Changing the kitchen layout or buying new furniture often requires rearranging large household appliances. Owners of refrigerators Nord are faced with the need to change the direction of door opening in order to provide convenient access to products and not block the passage. Fortunately, the design of most models of this brand provides for the possibility of reversing the door, which allows you to adapt the device to new operating conditions without calling a technician.
This process does not require specialized tools or deep engineering knowledge, but it is characterized by high precision of operations. An incorrect sequence of actions can lead to damage fittings or failure of the seal. Before starting work, it is important to carefully study the features of your model, since the configuration of fasteners in different series may differ significantly.
In this article we will analyze in detail all stages of the procedure, from preparing tools to final adjustment of the gaps. You will learn how to safely dismantle elements without damaging the plastic plugs, and how to correctly install them in a new location. Compliance with all recommendations will allow you to perform the work efficiently and maintain the product warranty.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
High-quality preparation is the key to successful completion of the repair. To work, you will need a standard set of household tools, which most craftsmen have. The main attention should be paid to the choice of screwdrivers, since the screws on the hinges of refrigerators Nord are often tightened with force and have a specific slot.
You will need the following items:
- 🔧 Phillips screwdriver (PH2 or PH3) for the main fastening screws.
- 🔩 Flat-head screwdriver for carefully removing decorative plugs.
- 🔑 8 mm wrench or socket (sometimes required for some hinge models).
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
The workspace should be free and well lit. Cover the floor in front of the refrigerator with a soft material, such as a blanket or cardboard, to protect the floor from scratches if parts fall. It is also recommended to prepare a container for storing screws in advance so as not to lose small elements during operation.
Please note that some models may have hidden screws under decorative trims. If you can't see the fasteners, don't force it - you may need to remove the plastic panel. Using the wrong tool may strip the threads, which will complicate further assembly.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This will prevent the risk of a short circuit if the wiring is accidentally damaged and will protect you from electric shock.
Removing the handles and dismantling the upper part of the structure
The first step is always removing the handles. On refrigerators Nord they can be attached in different ways: with screws on the outside, screws on the inside, or integrated into the door leaf. In most cases, removal requires access to the screws, which are often hidden under decorative caps.
Carefully pry up the plastic plugs with a flat-head screwdriver. If the handle is held on by screws, unscrew them and remove the element. If the handle is part of the body (overlay), the process may require removing the entire door, but most often it is enough to loosen the fastenings. Be careful with plastic - it can be fragile, especially on older models.
After removing the handles, you need to remove the top panel of the case (cover), if your model has one. It is usually secured with latches or screws at the back. This will provide access to the top hinge. In some modifications, the upper hinge is hidden under a decorative trim, which must be removed by prying it off with a screwdriver.
Now you can begin to loosen the screws of the upper hinge. Do not unscrew them completely at once - just loosen the tension. If you plan to change the opening side, you will need holes on the opposite side. Make sure that you have access to these places and that they are free of plugs.
Removing the refrigerator door
Removing the door is the most crucial moment, requiring the help of a second person. The refrigerator door Nord weighs quite a lot, and holding it with one hand while unscrewing the bolts is almost impossible and dangerous. Ask someone to secure you by holding the canvas.
The sequence of actions is as follows:
- 🚪 One person firmly holds the refrigerator door, preventing it from falling.
- 🔩 The second person completely unscrews the screws of the top hinge.
- 🆙 Carefully lift the door up to remove it from the lower pin or axis.
- 📦 Put the door in a safe place, it is better to lay it horizontally on a prepared surface.
If the refrigerator model is two-chamber, then after removing the upper door, similar actions are carried out with the lower door of the freezer. To do this, first remove the middle loop, which connects both chambers. It is important not to lose the washers and bushings that may be on the hinge axis - they are responsible for the smooth operation and absence of squeaks.
When dismantling, pay attention to the condition sealing rubber. If during removal you accidentally damage it or stretch it too much, the seal will be broken. Also check to see if there is any electrical wire running through the loop (some models have wiring for the indicator or display there). If there is a wire, it must be carefully disconnected through a special connector.
What to do if the screws are soured?
If the screws do not unscrew, do not use excessive force so as not to tear off the cap. Apply a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) to the threads and leave for 10-15 minutes. After this, try carefully turning the screw again.
Flipping the hinges and rearranging the plugs
After the doors are removed, you need to prepare holes for installing the hinges on the other side. On the refrigerator body Nord on the opposite side there should already be technological holes closed with plastic plugs. Your task is to remove these plugs and move them to the vacant places.
Pull the plugs out of the new working holes. They usually fit quite tightly, so use a thin blade of a flathead screwdriver to pry the edge open. Be careful not to scratch the metal of the case. Then install the removed plugs into the holes that were formed after dismantling the hinges from the original side.
