The situation when refrigerator no longer fits into the updated interior or simply interferes with opening due to the new kitchen layout, it is familiar to many owners of household appliances. Often the problem is solved not by purchasing a new model, but by a simple but labor-intensive procedure of rehanging the door panels. For brand equipment Indesit this process is quite possible at home, but requires accuracy, understanding of the design and the availability of a basic set of tools. Video instructions that you can find on the Internet often show the general process, but leave out important technical details, ignoring which can lead to damage to the hinges or loss of sealing.
Before taking active steps, you need to clearly understand that rehanging doors is not easy rearrangement of bolts, and complex work with fixing mechanisms and seals. Not all models Indesit support this feature, so the first step should always be to check the technical documentation. If in your case, rearrangement is possible, then proper preparation of the workplace and tools will be the key to successful completion of the operation without scratches on the body and unnecessary costs for calling a technician.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions that will help you change the direction the door opens. We will look at the nuances of working with different types of handles, the features of dismantling the bottom hinge and the importance of adjusting the position of the body after completion of work. Carefully follow each step to maintain warranty and the functionality of your unit.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
Quality preparation for work takes up to 30% of the total time spent on the process. You will need not only a standard set of screwdrivers, but also specific tools that will help avoid damage to fasteners. Refrigerators often come with the necessary keys already included, but they can be hidden in the vegetable compartment or attached to the foam packaging. Make sure you have on hand Indesit the necessary keys are already included, but they can be hidden in the vegetable compartment or secured to the foam packaging. Make sure you have it on hand hex keyspliers and, preferably, a screwdriver with adjustable tightening force so as not to strip the threads.
Particular attention should be paid to organizing the space around the unit. The refrigerator must be moved away from the wall so that you can freely walk around it on all sides. It is better to cover the floor with thick cardboard or a soft covering, since parts may fall during operation, and the sharp edges of metal elements can scratch the floor covering. It is also important to provide good lightingto see small fasteners and the condition of threaded connections.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! Remove the plug from the outlet to avoid the risk of short circuit or electric shock when working with metal parts.
For ease of assembly and disassembly, prepare a container for small parts. It is better to put bolts, washers, plugs and decorative trims in the order in which they are dismantled. This will help avoid confusion, especially if the design involves using different lengths of fasteners for the top and bottom parts. The presence of magnetic tray or a cloth napkin will also facilitate the process, preventing the loss of small screws.
☑️ Preparation for rehanging the door
Dismantling the top part and removing the door
The process begins from the top of the refrigerator compartment. The first step is to remove the top decorative panel or cover, under which the top hinge mounting bolts are hidden. In models Indesit it can be held on by latches or additional screws that need to be carefully unscrewed counterclockwise. Be careful not to damage the plastic clips, which become more brittle at low temperatures.
Once you have access to the top hinge, loosen the mounting bolts, but do not remove them completely yet. The door must remain secured so that you can prepare it for removal. If your model has a magnetic latch or mechanism automatic closingmake sure you understand how it works so you don't lose the spring element. Often this unit contains a pin that needs to be carefully removed.
Now you can completely unscrew the bolts of the upper hinge and remove it. At this point you will need a helper to hold the door, as it is heavy and could fall, damaging the floor or bottom hinge. Carefully lift the door up, removing it from the bottom pin, and set it in a safe place, having previously spread a soft cloth. If it is installed on the door handle, it may have to be moved to the other side, which requires special attention to the mounting holes.
- 🔧 Remove the top decorative plug by unscrewing the fixing screws.
- 🔩 Loosen, but do not completely remove the top hinge bolts.
- 🚪 Remove the top hinge completely and transfer the weight of the door to an assistant.
- 📏 Carefully lift the door up, removing it from the support pin.
Re-hanging the lower hinge and the main mechanism
The lower hinge is the main load-bearing element of the structure, so its dismantling and reinstallation must be approached with the utmost responsibility. In refrigerators Indesit this unit is often hidden behind the base panel or decorative plinth at the bottom of the case. Remove the panel by unscrewing the mounting screws to gain access to the bottom support. Another important element may be located here - a pin on which the door rests, and a bushing that reduces friction.
After removing the door, you will see that the lower hinge is bolted to the refrigerator body. They must be completely unscrewed and the loop removed. Now you will be faced with the task of rearranging the elements to the opposite side. Please note that there may be plastic plugs in the bolt holes on the free side of the housing. They must be carefully removed and rearranged in place of the current holes in order to maintain the aesthetic appearance of the unit.
