Moving the refrigerator to a new corner of the kitchen often requires changing the direction of opening the doors. This is a standard procedure that allows you to optimize your workspace and make the operation of equipment more convenient. Equipment owners Indesit face this issue regularly, since the design of many models initially provides for this possibility.
Modern two-chamber units have a complex system of hinges, including both main fastenings and additional finishing mechanisms. The process requires accuracy, a basic set of tools and a clear understanding of the sequence of actions. An error at the initial stage can lead to misalignment of the valves or damage to the seal.
In this article we will analyze in detail all stages of the work, from preparing the tool to the final adjustment of the gaps. You will learn what nuances are specific to the brand Indesit and how to avoid common mistakes during installation. Proper re-hanging will extend the service life of the hinges and ensure a tight fit of the doors.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Before starting any manipulations with the refrigerator body, it is necessary to prepare the workplace. You will need clear space around the unit to allow access from all sides. The floor should be level, and the lighting should be sufficient for working with small parts and fasteners.
As for the tools, for most models Indesit a standard home craftsman's kit is sufficient. The main tool will be hex wrench or a screwdriver with an appropriate blade, since the manufacturer often uses screws with a hidden head. You may also need an 8 or 10 mm wrench.
It would be a good idea to prepare a plastic spatula or a flat-head screwdriver wrapped in a soft cloth. These tools are useful for carefully removing decorative plugs without damaging the plastic. Be sure to lay a soft rug or cardboard under your feet so that fallen small parts, such as sleeves or washers, do not get lost and scratch the floor.
- 🛠️ A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) for working with various fasteners.
- 🔑 Hex keys (usually 4 mm or 5 mm) for the main hinge bolts.
- 🧤 Construction gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧹 Soft rags for wiping the fastening points from dust.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This is critically important, since when tilting the case or removing the doors, accidental contact with the system wires
No Frostor lighting may occur.
Removing the upper door of the refrigerator compartment
The process begins from the top of the unit, since it is less loaded and easier to dismantle. The first step is to remove all shelves and containers from the door to make the structure lighter and prevent them from falling out. If there are removable elements inside that interfere with access to the hinges, it is also better to remove them.
Then you need to dismantle the top decorative panel, if it is provided for by the design of your model. Indesit. It is usually held in place by latches or hidden screws. Carefully pry up its edge with a spatula and remove it, opening access to the upper bracket. Be careful not to break the plastic clips.
Next, you should loosen the top hinge mounting bolts, but do not unscrew them completely right away. The door must remain suspended, held in place by the hinge. After the bolts are loosened, you can finally unscrew them and remove the hinge along with the door. It is better to perform this operation with an assistant, since even an empty door has significant weight.
☑️ Preparing to remove the upper door
After removing the door, inspect upper hinge for damage. If there are burrs or signs of corrosion, they must be cleaned out before reinstallation. Also check the condition of the axial hole at the end of the door.
Removing and rearranging the bottom door of the freezer
The bottom door of the freezer is removed in a similar way, but has its own characteristics. There is often an intermediate loop here that connects the upper and lower sections. On some models Indesit the power wire passes through this loop if there is a display or electronic control.
If the wiring is present, it must be carefully disconnected. The connectors are usually located inside the case or under a decorative trim. Remember or photograph the location of the contacts so that you do not mix up the polarity during assembly. Do not pull the wires sharply so as not to damage the insulation.
After disconnecting the communications, the bolts securing the door to the middle hinge are unscrewed. The freezer door is typically heavier due to the thicker layer of insulation and freezing system. Remove it and set it aside in a safe place, placing it face up on a soft surface.
- ❄️ Check the condition sealing rubber on the bottom door while it is removed.
- 🔌 Make sure the wire connectors dry and not oxidized.
- 🔩 Save all the removed bolts in a separate container so as not to lose them.
Now you need to rearrange the fastening elements to the opposite side. At the ends of the doors on both sides there are technological holes closed with plastic plugs. Using a knife or thin screwdriver, remove the plugs from the new side of the installation and move them to the vacant places.
What to do if the bolts are rusty?
If the mounting bolts are stuck and will not unscrew, do not use excessive force so as not to strip the threads. Treat them with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and leave for 10-15 minutes. After this, try to carefully rip them off with a key.
Transfer of hinges and fittings to the other side
The most critical stage is the physical transfer of metal elements. Hinges on refrigerators Indesit are often symmetrical or consist of several parts. Carefully examine the design: the hinge may need to be turned over or the axial pin must be rearranged.
