Re-hanging the refrigerator door Indesit is a task that many owners face when moving, renovating a kitchen, or simply wanting to change the opening side. Despite the apparent complexity, the procedure can be performed independently, without resorting to the services of a specialist. The main thing is to know the sequence of actions, have the necessary tools on hand and take into account the design features of a particular model.
In this article we will analyze the entire process in detail: from preparing the tools to the final adjustment of the hinges. We will pay special attention nuances for popular series Indesit (for example, C 167 NF, BIAA 13 or TLAA 10), as well as typical errors that can lead to misalignment of the door or damage to the seal. If your refrigerator was manufactured after 2010, most likely it has a universal fastening system - this simplifies the task!
Before you begin, please note: the process will take from 40 minutes to 2 hours, depending on your experience. Don’t rush - hanging the door in violation of the technology can lead to depressurization of the chamber and increased energy consumption of the refrigerator.
Preparation: tools and safety
For work you will need:
- 🔧 Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers (preferably with magnetic tip - this makes it more convenient to unscrew screws from deep holes).
- 🔨 10 mm wrench (for some models Indesit with metal loops).
- 📏 Tape measure or ruler (for checking gaps after installation).
- 🧲 Magnet or tweezers (so as not to lose small parts - washers, plugs).
- 🧴 Silicone grease or Vaseline (for treating the seal after installation).
Before starting work be sure to unplug the refrigerator and empty the door of all products, shelves and magnets. If the model has a water dispenser, drain any remaining liquid from the system. It is more convenient to work on a flat surface - place the refrigerator away from the walls so that there is free access to the hinges.
⚠️ Attention: On some models Indesit (for example, series EVA) the top hinge is not attached only to the door, but also to the body through hidden bolts under the decorative cover. If you do not remove the lid, you will not be able to completely dismantle the door!
Step 1: Dismantling the old door
Start with the bottom hinge - it is usually easier to disassemble. Algorithm of actions:
- Open the door 90 degrees and place a soft cloth (for example, a towel) under it so as not to scratch the floor when removing.
- Remove the decorative plug from the hinge (it simply snaps into place - pry it off with a flat screwdriver).
- Unscrew the bolts securing the hinge to the refrigerator body (usually 2-3 screws). In some models Indesit there may be nuts here - use a 10 mm wrench.
- Holding the door, carefully remove it from the lower pin and set it aside.
Now move on to the upper hinge. It is important not to lose adjusting washers here - they are responsible for the correct gap between the door and the body. The washers can be plastic or metal, their number varies from 1 to 3 depending on the model. Take a photo of the location of the washers before dismantling!
Make sure that the refrigerator is unplugged from the mains|
Free the door from shelves and magnets|
Place a soft cloth under door|
Take a photo of the location of the washers on the hinges|
Prepare a container for small parts (screws, nuts)-->
Step 2: Transfer the hinges to the other side
On the body of the refrigerator Indesit Symmetrical holes are provided for attaching hinges on both sides. Your task is to transfer the hinges to the opposite side using standard fasteners. Please note:
- 🔄 Upper and lower hinges not interchangeable —do not confuse them!
- 🔍 In some models (for example, Indesit ITF 118) the holes for the hinges are closed plugs. Carefully remove them with a flat-head screwdriver.
- 📌 If there are no holes, it means your model does not support overhang! This is typical for budget series Indesit with plastic hinges.
When moving the hinges, make sure that:
- The bolts are screwed in strictly perpendicular to the surface (distortion will lead to a loose fit of the door).
- Adjusting the washers remained in place - their sequence affects the gap.
- Decorative plugs were installed on the correct side (they can be asymmetrical).
What to do if there are no holes for the hinges?
If there are no technological holes on the opposite side of the case, it means that the manufacturer did not provide for the possibility weights for your model. In this case, there are two options:
1. Contact the service center — craftsmen can drill holes, but this will void the warranty (if it is still valid).
2. Use universal hinge adapters —they are attached to the case through existing holes, but require precise adjustment. Not suitable for all models Indesit!
Step 3: Installing the door on the new side
This is the most critical step. Proceed in the following order:
- Place the door on bottom pin hinges, holding it at an angle of 45 degrees.
- Align the door vertically - it should “sit” on the pin without effort. If it is tight, check if the seal or decorative elements are in the way.
- Secure the top hinge by screwing in the bolts
diagonally(first the top left, then the bottom right, etc.). This will prevent skewing. - Install decorative plugs on the hinges.
After installation, check:
- 🚪 The door opens and closes smoothly, without creaks.
- 🔳 The gap between the door and the body is the same around the entire perimeter (optimally - 2-3 mm).
- 🧲 The seal fits evenly - use a sheet of paper to check: it should hold tightly when the door is closed.
⚠️ Attention: If after installation the door “moves away” in the upper or lower corner, do not try to force it! This is a sign that the hinges are not adjusted correctly. Disassemble the structure and check:- symmetry of the location of the washers;
- perpendicularity of the bolts;
- absence of foreign objects between the door and the body.
