Changing the opening side of the refrigerator door is standard a procedure that is often required when remodeling a kitchen or changing the location of household appliances in the interior. The model Indesit ITR 5200 W was originally designed taking into account the possibility of re-hanging, which makes the process accessible even to users without specialized repair skills. However, the design of this model has its own characteristics, especially in terms of fastening handles and hidden bolts.
Before starting work, you must clearly understand that violating the sequence of actions can lead to damage accessories or deformation of the canvas. Unlike simpler models, this requires care when working with plastic plugs and decorative elements. Properly performed overhang will ensure a tight fit of the seal and correct operation of the closing mechanism.
In this article we will analyze in detail each stage of the process, paying special attention to the specifics of the model ITR 5200 W. You'll learn what tools you'll need, how to safely remove the handle, and the order in which to rearrange the hinges. Following the recommendations will allow you to avoid common mistakes and maintain the aesthetic appearance of the device.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any manipulations, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This is critically important for your safety, since when dismantling the doors, accidental damage to the wiring or backlight contacts is possible.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
High-quality re-hanging is impossible without preparing the appropriate tools. To work with the model Indesit ITR 5200 W you will need a standard home craftsman's kit, supplemented by several specific items. The main work will be done by hex key, the size of which usually corresponds to 4 mm or 5 mm, depending on the year of manufacture of a particular batch.
You will also need a flat screwdriver to remove decorative plugs and dismantle the handle. It's a good idea to have a Phillips screwdriver on hand in case some of the screws get held in place by the Phillips head. To protect the floor and the refrigerator itself from scratches, prepare a soft cloth or cardboard.
- 🛠️ A set of screwdrivers (flat and Phillips) for working with fasteners.
- 🔧 Hex key (usually 4-5 mm) for hinges.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
- 📦 Container for storing small parts and bolts.
Organize your work space so that you have free access to the refrigerator from all sides. Remove carpets or lay down a protective covering in advance, as a fallen bolt can scratch laminate or linoleum. Make sure that the lighting in the room is sufficient to see small fastening parts.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use rusty or damaged tools, as they can tear off the splines on the bolts, which will significantly complicate the dismantling process.
Removing the top part and door handle
The process starts from the top of the refrigerator compartment, since this is where the main fastening mechanism and pen. On the model Indesit ITR 5200 W the handle is often integrated into the design or has hidden attachment points under decorative overlays. The first step is to carefully remove the top decorative panel, if present, using a flathead screwdriver.
After removing the panel, you will see the top hinge mounting bolts. Before unscrewing them, make sure that the door is securely fixed or supported by an assistant so that it does not fall. Top hinge supports the main weight of the leaf, so its dismantling requires caution.
☑️ Removing the top part
Particular attention should be paid to the handle. In some modifications ITR 5200 W it is attached from the inside of the door or has hidden screws under plastic plugs. Carefully pry up the plugs, unscrew the screws and remove the handle. If the handle cannot be removed, do not use excessive force - check that all fasteners have been removed.
Nuances of fastening the handle
In some versions of Indesit refrigerators, the handle can be attached with latches. If there are no screws, try gently pulling the handle towards you, after warming the plastic with a hairdryer (not hot air) to make it more elastic. However, in the ITR 5200 W model, a screw fastening from below or from the side is more often used.
Removing the door and rearranging the hinges
After the top hinge is unscrewed and the handle is removed, you can proceed to removing the door leaf itself. To do this, carefully lift the door up, removing it from the lower support sleeve. Work slowly so as not to damage the sealing rubber or the floor of the refrigerator.
Place the removed door on a prepared soft surface with the outer side facing down. Now you need to remove the bottom hinge from the refrigerator body. Use hexagon to remove the bolts securing the hinge to the base of the housing. Save all the bolts, they will be needed for installation on the other side.
| Element | Location (Standard) | Action | Tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top hinge | Top right | Dismantling and rearrangement | Hexagon |
| Bottom hinge | Bottom right | Dismantling and rearrangement | Hexagon |
| Support sleeve | Inside the lower hinge | Repositioning to the other side | Pliers |
| Plugs | On free holes | Rearrangement to the working side | Hands/Screwdriver |
Removed hinges are necessary move to the opposite side. The refrigerator body already has technological holes covered with plastic plugs. Remove the plugs from the new side and install them in the vacated holes. Make sure that they fit tightly and do not protrude beyond the surface of the body.
