How to Remove a Freezer Door With a Torsion Bar

Check Your User Manual

• Before attempting to remove your freezer door, you should always check your user manual or troubleshooting guide provided by the manufacturer. If you do not have or have lost the manual, check the manufacturers website for information on repairs and door removal. A little bit of research can go a long way, and a manufacturer's schematic will make the removal and reassembly process much easier.

Note on Torsion Bars

• Torsion bars are located inside the hinge of a freezer door. They put pressure on the door and door jam, creating an automatic closing system for the door. Due to the effects of leverage, and the door handle being located on the opposite end of the door from the hinge, it is relatively easy to open the door. Take note, however, the torsion bars are under extreme amounts of pressure when the door is opened. The torsion bars should be handled with care, and the hinge should be removed only when the door is in the closed position.

Release Tension on Torsion Bar

• Many manufacturers will place a hex nut at the top or bottom of the door hinge to adjust the tension on the torsion bar. This is used to slow down or speed up the automatic closing of the freezer door. If your model has an adjustment nut, reduce the tension on the torsion bar as much as you can, to make working with the hinge easier.

Remove Hinge Screws

• Locate the screws that attach the hinge to the freezer. You will want to remove the hinge and torsion bars with the freezer door, rather than removing the door and leaving the hinges attached. This will make reattaching the door significantly easier, as it will leave the torsion bars unchanged. Remove the screws that hold the hinge to the freezer and lift the door and hinge assembly away from the unit.