The situation when the layout of the kitchen changes or the new refrigerator does not fit into the allotted space due to the door opening in the wrong direction is familiar to many owners of household appliances. Fortunately, most modern models Indesit are designed with this possibility in mind, allowing you to change the direction of opening the sash without complex technical manipulations. This is a standard procedure that does not require calling a specialist and can be done independently with basic tools and care.
The rehanging process takes an average of 30 to 60 minutes, but requires strict adherence to the sequence of actions so as not to damage sealing rubber bands or the plastic elements of the case. In this article, we will look in detail at how to move the Indesit refrigerator door to the other side, based on the technical features of two-chamber models, and answer frequently asked questions that arise during the work process.
Before proceeding with dismantling, you need to clear the work area and prepare everything you need. Make sure you have free space in front of the unit, as you will have to lay the equipment on its side or tilt it, which requires care. Do not rush to tear off the plugs until you study the design of the hinges of your specific model.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
To successfully complete the task, you will need a minimum set of tools, which are usually found in every home. The main working tool will be hex wrench or a set of screwdrivers, since the mounting bolts in Indesit refrigerators often have countersunk heads. Also, the help of a second person will not be superfluous, especially if we are talking about a heavy two-chamber refrigerator, since holding the door and unscrewing the hinges at the same time is physically difficult.
Here is a list of what you should have on hand before starting work:
- 🔧 Set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) for removing plugs and handles.
- 🔩 Hex keys (usually 4 mm or 5 mm) for unscrewing hinge bolts.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧼 Soft a rag for wiping the fastening points.
It is also important to prepare the place where you will put the removed parts. The bolts, washers and plastic plugs are very small and easily lost. It is best to use a magnetic tray or a small container. Refrigerator Before starting work, you need to defrost if there is any food left in it and disconnect it from the power supply.
Dismantling the top door and top hinge
We start the process with the top sash, since it is this that holds the structure in a vertical position. The first step is to remove the top decorative panel, if your model has one Indesit. The upper hinge fastening bolts are hidden under it. In some models, the door handle may interfere with access, so it will also have to be removed by unscrewing the hidden screws.
Once access to the fasteners is open, unscrew the top hinge bolts. It is important to hold the door so that it does not fall under its own weight. Once the bolts are out, carefully remove the hinge. Now the upper door is free and can be removed from the lower hinge by lifting it up. Place the door in a safe place, it is best to rest it against the wall, laying it with a soft cloth.
At the free end of the refrigerator you will see holes with plastic plugs. These are the places for its fastening. Plugs you need to carefully remove them with a flat screwdriver and move them to the opposite side, closing the now empty holes. This is necessary to preserve the aesthetic appearance of the unit.
☑️ Removing the top part
Removing the bottom door and central hinge
After removing the top door, we move on to the bottom of the refrigerator or freezer, depending on the design of your model. In two-chamber refrigerators Indesit there is often a central hinge that connects both doors. It must be dismantled in order to remove the lower door.
The process is similar to working with the upper part: unscrew the fastening bolts, remove the hinge and carefully remove the lower door. Pay attention to the condition seal. If it is deformed, right now, while the doors are removed, you can try to straighten it with a hairdryer or replace it with a new one. Also inspect the hinge pins for corrosion or seal.
⚠️ Attention: Do not leave the refrigerator open without doors for a long time, especially if there are small children or pets in the room. This can lead to accidental slamming and injury, or foreign objects getting inside.
The freed end of the housing is also freed from the plugs, which are moved to the opposite side. Now you have two doors and a set of hinges on your hands, and on the body of the refrigerator there are gaping holes on one side and closed with plugs on the other.
What to do if the bolts are rusty?
If the mounting bolts do not unscrew, do not use excessive force so as not to strip the threads. Apply a special product (for example, WD-40) to the threads and wait 10-15 minutes. After this, try carefully turning the key again.
