The situation when the standard configuration of the refrigerator is no longer satisfactory arises quite often. This may be due to the redevelopment of the kitchen, rearrangement of furniture, or the peculiarities of the arrangement of household appliances, when the refrigerator handle interferes with the opening of the adjacent cabinet. Equipment owners Indesit often wonder whether it is possible to change the opening side themselves without calling a technician. The answer is clear: yes, most models provide the possibility of reversing the doors.
This process does not require deep engineering knowledge, but requires accuracy, the availability of a basic set of tools and strict adherence to the sequence of actions. Improper reinstallation can lead to sash misalignment, leakage or damage to fasteners. It is important to understand that the design of different series of refrigerators may differ, so before starting work you need to study the features of your particular unit.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for various models Indesit, we will pay attention to the nuances of dismantling handles and adjusting hinges. You'll learn what tools you'll need, how to avoid common mistakes, and what to do if the door doesn't fit tightly after reinstallation. Compliance with all recommendations will allow you to quickly and safely adapt the equipment to new operating conditions.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Before proceeding with dismantling, it is necessary to prepare the workspace. A refrigerator is a heavy unit and will require space to work around it. Move equipment away from the wall, allowing access from all sides. It is better to cover the floor with soft material or cardboard so as not to damage the floor covering and avoid slipping.
As for the tools, you will need a standard home handyman's kit to complete the work. Pay special attention to the quality of screwdrivers and wrenches, since fasteners at the factory are often tightened with great force. Using the wrong tool can lead to licking off the edges of the bolts, which will significantly complicate the process.
The list of necessary tools includes:
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (Phillips and flat head) - preferably with magnetic tips.
- 🔩 Wrenches or sockets (usually 8 mm, 10 mm).
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp edges.
- 📦 Container for folding small parts so that they do not get lost.
Also extremely important de-energize the refrigerator. Remove the plug from the outlet. This is not only a safety requirement, but also a necessity, as some models may have wiring running through the door (for example, for a display or lamp) that will need to be carefully disconnected. Let the equipment stand turned off for at least 10-15 minutes before starting work.
⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator is equipped with a system No Frost and an electronic display on the door, make sure that the length of the connecting cables allows you to move the door to the other side. In rare cases, the length of the wires may be limited.
☑️ Preparation for rehanging
Design features of Indesit doors
Refrigerators Indesit are produced in various modifications, and the design of their doors can vary significantly. In most classic models, the hinges are located standardly, and rearranging them is not difficult. However, in modern series with a system No Frost and built-in displays, hidden fasteners or additional elements may be found.
Models with recessed handles or a Push-to-open system require special attention. In such cases, the opening mechanism is integrated into the body, and simple rearrangement of the hinges is impossible without dismantling the entire front panel or replacing decorative elements. It is also worth considering that on some two-chamber models, the upper and lower doors may have different hinge designs.
Below is a table that helps determine the type of construction and the necessary actions:
| Model type | Arrangement of handles | Availability electronics | Complexity of work |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classical (BIA, CIB) | Protruding, external | Absent | Low |
| With system No Frost | Hidden or side | Possible | Medium |
| With display on the door | Integrated | Yes (loop cables) | High |
| Built-in series | Depends on the facade | Rarely | Medium |
Before disassembling, carefully inspect the ends of the doors and the places where the hinges are attached. Sometimes there are decorative plugs installed there that need to be carefully pryed off with a knife or thin screwdriver. The mounting screws are hidden under them. Do not use excessive force to avoid breaking the plastic.
Hidden plugs
Often the plugs on the hinges of Indesit refrigerators are painted in the color of the body or have a metal texture. To avoid damaging them when removing, slightly heat the plastic plug with a hairdryer (without overheating!) or use a thin blade, prying it evenly from different sides.
Removing the top door and handle
You should always start the rehanging process from the top door. This is due to the fact that the lower door often serves as a support or has a more complex fastening system, which is more convenient to adjust after removing the upper leaf. The first step is to remove all removable elements: shelves, containers, magnetic holders.
Next, you need to remove the handle if it interferes with rearrangement or if the design of your model requires it. In most cases, the handle is attached to screws, which can be accessed after removing the decorative trim. Carefully unscrew the fasteners and set the handle aside.
Now move on to the top hinge:
- 🔩 Unscrew the screws securing the top hinge to the refrigerator body.
- 🤲 Hold the door with your other hand so that it does not fall after loosening fasteners.
- 🚪 Remove the door from the lower hinge (if it is removable) or completely dismantle the upper hinge along with the door.
If the door has closer or a magnetic lock, make sure that you remember its position correctly. When installing on the other side, it may have to be rearranged into a symmetrical hole. All holes that remain free on the front side must be closed with the plugs included in the kit, or those that were removed from the opposite side.