Installing the door on the new side
After preparing the body and rearranging the plugs, we proceed to installing the lower support sleeve in a new place. Insert the bushing into the corresponding hole and secure the lower hinge with bolts. Do not tighten the bolts all the way right away - leave a little play for later adjustment.
Now take the door and install it on the lower bushing. While holding the fabric upright, line up the holes for the top hinge. It is better to perform this action together, since the door Indesit ITR 5200 W is quite heavy and difficult to hold with one hand while simultaneously getting into the holes.
- 🚪 Install the door on the lower support sleeve.
- 🔩 Align the holes in the upper hinge with the door body.
- 🔧 Insert and tighten the top hinge bolts.
- 📏 Check the vertical installation before final tightening.
When the door is installed and secured with the top hinge, you can finally tighten all the bolts. Make sure the door opens and closes freely without jamming. If you notice a distortion, loosen the fastenings and align the position of the leaf.
Mounting the handle and final assembly
The final step is to install the handle on the new side. Since we removed it at the beginning, we now need to secure it symmetrically with respect to the new opening side. In the model ITR 5200 W holes for the handle are usually provided on both sides, but are hidden by plugs.
Carefully remove the plug from the new side, insert the handle and secure it with screws. If the design involves fastening from the inside, proceed carefully so as not to damage the inner plastic of the door. After installation, check the secure fit - the handle should not wobble.
Install the top decorative panel into place. Make sure that all wires (if the model is equipped with a door open indicator) are connected correctly and are not pinched by the hinge mechanism. Close all technological holes with plugs to maintain an aesthetic appearance.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that the door opening sensor wiring (if your modification has one) is not strained and has a margin of length when opening. A pinched wire may cause the alarm to malfunction.
Adjusting the position of the doors and seal
After installation, it may be necessary to adjust the position of the door. If the door does not close tightly or, conversely, is too tight, it is necessary to adjust the height of the support sleeve or the angle of the hinges. In the model Indesit ITR 5200 W adjustment is often carried out by rotating the lower support.
Check the tightness sealing rubber along the entire perimeter. To do this, you can use a sheet of paper: hold it between the door and the body and try to pull it out. If the paper comes out easily everywhere, adjustment is required. If in some places the paper is clamped tightly, and in others it dangles, the door is skewed.
If you notice that the door is skewed, loosen the hinges, straighten the door and tighten the bolts again. Don't be afraid to spend time on this step, as it affects the energy efficiency of the refrigerator. Loose closure will lead to the formation of ice and increased energy consumption.
What to do if the door does not hold in the open position?
If after rehanging the door no longer locks in the open position (the stopper mechanism does not work), the mechanism may have been installed incorrectly during installation or the axis of rotation has been displaced. Check that the loops are not overtightened. Also make sure that the refrigerator is strictly horizontal - often a small tilt back helps the door stay open.
Is it possible to rehang the door without removing the handle?
In the Indesit ITR 5200 W model, the handle often prevents the door from fully opening 180 degrees or simply looks unaesthetic on the other side if not rearranged. Technically, you can remove the door with the handle, but for symmetry and ease of use it will still have to be rearranged. It’s easier to remove it right away so that it doesn’t interfere with work.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging it?
Complete defrosting is not strictly necessary, but it is recommended to remove all food and shelves. This will significantly reduce the weight of the door and body, reducing the risk of shelves falling or damaging when the refrigerator is tilted. In addition, it is easier to move a lightweight refrigerator to access the back, if necessary.
Where should the holes from the old side be put?
All vacated holes on the body and on the door itself must be closed with plastic plugs that were on the working side. If the plugs are lost or damaged, they can be ordered from a service center or selected universal analogues to avoid metal corrosion and moisture getting inside the case.