Situation, When the standard location of the refrigerator door Indesit becomes inconvenient, it occurs quite often. This may be due to the redevelopment of the kitchen, the particular arrangement of furniture, or the desire to optimize the space. Fortunately, the design of most models of this Italian brand provides the possibility of weighing hinging.
The process of changing the opening side does not require calling a specialist if you have basic skills in handling tools. However, haste is unacceptable here: careless actions can damage the hinges or break the tightness of the seal. Before starting work, you need to carefully study the structure of your unit.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for various types of refrigerators Indesit. We will consider the necessary tools, the nuances of dismantling and the assembly sequence. It is important to understand that for two-chamber models the procedure will differ from working with single-chamber devices.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Before starting physical impact on the equipment, you should prepare the workplace. You will need free space around the refrigerator so that you can walk around it on all sides. You will also need a flat surface to temporarily place the removed parts.
The basic set of tools usually includes Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, as well as wrenches. Some models may require hex sockets or sockets. The specific set depends on the year of manufacture and series of your Indesit.
- 🔧 Phillips screwdriver (size PH2 or PH3) for the housing screws.
- 🔩 10 mm wrench or adjustable wrench for hinge bolts.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges metal edges.
- 📏 A small container for folding fasteners so as not to lose them.
It is extremely important to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply before starting any work. This safety rule cannot be ignored, since you will be working with metal elements that may come into contact with the wiring if handled carelessly. It is also recommended to defrost the chamber if there is ice left inside, so that water does not get on the electrical contacts.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to unscrew the hinge bolts while holding the door suspended. The metal is heavy, and a sudden break of the thread can lead to injury to the legs or damage to the floor covering.
For ease of work, you can lay cardboard or soft cloth on the floor. This will protect the floor from scratches if a heavy piece accidentally slips. Make sure in advance that on the opposite side of the case, where the door will be moved, there are all the necessary holes and plugs.
Design features of Indesit refrigerators
Refrigerators Indesit are different reliable but specific hinge design. In most modern models, the top hinge is fixed with a decorative cover, which must be carefully removed. The lower part often rests on a rod or additional bushing, which will also have to be dismantled.
It is worth noting that in models with the system No Frost the process is complicated by the presence of air ducts. The door in such units not only hangs on hinges, but also seals tightly to the body, ensuring the circulation of cold air. Violation of the assembly sequence can lead to a loose fit.
The influence of the No Frost system on overhanging
In models with No Frost, when the door is overhanging, it may be necessary to rearrange or lengthen the air duct. In some cases, the air duct already has a universal design, in others it is necessary to change its orientation so that cold air flows correctly.
Particular attention should be paid to the type of handle. If your model has a hidden handle (integrated into the door profile), then there will be no problems. If the handle is separate and asymmetrical, you may need to rearrange the handle itself or use plugs in the vacant spaces.
Two-chamber models require gradual rehanging. First, remove the upper (freezer) door, then the lower (refrigerator) door. It is not recommended to change their order, as this will disrupt the balancing and access to the fastening elements.
Step-by-step instructions: dismantling the top door
We start working from the top of the refrigerator. The first step is always to remove the top trim panel or hinge cover. It can be held on by latches or a small screw. Act carefully so as not to break the plastic clips.
After removing the cover, access to the upper hinge mounting bolts will open. There are usually two or three of them. Use a suitable wrench to loosen them, but do not completely unscrew them all at once. The door should remain locked until you are ready to remove it.
☑️ Checklist for removing the top door
When the bolts are unscrewed, you need to lift the door up to remove it from the bottom hinge rod (if it is composite) or simply release it from the fastening. It is better to perform this operation together, since even a small freezer door can be heavy and inconvenient to carry.
After dismantling the door, unscrew the top hinge itself from the refrigerator body. You will need it to install on the other side. Do not lose the intermediate bushings or washers that may be located under the hinge - they regulate the height and tightness of the fit.
Re-hanging the bottom door and main components
The bottom door of the refrigerator compartment is removed in a similar way, but has its own characteristics. Often there is a support or roller mechanism located at the bottom. In some models Indesit the lower hinge is hidden under a decorative base, which must be dismantled first.
After removing the door, it is necessary to rearrange the mating parts of the hinges to the opposite side. The case usually has factory holes closed with plastic plugs. Remove the plugs from the new side and install them in the old places to maintain an aesthetic appearance.
| Element | Action during dismantling | Action during installation | Nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Unscrew, remove from the door | Install on the new side | Check the tightness of the bolts |
| Lower support | Unscrew the rod/axle | Screw into the new hole | Lubricate with lithium grease |
| Door handle | Remove (if asymmetrical) | Install on the new side | Use plugs |
| Plugs | Remove from new holes | Insert into old holes | Do not lose small parts |
It is important to check the condition rubber seal. When hanging the door, it may become deformed or move. If the elastic band has lost its elasticity, you can warm it up with a hairdryer or replace it with a new one. A tight seal is critical to energy efficiency.
Assembling and adjusting the position of the doors
Assembly is carried out in the reverse order. Install the bottom hinge (or rod) to the new location and hang the bottom door. Then install the top hinge by inserting it into the grooves of the top door and screw it to the body. Do not tighten the bolts “all the way” right away - leave a small gap for adjustment.
After hanging both doors, check their position. Doors should open freely, without distortion, and close tightly. If you notice misalignment, loosen the top hinge mounting bolts and, by raising or lowering the door, align its position with the body.
⚠️ Attention: If after installation the door does not fit snugly at the top or bottom, the height of the bottom support rod may need to be adjusted. Rotate it with the key to achieve the perfect horizon.
Final tightening of all bolts is carried out only after you are sure that all elements are in place and the gaps are uniform. Excessive tightening force can break the threads in the aluminum housing or deform the hinge.
Typical errors and troubleshooting
One of the most A common mistake is the loss of fasteners. Small screws and washers easily roll under the refrigerator or get lost in the carpet pile. To avoid this, use a magnetic tray or jar for all removed parts.
Another common problem is overtightening the bolts. This causes the door to warp and gaps to form between the seal and the body. As a result, the refrigerator begins to freeze worse, and frost may appear on the walls ice.
- ❌ They forgot to remove the shipping bolts (if the model has them).
- ❌ They mixed up the installation of washers and bushings on the hinge rod.
- ❌ The air duct of the No Frost system was damaged when the door was carelessly removed.
- ❌ They did not check the horizontal installation of the refrigerator itself after work.
If after assembly the door began to close on its own or, conversely, does not hold in the open position, check the angle of inclination of the refrigerator itself. Usually the legs of the front part are twisted so that the body is slightly tilted back. This ensures gravity when closing.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do you need to completely defrost the refrigerator before rehanging it?
Complete defrosting is not always necessary if you work quickly. However, if there is a lot of ice in the freezer, it is better to wait until it melts. Water can flow when the door is tilted and damage the wiring or electronic modules located at the bottom.
Is it possible to hang the door if the refrigerator is built into the kitchen unit?
This is possible, but extremely difficult. You will need enough clearance on the sides to maneuver. If the refrigerator is built tightly, it will have to be partially or completely removed from the niche, which requires dismantling the furniture facades.
What to do if the holes on the new side do not match?
In the factory, all the holes are already provided. If you can't find them, they may be covered with decorative plugs that match the color of the body. You cannot drill new holes - this will violate the thermal insulation and warranty. Double-check the instructions for your model Indesit.
Does re-hanging affect the warranty?
Independent re-hanging of doors, as a rule, is not grounds for voiding the warranty if the unit components were not damaged in the process. However, if you strip the threads or break the glass, the warranty claim will not be recognized. Keep all removed parts.