The situation when the standard location of the refrigerator door becomes inconvenient arises quite often when remodeling the kitchen or purchasing a new model Indesit. Most two-chamber units of this brand provide a design option for changing the opening side, which allows you to adapt the equipment to a specific space. However, this process requires care, since the wrong sequence of actions can lead to damage to decorative elements or loss of tightness.
Before starting work, it is necessary to prepare the place, ensuring sufficient access to the back wall and side edges of the device. It is important to understand that rehanging the door is a technical procedure that affects not only the hinges, but also the sealing system, and in some models, the controls. If you have never dealt with disassembling household appliances, proceed slowly and record each step.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for models Indesit with two cameras, paying attention to the nuances of attaching handles and hidden structural elements. Compliance with technology will allow you to independently change the opening side without calling a specialist, saving time and budget.
Preparation of tools and workspace
The success of the operation directly depends on the quality of preparation. You will need a set of tools that can be found in the arsenal of any home craftsman. The main tool will be hex wrench (usually 4 or 5 mm in size), since this is what is most often used to attach the hinges using this brand’s technique. You will also need a Phillips screwdriver, pliers and perhaps a 10 mm wrench for some modifications.
Free up space in front of the refrigerator. You need to provide access to the unit from all sides, including the rear where the compressor and condenser are located. Remove all foreign objects that may interfere with movement or fall inside the cameras during dismantling. Cover the floor with soft material or cardboard so as not to scratch the floor covering when moving the heavy canvas.
Pay special attention to safety. Although the voltage of 220 volts does not play a role here, mechanical injuries or damage to fragile parts are quite real. Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply by removing the plug from the outlet. This is a standard precaution that will also allow you to defrost the unit if there is ice left in it, which will make working with the seals much easier.
- 🛠️ A hex wrench (4 mm or 5 mm) is the main tool for hinges.
- 🔧 Phillips and flathead screwdrivers - for removing handles and plugs.
- 🔨 Pliers or pliers - for pulling out pins and plugs.
- 🧤 Work gloves - to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use impact tools (hammers) for knocking out rusted bolts. Excessive force can deform the body or damage the threads, which will make further assembly impossible without replacing parts.
Removing the top door and removing the handle
The process always starts from the top chamber. The first step is to remove the top decorative panel, if present, or the handle itself. In models Indesit the handle is often secured with hidden screws covered with plastic plugs. Carefully pry them off with a flat screwdriver, being careful not to damage the plastic, and unscrew the fasteners.
After removing the handle, access to the upper fasteners opens. However, to remove the door itself, you must first remove the top hinge. Use hexagon to unscrew the bolts holding the hinge on the refrigerator body. At this stage, you will need an assistant: someone should hold the door so that it does not fall and damage the floor or the lower part of the unit.
After removing the hinge, carefully move the door to the side and disconnect it from the lower hinge (which in this case is the middle one, separating the chambers). If the model is equipped with the No Frostsystem, be careful with the wires leading to the sensors or display on the door. They must be carefully disconnected, first remembering or photographing the connection diagram.
It is better to place the upper door set aside on a prepared soft surface with the outer side down so as not to scratch the front panel. Now you can move on to manipulating the bottom door, which usually has a large area and weight.
Working with the bottom door and central hinges
The bottom door in two-chamber refrigerators Indesit often causes more trouble because of its weight. The principle of operation is similar: remove the handle, then unscrew the middle loop (which now holds the bottom), and only then the lower support loop. It is important not to mix up the removal of the bolts so that the structure does not fold unexpectedly.
When removing the lower door, pay attention to the magnetic seal. If the door is stuck too tightly, do not jerk it sharply. It is better to slightly tilt the refrigerator body back or ask an assistant to hold the top part, reducing the pressure. A sharp jerk can lead to tearing of the seal or deformation of the blade.
After removing the door, inspect the mating parts of the hinges on the body. Often there are old plugs or holes left there that will become redundant in the new configuration. They will need to be covered with decorative elements that usually come with the refrigerator or are located in a storage niche inside the chamber.
- 📸 Take a photo of the wire connection before disconnecting.
- 📦 Place all screws and washers in a separate container so as not to lose them.
