Situation, when standard opening of the refrigerator becomes inconvenient due to the layout of the kitchen, this is familiar to many appliance owners. It often happens that after purchasing a unit, it turns out that the handle rests against the wall, and access to the shelves is limited to an angle of ninety degrees. Owners of Italian assembly, in particular models Indesit, often wonder whether it is possible to change the opening side without calling a specialist.
Fortunately, the design of most modern two-chamber refrigerators provides for the possibility reversing doors. This is a standard procedure that does not require deep engineering knowledge, but does require accuracy and a basic set of tools. It is important to understand that the process may differ depending on the specific series of your device.
In this article we will look in detail at how to rearrange the door on an Indesit refrigerator, relying on technical manuals and the experience of service centers. We will look at the nuances of working with different types of hinges, the need for adjustment and typical mistakes that can lead to damage to the housing or seal.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
Before proceeding with the dismantling of heavy structural elements, it is necessary to prepare the space. Working with a refrigerator requires freedom of action from all sides, so it is best to remove unnecessary furniture or move the unit to the middle of the kitchen. The floor must be level so that the heavy device does not move during the process of removing the fasteners.
To complete the task, you will need a standard DIY kit. The main tool will be hex wrench (usually 4 mm or 5 mm), since most fasteners using the Indesit technique are made specifically for it. You also cannot do without a 10 mm open-end or socket wrench for the hinge bolts.
Be sure to take care of protecting the floor covering. When removing the doors, there is a risk of dropping a heavy element or scratching the floor with the legs of the refrigerator. Place thick cardboard or soft rags underneath.
- 🛠️ A set of screwdrivers (flat and Phillips) for removing plastic plugs.
- 🔧 8 or 10 mm open-end wrench (depending on the hinge model).
- 🔩 Hex key (included in delivery or universal).
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! Remove the plug from the socket to eliminate the risk of a short circuit in case of accidental damage to the wiring or sensor contacts.
Removing the upper door and preparing for the revolution
The process begins with the upper chamber, since it is this that holds the main load and often has a more complex fastening system. The first step is to remove the decorative plugs from the top panel. They can be round or rectangular, sometimes you need to pry them off with a thin flat screwdriver.
After removing the plugs, access to the upper hinge fastening bolts will open. It is important to act carefully here, since the door is not yet supported by anything except these bolts. It is best if someone holds the door while you unscrew the fasteners.
After unscrewing the bolts, carefully remove the top hinge. Now you can remove the door itself. If a handle is installed on it, it is also better to dismantle it or move it to the opposite side, using the plug holes provided by the design.
☑️ Procedure for dismantling
Pay special attention to the wires if they are laid inside the door body (for example, for an open door indicator or display). In models Indesit with electronic control, the wires often pass through the top loop. They must be carefully disconnected or rearranged so as not to be damaged during removal.
Working with the bottom door and freezing system
The bottom door in two-chamber Indesit refrigerators is usually attached to the middle crossbar. After removing the top compartment, access to it is open. Here it is important not to lose the washers and bushings that can be installed between the hinge and the door body to adjust the gaps.
Remove the middle cross member by unscrewing its fasteners. Often it just lies on pins or is screwed to the side. After this, you can remove the lower door. Pay attention to the condition rubber seal. If it is deformed, after rehanging the door may not close tightly.
At this stage, the handle is rearranged. At the end of the door you will see holes closed with plastic plugs. Carefully remove them, turn them over and install them on the other side, and screw the handle into the vacated slots. This will create a symmetrical and aesthetic appearance.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use excessive force when unscrewing rusted bolts. Use a penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40) to avoid stripping the threads in the aluminum case.
Nuances of wires in the bottom door
In some models, cables may pass through the bottom to illuminate the freezer compartment. If you find wires running from the frame to the door, carefully inspect the connectors. They can be hidden under the decorative overlay of the hinge.