Take the top hinge and install it in a new place on the refrigerator body. Insert and tighten the mounting bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet. This will allow you to adjust the position when hanging the door. Perform similar actions with the lower support sleeve or hinge.
Pay special attention axial pins. In some models they are asymmetrical and have a specific shape. If the pin can be used on either side, simply reposition it. If the design requires replacing the element with a mirror one, find the corresponding part in the delivery kit (usually comes in a bag with documents).
| Element | Action during transfer | Nuances for Indesit |
|---|---|---|
| Top loop | Move to the opposite end | Often has an asymmetrical shape, requires turning over |
| Middle loop | Dismantle and move | May have a hole for the wire, monitor the insulation |
| Bottom support | Move to the lower corner | Sometimes it requires replacing the bushing with a mirror one |
| Plugs | Swap | Plastic can be fragile, no need to heat it with a hairdryer |
⚠️ Attention: When installing the hinges in a new place, make sure that the threaded holes in the refrigerator body are clean. The ingress of metal shavings or dirt can lead to thread breakage during tightening, which will require complex repairs to the body.
Installing doors and adjusting gaps
After preparing the fasteners, you can begin hanging the doors. Install the bottom freezer door first. Slide it onto the bottom support sleeve and align the holes with the holes in the middle hinge. Insert the bolts and lightly tighten them so that the door holds, but has some play for adjustment.
Then the upper door of the refrigerator compartment is hung. Align the holes on the top hinge with the holes on the door and frame. At this moment, it is important that an assistant holds the structure, ensuring verticality. If the model is equipped with wiring, carefully lay the harness through the provided channels and connect the connectors.
The final stage is adjustment. The doors should close tightly, without gaps, but not too tightly. If the door is skewed, loosen the hinge mounting bolts, straighten the door and tighten the bolts again. Check the operation magnetic seal along the entire perimeter.
Check the operation of the latch mechanism. The door should lock in the closed position and open with light force. If you feel resistance, the loops may be too tight or misaligned. Loosen the fastening and repeat the adjustment.
Frequent errors and troubleshooting
In the process, beginners often make mistakes that affect the functionality of the refrigerator. One of the most common is incorrect assembly sequence. If you install the upper door first, access to adjusting the lower one may be difficult, especially in narrow niches.
Another problem is the loss or confusion of fasteners. Bolts for different hinges may have different lengths or thread pitches. Trying to screw a short bolt into a deep hole or a long one into a shallow one may damage the housing or the hinge itself. Always check the length of the screws before installation.
It is also worth mentioning the problem of a loose fit. If after rehanging the door closes, but a gap remains in the corner, this may be caused not only by misalignment, but also by deformation of the seal. In this case, the sealing rubber can be heated with a hairdryer and straightened, allowing it to cool in the desired position.
- 🚫 Do not tighten the bolts “all the way” without checking that the door is closed.
- 🚫 Do not ignore the presence of washers and bushings, they may be needed to compensate for the gap.
- 🚫 Do not leave the wire connectors hanging without fixing, they may get caught in the mechanism.
⚠️ Attention: If you find that the holes on the body and on the door do not match after rearrangement, check whether you have mixed up the left and right sides. On some models Indesit the holes may be shifted in height depending on the opening side.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging the doors?
Yes, this is highly recommended. When tilting or moving the unit, water may leak from the system if there is ice in the system. In addition, an empty refrigerator is easier and safer for transportation and work.
Is it possible to hang the door on the Indesit No Frost refrigerator?
Yes, the system No Frost does not prevent rehanging. The only difference is the presence of air ducts or wires that need to be carefully disconnected and reconnected, following the diagram in the instructions.
What to do if one of the plastic plugs is lost?
The plugs perform a decorative function. If one is lost, you can order a set from the service center or use universal plugs of a suitable diameter. Their absence does not affect the operation of the refrigerator.
Why did the door begin to close tightly after rehanging?
Most likely, the hinges are installed skewed or are tightened too much. Also check that the door does not touch the cabinet or shelves. Allow the seal to straighten within 24 hours.
Do you need to wait before turning it on after re-weighing it?
If you did not tilt the refrigerator more than 40 degrees, you can turn it on immediately. If the unit was heavily tilted or lying down, allow the oil in the compressor to drain into the crankcase for 2-4 hours.