The situation when, after purchasing or moving, it turns out that the refrigerator Indesit is inconvenient to open due to the peculiarities of the kitchen layout, occurs quite often. The standard position of the door on the right can be an obstacle in narrow spaces or with non-standard furniture arrangement. Fortunately, the design of most models of this brand provides the ability to change the opening side, which allows you to adapt the equipment to your needs.
The process of rehanging doors does not require calling a specialist and can be done independently if you are careful and consistent. It is important to understand that reweighing this is not just a rearrangement of handles, but a complete reconfiguration of the fastening units and opening system. Improper dismantling can damage the seal or break the tightness, so carefully study the structure of your unit before starting work.
In this article we will look in detail at how to rearrange the doors on the refrigerator Indesit, what tools will be needed and what nuances you should pay special attention to for different models. You will get a clear understanding of how to dismantle the old hinges, move the fittings to the opposite side and correctly adjust the tightness of the panel.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Removing the plug from the socket is the first and most important safety rule that cannot be ignored.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
To successfully complete the task, you will need a minimum set of tools, which are usually found in every home. The main tool will be screwdriver or a set of screwdrivers with different bits (phillips and flat). You may also need wrenches if the hinges are bolted under the head, and pliers to remove the plugs.
Prepare a flat surface next to the refrigerator where you can temporarily put the removed parts so as not to lose small screws. Clear the space in front of the unit in advance so that nothing interferes with opening the doors wide during operation. It is recommended to lay a soft cloth or cardboard on the floor, since the removed doors will have to be placed somewhere.
- 🔧 Screwdriver or set of screwdrivers (PH1, PH2, flat)
- 🔩 Wrenches (size depends on the model, often 8 or 10 mm)
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges
- 🧼 Clean rags for wiping attachment points
Make sure you have enough lighting. Working with small fasteners in the shade may cause errors or damage to the threads. If the refrigerator was standing close to the wall, move it away, providing access from all sides.
Design features of Indesit doors
Refrigerators Indesit have their own design features that must be taken into account before starting disassembly. In most models, the upper compartment door is attached to two hinges, and the freezer door (if it is at the bottom) is attached to one or two additional hinges. It is important to know that in some budget models the hinges may be hidden or integrated into the body, which requires a special approach to dismantling.
One of the key features is the magnetic seal system and latching mechanism. When rehanging, it is often necessary to rearrange not only the hinges, but stops or plugs on the opposite side of the case. Ignoring this step will result in the door not closing tightly or opening by itself.
Hidden hinges
what you need to know?: In models with hidden hinges, the mounting bolts may be located inside the body or under decorative trims. Carefully inspect the end of the door and the top of the frame to locate all attachment points. Sometimes you need to remove the plastic cover on top of the refrigerator.
You should also pay attention to the material of the case. For models with a coating Anti-Fingerprint or glossy enamel, special care should be taken to avoid scratches from the metal parts of the instruments. Any damage to the coating in the future can lead to metal corrosion.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use excessive force when unscrewing rusted or “stuck” bolts. Use a penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40), but be careful not to get it on the rubber seal or inside the refrigerator compartment.
Step-by-step instructions: dismantling the upper chamber door
We begin the process by dismantling the upper door, since it is usually easier to maintain and allows access to the lower structural elements. The first step is to remove all shelves and drawers from the door to reduce its weight and prevent contents from falling out when tilted.
Locate the top hinge. Depending on the model, it may be closed with a decorative plastic plug. Carefully pry it off with a flathead screwdriver or knife. Under the plug you will see mounting bolts. Unscrew them, but do not remove them completely yet if the design requires supporting the door.
Holding the door with one hand (or asking an assistant), finally unscrew the bolts securing the top hinge. Remove the loop itself and set it aside. The door can now be carefully lifted and removed from the bottom pin or axle. Be careful: the weight of the door can be significant.
☑️ Removing the upper door
After removing the door, inspect the bottom hinge. In some models Indesit it also requires dismantling or rearranging the stud. If the bottom hinge is common to both chambers, you do not need to touch it yet, but you should loosen the fastening if required by the instructions for your specific modification.
Reversing the bottom freezer door
If your refrigerator is equipped with a bottom freezer, the procedure is complicated by the presence of an intermediate hinge connecting the upper and lower sections. Removing this part requires special care as it supports the weight of both chambers (in some designs).
First remove the top door as described in the previous section. Then access the intermediate loop. Unscrew its fastenings. Remove the freezer door. Now you have free access to the lower support loop, which is attached to the bottom of the case.
