommended to first remove the unit from the furniture.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not fit tightly?
Most likely, the installation geometry is broken. Check the level of the refrigerator itself using a level. Often it is enough to tighten the front adjustable supports to tilt the body a little back - then the door will close itself under the influence of gravity.
Do you need to wait after re-hanging before turning it on?
No special waiting time is required if you did not tilt the refrigerator very much (more than 40 degrees). If you put it on its side to get to the bottom, it is better to wait 2-4 hours before turning it on so that the oil in the compressor flows into the crankcase.
Where can I get new plugs for the holes if the old ones are lost?
Plugs can be ordered at an authorized service center Liebherr by number details. Temporarily, you can use decorative furniture plugs of a suitable color and diameter, purchased at a hardware store.
Will the warranty remain valid after rehanging it yourself?
Formally, if you do not damage the equipment, the warranty remains valid. However, if in the process you break the thread, break the glass or damage the wiring, the service center may refuse free repair, arguing that this is a violation of operating conditions. Be extremely careful.