Installing hinges and hanging doors
Now the assembly process begins, but on the new side. The lower support loop is installed on the prepared end of the body. It is important to position it correctly relative to the holes and tighten the bolts all the way, but without fanaticism, so as not to damage the threads in the plastic case. Make sure that the hinge pin points straight up.
Next we hang the bottom door. This is the most crucial moment that requires precision. You need to get the hole in the door onto the hinge pin. After installing the door, we immediately install the central hinge (or middle hinge, depending on the model), securing it with bolts. Then we hang the upper door and fasten the upper hinge.
While tightening the bolts, watch the gaps between the door and the body. They should be uniform along the entire length. If you notice a distortion, loosen the fastening, align the door and tighten the bolts again. Adjusting the gaps is a key point for the correct operation of the refrigerator.
Adjusting the position of the doors and checking the tightness
After all the doors are installed in their new places, you need to make sure that they are in the correct position. The doors should close tightly, effortlessly, but with a characteristic bang. If the door does not fit tightly, the height of the refrigerator legs may need to be adjusted. Tilt of the body back ensures that the doors close naturally under the influence of gravity.
To check the tightness, you can use a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp a piece of paper between the door and the frame in different places around the perimeter. If the paper is pulled out with difficulty along the entire perimeter, the seal is good. If in some place the paper falls out freely, it means that seal it does not fit tightly.
It is also worth checking the operation of the door opening sensor (if it is provided for in the design). When the door is open, an audible signal should sound after a certain time. If the signal does not appear, it is possible that the wire was pinched or the magnetic valve was displaced during the rearrangement.
The table below shows the main parameters that should be checked after installation:
| Check parameter | Normal condition | Possible problem |
|---|---|---|
| Tightness | Uniform around the entire perimeter | Gaps in the corners or in the middle |
| Door movement | Smooth, without creaks | Friction against the body or floor |
| Fixation in the open position | The door does not close itself | Spontaneous closing |
| Sensor operation | The signal is sent in 1-2 minutes | No signal or false squeak |
Common mistakes and tips for caring for the mechanism
When doing work on their own, beginners often make a number of common mistakes. One of them is the loss of fasteners. As mentioned earlier, the length of the bolts varies from one hinge to another. If you mix up the bolts during assembly, the longer one may pierce the plastic or rest against the internal components of the refrigerator, damaging them.
Another common mistake is ignoring the floor level. If the refrigerator is not level, even a perfectly installed door will not behave correctly. Be sure to use a building level and adjust the height of the front legs Indesit using a key or manually (depending on the model).
To extend the life of the hinges, it is recommended to lubricate them with a small amount of silicone grease once a year. This will prevent squeaks and corrosion. Do not use regular machine oils, as they may damage the plastic bushings.
⚠️ Attention: Specifications and hinge design may vary depending on the specific series of the Indesit refrigerator. Always check the official instructions for your model, if it is available, or look for a diagram using the full model number on the manufacturer’s website.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging the doors?
Yes, this is highly desirable. First, the refrigerator will become lighter, making it easier to tilt and move. Secondly, water from the melted ice may leak inside the hinge mechanisms or onto the floor while you are dismantling.
Is it possible to hang the door if the refrigerator is built into the kitchen unit?
It is much more difficult to hang the built-in refrigerator, since its doors are attached to the facades of the kitchen furniture. To do this, you need to completely dismantle the facade panels, remove the refrigerator from the niche, perform the rehanging procedure and then re-attach the facades. Without experience in such work, it is better to turn to specialists.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not close completely?
Check whether anything inside the refrigerator is in the way (shelves, food). If everything is clean inside, check the installation of the seal - it could have slipped off during installation. Also make sure that the refrigerator is tilted slightly backwards. If the problem is in the hinges, they may have been tightened too loosely or skewed.
Will the warranty still apply after re-hanging it yourself?
According to the law, the consumer has the right to self-repair or maintenance if this does not lead to a breakdown. However, if during the rehanging process you break the thread, break the plastic, or damage the sensor wiring, warranty repairs on these items may be denied. Proceed carefully.