A modern kitchen requires an ergonomic approach to arranging household appliances, and a situation often arises when Indesit refrigerator you have to move it to another corner. At this point, it turns out that opening the door in its current position interferes with passage or access to other cabinets, which creates serious discomfort during daily use. Fortunately, the design of most models of this brand provides the possibility door rehanging to the opposite side, which allows you to adapt the unit to a new layout.
The process of changing the opening side requires care, accuracy and a minimum set of tools, but quite We can do it at home without calling a professional. It is important to understand that refrigerator hinges the latch mechanism requires careful handling so as not to damage the enamel coating or the plastic fittings themselves. In this article, we will analyze the stages of work in detail so that you can safely and correctly carry out the rearrangement.
Before starting the active phase of work, you need to prepare the workspace and free access to the unit from all sides. Repositioning the door is an operation that requires free space around the case, since you will have to go around the device and work on both sides at the same time. Do not ignore this stage of preparation, as tight spaces can lead to a heavy element falling or scratches on the side walls.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
To successfully complete the task, you will need a standard home handyman's kit, which is usually found in every household. The main tool will be hex wrench (often included with the equipment) and a Phillips screwdriver, since this is what secures the main components. Some models may require 8 or 10 mm wrenches, so it is better to check the type of fastener on your device in advance.
In addition to the main tool, it is extremely important to prepare a soft bedding, for example, a thick blanket or a piece of cardboard, which can be placed on the floor in front of the refrigerator. You will lay the removed refrigerator dooron this surface so as not to scratch its front panel and protect the floor covering from possible damage. It would also be a good idea to use adhesive tape or masking tape to temporarily secure moving parts.
Be sure to clear the internal space of the unit from food and removable shelves to reduce the overall weight of the structure. Indesit refrigerator it will become much lighter, which will make it easier to move and reduce the risk of falling when working with hinges. It is better to remove heavy glass shelves immediately, since when the case is tilted they can shift and break.
- 🛠️ Phillips and flathead screwdrivers of different sizes for dismantling fittings.
- 🔧 Set of hexagons (keys) to adjust the hinges.
- 📦 Thick cardboard or soft fabric to protect the floor and door leaf.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the electrical network! This is critical for your safety, since you will be working with metal elements in close proximity to electrical components.
☑️ Preparing to rehang the doors
Dismantling the top door and removing the top hinge
The process should always start from the top device, since it is she who holds the main structure in an upright position. The first step is to carefully remove the top decorative plug that hides the fasteners top hinge. Depending on the model Indesit, it can simply be pryed off with a flat screwdriver or unscrewed with a screw in the center.
After removing the plug, you will see the mounting bolts that need to be unscrewed, but do not remove them completely yet, so that the hinge does not fall sharply. Support the top door with your free hand or have an assistant completely unscrew the bolts and remove the metal hinge. Now the upper door can be carefully lifted and removed from the lower pin, and then placed on a prepared soft surface.
Pay attention to the condition sealing rubber at the time of removal - it should not be twisted or damaged. If you notice that the magnetic strip has come away from the body, this is the ideal time to adjust it or clean it of any dirt while the door is in a horizontal position. Also check to see if there is any old grease left on the pin, which should be removed before reassembling.
During the dismantling process, it is important not to lose small parts, such as bushings, washers or plastic spacers that may fall out of the mechanism. Refrigerator hinge often has a complex design, and the loss of even a small washer can lead to a loose fit of the door in the future. It is better to immediately put all removed elements into a separate container or magnetic tray.
Removing the lower door and dismantling the central hinge
After the upper part is removed, it is necessary to remove the lower door, which in most models Indesit is attached to the middle loop. This step requires special care, since the lower chamber is usually heavier due to the presence of the No Frost system or simply greater mass of the structure. Unscrew the bolts securing the middle hinge and carefully remove it along with the door.
Some models require you to first remove the plinth grille at the bottom of the refrigerator to gain access to the lower bolts or supports. Act slowly, controlling the weight of the element you are removing so as not to drop it on your feet.
After removing both doors, the end part of the body will open in front of you, where the seats for the hinges are located. This is where threaded holesare located, which are now closed with plastic plugs on one side and open on the other. Your job is to move these plugs to the opposite side to hide the empty holes.
- 🔩 Carefully remove all the bolts from the middle hinge using a suitable wrench.
- 🚪 Remove the bottom door and place it on the floor next to top.
- 🧩 Remove the plastic plugs from the holes on the working side of the case.
- 🔄 Install the plugs in the holes on the opposite, non-working side.
⚠️ Attention: Never leave the refrigerator standing without doors installed for a long time if there are children or pets. Open access to the inner chamber can be dangerous.
Rearranging the fittings and handles on the doors
The most critical stage is moving the handles and hinge mates on the doors. At the end of each door you will see holes where the handle is currently attached, and empty holes on the other side where it needs to be moved. Included with Indesit refrigerator usually spare screws or plugs are supplied, which must be used for a new position.
For rearrangement refrigerator handles you need to unscrew the mounting screws from the inside of the door (often they are hidden under decorative overlays or located inside the chamber). After removing the handle, install it on the opposite end using the new holes and tighten the fasteners securely. Make sure that the handle fits tightly and does not wobble.
