Rearranging kitchen furniture or changing the layout often requires changing the direction of opening the door of the refrigeration unit. Equipment owners Indesit face this issue quite often, since the design of many models initially provides for the possibility of changing the hitch. This is a standard procedure that does not require calling a specialist and can be done independently if you have a basic set of tools and care. Correctly carried out re-hanging will allow you to ergonomically fit Before starting work, you need to clearly understand what kind of cooling system you are dealing with. The line includes both classic models with a drip system and modern units into the space of your kitchen.
Before starting work, you need to clearly understand what kind of cooling system you are dealing with. In line Indesit There are both classic models with a drip system and modern units No Frost. The design features of these systems affect the number of elements to be removed and the complexity of dismantling the top panel. It is critically important to disconnect the device from the power supply before starting work by removing the plug from the socket in order to eliminate the risk of electric shock when working with metal elements of the case.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
The success of the operation rehanging a door depends 90% on proper preparation. You do not need specialized expensive equipment; a standard home arsenal is enough. The main tool will be hex wrench (usually 4, 5 or 6 mm in size), since most fastenings in technology Indesit are made specifically for this profile. Also, be sure to prepare a Phillips screwdriver, a flat-head screwdriver for removing decorative plugs and pliers.
The organization of the space around the refrigerator plays no less important role than the availability of tools. You will need a clear area with a radius of at least one meter to tilt the removed doors. To avoid scratching the floor or floor covering, prepare in advance thick cardboard, an old blanket or soft rags that need to be laid under the work area. It would be a good idea to call an assistant, as the doors, especially the bottom ones, can be heavy and awkward to hold with one hand.
Use a magnetic tray or small container to secure removed bolts and small parts such as plugs and bushings. Losing even one small screw can cause the door to not fit tightly, which will compromise the seal of the chamber. If you work on a slippery floor (tiles, linoleum), make sure that your feet will not slip when applying force to rusted or tight bolts.
☑️ Preparing to rehang the door
Removing the top panel and the top door
The conversion process begins from the top of the unit. The first step is to remove the top case cover, which often covers the top hinge mounts. Depending on the model Indesit, the cover may be held on by latches or screws at the back. Gently slide it forward or up, freeing access to the hinges. If the model is equipped with a display or control panel on the door, be extremely careful to disconnect the electrical connector before completely removing the door.
To disconnect the wires, locate the junction of the wiring harness running from the door to the body. Usually this is a connector that needs to be unlocked by bending the plastic retainer. Do not pull the wires, act carefully so as not to damage the contacts. After disconnecting, remove the harness inside the housing or secure it so that it does not interfere with further work and is not pinched.
Now we move on to removing the door itself. Remove the bolts securing the top hinge to the refrigerator body. Hold the door so it doesn't fall. Remove the top door together with the hinge (if the design allows) or separately the hinge and then the door. Place the removed element on the prepared soft mat with the outer side down so as not to damage the shelf or seal.
⚠️ Attention: In some models Indesit the upper hinge may be fixed with a locking screw or have a specific shape. Do not use excessive force if the bolt does not unscrew - perhaps you are unscrewing the wrong element or forgot to remove the lock.
What to do if the bolt is rusty?
If the fastening bolt of the top hinge does not give in, do not try to force it off so as not to break the head. Apply penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) to the threads and wait 10-15 minutes. You can also carefully warm the junction with a hairdryer, but avoid overheating the plastic elements and the seal.
Features of working with the bottom door and freezer
After removing the top door, attention turns to the bottom compartment. In refrigerators Indesit with a freezer at the bottom, the procedure is similar, but has its own nuances. Often the bottom door is attached to the middle hinge, which also requires dismantling. Remove the decorative plug on the opposite side where the hinge will be transferred, and unscrew the bolts securing the middle support.
Remove the middle hinge and carefully set the lower door aside. If you have a model with the No Frostsystem, make sure that you do not damage the air supply ducts that may run near the mounts. When removing the door, watch the position of the lower hinge pin - it may fall out, so it is better to immediately remove it and put it aside.
An important point is to check the condition sealing rubber. While the doors are removed, it is an ideal time to clean it or replace it if the old one has lost its elasticity. Dirt on the magnetic seal reduces the effectiveness of the seal, which leads to ice freezing and increased load on the compressor. Wipe the rubber with warm water and a mild detergent.
- 🔧 Remove the decorative plugs from the holes on the side where the hinges will be transferred.
- 🔧 Unscrew the middle and lower hinge bolts using the appropriate size hexagon.
- 🔧 Remove the locking pins and bushings, saving them for reinstallation.
- 🔧 Check the integrity of the threaded holes in the refrigerator body.
Transferring fastening elements and fittings
The most important stage is rearranging the metal elements to the other side. The hinges that were installed on the left must now be moved to the right (or vice versa). Complete with the refrigerator Indesit additional plugs are often supplied for the holes that remain free on the original opening side.
