Rearranging furniture in the kitchen often confronts owners with the need to change the opening direction of the refrigerator door. This is especially true for compact rooms, where every centimeter of space is worth its weight in gold. The brand's two-chamber models Indesit structurally allow you to perform this procedure without calling a specialist, if you act carefully and consistently.
The process requires care, since the wrong sequence of actions can lead to damage fittings or a leak. In this article we will look in detail at how to rehang the door on an Indesit refrigerator, what tools will be needed and what to pay special attention to in order not to damage seal or the control system.
Before starting work, it is important to understand that the design may vary slightly depending on specific series Indesit. However, the general principle of dismantling and assembly remains the same for most two-chamber models. Prepare free space around the unit in order to have access to it from all sides.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
The success of the operation directly depends on proper preparation. You don't need complex professional tools, but you should have some basic tools on hand. Not having the right screwdriver can lead to the slots on the screws breaking off, which will make the task much more difficult.
First of all, clear the space in front of the refrigerator. Remove the rug and move furniture aside to allow easy access to the side panels. It is recommended to lay a soft blanket or cardboard on the floor so that the parts laid on it do not get scratched.
For work you will need the following set:
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) for dismantling fasteners.
- 🔑 Wrench or 8-mm socket mm and 10 mm (depending on the model).
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges.
- 🧊 Spatula or spatula for carefully removing the plugs.
It is important that all tools are in good working order. The dull tip of a screwdriver can slip and damage the decorative surface of the case refrigerator compartment. Also make sure that you have good lighting, as some fasteners are located in hard-to-reach places.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! Remove the plug from the socket to eliminate the risk of electric shock when operating controls or lighting.
☑️ Preparing to rehang the doors
Scheme of hanging doors: theory and design
The two-chamber refrigerator Indesit is designed in such a way that the doors are mounted on hinges that can be moved to the opposite side. The design provides for a symmetrical arrangement of mounting holes on the body. Understanding the diagram will help you not get lost in the process.
There are two main types of hinge fastening in these models. In some cases, hidden hinges are used, in others - overhead ones. Most modern two-chamber models use a system with an upper and lower support, as well as an intermediate hinge between the chambers.
The main structural elements with which we will work:
- 🚪 Top hinge —the main load-bearing element for the refrigerator door.
- ❄️ Intermediate hinge —connects the doors of the upper and lower compartments.
- ⚙️ Lower support element —fixes the freezer door from below.
- 🔌 Wiring harness —goes to the lamps and display (if any).
When rearranging, it is important not to confuse the left and right sides. The factory configuration is usually to open from right to left. Our task is to make it mirror. All holes on the case are already provided by the manufacturer and are closed with decorative plugs.
Features of Indesit hinges
In some Indesit models, the hinges do not require adjustment after rehanging, as they have a self-leveling mechanism. However, in older series, you may need to manually adjust the gap between the door and the body using adjusting screws at the end of the hinge.
Removing the refrigerator door
We start the process from the top of the unit. The doors must be removed strictly in a certain sequence: first the top, then the bottom. Trying to remove the bottom door first will result in the structure losing stability.
First of all, we dismantle the top panel of the refrigerator lid. It is usually secured with latches or a few screws at the front. Carefully pry it up with a flathead screwdriver or remove the fastener to gain access to the top hinge.
Next you should disconnect wire harnessif it goes through the top hinge. On models with electronic controls or door display, this is a critical step. Find the connector, press the latch and carefully pull out the plug. Do not pull on the wires themselves, only on the plastic part of the connector.
Now unscrew the bolts holding the upper loop. There are usually two or three of them. After unscrewing, the loop must be removed. To prevent the door from falling, have a helper hold it or use a stop. Remove the door from the axis and place it in a safe place.
| Stage | Action | Tool | Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Removing the cover | Screwdriver | Do not force the plastic |
| 2 | Disconnecting the wires | Hands | Remember the position of the chip |
| 3 | Removing the loop | Key 8-10 mm | Hold the door |
| 4 | Removing the door | Assistant | Weight up to 15 kg |
After removing the door inspect sealing rubber for damage. While the door is removed, this is the ideal time to clean it. Make sure that there are no contaminants on the magnetic tape that could impair the seal after installation.
