A change in kitchen layout or simply a desire to make the space more ergonomic often dictates new requirements for the location of household appliances. If you are wondering how to rehang the doors on an Indesit refrigerator, then this procedure is quite doable at home if you have basic tools. Modern models of the brand, such as series Indesit EF or Indesit DS, were initially designed taking into account the possibility of changing the opening side, which greatly simplifies the task for the owner.
Before starting work, it is important to understand that the process requires accuracy, since door leaves have significant weight and a complex design of hinges. An incorrect sequence of actions can lead to damage to the plastic plugs or failure of the seal. In this article, we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions, the necessary tools and technical nuances that will help you do the job efficiently.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tools
The success of the entire operation directly depends on proper preparation. You will need to clear some space in front of the refrigerator to allow easy access from all sides. It is recommended to cover the floor with soft material, for example, a blanket or cardboard, so that accidentally dropped parts or tools do not damage the floor covering and the equipment itself.
The set of tools is usually minimal, but must be selected in advance so as not to interrupt the process of searching for a screwdriver. For most models Indesit a standard set is sufficient:
- 🔧 Phillips screwdriver (size PH2 or PH3) for removing the main fasteners.
- 🔑 Wrench or socket head (usually 8 mm or 10 mm) for bolts loops.
- ✂️ A flat screwdriver or knife for carefully removing decorative plugs.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
Pay special attention to the stability of the unit. If the refrigerator is tall, its top part may wobble when removing the doors, so fixing the body is a mandatory step. Ask an assistant to hold the equipment or carefully rest its upper part against the wall, placing a soft cloth.
Removing the upper door and hinge
The process begins with the upper chamber, since it is structurally supported by the lower part or has independent fastenings that are easier to remove first. First you need to remove the decorative panel or cover that hides the top hinge fasteners. It is usually held in place by clips or a light layer of adhesive.
Use a flathead screwdriver to carefully pry the edge of the plug. Do not use excessive force to avoid breaking the plastic. Underneath it you will find bolts securing the hinge to the refrigerator body. Unscrew them, but do not remove the hinge completely yet - it may be needed to secure the door during removal.
⚠️ Attention: The refrigerator door is heavy and may fall when unscrewing the bolts. Be sure to hold the top door with your other hand or have someone help you hold it.
After loosening the fasteners, remove the top door from the support pin or axle. Set it aside in a safe place, placing it on a prepared soft surface. Now you can completely dismantle the top hinge if it was not removed along with the door. Inspect hinge mechanism for wear or damage.
☑️ Preparation for dismantling
Removing the middle hinge and main door
The next step is working with the main, lower door. In two-chamber models Indesit there is often a middle loop that connects the upper and lower chambers. Its dismantling requires special care, since it supports the weight of the main door.
Unscrew the bolts securing the middle hinge to the body. Once the fasteners are loosened, remove the door from the bottom shaft. This is the heaviest element of the structure, so you need to act confidently. Place the door on the floor face up so as not to damage the inner surface or seal.
Now you need to remove the middle hinge itself and, if the design provides for it, the pin or bushing on which it rested. In some models, the pin may be pressed or glued - in this case, it must be carefully knocked out or unscrewed using the appropriate tools.
Inspect sealing rubber on the removed door. While the doors are removed, this is the ideal time to clean them and check their integrity. Dirt on the magnetic tape can reduce the effectiveness of the seal, which will lead to the formation of ice in the future.
Rearranging the fittings and handles
The most crucial moment is moving the fastening elements to the opposite side. The design of refrigerator doors Indesit is symmetrical, and on the reverse side you will find mirrored openings covered with plastic plugs. This is where we will transfer the loops.
Remove the plugs from the holes on the working side and install them in the vacated holes on the side where the loops were previously. This will preserve the aesthetic appearance of the unit. Then rearrange the handle: unscrew it from one side and screw it to the other, using the same holes, but from the opposite end of the door.
It is important to rearrange the studs and bushings correctly. If your refrigerator came with a hanging kit when you purchased it, use it. If not, you will have to carefully rearrange the existing elements. Make sure that all threaded connections clean and free of burrs.
Comparison table of Indesit hinge types
Different models of refrigerators may be equipped with different types of hinges. Understanding your hinge type will help you avoid assembly mistakes. Below is a table that helps identify common options.
| Loop type | Characteristic models | Fastening features | Required tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard card | Indesit EF 18, DS 315 | Attached with 2-3 bolts to the end | Phillips screwdriver |
| Hinge with a hairpin | Indesit C 130, C 138 | Rests on a vertical axis | 8 mm wrench, screwdriver |
| Hidden hinge | Push Open series | Located inside the case | Set of socket heads |
| Reinforced double | Models No Frost | Has an additional lever | 10 mm wrench, screwdriver |
When assembling, be guided by the type of your hinge. If you find that the design differs from that described in the instructions, it is better to pause work and check the technical documentation of the specific model. Closing mechanism Should work smoothly and without squeaks.
Assembling the structure on the new side
Installation is in progress in the reverse order of dismantling. First, the lower support or stud is installed, then the main (lower) door is hung. It is important to get the hinge axis into the hole on the door. After this, the middle hinge is installed and screwed.
Next the top door is hung. At this stage, do not tighten the top hinge bolts all the way. Leave a little play to be able to adjust the position of the door. This is necessary to ensure uniform clearance around the entire perimeter.
After installing all elements, check the operation closing mechanism. The door should open freely, and when released in the half-open position (approximately 30-40 degrees), it should close tightly on its own thanks to the magnetic seal and the correct tilt angle.
⚠️ Attention: Do not overtighten the hinge bolts. Excessive force can break the thread in the metal body of the refrigerator or deform the hinge, which will lead to the door being skewed.
Adjusting and checking tightness
The final stage is adjustment. If the door does not close tightly or is skewed, it is necessary to loosen the fastenings of the middle and upper hinges and slightly move the door leaf. The gap between the door and the body should be the same at the top and bottom.
Tightness can be checked by a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet with the door around the perimeter. If it is pulled out with force along its entire length, the seal is good. If in some places the sheet falls out freely or is pulled out without resistance, it means that seal the seal is not tight there.
Also pay attention to the operation of the sensors. In some models Indesit when reversing the door, it is necessary to rearrange or switch the door opening sensor so that the light goes out and the compressor works correctly. Usually it is located in the upper corner of the case.
After all the manipulations, let the refrigerator stand turned off for 15-20 minutes so that the refrigerant calms down if you tilted the unit too much. Then plug in the equipment and monitor its operation for the first hour.
Do I need to call a technician to rehang the doors?
In most cases, calling a technician is not required, since the procedure is technically simple. However, if you do not have experience working with tools, the refrigerator model is very large, or you are afraid of damaging the expensive seal, it is better to entrust the work to professionals.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not fit tightly?
Most likely, the installation geometry of the hinges is broken. Try loosening the fastenings and repositioning the door, checking the gaps. Also check whether the seal was turned inward during installation.
Is it possible to hang the door on a refrigerator with a No Frost system?
Yes, you can. The design of the hinges in the models Indesit No Frost allows you to change the opening side. The main difference is a more complex air duct system, so act carefully so as not to damage the plastic elements inside the case.
Where can I get new plugs if the old ones are lost?
Plugs are often lost during dismantling. They can be ordered at the Indesit service center using the catalog number of your model or you can select universal analogues in furniture fittings stores, selecting them by color and diameter.