Changing the layout of the kitchen or moving to a new apartment often dictates its own conditions for the location of household appliances. Owners of refrigerators Indesit are often faced with the need to change the direction of door opening so that access to food remains convenient. Fortunately, the design of most models of this brand provides the possibility reversing the hinges without the need to call a specialist. This allows you to save budget and time if you approach the matter carefully and with the right tool.
The process of rearranging doors is not trivial, as it requires an understanding of the structure of the locks and the closing mechanism. In different series, be it classic models with drip system or modern units with No Frostthere may be nuances in the fastening of handles and hidden screws. Ignoring the sequence of actions can lead to damage to the decorative plugs or disruption of the tight seal of the seal.
Before taking active steps, it is important to free up space around the refrigerator and prepare a flat surface for temporary storage of removed parts. You will need not only physical strength, but also attention to detail, such as the position spindles and condition of rubber gaskets. In this article, we will analyze in detail the stages of work so that you can complete the task efficiently.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
The success of the operation depends 90% on proper preparation. You don't need a complex professional tool, but the set should be complete so as not to be interrupted in the process. The basis is hex wrenchsince most fastenings in technology Indesit are made specifically for it. You also cannot do without a flat-head and Phillips screwdriver, which will help remove decorative elements and handles.
Be sure to prepare a soft bedding, such as a thick blanket or cardboard, to lay the removed heavy doors. The floor should be level and the lighting should be sufficient to see small details in the lower part of the case. Do not forget about the container for folding the screws, as they tend to get lost at the most inopportune moment.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This will eliminate the risk of a short circuit in case of accidental damage to the wiring going to the lamp or display, and will protect you from electric shock.
For ease of work, you may also need masking tape to secure the moving parts, and silicone grease to treat the rubbing elements after assembly. If your model has an electronic display on the door, make sure that the cable is long enough for transfer, or get ready for a more complex procedure for disconnecting the cables.
☑️ Preparing to rehang the doors
Design analysis: models with handles and hidden hinges
Refrigerators Indesit are produced in various modifications, and the method of fastening the doors may differ significantly. In classic models, the handles are part of the door leaf, and the hanging mechanism is standard. However, in series with integrated handles or a hidden opening mechanism, the procedure requires special attention to the end caps.
It is important to determine the type of hinges: they can be open or hidden under decorative strips. In some cases, access to the top hinge fasteners requires removing the top cover of the refrigerator. This is typical for built-in models or units with a top freezer, where the design is minimalist.
If your refrigerator is installed electronic control module on the door, the task becomes more complicated. You will have to carefully disconnect the wire connectors after photographing their position. Errors here are unacceptable, as they can lead to failure of the control board or failure of the display.
Features of models with a display
In refrigerators with a display on the door, the power cord often passes through the top loop. When rehanging, it may be necessary to lengthen the wire or resolder the contacts if the standard length is not enough for the new side.
Study the technical data sheet of the device, if it is preserved. There are often specific points indicated for your specific series Indesit, such as the presence of additional stops or the need to replace certain components with mirror analogues.
Removing the top part and removing the refrigerator door
You should always start work from the top door if you have a two-chamber refrigerator. The first step is to remove the top decorative panel, if present. Usually it is held on by latches or a pair of screws hidden under plugs. Be careful not to break the plastic clips.
After gaining access to the top hinge, unscrew the mounting bolts. The door must be held at this moment, as it is heavy and may fall. It is better to perform this operation together: one person holds the door, the second operates the key. If you don't have a helper, use a support or lean the door on your knee (with caution).
After removing the door, put it in a safe place. Now pay attention to the freed end of the body. There you will find the holes for the hinges, which are now covered with plastic plugs. These plugs must be removed and moved to the opposite side, where the holes were free.
- 🔧 Use a thin awl or knife to carefully remove the plugs so as not to damage the housing coating.
- 🔩 Keep all screws in the order in which they were removed, grouping them by disassembly steps.
- 🧹 Wipe the freed holes from dust and factory grease before installing new elements.
At this stage it is also recommended to check the condition sealing rubber. If it is dirty, wipe it with a soft cloth and soapy water. This will improve the seal after assembly. Inspect the hinges for play or corrosion; if necessary, they can be lubricated.
Re-hanging the bottom door and freezer
The lower part of the refrigerator, be it the freezer or the second compartment of the refrigeration zone, often has its own characteristics. In models Indesit with the system No Frost an air duct or heating cable can pass through the loop. Be extremely careful when removing the lower door so as not to damage these communications.
The process is similar to the upper one: remove the decorative elements, unscrew the lower support hinge. It is important not to lose bushings or the washers that are installed between the hinge and the body. They provide the correct clearance for the door to rotate. When rearranging, they will need to be installed in new holes on the opposite side.