An important point is to check the condition sealing rubber on the door. While the door is removed, this is an ideal time to wash and degrease the seal and check for cracks. When installing the door on the new side, make sure that the bottom hinge is installed exactly horizontally. A misalignment of even a millimeter will lead to the fact that the door will not fit tightly or will begin to open spontaneously.
| Element | Action during dismantling | Action when installing on a new side |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom hinge | Unscrew the bolts, remove from the body | Install on opposite holes, tighten |
| Support pin | Remove from the bushing or hinge | Insert into the new hole, lubricate |
| Decorative plugs | Remove from the new holes | Close the old holes with them |
| Plinth panel | Remove to access the hinge | Install back after checking |
⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse the left and right sides of the lower hinge installation. In some models Indesit the holes for fasteners may be asymmetrical, and installing the hinge “mirror” will make it impossible for the closing mechanism to operate correctly.
What to do if the bushing is lost?
If during dismantling you have lost the plastic bushing of the lower hinge, do not try to install the door without her. This will lead to rapid wear of the metal and the appearance of squeaking. As a temporary measure, you can use a washer of a suitable diameter, but it is better to order an original spare part according to the model code.
Installing the top hinge and hanging the door
After the lower support is ready, the most crucial moment comes - hanging the door. Lift the door leaf and carefully slide it onto the bottom pin. Make sure the door sits straight and is upright. Now you need to install the top hinge on the new side. Insert the mounting bolts into the appropriate holes and begin to tighten them, but do not tighten them all the way yet.
Adjusting the position of the door is a key step. The door should close tightly around the entire perimeter, without gaps. If you notice misalignment, loosen the top bolts and gently rock the door until it is in the ideal position. After this, you can finally tighten fasteners. Check the operation of the magnetic lock: when you bring the door to a distance of about 1-2 cm, it should itself be attracted to the body.
Don't forget about decorative elements. Replace the top hinge cover and secure it with screws or latches. If your model allows you to reposition the handle, perform this operation now, using the holes that were previously covered with plugs. Check that the handle is securely fastened and does not wobble when opening.
- 🔝 Place the door on the lower pin and align it vertically.
- 🔩 Install the upper hinge and tighten the bolts.
- 🧐 Check the tightness of the fit seal around the entire perimeter.
- 🔒 Tighten the bolts completely and install the decorative cover.
Adjustment and tightness testing
The final stage is checking the quality of the work done. Even if the door is visually level, you need to make sure it is tight. To do this, you can use a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet between the door and the body in different places around the perimeter and try to pull it out. If the paper is pulled out with force, it means seal it fits well. If the sheet slides out freely, additional adjustment of the door position is required.
It is also worth checking the opening angle. Make sure that the door opens to the required angle and does not touch surrounding objects or the refrigerator body itself in extreme positions. In some models Indesit the opening angle may be limited by stops, which can also be rearranged or adjusted. If the door begins to open too tightly, it may be worth lubricating the hinges with a special compound.
After all the manipulations, turn on the refrigerator. Let it run for about 30-40 minutes, then check the temperature inside the chambers. If the refrigerator starts working longer than usual or ice appears on the walls, this may indicate a leak in the airtightness. In this case, the adjustment procedure will have to be repeated more carefully.
⚠️ Attention: If, after hanging the door, the refrigerator makes unusual sounds (creaking, knocking) when closing, check whether the door is touching the body or the floor. It may be necessary to adjust the height of the legs of the refrigerator to compensate for the change in the center of gravity.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to move the door to two-chamber Indesit refrigerator yourself?
Yes, in most cases this is possible if the model provides such a function. However, for two-chamber models the process is more complicated, since both doors (refrigerator and freezer) need to be rehung and the partition taken into account. It is recommended to have an assistant and strictly follow the instructions for the specific series.
What to do if the holes for the hinges on the new side are closed?
Usually such holes are already threaded, and they are closed from the outside with plastic plugs. They need to be carefully pryed off with a thin screwdriver. If there are no holes at all (smooth metal), then re-hanging the door on this model is impossible without drilling, which is not recommended and can compromise the integrity of the thermal insulation.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before moving the door?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, if there is a lot of ice in the freezer, the door may become too heavy, making removal difficult. In addition, when tilting (if required), water should not leak out. It is better to carry out the procedure after defrosting.
Will I lose the warranty if I move the door myself?
According to the law, the consumer has the right to self-service if this is not required by special services. equipment. However, if you damage the housing, hinges or seal in the process, the warranty claim for this damage will not be considered. Keep all removed parts.