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How to Take Off Refrigerator Doors

hand opening fridge door

There may be a time when the refrigerator door needs to be removed. If there is an issue with the refrigerator door it should be removed for the safety of you and your family. Removing a refrigerator door sometimes and complicated and confusing. So, in this article, we have prepared a step-by-step guide for you to follow to take off refrigerator doors. Here is how to remove the refrigerator door safely.

Steps to Take Off Refrigerator Doors

Repair man in blue overalls using a screwdriver on a fridge door


Step 1 – Before removing the refrigerator door remove anything that is stored there. It will be difficult to remove it with bottles and other items getting in the way. Close the door again before continuing with the removal process.

Step 2 – Once the items are out of the refrigerator it will be helpful to unplug the power cord. This is a safety measure that should be done before any type of removal or work is being done to the refrigerator.

Step 3 – Check out the top of the refrigerator door to see if there is a cover over the hinge that is holding the door on. There may be a cover over the hinge, and this should be taken off. To remove the cover, you will need a screwdriver to lift it off. The screwdriver can be put under the cover and used to pop it off.

Step 4 – After removing the cover, there will be hex screws holding the door hinge to the body which needs to be removed using an allen key. Once this is done lift off the hinge and remove it from the refrigerator door.

Step 5 – Hold the refrigerator door on the sides using two hands. Open the door a little so it can be ready to be removed from the refrigerator. Lift the door from the bottom hinge pin. Be careful when lifting the door as it is going to be heavy. It is a good idea to have some help with this. It is important to be careful and avoid injury. Place the door aside. At this time any additional work can be done to the door or part of the refrigerator.

Note: If there is a freezer or ice dispensing compartment on the door, you need to remove that too.

Step 6 – At the top of the refrigerator, there is a wire harness that needs to be removed. Also, the water dispenser tube needs to be removed from the top of the refrigerator too.

Now the screws need to be removed on the top hinge. At this time assistance may be needed again. The freezer door will need to be lifted off of the pin. This can once again be heavy. To prevent injury, it is always better to have a second set of hands.


Reattaching the Refrigerator Door

2 men in coveralls with tools fixing a refrigerator

Step 1 – When the door is going to be reattached to the refrigerator some silicone-based grease can be used. This should be put on the bottom hinge to make sure things go on smoothly.

Step 2 – The door should be set onto the hinge pin and it should also be put on the bushing. There will be some extra work that goes into putting the freezer door back on. Since there is a water dispensing tube it will need to be reinserted through the hole. It will also need to go into the hinge pin so it can be positioned correctly.

Step 3 – Depending on the make and the model of the refrigerator the door may need to be positioned at a 90-degree angle on the frame. The door may need to be readjusted so that it will open and close properly.

Step 4 – The top hinges need to be aligned and then they can be screwed into place. The door should be level before the screws are tightened. If there are wire connectors for the freezer they should be reattached at this time. The water dispenser tube will need to be inserted if the refrigerator has one.

The top hinge covers should be screwed into place if the refrigerator has them. The grill plate should also be put back into place.

A person needs to check the doors to make sure they are opening and closing properly. If the doors are in the correct place, then the refrigerator can be turned back on and it can be restocked with food.

Hand opening a fridge door

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