Many owners of brand household appliances Nord are faced with the need to change the side of the door opening. This is often required when rearranging furniture in the kitchen, changing the layout of the room, or simply to increase the operating comfort of the unit. The design of most models of this brand initially provides the possibility of reverse installation hinging the sashes, which greatly simplifies the task for the user.
The process of rehanging does not require specialized engineering education, but it does imply accuracy and adherence to a certain sequence of actions. If you violate the dismantling procedure or tighten the fasteners incorrectly, you may encounter a loose seal or skewed fabric. Therefore, before starting work, you need to carefully study the device hinges and prepare a working tool.
In this article we will analyze in detail the stages of reinstalling doors on various models of refrigerators Nord. You will learn about the nuances of working with fittings, how to adjust gaps and typical mistakes that should be avoided. A properly performed procedure will allow you to change the opening direction in 30-40 minutes without calling a technician.
Preparation of tools and work area
Before you begin disassembling the structure, you must ensure free access to the refrigerator from all sides. Move the unit away from the wall at a distance of at least 50-70 cm so that you can easily walk around it. It is better to cover the floor in the work area with thick cardboard or soft cloth, since you will have to place the removed elements on the surface.
The basic set of tools that you will need can usually be found in the drawer of any home craftsman. To work with fastening models Nord most often, standard hardware for a Phillips screwdriver or hexagon is used. In rare cases, especially on older modifications, 8 or 10 mm wrenches may be required.
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flathead) - for removing handles and plugs.
- 🔩 A hex wrench (usually 4 mm or 5 mm) is the main tool for loops.
- 🧤 Work gloves - to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧼 Clean rags - for wiping parts and removing old grease.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work on dismantling components, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from electrical networks. Remove the plug from the socket to eliminate the risk of electric shock or accidental activation of the compressor while manipulating the wiring, if provided for by the design.
It is also important to prepare a place where you will put the removed screws and bolts. Small fasteners tend to get lost in the carpet pile or roll under the baseboard. Use a magnetic stand or a small container with a lid to keep all the parts in one place until assembly is completed.
☑️ Preparing for rehanging
Removing the top hinge and freezer door
Work always starts from the top of the unit, since that is where the main load-bearing hinge is located. In most refrigerator models Nord the top door (freezer) is heavier and requires priority attention. First you need to remove the decorative plug that hides the mounting bolts. It can be simply inserted into a groove or secured with latches.
After removing the plastic, you will see two or three bolts holding the hinge in place. They should be unscrewed, but not completely removed until you secure the door. In some cases, the help of a second person is required to hold the sash while you loosen the fasteners. If you don't have an assistant, you can use stops, but this increases the risk of the heavy part falling.
When the top hinge bolts are unscrewed, carefully remove the hinge itself and set it aside. The freezer door is now free at the top and is only held in place by the bottom pin or magnetic clamp (depending on the model). Remove the sash and put it in a safe place, first placing it face down on a soft mat.
Nuances of removing the top hinge
On some Nord models, a temperature or light sensor wire may pass under the top hinge. Be extremely careful when removing the loop so as not to damage the cable insulation. If the wire is present, carefully disconnect the connector or move the harness to the side, remembering its position.
Next, you need to dismantle the mating part of the fastening on the opposite side, where the door will be moved. Remove the decorative plug on this side and unscrew the bolts holding the transport or spare loop. Save all the screws; they will be needed to install the door in a new location.
Re-hanging the bottom door of the refrigerator compartment
After working with the top door, we move on to the main door of the refrigerator compartment. The principle of operation here is similar, but there are some peculiarities associated with the design of the intermediate loop. In two-chamber models Nord the middle hinge often combines the functions of fastening the lower door and supporting the upper one.
First remove the decorative trim from the bottom of the body or from the end of the door to gain access to the lower hinge bolts. Unscrew the fasteners and release the bottom of the door. Now the sash can be removed from the axis. Pay attention to the condition sealing rubber: while the door is removed, it can be washed and dried.
- 🚪 Remove the door from the lower axis and set aside.
- 🔩 Remove the middle hinge if it is in the way access to opposite holes.
- 🕳️ Find hidden threaded holes on the opposite end of the case.
- 🔧 Install studs or bushings into these holes, if they are included.
An important point is to reinstall the handles. On many refrigerator models Nord the handles are asymmetrical or have hidden fasteners. If the handle is integrated into the door profile, it may have to be removed and moved to the other side using the holes provided by the manufacturer. This usually requires removing the end caps on the door profile.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use excessive force when removing the handles. The plastic, especially on older models, can be dry and brittle. If the element does not lend itself, check if another screw is hidden under a sticker or decorative strip.
After preparing the holes on the new side, install the bottom hinge in its new place. Screw in the bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet. This will allow you to make the necessary adjustment of the position of the door after hanging it.