Unscrew the lower loop and move it to the opposite side. To do this, the housing must have threaded holes provided by the manufacturer, closed with plastic plugs. Remove the plugs from the new side and install them in the old places.
| Element | Action | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Dismantling and transfer | Monitor the position of the pin |
| Intermediate loop | Dismantling and transfer | Check the rotation axis |
| Bottom loop | Dismantling and transfer | Use a stop when twisting |
| Plugs | Rearrangement | Do not lose small parts |
When installing the hinges in a new place, make sure that they fit tightly and without distortions. Misalignment of the hinges is the most common cause of a loose door fit and subsequent freezing of the chamber.
Rearranging handles and fittings
After the main load-bearing elements have been moved, it is necessary to deal with the fittings. Handles on refrigerators Indesit can be attached in different ways: on screws on the inside of the door or on special latches on the outside. If the handle is integrated into the profile, it may not need to be touched, but rearrangement of decorative elements is often required.
Remove the handle from the old side. To do this, open the door and find the attachment points at the end or inside. Unscrew them. Install the handle on the new side using the same fasteners. Make sure that the screws are tightened all the way, but without fanaticism, so as not to break the threads in the plastic.
Also check the position door stop (latch). It is located on the body opposite the handle and prevents the door from swinging too wide. It must be moved to the new side, otherwise, when opened sharply, the door may hit the wall or furniture, damaging itself.
Some models require rearranging the door opening sensor. If the magnet is in a handle or housing, make sure that when repositioned, the magnet will be against the sensor. If the sensor remains in its old place and the magnet moves, the refrigerator will “think” that the door is open and will not cool.
Assembly and adjustment of tightness
The final stage is assembly in reverse order. Place the bottom hinge on the new side, replace the freezer door, and secure the intermediate hinge. Then hang the top door and secure it with the top hinge.
After assembly, be sure to check the tightness of the seal around the entire perimeter. The door should close with a characteristic bang, but without excessive force. If you notice gaps or leaks, you will need adjustment.
Adjustment is carried out by tightening the bolts on the hinges. Loosen the fastener a little, move the door to the correct position and tighten again. You can also use a hair dryer (carefully!) to soften the seal if it has become deformed during storage, and allow it to straighten out under the own weight of the closed door.
⚠️ Attention: If after rehanging the door does not close tightly, check whether anything inside (shelves, products) is in the way and whether the hinges are installed correctly. A misalignment of even 1-2 mm can break the tightness.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
When doing work with their own hands, beginners often make typical errors. One of them is the loss of fasteners. It is better to put all screws, washers and plugs in a separate container with a magnetic bottom or immediately screw them into new holes so as not to confuse their purpose.
Another mistake is ignoring the level. After re-hanging, check that the refrigerator itself is installed horizontally. If it stands on an uneven floor, the door may open on its own or, conversely, not reach the body. Adjust the legs of the refrigerator until the ideal balance is achieved.
- ❌ They forget to rearrange the door stop (lock).
- ❌ They overtighten the bolts, breaking the plastic thread.
- ❌ They do not check the operation of the door opening sensor.
- ❌ They forget to remove the shipping bolts (if any) before installing the hinges.
Be attentive to the condition of the threaded connections. If the thread is broken, use repair bushings or replace the bolt with a similar one, but a slightly larger diameter (if the design allows), after cutting a new thread.
What to do if the door is sagging?
If after installation you notice sagging, try placing washers under the lower hinge or loosening the upper fastening, level the door and tighten it again. In critical cases, it may be necessary to replace the hinge itself.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to reverse the doors on an Indesit No Frost refrigerator?
Yes, on most models with the system No Frost reversing is possible. However, in such models the air duct system is more complex, so it is important not to damage them when removing the hinges and to monitor the tightness after assembly.
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging it?
Yes, this is highly recommended. Ice and water can leak out when the door is tilted, damage the floor, or cause a short circuit if they get on the electrical contacts of the hinges or sensors.
Will the warranty remain valid after re-hanging the doors?
If you did not damage the housing, did not break the seals on the compressor and did the work carefully, the warranty is usually valid. However, if the service center finds traces of inept intervention (scratches, broken hinges), warranty service may be refused.
What to do if the holes for the hinges do not match?
In original refrigerators Indesit holes for rehanging are always provided from the factory. If you don't see them, they may be covered by plugs. Drilling new holes is strictly not recommended - this will break the thermal insulation and tightness of the circuit.