Change kitchen layouts or rearrangement of furniture often dictates new requirements for the location of household appliances. Equipment owners Indesit are faced with the need to change the direction of opening the sash in order to provide ergonomic access to products. Fortunately, the design of most models provides for the possibility of re-hanging, which allows you to adapt the unit to new conditions without calling a specialist.
This process does not require specialized education, but it is highly labor-intensive and requires attention to detail. Incorrect installation hinges or skewed fabric can lead to a loose fit of the seal, which is why the compressor will work with increased load. Before starting work, it is important to clear the space around the unit and prepare a flat surface for temporary placement of the removed elements.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for various series of refrigerators of this brand. You will learn what tools you will need, how to properly dismantle the fittings and what to pay special attention to during installation. Compliance with the sequence of operations ensures that your Indesit refrigerator will serve for a long time and efficiently.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
The success of the operation directly depends on the quality of preparation. You will need a set of wrenches as the fasteners may vary in size depending on the model year. The most commonly used open-end wrenches are 8, 10 and 12 mm, as well as Phillips and flathead screwdrivers. For some modifications, you may need a hex key, which is sometimes included with the equipment.
Be sure to prepare a soft bedding, such as a blanket or thick cardboard, to lay the removed doors and not damage their decorative coating or flooring. Masking tape will also be useful for fixing moving parts during work and a container for folding small screws so that they do not get lost.
- 🛠️ Set of open-end and socket wrenches (8-12 mm)
- 🪛 Phillips and slotted screwdrivers
- 🧶 Masking tape and soft rags
- 📦 Container for fastening elements
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This is critical for safety, since during dismantling the wiring or sensors under voltage may be damaged.
Pay special attention work area lighting. You will have to work at the bottom of the unit and look into hard-to-reach places where poor light can cause errors. Make sure that the floor is level and clean to prevent heavy structural elements from slipping or falling.
Design features of Indesit doors
Refrigerators Indesit are produced in various series, and the design of their door units may have its own nuances. Most models use the classic bolted hinge system, but the location of the mounting holes and the presence of decorative caps vary. Some modern models are equipped with hidden hinges or have integrated handles, which requires a more careful approach.
It is important to understand that re-hanging is only possible if there are appropriate technological holes on the opposite side of the case. In older or budget models, these holes may be closed with plastic plugs that will need to be removed. In more expensive series, the holes are often already open and closed with decorative trims.
Models with the No Frost system
In refrigerators with the No Frost system, reconnecting the air ducts may be required when the door is hung. Make sure that the flexible hoses are of sufficient length for installation on the other side, otherwise the seal of the chamber will be compromised.
Before purchasing or starting work, check with technical data sheet your device. It indicates the compatibility of a specific model with the door reverse procedure. If the documentation is lost, a visual inspection of the sides of the case will help determine the presence of the necessary fasteners.
Dismantling the top part and removing the door
We begin the process by dismantling the top cover of the refrigerator, if it is provided for by the design. To do this, unscrew the mounting bolts located on the back or sides. After removing the cover, access to the top hinge opens, which also needs to be removed. Be careful not to drop the fasteners inside the case.
Next we move on to removing the door itself. Since it is heavy and can move at any time, it is advisable to carry out this operation with an assistant. One person holds the door leaf, the second unscrews the bolts of the lower hinge (if your model has one) or releases the upper one, if the design allows you to remove the door right away. After unscrewing, carefully remove the door and place it on a prepared soft surface.
- 🔩 Remove the top decorative panel
- 🔧 Unscrew the bolts of the top hinge
- 🚪 Remove the door and put it in a safe place
At this stage it is important not to damage sealing rubber. Any creases or cuts will lead to loss of tightness. Also check the condition of the plastic bushings and washers - if they are worn out, it is better to replace them with new ones to avoid squeaking in the future.
☑️ Check before dismantling
Rearranging fittings and preparing holes
The most important stage is the transfer of fastening elements. On the free side of the case, it is necessary to remove the plastic plugs from the holes for the hinges. Use a thin awl or knife, but be careful not to crumble the plastic or scratch the metal. Save the removed plugs - they will be needed for installation on the opposite, now working side.