Pay attention to the door handle. In most modern models Indesit the handles are symmetrical or have a hidden fastening mechanism that allows you to change the side without replacing the handle itself. However, in some budget or older series, it may be necessary to rearrange the handle itself or use special adapters. Study the instructions for your specific model to understand whether this element needs to be replaced.
Do not forget to rearrange the door opening limiter (stop), if it is provided for in the design. This is usually a plastic or rubber piece located at the bottom or top of the door's end that prevents the door from hitting the side of the refrigerator when opened 180 degrees. Its transfer is often missed, which leads to inconvenience of operation.
Assembly and installation of doors on a new one side
Assembly is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. First, install the bottom hinge in its new location and secure it with bolts. Insert the bottom door by sliding it onto the hinge pin. Level the door so that it hangs evenly and does not fall to the sides. This is critical for the proper operation of the self-closing system.
Next, install the middle hinge (if your model has one) and hang the top door. When installing the top door, do not forget to thread the wires through the provided holes and connect the connectors. Make sure that the wires are not pinched by the metal of the hinge and do not fall into the area of movement of the hinges.
Secure the upper hinge with bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet. This will allow you to make final adjustments to the door position. After installing all the elements, check the parallelism of the doors to the body and the gaps around the perimeter. They must be uniform.
| Work stage | Required tool | Execution time (min) | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Removing the top cover | Screwdriver / Hexagon | 5 | Low |
| Dismantling top door | Hexagon 5-6 mm | 10 | Medium |
| Middle hinge transfer | Hexagon / Pliers | 15 | Medium |
| Final adjustment | Level / Hexagon | 10 | High |
Adjusting the position of the doors and eliminating distortions
After the final tightening of all bolts, it is necessary to carry out a thorough check. The door should close tightly around its entire perimeter. If you notice a gap at the top or bottom, the door height will need to be adjusted. To do this, adjusting screws located in the lower support (leg) of the refrigerator or in the structure of the lower hinge are used.
Rotating the adjusting screw allows you to raise or lower one of the corners of the door. Do this smoothly, half a turn, and check the result each time. Ideal position - when, when the door is slightly opened (about 10-15 degrees), it closes independently under the influence of a magnet and its own weight.
If the door is skewed relative to the body (one edge protrudes more than the other), check that the top and middle hinge bolts are evenly tightened. Loosen the fasteners a couple of millimeters, visually align the door and tighten again. Sometimes it is necessary to repeat the procedure several times to achieve an ideal result.
⚠️ Attention: If after adjusting the door still does not fit tightly, check that the seal is clean and that there are no foreign objects on the shelves that may interfere with closing. The cause may also be deformation of the door itself or the seal.
Common problems and their solutions
During the rehanging process, users may encounter a number of difficulties. One of the most common is mismatched holes or missing components. Some models Indesit to change sides require additional bushings or bolts, which may be lost. In this case, you can choose similar ones in size and thread in a fastener store.
Another problem is the creaking of the hinges after assembly. This can be solved by lubricating the rubbing elements. Use silicone grease or lithol, avoiding vegetable oils, which become thick and sticky over time. Liberally lubricate the hinges and open and close the door several times to distribute the lubricant.
If the door begins to touch the body or shelves when opening, double-check the installation of the limiter and the correct position of the locking screws. Sometimes it is enough to simply turn the locking screw 180 degrees or replace it with a shorter/longer analogue from the repair kit.
Do you need to change the door handle when rehanging?
In most modern models Indesit the handles are symmetrical or universal, so their replacement is not required. However, in some series (especially built-in or older models), the handle may be asymmetrical. Carefully inspect the handle: if it has the same shape on both sides or is attached in the center, there is no need to change it. If the handle is clearly displaced or has a shape that prevents grip from the new side, you will need to order an original spare part for your model.
What to do if the plugs for the holes are lost?
If the decorative plugs for closing the vacated holes are lost, this is not critical for the operation of the refrigerator, but it spoils the appearance. You can order a set of plugs at the service center Indesit according to the catalog number of your model. Temporarily, the holes can be closed with pieces of black electrical tape or special furniture plugs of suitable diameter, purchased at a hardware store.
Is it possible to re-hang the door if the refrigerator is built into a niche?
Re-hanging the door of a built-in refrigerator is possible, but it requires much more effort. You will have to completely remove the unit from the niche, since work requires access from all sides. In addition, cabinet fronts attached to the refrigerator door will also require re-hanging or re-adjusting the tracks. It is recommended to entrust this work to professionals if you do not have experience working with built-in appliances.
Why does the door close on its own after rehanging, but not all the way?
Most likely, the angle of the refrigerator itself is broken. For proper self-closing and a tight seal, the housing must be tilted slightly backwards. Check the adjusting supports in the front lower part of the refrigerator - the front legs should be unscrewed a little more than the rear ones to create a tilt back by 1-2 degrees.