Now let's deal with the hinges themselves. If the hinge design is symmetrical, it can simply be turned over or moved to the other side. However, often the upper and lower hinges have a specific shape and are not interchangeable without rearranging the axes. Carefully inspect the parts: the axle should point up for the top hinge and down (or into the corresponding hole) for the bottom.
It is important to install the pins and bushings correctly. Lubricate the rubbing parts with a small amount of technical lubricant, if necessary. This will ensure silent operation of the mechanism in the future. Make sure that all holes on the case coincide with the holes on the hinges.
| Element | Action | Where to install |
|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Remove, turn over (if necessary) | Opposite upper corner |
| Middle hinge | Dismantle, rearrange the axis | Opposite middle corner |
| Plugs | Remove from new holes | Into old holes (left/right) |
| Handles | Rearrange the fasteners | To the opposite end of the door |
Installing doors in a new position
Assembly is carried out in the reverse order of disassembly. First, install the bottom door (freezer) if the model is two-chamber. Slide the door onto the bottom stud or axle, making sure it sits evenly. Then install the middle hinge and screw it to the body, but do not tighten the screws all the way yet - this will allow you to adjust the position.
Next, the upper door of the refrigerator compartment is installed. Align the door holes with the top hinge and install the screws. At this stage, it is critical to maintain vertical installation. A misalignment of even a few millimeters will result in the door opening by itself or, conversely, not closing tightly.
After installing all the elements, you can begin the final tightening of the fasteners. Move sequentially: first the bottom loop, then the middle one, then the top one. Use Phillips screwdriver to tighten evenly. Do not overtighten the screws so as not to damage the threads in the metal case.
☑️ Installation control
Adjusting the gaps and checking the tightness
The final stage is adjustment. Even with careful installation, the door position may need to be adjusted. Check whether it fits tightly seal along the entire perimeter. To do this, you can use a simple test with a sheet of paper: clamp the sheet between the door and the body at different points. If the sheet is removed too easily or with great difficulty, adjustment is required.
To change the gap, it is often enough to slightly loosen the hinge mounting screws and move the door in the desired direction (up, down, left or right), and then tighten them again. Some models Nord are provided with adjusting screws that allow you to change the tilt of the door without completely loosening the fastening.
Pay attention to the rebound of the door. If it opens on its own when it deviates from the closed position by 10-15 degrees, the refrigerator may not be level. Adjust the height of the front legs of the refrigerator using the rotating feet. The front legs should be slightly higher than the back ones so that the door closes under the influence of gravity.
⚠️ Attention: If after adjustment there is a noticeable gap through which light passes, do not ignore it. Warm air will constantly get inside, forcing the compressor to work without stopping, which will lead to increased energy consumption and equipment wear.
Frequent errors and ways to eliminate them
When re-hanging the doors themselves, users often make mistakes that affect the functionality of the refrigerator. One common problem is lost or mixed up washers and bushings. If you find that the door creaks or moves tightly, check the presence of all intermediate elements on the hinge axes.
Another mistake is incorrect installation of the handles. If the handle is installed out of position, it creates a visual defect and may prevent it from closing tightly. Always check that the installation is symmetrical relative to the edges of the door. It is also important not to forget to rearrange the latches, if your model has them.
If the door is skewed and adjusting with screws does not help, check the body itself for dents or deformations. Sometimes during transportation the geometry of the case is disrupted, which makes ideal installation impossible without straightening the metal. In such cases, professional repairs may be required.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before re-hanging the door?
It is not necessary to defrost the refrigerator specifically for this procedure, if this does not interfere with access to the fasteners. However, if you plan to move the refrigerator around the kitchen, it is better to unload the food and defrost it to avoid water leakage and heavy contents shifting, which could damage the shelves.
Is it possible to re-hung the door on a Nord refrigerator with a display?
Yes, on most models with an electronic display, re-hanging is possible. However, in this case, the display cable will need to be reconnected. The wiring usually has a sufficient length or special connectors for rearrangement, but you need to act extremely carefully so as not to damage the contacts.
What to do if one of the plastic plugs is lost?
If the plug is lost, the hole can be closed with any suitable piece of plastic or even sealed with a decorative sticker in the color of the case. The main thing is to close the hole so that dust and moisture do not get inside, although the absence of one plug will not critically affect the operation of the refrigerator.
Why did the door begin to close tightly after rehanging?
This may be due to several reasons: the hinge screws are too tightly tightened, the axle is misaligned, lack of lubrication on the rubbing parts, or a new, not yet developed seal. Give the seal time to straighten (you can use a hair dryer in the cold season) and check the tightness of the screws.