The situation when the standard configuration of the refrigerator no longer suits the owner arises quite often. This may be due to remodeling the kitchen, installing new furniture, or simply wanting to optimize the space for easier opening. Equipment owners Indesit often face the fact that the factory installation of the door on the right or left interferes with passage or access to work surfaces. Fortunately, the design of most models provides the opportunity reversing the doors to the opposite side.
This process does not require calling a specialist and can be done independently with a minimum set of tools. However, it is important to understand that a refrigerator is a complex device where tightness and proper operation of seals play a critical role. Any intervention in the structure must be carried out carefully so as not to damage sealing rubber or break the threads of the fasteners. Before starting work, you need to clear the space around the unit.
In this article we will look in detail at how to flip the door of an Indesit refrigerator, taking into account the differences between models with a drip system and technology No Frost. We will look at the nuances of dismantling the top panel, rearranging the hinges and adjusting the facade. Strict adherence to the sequence of actions will allow you to avoid common mistakes and maintain the product warranty, if it is still valid.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
Before starting physical impact on equipment, it is necessary to properly prepare the work area. The refrigerator must be stable, and access to its rear and side walls must be free from all sides. It is recommended to move the unit at least 1 meter away from the wall in order to be able to easily walk around it. This is especially important, since you will have to shift heavy elements, and tripping over an obstacle at such a moment is extremely undesirable.
To complete the work, you will need a standard home handyman kit. The main tool will be open-end or socket wrench, the size of which depends on the specific model, but most often it is 10 mm. It may also be needed phillips screwdriver to remove decorative plugs and plastic panels. In some cases, if the hinges are stuck or rusty, penetrating lubrication may be required, although this is rare for new equipment.
- 🛠️ 10 mm open-end wrench (sometimes 8 mm) for unscrewing the hinge bolts.
- 🔧 Phillips screwdriver for dismantling plastic covers and handles.
- 🧤 Construction gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 📏 Level or assistant for monitoring the position of the housing during installation.
Particular attention should be paid to security. Despite the fact that there is no voltage in the network (if you simply hang the door without touching the electrics), the refrigerator itself is heavy. If you plan to remove the doors completely, make sure that the floor is level and nothing interferes with the stable position of the unit. Case distortion during operation, a heavy door may fall or damage the floor.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to remove the refrigerator plug from sockets This will eliminate the risk of accidentally turning on the compressor or control system while you are manipulating structural elements adjacent to the wiring.
Removing the top cover and preparing to remove the doors
The first stage of work is removing the top cover of the refrigerator, if it is structurally provided for in your model. Indesit. Most modern refrigerators have a removable top panel, making it easier to access the top hinges. To do this, you need to unscrew the mounting screws, which are usually hidden under decorative plugs or located deep in the niche above the door. Use a Phillips screwdriver the appropriate size.
After unscrewing the fasteners, the panel must be carefully lifted and moved back or forward, depending on the design of the latches. Do not use excessive force; the plastic may be brittle, especially if the refrigerator has been in use for a long time. If the panel doesn't budge, check to see if you forgot to remove any hidden screws in the corners. On some models Indesit the top cover can also be fixed on the side walls.
The next step is to release the upper hinges. At this stage, it is important not to lose the fasteners, as it may be difficult to find replacements in the future. The bolts can be quite tight, so use a long-handled wrench for better leverage. If the threads are soured, you can carefully apply penetrating lubricant, but try not to drip it onto the seals or the floor.
What to do if the screws are rusty?
If the upper hinge bolts do not come off due to corrosion, do not try to force them off so as not to damage the metal sleeve. Treat the connection with WD-40 or an equivalent, wait 10-15 minutes. Then try to gently tap the bolt head with a hammer through a drift to destroy the layer of rust, and only then turn it with a wrench. If the situation is critical, it is better to call a technician than to break the hinge.
Removing the refrigerator door
After the upper hinges are freed from the fasteners, the moment comes to remove the refrigerator door itself. This is the most crucial stage, requiring physical strength and attentiveness. The door is heavy, and holding it with one hand while unscrewing the last bolts is almost impossible. Therefore, the presence of an assistant at this stage is strictly recommended, although experienced craftsmen sometimes cope alone, using pads.
It is necessary to carefully lift the door up to remove it from the lower bushing or pin, and set it in a safe place. It is important not to damage sealing rubber when it comes into contact with sharp corners of furniture or the floor. If there is a handle installed on the door, it usually needs to be moved to the other side. To do this, the handle is removed by unscrewing the screws on the inside of the door leaf, which are closed with plugs.
When removing the door, pay attention to the condition of the hinges. If they show signs of wear, wear or corrosion, this is a good time to replace or lubricate them. Ignoring this point can lead to the fact that after six months the door again begins to warp or fit poorly. Bottom pinon which the door rests should also be inspected and, if necessary, cleaned.
⚠️ Attention: Never leave the removed refrigerator door leaning to a wall or furniture without secure fixation. It may fall from a draft or accidental contact, which will lead to damage to the glass (if any), plastic, or injury to people and pets.