Reinstalling the lower freezer door
After the upper part is dismantled, we move on to the freezer compartment. It is important here not to damage the melt water drainage system if it passes through the door, although in most models Indesit the drainage is located inside the housing.
First you need to remove the intermediate loop, which is now free. Unscrew its fastening to the refrigerator body. Then remove the freezer door. It is lighter than the top one, but also requires care when carrying.
Now we are rearranging the fittings on the lower door:
- 🔩 Find the holes for the hinge on the opposite end of the door.
- 🧩 Rearrange the door pin (axis) to the other side, if the design is this provides.
- 🔧 Install the door handle (if it is removable) or turn over the non-removable one, if the model allows it.
- 🚫 Close the vacated holes at the end with the plugs that came with the kit or were removed from the other side.
Install the freezer door on the lower support bushing from the new side. Insert the axle into the door hole. Make sure the door is level and there is nothing preventing it from closing. Check the operation closerif it is in your model.
⚠️ Attention: Do not leave the freezer door open for more than 10-15 minutes. This can lead to defrosting of the evaporator and increased load on the compressor when first starting.
Installation of the upper door and electrical connections
The final stage is installation of the upper door. Lift the refrigerator door and place it on the intermediate hinge shaft. Make sure it fits snug and straight. Now you need to secure the top hinge in a new place.
There should already be holes on the refrigerator body on the desired side, closed with plastic plugs. Take them out. Install the top hinge, align the holes and tighten the bolts. Do not tighten them “all the way” yet, leave a small gap for adjustment.
The most crucial moment is connecting the wires. Insert the harness connector into the mating part on the door. Hear the characteristic click of the latch. Place the wires carefully in the channels intended for them so that they do not get under moving parts or get pressed by the door.
After connecting, check the operation of the lamp. Close and open the door - the light should come on and off. If you have a model with a display, turn on the refrigerator and check the display. If everything works, finally tighten the top hinge bolts.
Adjusting gaps and checking tightness
After installation, it may turn out that the door does not fit tightly or is skewed. This is normal, as the new hinges may have been slightly misaligned. Adjustment allows you to achieve an ideal fit seal along the entire perimeter.
To adjust, use the adjusting screws on the hinges (usually they are located at the end or require loosening the main bolts). Make sure that the gap between the door and the body is the same at the top and bottom.
Checking the tightness is carried out using a simple method:
- Take a sheet of A4 paper.
- Clamp it with the refrigerator door around the perimeter.
- Try to pull out the sheet.
If the paper comes out too easily or, conversely, breaks with a strong tug, the door position needs to be adjusted. Ideally, the sheet should come out with noticeable resistance, but without effort. Pay special attention to the corners of the door, as the seal is most often broken there.
Also check the operation closers. The door must reach the magnetic contact on its own, starting from a certain opening angle (usually 15-20 degrees). If the door slams or does not reach the end, check whether the wires inside are twisted and whether the angle of the refrigerator itself is set correctly (the legs at the front should be slightly higher so that the door closes on its own). data-i="154">Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, if there is a lot of ice in the freezer, it may fall out when the door is tilted. It is recommended to carry out the defrosting procedure in advance so that water does not flow during work.
What to do if the holes on the case do not fit?
In 99% of cases, the holes already exist and are closed with plugs. If they are not there, perhaps your refrigerator model Indesit does not provide for overhanging (rare old series). You cannot drill new holes - this will damage the thermal insulation.
Is it possible to do the work alone?
Theoretically it is possible, but the doors of a two-chamber refrigerator are heavy and bulky. There is a high risk of the door falling, damaging the floor, or causing injury. Having a second person to secure the door when unscrewing the hinges is highly desirable.
Why does the door not close completely after rehanging?
Most likely, the control wires are in the way or the lower door pin is installed incorrectly. Also check if the upper and lower doors are reversed (they may differ in size or handle fastening).
Will the warranty still apply after re-hanging it yourself?
According to the law, re-hanging the doors yourself is not a complex repair and should not affect the warranty if you have not damaged the unit components. However, if problems arise with the hinges in the future, the service may refuse to repair this particular part free of charge.