The situation when, after purchasing a new refrigerator, it turns out that it does not fit into the prepared space due to the direction in which the door opens, is familiar to many owners. Fortunately, most of the brand's models Indesit are designed with the possibility of reinstalling the hinge in mind, which allows you to adapt the equipment to the kitchen layout. This process does not require calling a specialist, but it will require accuracy, attentiveness and a basic set of tools from the performer so as not to damage the hinges or decorative elements.
Before starting work, it is extremely important to make sure that your specific model actually supports double-sided hinge. In some budget series or specific modifications with integrated handles or a complex freezing system, the possibility of re-hanging may be absent or require replacement itself doors. Studying the technical documentation or inspecting the factory plugs on the case will help you avoid unnecessary actions and disappointments.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for various types of hinge designs used in refrigerators Indesit. You will learn how to properly prepare a workplace, what nuances exist when working with systems No Frost and conventional drip systems, as well as how to avoid common mistakes that lead to skew of the canvas.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
The success of the operation is 90% dependent on proper preparation. You do not need specialized professional tools, but the quality of the available equipment plays a role. 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. Also have a flathead and Phillips screwdriver, pliers and a knife ready to carefully remove the plugs.
Ensuring the stability of the unit during dismantling is critical. The refrigerator must be placed on a flat, hard surface. If the floor is slippery, place thick cardboard or rubber mats under the feet. Be sure disconnect the device from the power supply long before starting work to defrost the ice, if any, and protect yourself from electric shock when working with wiring.
- 🛠️ A set of hex keys (imbus wrench) is the main tool for hinge bolts.
- 🔧 Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead) - for removing handles and plastic elements.
- 🧤 Work gloves - to protect hands from sharp metal edges and grease.
- 🧼 Clean rags and degreaser - for cleaning the installation sites of new fasteners.
Free up space around the refrigerator in advance. You will need to have access to the unit from all sides, since the door will have to be removed completely and set aside. Remove all food, shelves and drawers from the door to reduce its weight and prevent dishes from breaking if you move carelessly.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to hold a heavy refrigerator door with your feet or knees while unscrewing the bolts. This can lead to injury or the door falling onto the floor with damage to the coating.
Design features of Indesit doors and model diagnostics
Refrigerators Indesit are produced in various modifications, and the design of the hinges may differ significantly. In older models, there is often a top hinge secured with three bolts and a bottom support. In more modern series, especially with the system No Frosta third element is added - the middle hinge, and it may also be necessary to move the door opening sensor.
The first step is to carefully inspect the end of the door and the side of the body opposite the current opening. There should be holes with plastic plugs identical to those into which the hinges are now screwed. If there are no holes on the “blind” side or they have a different shape, it will not be possible to rehang the door using standard methods without drilling, which not recommended and voids the warranty.
Pay special attention to the model with the system No Frost. These refrigerators often have an electrical cable running through the top hinge, supplying power to the fan, sensors, or display (if built into the door). The presence of wires requires extremely careful handling: they must not be pulled, pinched or stretched. Before removing the top cover (if any) or hinge, make sure that the connectors are accessible.to die. Before removing the top cover (if present) or hinge, make sure the connectors are accessible.
| System type | Presence of wires | Complexity of work | Required tools |
|---|---|---|---|
| Static (drip) | No (usually) | Low | Hex, screwdriver |
| No Frost (budget) | Possibly (sensor) | Medium | Hexagon, pliers |
| No Frost (premium) | Yes (display, light) | High | Set of keys, dielectric |
| Side-by-Side | Yes (harnesses) | Very high | Professional set |
If you find that your model belongs to the category Side-by-Side or has a built-in display on the door, we strongly advise you to weigh the risks again. In such cases, the design may be too complex for independent intervention without special schemes.
Step-by-step instructions: dismantling the upper part
We begin direct disassembly. First, remove the top decorative panel, if present. It is usually held on by latches or one or two screws. Be careful not to break the plastic clips. Under the panel you will see the top hinge.
Using a hex wrench, unscrew the bolts securing the top hinge to the refrigerator body. Do not remove the bolts completely immediately loosen them, then hold the door and unscrew them completely. At this moment, you will need an assistant who will hold the door leaf, since after removing the upper fixation it will only be supported by the lower support and may fall.
Unscrewing sequence:1. Loosen the front hinge bolt.
2. Loosen the rear hinge bolt.
3. Unscrew the central bolt (if any).
4. Remove the hinge together with the door or separately.
After removing the top hinge, lift the door up to remove it from the bottom support pin. Place the door in a safe place after covering the floor with cardboard or soft cloth. Now proceed to remove the handle if the design requires its rearrangement. Often the handles are fastened with screws from the inside, access to which is gained after removing the decorative trims.
