Changing the side of the door opening is a standard procedure that is often required when moving or remodeling a kitchen, when the dimensions of the room dictate its conditions.
Owners of equipment Indesit can perform this operation independently, since the design of most models provide a symmetrical arrangement of fasteners.
The main thing is to act consistently and not lose a single screw, since even one missing part can break the tightness of the chamber.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tools
Before you start disassembling refrigeration unit, you need to free up the space around it, moving the case away from the wall at least one meter.
You will need a set of tools that are usually in the arsenal of a home craftsman, including Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers, as well as a wrench or 10 mm socket.
Be sure to prepare a container for folding the fasteners, so that small bolts do not get lost in the folds of clothing or under the carpet.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the electrical network and empty the shelves of food to reduce the weight of the structure.
Some models Indesit are equipped with complex control systems, so it is worth checking in advance whether the wiring through hinges.
If wires are present, they must be carefully disconnected, having previously photographed the location of the contacts for proper assembly.
Design features of Indesit doors
The equipment of this brand is distinguished by a reliable but simple design, where the hinges are often hidden under decorative plugs.
It is important to understand that upper hinge usually carries the main load to hold the weight, and the lower one serves as an axis of rotation.
In models with the system No Frost there may be additional elements that require more delicate handling during dismantling.
It is worth noting that on some older models, the holes for the hinges on the opposite side may be closed with plastic plugs.
These plugs must be carefully removed with a thin object so as not to damage the enamel of the case, and rearranged in the free space.
Step-by-step instructions for dismantling the top hinge
We start work from the upper part of the body, where the main support hinge holding the door is located.
Remove the decorative cover, if any, and unscrew the fastening bolts holding the mechanism.
After this, you need to lift the door to free the lower axis, but it is better to do this with an assistant, since the structure is heavy.
Carefully remove the door from the lower pin and put it in a safe place, placing a soft cloth.
Now you can completely dismantle the upper hinge and move it to the opposite side using the prepared holes.
Tighten the bolts tightly, but not fanatically, so as not to strip the threads in metal case.
☑️ Dismantling checklist
Reversing the lower support and handle
The lower part of the structure requires special attention, since this is where the pin on which the door rests is often located.
In some models Indesit This pin needs to be unscrewed from one hole and screwed into a symmetrical one on the other side.
If the pin does not unscrew, it may be part of a permanent lower hinge that needs to be rearranged entirely.
The handle deserves special attention: if it is asymmetrical, it also needs to be rearranged or turn over.
To do this, unscrew the fasteners from the inside of the door and install the handle in the new holes, closing the old ones with plugs.
What to do if the handle does not fit?
In some models, the handles may be left or right. If the holes do not line up, you may need to replace the handle with a universal or symmetrical model that is compatible with your refrigerator.
Make sure that all handle screws are tightened tightly, as this is an element subject to constant mechanical stress.
Check that the new handle does not interfere with the opening of adjacent cabinets or the passage of people.
Installing the door and final assembly
After preparing the fasteners on the new side, install the lower hinge or pin in place.
Insert the door onto the lower axis and align the holes of the upper hinge with the fastening points on the body.
Attach the upper hinge bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet so that adjustment remains possible.
This is an important point, since warping of the door it can lead to a loose fit of the seal.
| Work stage | Required tool | Completion time | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Removing the top hinge | Phillips screwdriver, 10 mm wrench | 10 minutes | Low |
| Removing the door | Assistant (preferred) | 5 minutes | Medium |
| Rearrangement studs | Open-end wrench | 10 minutes | Medium |
| Handle installation | Screwdriver | 15 minutes | Low |
| Gap adjustment | Key, level | 20 minutes | High |
After installing all the elements, check the smoothness door movement and absence of squeaks.
If the door moves tightly, you may need to lubricate the hinges or loosen the fasteners.
Adjusting the gaps and checking the tightness
The final stage is adjusting the position of the door so that it fits tightly to the body along the entire perimeter.
Use the adjusting bolts on the hinges to change the tilt of the door forward or backward.
Check the operation of the magnetic seal: it should fit evenly to the metal without gaps.
To check, you can clamp a sheet of paper between the door and the body: it should be pulled out with force throughout length.
⚠️ Attention: If after adjustment there is a gap left in the corner, try heating the seal a little with a hairdryer and straightening it so that it takes the desired shape.
Plug in the refrigerator and leave it to work without load for 2-3 hours.
Keep an eye on so that the door does not open by itself from the vibration of the compressor.
Common mistakes when re-hanging
One of the common mistakes is loss fasteners or mixing up bolts of different lengths.
Using a bolt of the wrong length can lead to damage to the inner wall of the refrigerator or the hinge itself.
They also often forget to replace the plugs on the vacated holes, which spoils the appearance of the equipment.
Do not forget that sealing rubber must remain clean and dry during installation, otherwise the seal will be compromised.
Sometimes users forget to remove the transport locks if they have been reinstalled.
Carefully inspect all components before turning on the device. network.
Questions and answers
Is it necessary to completely empty the refrigerator before re-hanging it?
It is advisable to remove all food, since a full refrigerator is very heavy, and it It will be difficult to hold when removed from the bottom stud. In addition, food may fall out when tilted.
Is it possible to redo the door if the refrigerator is built-in?
With built-in appliances, everything is more complicated. Often it is necessary to dismantle the facades of kitchen units. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to call a specialist so as not to damage the furniture.
What to do if the holes on the other side do not match?
In the original models Indesit the holes are always symmetrical. If they are not there, you may have a rare model or have already been modified. In this case, you cannot drill the case.
How long can you not turn on the refrigerator after moving it?
If you did not tilt the refrigerator more than 40 degrees, you can turn it on immediately. If it was lying on its side, wait 2-4 hours for the oil to drain into the compressor.