Installing the doors on the new side
The installation process begins in the reverse order: first, the lower door of the refrigerator compartment is installed. Place the door on the bottom hinge, aligning the holes in the end of the door with the pin. Make sure that the door sits level and is not skewed relative to the body.
Then install the middle hinge (for two-chamber models). Place it through the top hole of the refrigerator door and align it with the holes in the cabinet. Screw in the mounting bolts. At this stage, it is important to position the door correctly so that the gaps around the perimeter are uniform. Use a level if it is difficult to visually determine the horizon.
The next step is installing the top door (freezer). Place it on the middle hinge pin. After this, install the top hinge in a new place, aligning the holes in the body and in the end of the door. Screw in the bolts of the upper hinge, finally fixing the structure.
Tighten all bolts completely. The movements must be confident, but without fanaticism, so as not to break the threads in the aluminum case or a hinge that has burst from age. After tightening, check that the doors are installed vertically. If the refrigerator is level and the doors are skewed, you may need to tighten the adjustable legs of the unit.
Adjusting the position of doors and gaps
Correct adjustment is the key to the longevity of the refrigerator Nord. If the doors are skewed, the seal will not fit tightly, which will lead to loss of cold and the formation of ice. The gaps between the door and the body should be the same at the top and bottom, as well as at the sides.
Eccentrics on hinges or adjusting screws are often used for adjustment. By rotating them, you can move the door left or right or change its angle. In some models, adjustment is carried out by twisting the legs of the refrigerator: unscrewing the front leg raises the corner of the door.
Check the operation closer (if there is one) and the magnetic lock. The door should open freely, without jamming, and slam tightly when pushed from a distance of 10-15 cm. If the door bounces or does not fully fit in the area of the handle, the height of the opposite side may need to be adjusted.
| Problem | Possible reason | Method of elimination |
|---|---|---|
| The door does not close tightly | Distortion of the hinges or contamination of the seal | Adjusting the height of the hinges, washing the rubber |
| Severe distortion sash | Incorrect installation on the pin | Repeated dismantling and correct fitting |
| Creak when opening | Lack of lubrication in rubbing pairs | Applying lubricant to the hinge axes |
| Gap in the corner of the door | Deformation of the body or hinge | Adjusting the eccentrics or replacing the hinge |
Common mistakes and troubleshooting
When hanging doors on refrigerators Nord users often make common mistakes. One of the most common is the loss of fasteners. The bolts from the top and bottom hinges may differ in thread length or diameter. By mixing them up, you can damage the threads in the body or not fix the door firmly enough.
Another mistake is ignoring the condition of the seal. When dismantling, the rubber is often crushed or dirty. If you do not straighten it (for example, by heating it with a hairdryer) and do not clean it, the seal of the chamber will be broken. Also, do not forget about installing plugs on the vacated holes: they are needed not only for aesthetics, but also for protection from dust and moisture.
- ❌ They forget to remove shipping tapes or fasteners before installation.
- ❌ They overtighten the bolts, deforming the metal of the hinge.
- ❌ They do not check the horizontal position of the refrigerator itself before starting work.
- ❌ They lose plastic support bushings that fall out during dismantling.
⚠️ Attention: The design of the hinges and the location of the holes may vary slightly depending on the year of manufacture and the specific series of the refrigerator Nord. If you find that the holes do not match, do not drill new ones - check the instructions for your model; additional adapters or a specific procedure may be required.
If after all the manipulations the door still warps, check the floor. Uneven floors are a common cause of closing problems. Use a building level for diagnostics and level the position of the unit using adjustable supports.
What to do if the plug is lost?
If you have lost a decorative plug for a hole, do not leave the hole open. Moisture or insects may get inside. Temporarily seal the hole with a piece of black tape or select a plastic plug of similar diameter from a hardware store.
In conclusion, it is worth noting that the correct rehanging of the doors allows you to adapt the equipment to any kitchen conditions. The main thing is to act consistently, not to lose details and not to forget about the final adjustment. If you follow all the steps carefully, your refrigerator Nord will serve for many years with the new configuration.
Do you need to drain the oil from the compressor before rehanging?
No, you do not need to drain the oil or freon. Reversing the doors only affects the mechanical part of the housing and does not affect the refrigeration circuit or compressor lubrication system. You are working only with external elements.
Is it possible to hang the door by one person?
Theoretically, it is possible if the doors are not too heavy (for example, in narrow models), but it is strongly recommended to call an assistant. The refrigerator door is heavy and oversized, it is very easy to drop it, which will damage the floor, the door itself or the master’s legs.
What to do if the holes for the hinges do not match?
In 99% of cases, the holes are symmetrical. If they don't match, check to see if you have mixed up the top and bottom, or if the door is installed upside down. Some models may require additional bushings included in the package, which are often lost during first installation.
How to check the tightness after rehanging?
Use a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet with the door around the perimeter. It should come out with noticeable effort. If the sheet falls out or is pulled out too easily, the seal is broken in this place and the hinge needs to be adjusted.