If your model provides the ability to rearrange only one door (which is rare, but occurs in asymmetrical models), make sure that this is allowed by the instructions. In most cases, to maintain balance and aesthetics, the position of both doors is changed.
⚠️ Attention: When installing the bottom hinge, make sure that it fits snugly to the floor of the refrigerator. A loose fit will cause the door to warp and the seal to break, which will cause ice to build up.
After dismantling all doors and hinges, check the holes on the body. There should be no old threaded bushings left in them if the design involves their transfer. Sometimes it is necessary to move threaded metal bushings to a new side using pliers or tweezers.
Assembling and installing doors on a new side
Assembly is carried out in the reverse order of disassembly, but using holes on the opposite side of the case. Start by installing the bottom support hinge. Insert the spindle (axis) onto which the door will be placed. Make sure the axle is vertical and locked.
Carefully place the bottom door onto the spindle. This is the most difficult stage and requires precision. Have a helper hold the door while you line up the holes for the top hinge. Some models Indesit use special guides to make it easier to get into the holes.
Install the upper intermediate hinge (if there is one between the chambers) and secure the upper door. Do not tighten the bolts “all the way” right away. First, tighten all the screws so that the structure “sits” in place, and only then make the final tightening.
| Element | Action | Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Top cover | Remove/Rearrange the plugs | Screwdriver |
| Upper hinge | Remove/Install | Hexagon |
| Door | Remove/Put on the axis | Assistant |
| Handles | Rearrange symmetrically | Cross screwdriver |
Pay special attention to the handles. If they are asymmetrical, they need to be twisted 180 degrees or moved to new places using the holes provided by the manufacturer. Often the screws securing the door itself are hidden under the handles, which beginners forget about.
Adjusting gaps and checking tightness
After installing the doors, it may turn out that that they do not fit tightly or are skewed. This is normal as the new holes may have microscopic differences in position. For correction, use the adjusting screws on the hinges, if provided by the design, or linings.
Check the operation of closer (if any) and the magnetic lock. The door should open freely, without creaking, and close tightly with a slight push. The gap between the door and the body around the entire perimeter should be uniform. If the door fits tightly at the top, but there is a gap at the bottom, the lower hinge needs to be adjusted.
To check the tightness, use a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet with the door around the perimeter. It should be removed with noticeable force. If the sheet falls out or is pulled out too easily, in this place seal does not work, and the cold will go away.
- 🌡️ Let the refrigerator stand for 2-3 hours before turning it on, so that the refrigerant calms down after transporting the slopes.
- 🧲 Check the magnetic strength of the seal along the entire contour, especially in the corners.
- 🚪 Make sure that when opening the door does not touch walls or furniture.
⚠️ Attention: If after adjustment the door still does not fit tightly, the seal may be deformed or lost elasticity. In this case, it is recommended to replace it or try to restore its shape with a hot hairdryer (with caution).
For models with electronics, check the operation of the display and buttons. If the display goes out or shows an error, check the cable connections. Sometimes you need to reset the error through the menu or by turning off the power for 15 minutes.
Frequent errors and tips for caring for the mechanism
One of the most common mistakes is the loss of small plastic bushings or washers. Without them, the door will creak and quickly wear out. Always carry out dismantling over a cloth spread to prevent the fallen part from rolling into a crack in the floor.
Do not use excessive force when tightening screws into the plastic housing. This can lead to cracks that cannot be repaired without replacing the entire door. If the screw does not fit, check the threads and the presence of contamination.
Regularly check the cleanliness of the hinges and seals. The accumulation of dust and crumbs in the hinge area can make the door difficult to move. Wipe the seal with a soft cloth so that it remains elastic and does not crack.
Remember that frequent reversing of doors is not recommended by the manufacturer, as this wears out the mounting holes. Try to immediately determine the optimal location of the refrigerator. If you plan to frequently change the kitchen configuration, consider models with universal handles or reversible hinges that do not require complete disassembly.
Is it possible to rehang the door if the refrigerator is built into the kitchen unit?
This is possible, but extremely difficult. You will need to completely dismantle the refrigerator from the niche, remove the front panels of the furniture and only then work with the doors. In the cramped space of the kitchen, it is almost impossible to perform this operation efficiently.
What to do if one of the plugs for the holes is lost?
You can order an original spare part by model catalog number Indesit. Temporarily, the hole can be sealed with a decorative sticker in the color of the body or use a universal plastic plug of a suitable diameter from a hardware store.
Does the seal need to be changed when rehanging?
No, the seal needs to be changed only if it is damaged, torn or has lost elasticity. The process of re-hanging itself does not necessarily require replacing the rubber if it is in good condition.
Why does the door open by itself after re-hanging?
Most likely, the refrigerator is installed tilted backwards. For proper operation, the door should open on its own only at an angle of more than 45-50 degrees, and fit tightly when closed. Adjust the front legs of the refrigerator by unscrewing them so that the body tilts forward.