- 🧼 Wipe the hinge fastening points from dust and old grease before installation.
☑️ Check before assembly
Rearranging fasteners and plugs
The most critical stage is preparing the holes for the new opening side. On the opposite side of the case there should already be threaded holes provided by the manufacturer. Your task is to transfer all the fastening elements there. The refrigerator often comes with plastic plugs to mask unused holes. Indesit Plastic plugs are often supplied to mask unused holes.
Take the hinges that you removed on one side and install them on the opposite side. Please note that the upper and lower hinges may differ in the shape or length of the pin. Hinge pin should fit into the corresponding hole in the door freely, but without play. If the holes in the new location are closed with factory plugs, carefully remove them.
Pay special attention to the mirror position of the handle. If the handle is asymmetrical, it may have to be reversed or special holes on the other side of the door leaf should be used. In some models, the handle is universal and requires only rearranging the mounting screws into symmetrical holes.
| Element | Action when rearranging | Nuance |
|---|---|---|
| Upper loop | Transfer to the opposite upper point | Check the length of the pin |
| Middle loop | Transfer to the level between the chambers | Monitor the axis of rotation |
| Bottom support | Installation in the lower holes of the case | Height adjustment |
| Door handle | Installation in mirror holes | Check symmetry |
⚠️ Attention: Do not mix up the sides of the hinges. The top hinge always has a specific pin shape, which must exactly match the top hole in the end of the door. Installation "upside down" will lead to distortion.
Installing doors in a new place
After all the hinges are secured in new places, you can begin hanging the doors. Always start from the bottom door. Have an assistant lift the blade and carefully slide its bottom hole onto the bottom support loop pin. Then align the top door hole with the middle hinge pin.
Secure the middle hinge with bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet. This will allow you to make final adjustments to the door position. Next, repeat the same steps with the top door: put it on the middle hinge, then fix it with the top hinge. Make sure that the wires (if any) are laid in special channels and are not pinched.
The final stage of assembly is tightening all the bolts. Use torque wrench or act with a sense of proportion: excessive force can break the threads in the aluminum body, and weak tightening will cause the door to sag. Check that all the decorative plugs are in place, hiding the old holes.
What to do if the door does not close tightly?
If after installation you notice a loose fit, do not rush to get upset. Often the problem is solved by adjusting the height of the refrigerator legs or loosening the hinge bolts to level the panel. Also check whether the contents of the shelves do not interfere with closing.
Adjusting and checking tightness
After assembly, you need to make sure that the doors close tightly and evenly. The gap between the door and the body must be the same along its entire length. If you notice a misalignment, you can fix it by tightening the adjusting bolts on the hinges or changing the height of the front legs of the refrigerator.
Checking the tightness is a critical step. Take a piece of paper or a banknote, clamp it with the door and try to pull it out. The force must be uniform around the entire perimeter. If in some place the paper comes out too easily, it means that the seal tight fit is loose. In this case, you may need to warm up the seal with a hairdryer or readjust the hinges.
Plug in the refrigerator and leave it running without loading for several hours. Listen to see if there is any extraneous creaking when opening, and watch how the magnetic tape behaves. If everything is done correctly, the appliance will work as normal, and the changed opening side will add comfort to your kitchen.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to rehang the door yourself if Is the refrigerator under warranty?
Technically this is possible, but manufacturers often warn that independent intervention in the design may be grounds for denial of warranty service. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact an authorized service center Indesit.
What to do if decorative plugs for old holes are lost?
Plugs can be ordered at a service center or selected universal analogues in furniture fittings stores. As a last resort, the holes can be carefully sealed with a sticker of a suitable color, although this is less aesthetically pleasing.
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging the doors?
Yes, this is highly recommended. Ice in the evaporator can crumble and get caught in the hinge mechanisms, and a full refrigerator is too heavy to tilt safely during installation. Allow the unit to completely thaw and dry.
Why did the door begin to open on its own after rehanging?
Most likely, the angle of the refrigerator is broken. The door should open on its own only when the body is tilted back by more than 15-20 degrees. Check the adjustment of the front support legs and the level of installation of the unit.