It is also necessary to rearrange lower hinge pin (if it is removable) or turn over the hinge itself, if the design allows this to be done without replacing parts. In models with a lock or door sensor, it may be necessary to move the latch mechanism itself to the opposite end. To do this, carefully remove the spring mechanism and install it in the prepared socket on the other side.
| Element | Action | Tool | Important note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Door handle | Move to the opposite end | Phillips screwdriver | Use new screws from the kit |
| Plugs | Replacing installation sides | Flat screwdriver | Hide empty holes on the body |
| Bottom pin | Repositioning to a new socket | Hexagon | Follow the thread direction |
| Opening sensor | Removal and reinstallation | Pliers | Do not damage connection wires |
What to do if the screws are rusty?
If the mounting screws cannot be unscrewed, do not use excessive force so as not to tear off the cap. Treat the joint with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and leave for 15-20 minutes. After this, try to carefully remove the screw. If the cap still breaks off, use an extractor or try to grab the remains with pliers.
Assembling the structure on the new side
The assembly process begins with installation middle hinge on the new side of the body. Insert the pin into the prepared hole and install the bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet. This will allow you to fine-tune the position of the doors in the future to ensure they close tightly.
Next, install the bottom door by sliding it onto the middle hinge pin, and secure the top part of the hinge (which will now hold the bottom door). After this, repeat the operation with the upper door: install upper loop to a new location, put the door on and secure the structure with bolts. At this stage, all fasteners are finally tightened.
After mechanical assembly, it is necessary to check the installation geometry. The doors should close tightly, without gaps, and seal should evenly fit to the body around the entire perimeter. If you notice a distortion, loosen the hinge bolts and, by placing washers or adjusting the height of the refrigerator legs, achieve the ideal position.
- 🔨 Install the middle hinge on the new side and secure with bolts.
- 🚪 Hang the bottom door and fasten the corresponding part of the hinge.
- 🆙 Install the upper door and mount the upper hinge.
- 🔍 Check the tightness of the seal along the entire contour.
⚠️ Attention: When tightening the hinge bolts, do not use excessive force. Aluminum alloys, from which fasteners are often made, may not withstand overtightening, which will lead to thread deformation.
Adjustment and performance testing
The final stage is checking the operation closing mechanism and, if necessary, adjusting the tilt of the body. The refrigerator should stand strictly vertically or with a minimum tilt back so that the doors close independently under the influence of gravity. If the door opens on its own or, conversely, does not reach the end, adjustment is required.
For adjustment, use the front support legs of the refrigerator. By rotating them clockwise or counterclockwise, you can change the height of the rake angle, which affects the angle of the entire unit. A correctly adjusted Indesit refrigerator should open to a certain angle and then close smoothly. Also check the operation of the magnetic light switch (if it is mechanical and located on the door). When the door is opened, the light should come on, and when closed, it should go out. If the contact is broken due to rearrangement, additional adjustment of the position of the switch itself may be required. The Indesit refrigerator must open to a certain angle and then close itself smoothly.
Also check the work defrost sensor (if it is mechanical and located on the door) or a magnetic light switch. When the door is opened, the light should come on, and when closed, it should go out. If the contact is broken due to repositioning, additional adjustment of the position of the switch itself may be required.
Plug in the refrigerator only after making sure that all fasteners are secure. Let the compressor operate for several hours without loading products to make sure there are no extraneous noises that could appear due to housing misalignment or hinge vibration.
Common errors and expert advice
One of the most common mistakes is loss plastic bushings or mixing up the sides of their installation. These small parts ensure that the door moves smoothly and without squeaking, so their correct placement is critical. If the bushing is installed incorrectly, the door may begin to touch the body or close poorly.
Another common problem is damage enamel coating during operation. Tools can slip and a heavy door can hit the edge of a cabinet or wall. To avoid this, work in a spacious room and use soft gaskets at all stages of dismantling and installation.
Do not forget that after rearranging the doors, it may take time to “grind in” the seal. If you notice that in the first few days the door closes a little tighter than usual, this is normal. After several cycles of opening and closing the magnetic tape will take the desired shape and ensure tightness.
- 🛑 Do not try to forcefully slam the door if it does not close - look for the cause of the misalignment.
- 🧹 Be sure to clean the installation area of the hinges from dust and old grease before assembly.
- 👀 Visually inspect the seal for creases after installation.
- 📏 Check the horizon level using a building level after rearrangement.
Do I need to call a technician to rehang the doors on an Indesit refrigerator?
In most cases, calling a technician is not required. The design of Indesit refrigerators allows you to perform this operation yourself in 30-40 minutes. However, if you are not confident in your abilities, are afraid of damaging expensive equipment, or you do not have the necessary tools, it is better to contact an authorized service center.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not fit tightly?
First, check whether the refrigerator is level on the floor. Then inspect the seal - it may have become twisted during installation. If there are no visual defects, try loosening the hinges and slightly moving the door in the desired direction. Adjusting the height of the legs will also help.
Is it possible to rearrange the doors if the refrigerator is built into the kitchen unit?
This is much more difficult and often impossible without removing the refrigerator itself from the niche. You will need to completely remove the unit, remove the decorative facades (if any) and only then re-hang it. Built-in models often have specific fastenings that require special attention.
Will the warranty still apply after re-hanging the doors yourself?
According to the rules of most service centers, re-hanging the doors yourself does not void the warranty on the compressor and main components if other parts were not damaged in the process. However, if you strip a thread or break a hinge, this particular unit will not be considered a warranty case.