Step 4: Adjusting the hinges and seal
Even if the door is level, it needs to be adjusted for a perfect fit. To do this:
- Check vertical play: the door should not “sag” down. If there is sagging, tighten the bolts of the upper hinge.
- Adjust horizontal gap using adjusting washers. Adding a washer increases the gap, removing it decreases it.
- Lubricate the seal silicone grease (do not use oils or fats - they ruin the rubber!). This will extend its service life and improve tightness.
For precise adjustment, use the following algorithm:
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The door touches the body at the bottom | Sagging due to a weakened upper hinge | Tighten the bolts of the upper hinge, add a washer to the lower one |
| Gap in the upper corner | Not enough washers on the top hinge | Add 1-2 washers, check symmetry |
| Creak when opening | Distortion of hinges or lack of lubrication | Lubricate hinge pins, check the perpendicularity of the bolts |
| The seal does not fit around the entire perimeter | Deformation of the seal or incorrect gap | Adjust the gap with washers, replace the seal if necessary |
Nuances for different Indesit models
The design of hinges and doors may differ depending on the series of the refrigerator. Let's look at the features of popular rulers:
- Indesit C 167 NF / C 187 NF: The hinges are attached to 4 bolts (2 for each). The upper hinge has a hidden bolt under the decorative trim - do not forget to unscrew it!
- Indesit BIAA 13 / BIAA 16: The lower hinge is secured with a nut, not a screw. Use a 10mm wrench. The kit includes plastic washers - do not lose them!
- Indesit TLAA 10 / TLAA 12: The door with the dispenser requires additional removal of the water supply tube. Before removing the door, disconnect the tube from the mount on the body.
- Indesit EVA 15 / EVA 17: The hinges are asymmetrical - the upper and lower ones have different shapes. When moving, do not confuse them!
For refrigerators with electronic display (for example, Indesit ITF 118 W) after rehanging, you may need reset settings. To do this:
- Unplug the refrigerator for 5 minutes.
- Turn on and hold the button
Super Cool(orFast Freeze) for 10 seconds until the display blinks.
⚠️ Attention: In models with a system No Frost (for example, Indesit ITF 118 NF) after reversing the door, air circulation may temporarily deteriorate. This is normal - after 12-24 hours, the operation of the system will return to normal.
Typical errors and how to avoid them
Errors when re-hanging the door can lead to serious problems: from increased energy consumption to compressor breakdown. Here are the most common mistakes:
- 🔧 Use of unsuitable tools: a screwdriver of the wrong size or without a magnetic tip leads to “licking” of the slots on the bolts. Use a quality tool!
- 🔄 Confusion with hinges: the upper and lower hinges are not interchangeable. If you put them in the wrong places, the door will be warped.
- 🧲 Loss of washers or plugs: without adjusting washers it is impossible to achieve the correct clearance. Always check their presence before assembly.
- 🚪 Closing force: if the door does not close smoothly, do not press on it! This can bend the hinges or damage the seal.
Another common mistake is ignoring checking the seal. After rehanging, it may become deformed, especially if the door has been hanging on the old side for a long time. To avoid problems:
- Check the seal for cracks or dents.
- If the seal is “stiff,” treat it with silicone grease.
- If severe deformation, replace the seal with a new one (the part number can be found in the instructions for the refrigerator).
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about hanging the Indesit door
Is it possible to hang the door on an Indesit refrigerator with plastic hinges?
In most cases, no. The plastic hinges are not designed to be carried - they are attached with permanent rivets. An exception is some models of the Indesit PBAAseries, where the hinges are symmetrical and fastened with screws. Check for holes on the opposite side of the case.
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging?
Absolutely! Even if you have a model with No Frost, turn off the refrigerator 12 hours before work. This will prevent condensation from forming on the seal and make dismantling easier. After rehanging, let the refrigerator stand for 2-3 hours before turning it on.
What to do if the door does not close after rehanging?
There may be several reasons:
- Hinges are skewed - check the perpendicularity of the bolts and the symmetry of the washers.
- A foreign object (for example, a piece of seal) gets between the door and the body.
- Deformation of the seal - try heating it with a hairdryer (temperature 50-60°C) or replace it.
If the problem is not solved, return the door to its original place and repeat process.
How much does it cost to rehang the door at the service center?
The cost of the service depends on the region and model of the refrigerator. On average in Russia:
- For models without a dispenser: 1500–2500 rubles.
- For models with a dispenser or No Frost: 2500–3500 rubles.
The price includes work and adjustment, but does not include replacing the seal or hinges (if necessary).
Is it possible to hang the door on the freezer separately from the refrigerator?
Yes, if your model Indesit has separate doors (for example, Indesit ITF 118 W or BIAA 16). The process is similar, but keep in mind:
- The freezer is heavier - you will need an assistant.
- The freezer seal is stiffer and more difficult to adjust.
- After rehanging, let the chamber reach temperature for 6-8 hours before loading food.