Then we move on to the door itself. It is necessary to move the handle from it, if the design allows it, and move the mating parts of the loops. In some models Indesit the handle is symmetrical and does not require rearrangement, while in others you will have to unscrew the screws from the inside of the blade. Pay attention to the length of the mounting screws - they may differ for different fastening points.
| Element | Action | Nuance |
|---|---|---|
| Top loop | Transfer to new side | Check the thread |
| Bottom loop | Transfer and adjustment | Installation height is important |
| Plugs | Replacing seats | Do not lose small parts |
| Handle | Dismantling and installation | Keep an eye on the length of the screws |
If you are faced with a situation where the holes do not match or additional parts are required, contact the service center. Independent drilling of the housing is strictly prohibited, as this can damage the insulation or cooling circuit.
Installing the door on a new side
After preparing all the holes and transferring the fittings, you can begin installation. First of all, the lower support is mounted (if it is provided for by the design of your model). Reinstall the door, carefully aligning the holes with the fasteners. This requires precision, so it’s difficult to do without an assistant.
Secure the top hinge, but do not tighten the bolts all the way yet. This is necessary in order to be able to align the door vertically and horizontally. Check whether the door opens freely, whether it does not touch the body and whether it fits tightly around the entire perimeter.
When the position is adjusted, you can finally tighten all the fastening bolts. Make sure that the hinge joint has no play, but is not overly compressed. After this, replace the top decorative cover of the refrigerator.
Adjusting and checking the tightness
The final stage is checking the quality of the work performed. Visually inspect the perimeter of the seal. Gaps should be minimal and uniform. If you notice a distortion, loosen the fastenings of the bottom hinge and adjust the position of the door by placing washers or changing the angle of inclination.
To check the tightness, you can use a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet with the door at different points around the perimeter and try to pull it out. If the paper is pulled out with force, then the fit is good. If the sheet falls out or moves freely, additional adjustment is required.
⚠️ Attention: After installation, allow the refrigerator to stand turned off for 2-3 hours. This is necessary to stabilize the refrigerant, especially if the unit was tilted strongly during work.
Plug in the unit and listen to the operation of the compressor. After a while, check whether the door is closed tightly. If everything is done correctly, Indesit refrigerator will work normally, keeping the cold.
Common mistakes and troubleshooting
In the process of work, home craftsmen often make common mistakes. One of the most common is the loss or confusion of screws of different lengths. This can cause a long screw to push against the body and damage the interior panel, and a short one will not provide a secure fit.
Another problem is not sufficiently cleaning the holes of old grease or rust before installing new bolts. This gives the false impression that the nut is tightened when in fact the threads are not engaged. Always clean threaded connections before installation.
- ❌ Using the wrong tool (licked edges)
- ❌ Ignoring the level during installation
- ❌ Trying to force insert unsuitable parts
If after installation the door slams itself on its own or, conversely, does not close completely, check the angle of the entire refrigerator. Adjusting the front supports (legs) often solves the problem of spontaneous closing.
Is it possible to rehang the door if there are no holes on the new side?
No, if the factory does not provide technological holes and bushings, you cannot drill the body yourself. This will disrupt the thermal insulation and may damage the cooling circuit, which will lead to failure of the refrigerator.
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging?
Yes, this is a mandatory requirement. Ice inside the chambers will make the structure heavier, and water can get on the electrical contacts or in the hinge mechanism. Complete defrosting will also make the plastic more elastic and less brittle.
What to do if a creaking appears after rehanging?
The creaking usually occurs due to metal-on-metal friction in the hinges. It is necessary to lubricate the rubbing parts with special silicone grease. Do not use vegetable oil or grease, as they thicken over time and attract dust.
Will the warranty remain valid after re-hanging the door yourself?
According to the law, independent repair or modification (design change) may become grounds for refusal of warranty service if the breakdown is associated with your actions. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to call an official technician.
What to do with the magnetic valve on the door?
In some models, a magnetic sensor (reed switch) is installed on the door. When rehanging, it must be moved to a new regular place on the body or on the door, depending on the design. If this is not done, the refrigerator may not “understand” whether the door is closed.