Rearranging the lower door and adjusting the hinges
After the upper sash has been removed and put in a safe place, you can proceed to the lower door. In some models Indesit the lower door is attached directly to the body, in others - to a special intermediate strip. Proceed with caution as the bottom door is often heavier due to the drawers and design features inside.
Unscrew the bottom hinge mounting bolts. If the model allows, remove the door along with the hinge. Carefully inspect the hinge axis: there should be no burrs or rust on it. If necessary, lubricate the rubbing parts with silicone greaseto ensure smooth operation and no squeaking in the future.
The installation process on the new side looks like this:
- 🔄 Move the bottom hinge to the opposite side body using symmetrical holes.
- 🔧 Secure the hinge with bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet.
- 🚪 Install the door in place, aligning the holes in the door with the hinge axis.
- 🔩 Fix the door and finally tighten all fasteners elements.
An important point is the tilt adjustment. Refrigerator doors should have a slight slope back to ensure spontaneous closing. If after installation the door opens on its own or, conversely, does not fit completely, adjust the height of the refrigerator leg on the appropriate side or tighten/loosen the adjusting screws on the hinges.
Nuances for models with the No Frost system
Refrigerators Indesit with the system No Frost have their own characteristics. Such models often use a more complex system of seals and air channels. When rehanging doors, it is important not to damage the cold air supply channels that may pass through the doorway.
Pay special attention to the sealing rubber. After rearranging and re-hanging the door, the elastic may not immediately fall into place. The door may not close tightly due to deformation of the seal. In this case, do not panic.
It is recommended to warm the seal with a hairdryer (not too hot air) and straighten it with your hands, giving it the correct shape. After this, close the door tightly and fix it in the closed position for several hours (you can use tape or a belt) so that the rubber “remembers” the new position.
⚠️ Attention: In No Frost models, thin tubes or heating cables may pass between the door and the body. When removing the door, act as delicately as possible so as not to squeeze or tear them. If you see tension in the wires, stop and check the instructions.
It is also worth checking the operation of the door opening sensors. Once repositioned, the magnet that activates the sensor may be at the wrong distance. If the refrigerator continues to squeak when the door is closed, you may need to move the magnet to a symmetrical hole on the opposite end.
Final assembly and tightness check
After all the doors are installed in new places and the fasteners are tightened, it is necessary to carry out a final check. Visually inspect the perimeter of the refrigerator: are all the holes closed with plugs, are the doors level, are there any distortions. The gaps between the door and the body must be uniform along the entire length.
Checking the tightness is a critical step. Take a regular sheet of A4 paper. Clamp it with the refrigerator door so that half the sheet is inside and half is outside. Try to pull out the sheet. It should come out with noticeable effort. Carry out this check along the entire perimeter of the door.
If in some place the sheet is pulled out too easily, it means that the tightness there is broken. In this case:
- 🔍 Check whether a foreign object has gotten under the seal.
- 🔧 Try loosening a little or, conversely, tightening the hinge screws on the problem side more strongly.
- 🌡️ Let the refrigerator operate for several hours and check for condensation.
Only after a successful check can you turn on the refrigerator and load food. It is recommended not to load the equipment as much as possible on the first day in order to allow the compressor and cooling system to reach operating mode with the new door position settings.
What to do if the door squeaks?
If a squeak appears after re-hanging, lubricate the rubbing surfaces of the hinge with edible oil or a special lubricant. Do not use grease or lithol - they can spoil food on contact.
Is it possible to hang the door if the refrigerator has a display?
In most cases, yes, but it is more difficult. You will need to carefully disconnect the cables going to the display and pass them through new holes or lay them out differently. The length of the wires is often limited, so proceed very carefully. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact the service.
What to do if the holes for the hinges do not match?
In original refrigerators Indesit the holes for hanging are always provided by the manufacturer and are closed with plugs. If you don't see the holes on the opposite side, your model may not support overhang, or the holes may be hidden under a trim panel. Check the instructions.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging?
Complete defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, if there is a lot of ice in the freezer, it is better to defrost the unit in advance. This will lighten the weight of the doors (especially glass shelves) and will prevent water from getting on the electrical parts when the equipment is tilted.
Will the warranty be lost after re-hanging it yourself?
The process of re-hanging the doors itself, as provided for by the design, is not a violation of the warranty. However, if in the process you damage the case, break threads or break plastic, a warranty claim for this damage will not be considered. Keep all removed parts.
How to remove the gap between the door and the body?
Small gaps may be a design feature. If a gap appears after repair, check the tightness of the hinges. The condition of the seal also affects the tightness. If the elastic band is old and has lost its elasticity, it is better to replace it with a new one, selected according to the model.