Changing the kitchen layout or buying a new set often requires rearranging household appliances. Owners of brand refrigerators Indesit are faced with the need to change the door opening direction in order to provide comfortable access to products. Modern models of this Italian company, as a rule, are designed taking into account this possibility, which allows you to adapt the unit to a specific room without calling a specialist.
The rehanging process does not require deep technical knowledge, but requires accuracy and the presence of a minimum set of tools. Key point a correct understanding of the design of the hinges and the sequence of actions is necessary, since errors can lead to sash misalignment or damage seal. In this article, we will look in detail at how to perform this procedure yourself while maintaining the warranty and functionality of the device.
Before you begin, it is important to assess your strengths. If you feel unsure or the design of your model looks non-standard, it is better to contact a service center. However, for most users the task will be manageable if you strictly follow the algorithm.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
The success of the operation directly depends on how well you prepared. You don't need complex industrial tools; a standard home craftsman's kit is enough. The main requirement is cleanliness and order, since small parts are easy to lose, and dirt can get into the mechanisms.
For work you will need:
- 🛠️ A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) for dismantling fasteners.
- 🔧 A wrench or 10 mm socket (usually this size is used in total).
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧹 Clean rags for wiping surfaces.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This is critical for safety since you will be working in close proximity to electrical components and wiring.
Get some space in front of the refrigerator. You need to provide access to the unit from all sides in order to be able to step back and assess the levelness of the installation. Remove all shelves, drawers and containers from the door to reduce its weight and prevent contents from falling out during manipulation. If the model has a No Frost system, make sure that the air supply channels are not blocked, although this is easier to do with the door removed.
Design features of Indesit doors
Refrigerators Indesit have their own design features that distinguish them from competitors. In most models, the doors are mounted on metal hinges, which are screwed directly to the body. It is important to understand that not all models are universal: in some budget versions, holes for hinges may only be on one side.
Before disassembling, carefully inspect the sides of the case. If you don't see any hidden holes or plugs on the opposite side, your model may not have been designed for overhang by the manufacturer. It is also worth noting that in two-chamber models, the upper and lower doors may have different fastening designs.
Hidden holes
In some models, the holes for the hinges are closed with decorative plugs in the color of the body. They need to be carefully pryed off with a flat screwdriver to reveal the mounting locations.
Deserves special attention sealing rubber. When changing the opening side, it may become deformed as it gets used to a certain position. In some cases, its replacement or long-term “grinding in” of the new side is required.
Removing the upper door of the refrigerator
You should always start work from the top of the unit. This is the most loaded unit and requires caution. The first step is to remove the decorative panel if it is covering the top hinge. It is usually held on by latches or a single screw.
Next, you need to disconnect the wiring if there are indicators or a display on the door. In models with electronic control, the wires may go through the top hinge, so disconnect them - a mandatory step before physically removing the door. Gently disconnect the connectors without pulling the wires sharply.
Now let's move on to the mechanical part:
- 🔩 Unscrew the bolts securing the top hinge using a wrench.
- 🚪 Ask an assistant to hold the door, as it is heavy and can fall.
- 🆙 Remove the door from the bottom hinge and put it in a safe place.
After removing the door, unscrew the hinge itself from the refrigerator body. Save all screws as they will be needed for installation on the other side. If there are holes left in the vacant space, close them with plugs, which are often included in the kit or are in the technical documentation.
Removing and rearranging the bottom freezer
The lower part, where the freezer is usually located, is dismantled in a similar way, but has its own nuances. Here there is often hinge mechanism a middle hinge that connects both doors. It will need to be moved to the opposite side.
Remove the decorative strip covering the end of the body between the cameras. Unscrew the middle hinge fasteners. After this, you can remove the bottom door. Be careful: the weight of the freezer can be significant, especially if there is ice left inside.
☑️ Removal sequence
Carefully clean the ends of the housing from dust and old grease. This will ensure that the new fasteners fit snugly. Check the condition of the threads in the holes on the opposite side - it should be intact, without broken turns.
Installing hinges and installing doors on the new side
Now that all elements have been dismantled, the assembly stage begins. Install the hinges in new places using the prepared holes. Do not tighten the bolts all the way right away - just tighten them first so that you can make adjustments.
Hang the bottom door on the bottom hinge. Align its position. Then install the middle hinge and put on the top door. Adjusting gaps is a critical point. The doors should open freely, but when released, close on their own under the action of magnets.
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| Element | Action | Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Attachment to the body | 10 mm wrench |
| Middle hinge | Hinge fixation | Phillips screwdriver |
| Lower support | Height adjustment | Adjustable wrench |
| Plugs | Installation in old holes | By hand |
After mechanical installation, connect the display or indicator wires, if any. Make sure the connectors click into place until they click. Check the operation of the light bulb inside the chamber when opening.
Adjusting the tightness and magnets
The final stage is adjustment. Often, after rehanging, the door does not fit perfectly. For correction, the hinges or legs of the refrigerator itself are used. If the door does not reach the body, try unscrewing the front legs a little, tilting the body back. adjusting bolts on hinges or the legs of the refrigerator itself. If the door does not reach the cabinet, try unscrewing the front legs a little, tilting the cabinet back.
Check the operation of the magnetic lock around the entire perimeter. Run your hand along the seal - there should be no gaps through which light passes or cold escapes. If you find any leaks, try warming the problem area of the seal with a hairdryer (without overheating!) and press it.
⚠️ Attention: The design of the hinges may vary depending on the year of manufacture and the specific series Indesit. If you did not find the adjustment bolts, it is possible that your model does not have them, and alignment is carried out only by tilting the body.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do I need to defrost the refrigerator before moving the door?
Yes, this is extremely desirable. Ice in the freezer increases the weight of the door, which makes removal difficult and increases the risk of damaging the fasteners or dropping the unit. In addition, when the refrigerator is tilted, melt water can flow into the mechanisms.
What to do if the holes for the hinges do not match?
In 99% of cases, the holes on the other side are already provided by the factory. If they are not visible visually, check whether they are covered with a decorative plug. If there really are no holes, then the model does not support reversing, and the case cannot be drilled.
Is it possible to lose the warranty if you rearrange it yourself?
According to the law, the consumer has the right to self-service. However, if in the process you strip a thread, break a loop, or damage the wiring, the service center may refuse free repairs. Proceed carefully.
Why does the door open by itself after rearrangement?
Most likely, the balancing angle is broken. The refrigerator should stand strictly horizontally, but with a slight tilt back. Adjust the front legs by unscrewing them to lift the front part of the unit.