Assembling the structure on the new side
Assembling is done in the reverse order, but using opposite holes on the body. Start by installing the bottom door. Make sure it is level, and only then tighten the lower hinge bolts. Do not tighten them all the way right away - first you need to level the position.
Install the middle cross member. In models Indesit this is a critical unit, as it separates the refrigerator and freezer compartments. Check that the crossbar fits tightly to the body along the entire perimeter.
Now it’s the turn of the upper door. Lift it up and install it on the bottom hinge (which is now on top of the bottom chamber, but we're talking about mounting the top compartment). Insert the pins or screw the loop, after threading the wires, if any.
| Element | Action | Tool | Control parameter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top hinge | Attachment to body | 4mm hexagon | Gap 2-3 mm |
| Bottom door | Installation on pins | Key 10mm | Tightness |
| Door handle | Transfer to other side | Phillips screwdriver | None backlash |
| Plugs | Rearrangement to old places | Fingers/tweezers | Visual symmetry |
After installing all the elements, check the geometry. Doors should open freely, without touching the body, and close tightly under the influence of magnets. If the door is skewed, you will need height adjustment tighten the bolts on the hinges.
Adjusting doors and eliminating distortions
Often, after rehanging, users are faced with the fact that the door does not fit tightly or, conversely, opens by itself. This can be solved by adjustment. In Indesit refrigerators, the screw on the lower hinge is responsible for the height, and the upper fastenings are responsible for the tilt.
If the door is skewed diagonally (one corner fits, the other does not), try loosening the fastening of the upper hinge, raising or lowering the desired corner of the door and tightening the bolts again. Do this in small steps, a quarter turn at a time.
Opening the door on your own often indicates that the refrigerator is not level. Check the legs of the unit. The front legs should be turned out slightly higher than the back legs to create a natural slope back. This ensures automatic slamming.
⚠️ Attention: Specifications and location of fastening units may vary slightly depending on the model year. Always check the official instructions (user manual) for your specific Indesit modification.
Common mistakes and expert advice
One of the most common mistakes is ignoring transportation bolts or clamps if they remain in the hinges. Make sure that all stoppers are removed before starting operation, otherwise the mechanism will not work correctly.
Another problem is the loss of small parts. It is very easy for washers, bushings and plugs to fall behind the refrigerator. Work in good light and use a magnetic tool tray. This will save you time searching.
Don't forget about adaptation of the seal. After rehanging, the elastic band may not fit perfectly for some time. Let the refrigerator sit closed for several hours. If the gap remains, you can gently warm up the seal with a hairdryer (without overheating!) or place a cotton tourniquet in the problem area for a day.
If you notice that after all the manipulations the door closes with difficulty or requires a strong push, check if the wires inside are twisted. They can create mechanical resistance.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging the doors?
Yes, this is highly recommended. First, an empty refrigerator is lighter (albeit only slightly). Secondly, when tilted or skewed during work, water may leak out of the freezer if there is ice there. Complete defrosting and drying will take 2-4 hours, but will save the floor and electrics.
Is it possible to rehang the door if the model has a display on the facade?
Yes, it is possible, but it is more difficult. You will have to carefully disconnect the cables going to the display. They usually go through the top loop. Proceed very delicately, contacts are fragile. It is better to find a pinout diagram for your model Indesit.
What to do if the holes for the hinges on the new side are closed?
In 99% of cases, the holes are already drilled at the factory and closed with decorative plugs in the color of the case. Carefully inspect the end of the door and the side of the refrigerator. If there really are no holes (which happens in very old or budget models), then it is impossible to rehang the door without drilling new metal.
How long can you not turn on the refrigerator after rearranging?
If you simply changed the position of the doors without tilting the unit by more than 40 degrees, you can turn it on immediately. If the refrigerator was tilted strongly or was lying down, let the oil in the compressor drain down - leave it in a vertical position for 2-4 hours before plugging it in.