Reversing the freezer door (for two-chamber models)
If you have a two-chamber refrigerator Indesitthe process is repeated for the bottom door of the freezer, but has its own characteristics. The design of the lower hinges often differs from the upper ones and can be hidden under a decorative base or strip at the bottom of the refrigerator. To access them, you need to remove this plastic panel, which is usually held on by latches or screws.
After removing the plinth, you will see the bottom support hinge that holds the freezer door. The principle of operation is similar: unscrew the fasteners, remove the door, rearrange the fastening elements to the opposite side.
When working with the freezer door, be especially careful with the pipeline if it passes through the door (in older models) or next to it. Although in modern Indesit freon circulates in a foamed circuit, mechanical damage to the housing in the area of the hinges can damage the thermal insulation. Carefully carry the removed door and make sure not to touch neighboring objects.
☑️ Checklist before assembly
Installing the doors on the new side and installing the hinges
After preparing all the elements, the installation stage begins. On the opposite side of the refrigerator body there should be technological holes closed with plastic plugs. They must be removed and installed on the vacated holes on the side where the doors stood previously. This will preserve the aesthetic appearance of the equipment and protect the insides from dust.
Install the lower support loop (or bushing) into the new seat. Make sure it fits snug and straight. Then carefully place the freezer door on the pin. Align it with the body and secure it with the top hinge, but do not tighten the bolts all the way yet. This will allow you to adjust the door position. Similar steps are performed for the top door of the refrigerator compartment.
When installing the handles, make sure that the mounting screws are tightened evenly. A skewed handle not only looks unsightly, but also creates an uneven load on the door leaf when opening. For models with the system No Frost it is also important to check that the defrost zone heating cables are not pinched if they pass through the loop area.
| Element | Action during transfer | Nuance for Indesit |
|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Remove and rearrange | Often requires removing the cover |
| Lower bushing | Rearrange into a symmetrical hole | Can be hidden under the plinth |
| Door handle | Twist to the other side | Screws are often under plugs |
| Plugs | Change in places | Important for the tightness of the housing |
Adjusting the position of the doors and checking the tightness
The final and, perhaps, the most important stage is the adjustment. Once the doors are in place, they may not hang perfectly straight. To adjust the position, use the adjusting bolts on the hinges (if provided by the design) or shim washers. The door must adhere to the body along the entire perimeter with the same force.
Tightness testing is carried out using a simple visual and tactile method. Close the door and try to pull the edge sealing gum. It should fit tightly, without gaps. You can also use a sheet of paper: clamp it with the door around the perimeter - it should come out with noticeable force. If the paper falls out freely, it means that the seal is broken in this place, and the cold will escape.
Pay special attention to the corner opposite the hinges. This is where a gap most often forms if the door is warped. In models Indesit with a magnetic lock, make sure that the door slams until there is a characteristic click or a tight fit without any extraneous sounds of friction against the body.
Frequent errors and troubleshooting
In the process of re-hanging doors on their own, users often make typical mistakes that can negate all efforts. One of the most common is the loss or confusion of fasteners. The bolts from the upper and lower hinges may differ in the length and diameter of the thread. Installing a short bolt in the lower fastening can cause the door to come off under its own weight.
Another mistake is ignoring the adjustment. Many people believe that if they screw the door, it will fit as it should. However, factory tolerances and features of the floor in the apartment can lead to misalignment. Loose fit of the seal will lead to ice freezing (in models with a drip system) or constant operation of the compressor, which increases energy consumption.
It is also worth mentioning the problem with cables in refrigerators with displays or system No Frost. If you touch the wiring while moving the door, the refrigerator may no longer see the door open or the backlight may stop working. In such cases, it is necessary to check the connectors and the integrity of the wires. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better not to take risks.
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics and hinge design may vary depending on the year of manufacture and the specific series of the Indesit refrigerator. If you find that the holes do not match or the fasteners do not fit, check the official instructions for your model or contact a service center.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to flip a door if there is a display or control panel on it?
In most cases, no. If the control panel is built directly into the door leaf, moving the door is impossible without complex wiring modifications that were not provided for by the manufacturer. If the panel is located on the body of the refrigerator, and there are only backup buttons on the door, then you can re-hang it by disconnecting the connectors.
Does it need to defrost the refrigerator before re-hanging the doors?
Yes, this is highly recommended. First, an empty refrigerator is easier to move and tilt. Secondly, when the housing is tilted and distorted (which is inevitable during operation), oil from the compressor can flow into the system, and the ice inside can crumble and damage the internal elements. Let the equipment stand unfrozen for at least 4-6 hours.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door begins to touch the body?
Most likely, the door is installed askew. Loosen the hinges, adjust the position of the door so that the gaps on all sides are even, and tighten the bolts again. Also check whether the lower bushing is installed correctly and whether the plinth or floor covering is not interfering with it.
Will the warranty remain valid after self-repositioning?
According to the law, the consumer has the right to self-service. However, if during the rehanging process you break a thread, break a hinge, or damage the seal, warranty repairs for these components may be denied. Proceed carefully and save all removed parts.