☑️ Removing the top part
At this stage, it is important not to lose the adjusting washers if they are installed between the hinge and the body. They are responsible for the correct fit of the door and compensation for uneven floors. Fold them separately and remember their location.
Removing the bottom hinge and preparing the body
When the door is removed, move on to the bottom part. The bottom hinge in refrigerators Indesit is often hidden behind a base grille or decorative baseboard. Carefully remove this element by pulling it towards you or unscrewing the fixing screws. The lower fastening will open in front of you.
Unscrew the bolts holding the lower hinge. In some models, the support pin is also removed along with the hinge. Carefully inspect the stud: there should be no burrs or rust on it. If the surface is damaged, the door will have difficulty opening or squeak. If necessary, sand the stud with fine sandpaper.
- 🔍 Check the condition of the rubber seals on the door - they can be easily damaged when removing them.
- 🧹 Clean the end part of the case from dust and dirt before installing new plugs.
- 🔩 Save all removed fasteners in the order they were found dismantling.
Now you need to prepare the “new” side for installation. Find holes on the opposite end of the case that are closed with plastic plugs. Carefully remove the plugs from the working holes (where the hinge was) and install them in the free holes on the other side. This will provide an aesthetic appearance and protect the insides from dust.
⚠️ Attention: Plastic plugs can fit very tightly. Use a thin knife blade or a flat screwdriver wrapped in fabric so as not to scratch the body coating when removing.
Installing the door on a new side and installing the hinges
Proceed to assembly. Install the bottom hinge in a new place (on the opposite end at the bottom). Insert the support pin and secure the hinge with the bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet. This will allow you to (adjust) the position of the door if necessary.
If your model allows for the transfer of a sensor or wires, now is the time to do it. Carefully pull the wiring harness through the hole in the housing Do not pinch the wires with the metal parts of the loop. When installing the top hinge, make sure that the wiring is in the channels provided for it.
What should you do if the holes do not line up?
If the holes on the new side do not line up with the holes on the door, you may be trying to hang the door on a model where it is not designed to do so, or mixed up top and bottom. In rare cases, it is necessary to replace the door card itself with a mirror one.
Together with an assistant, place the door on the lower pin. Align the holes on the top of the door with the holes on the top hinge on the frame. Insert the bolts and start tightening them. The sequence is important here: first tighten all the bolts, then tighten them diagonally, ensuring an even fit.
After fixing the top hinge, check the operation of the door. It should open smoothly, without creaking or jamming. If the door is warped or does not fit tightly against the frame, adjustment will be required. Loosen the bolts of the lower or upper hinge a little and, moving the door in the desired direction, achieve the ideal position, then tighten the fasteners.
Adjustment and final check of operation
The final stage is checking the tightness and operation of the mechanisms. Take a sheet of A4 paper and clamp it with the refrigerator door around the perimeter. The sheet should be removed with noticeable effort. If the paper falls out freely or breaks when you try to pull it out, it means that the tightness of the seal is broken and the hinges need to be adjusted again.
Plug in the refrigerator. Listen to see if there are any new noises, buzzing or knocking noises. If the model is equipped with a door sensor, check whether the indicator lights up (or whether a beep sounds) when the door is opened for more than 2-3 minutes.
- ✅ Check that the door closes independently from an opening angle of about 30-40 degrees.
- ✅ Make sure that shelves and drawers do not touch the internal walls when closing.
- ✅ Inspect the seal around the entire perimeter for creases.
If everything went well, replace the decorative ones panels, baseboards and handles. Wipe surfaces free of fingerprints. Now your refrigerator Indesit is ready for use with a new opening direction, fitting perfectly into the interior of your kitchen.
Do you need to call a technician if, after rehanging, the door does not close tightly?
If adjusting the bolts for 15-20 minutes did not produce results, the problem may be deformation of the door itself or wear seal. In this case, it is advisable to contact a specialist so that he can assess the condition of the metal and rubber.
Is it possible to rehang the door if it has a built-in display?
Technically possible, but this requires resoldering the cables or using extension cables, since the standard length of the wires may not be enough. Without skills in working with electronics, it is better not to take risks.
Why did a creaking appear after re-hanging?
A creaking can occur due to dust getting into the hinges, misalignment or lack of lubrication. Try dropping a little silicone grease into the hinge mechanism and opening and closing the door several times.
Will the warranty still be valid after re-hanging it yourself?
According to the law, self-repair will not void the warranty if you did not break anything in the process. However, if you damage the hinge or break the display glass, the case will not be considered under warranty.