Rearranging furniture in the kitchen often confronts owners with the need to change the direction in which the refrigerator door opens. This is especially true for compact kitchens, where every centimeter counts, and the standard configuration of appliances interferes with convenient access to products. Owners of equipment Indesit may be faced with the question of whether it is possible to cope with this task on their own without calling a specialist.
Fortunately, the design of most models of this brand provides for the possibility of reverse installation hinges. The process does not require deep engineering knowledge or specialized equipment, just a basic set of tools and care. The main thing is to act consistently so as not to damage the enamel coating or fragile plastic elements.
In this article we will analyze in detail all stages of the work, from preparation to final adjustment. You will learn what nuances are typical for different series Indesit, and you will be able to re-hang safely. Carefully following the algorithm will allow you to avoid common mistakes that can lead to a loose fit of the sash.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Before starting any manipulations with equipment, it is necessary to prepare the workspace. Make sure that there is clear access around the refrigerator on all sides so that you can walk around it if necessary. The floor should be level, and the lighting should be sufficient to work with small parts and fasteners. Indesit there is free access from all sides so that you can bypass it if necessary. The floor should be level and the lighting should be sufficient for working with small parts and fasteners.
You will need a basic set of tools, which are usually found in every home. The main element will be screwdriver or a set of screwdrivers with different bits (phillips and flathead). It would also be a good idea to have on hand pliers, a hex wrench (often included with equipment) and masking tape for fixing elements.
- 🛠️ Phillips screwdriver (PH2) for removing the main screws.
- 🔧 A wrench or 10 mm socket for hinge bolts.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧼 Rags for wiping parts from dust and grease.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly not recommended to use impact screwdrivers on maximum power when screwing screws into plastic bushings, as this can lead to cracks in the case.
Particular attention should be paid to safety, since the refrigerator is a heavy unit. If you plan to work alone, make sure the unit is stable and will not tilt when removing one of the doors. For models with the system No Frost it is also important to let the equipment rest after transportation if it was recently delivered.
Removing the top panel and preparing to remove the door
The re-hanging process begins from the top of the refrigerator compartment. The first step is always to disconnect the device from the power supply, which is necessary basic safety rule for any work with electrical appliances. After this, you can begin to remove the top cover, if it is structurally provided for by your model Indesit.
The cover is usually secured with two or four screws located on the front or side. Carefully unscrew them and remove the panel by sliding it back or lifting it up, depending on the type of latches. Under the panel you will see the top hinge of the main door and, possibly, a fastening for the freezer door.
☑️ Preparation for dismantling
Do not lose the fasteners, it is better to immediately put them in a separate container. The screws may differ in length and diameter, so it is highly undesirable to mix them up during reassembly. If the model is two-chamber, first clear access to the upper fastenings without removing the door itself.
Removing the doors of the refrigerator and freezer compartments
The most critical stage is the direct dismantling of the doors. The refrigerator door Indesit is quite heavy, so it is better to perform this operation with an assistant. If this is not possible, make sure that you hold the structure securely so that it does not fall and damage the floor or become deformed.
First, unscrew the screws securing the top hinge. Once they are removed, the hinge is removed and the door is carefully lifted and removed from the bottom pin. Similar actions are performed with the freezer door if you need to rehang both doors. In some models, the bottom door can be secured with an additional pin that needs to be knocked out or unscrewed.
| Element | Fastening type | Tool | Nuances |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Screws (2-3 pcs) | Phillips screwdriver | Can be hidden under a decorative plug |
| Bottom support | Pin / Bushing | Pliers | Requires careful removal |
| Door handle | Screws from inside | Hexagon | Access through technological holes |
| Lock latch | Self-tapping screws | Small Phillips screwdriver | Located on the opposite side |
After removing the doors, they must be placed on a soft surface, for example, spread a blanket or cardboard to avoid scratching the front panel. This will also make it easier to access the places where the handles and lock mates are attached, which will also require rearrangement.
Rearranging the fittings and handles to the other side
Now you need to move all the fittings to opposite sides of the sashes. On most models Indesit places for fastenings are already provided by the manufacturer and are closed with plastic plugs. Carefully remove the plugs from the new side of the installation and install them on the vacated holes.
Door handles are usually fastened with screws, which are accessible from the inside or through special technological holes. Use hex wrench the appropriate size to unscrew the fasteners. When installing in a new location, make sure that the screws are tightened tightly, but without excessive force, so as not to break the threads in the plastic.
What to do if the holes do not match?
In rare cases, on budget models the holes may not be through. If you see that there are no threads or holes on the other side, check the data sheet. Sometimes careful independent drilling is required, but for the majority of Indesit models, all holes are already prepared at the factory.
It is also necessary to rearrange the mating part of the magnetic lock (if any) and the door opening limiter. These elements are located on the body of the refrigerator. Unscrew them on one side and install them in symmetrical places on the other. Often there will already be bushings or threaded connections there.
Installing hinges and hanging doors
Assembly is carried out in order, reverse dismantling, but taking into account the new opening side. First, the bottom support or pin for the freezer door is installed. The door is carefully placed on it, after which the upper hinge of this section is fixed. It is important to ensure that the door sits evenly and without distortions.
Then a similar procedure is repeated for the main refrigerator compartment. The top hinge is installed in its new place and screwed in place. At this stage, you do not need to tighten the fasteners “all the way”; it is better to leave a small gap for subsequent position adjustment.
- 📏 Check the vertical installation of the door using a level.
- 🔄 Make sure that the gaps between the door and the body are the same along the entire length.
- 🚪 Check the free movement of the door; it should not touch the body.
If the design of your model requires an intermediate hinge between the chambers, make sure that it is oriented correctly. In some modifications Indesit This part must be turned over or replaced with a symmetrical one from the spare parts kit, if available.
Position adjustment and leak testing
The final stage is fine tuning. The doors must fit tightly to the body around the entire perimeter. If you notice misalignment, loosen the top hinge screws and move the door slightly in the desired direction, then tighten the fasteners again. Height adjustment is often done by twisting the support legs of the refrigerator itself.
Check the operation of the magnetic seal. Take a sheet of paper, clamp it with the door and try to pull it out. It should come out with noticeable effort. If the paper falls out or is removed too easily, in this place seal it does not fit tightly, and additional adjustment of the hinges is required.
⚠️ Attention: After installation, let the refrigerator stand in the off state for 2-3 hours before turning it on. This is necessary to stabilize the refrigerant, especially if the device was tilted during operation.
Make sure that when closing the door it does not bounce back, but is tightly magnetized. If there is a “slamming” effect or the door opens by itself, check that the seal is clean and that the housing is installed correctly relative to the horizontal plane. A slight tilt back facilitates self-closing.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Are special tools required for the Indesit C 132 model?
For most models of the C 132 series, a standard Phillips screwdriver and perhaps a 10 mm wrench are sufficient. A specific tool is usually not required, since the manufacturer provides for domestic use.
Is it possible to hang the door if the refrigerator is built into the kitchen unit?
This is possible, but requires completely removing the refrigerator from the niche. Working inside the headset is extremely inconvenient and risky due to the limited space. It is necessary to provide access to the side and rear walls of the unit.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not close tightly?
Most likely, the installation geometry is broken. Check that the refrigerator is level on the floor and adjust the height of the front legs. Also make sure the seal is loose and clean. If the problem persists, the hinges may be installed misaligned.
Will the warranty still be valid after re-hanging the doors yourself?
According to the rules of most service centers, re-hanging the doors yourself will not void the warranty on the compressor and electrics if no parts were damaged in the process. However, if you damage the body or hinges, this case will not be covered under warranty.