The situation when the refrigerator Indesit finds itself in an awkward position due to the direction the doors open is familiar to many owners. This often happens when moving to a new kitchen or after purchasing new furniture that blocks access to food. Fortunately, the design of most models of this Italian brand provides the possibility reverse installationthat allows you to change the opening side without calling a specialist.
The re-hanging process does not require deep engineering knowledge, but demands accuracy and the availability of a basic set of tools. It is important to understand that incorrect operation may damage sealing rubber or break the seal of the cooling system. In this article, we will analyze in detail the stages of work for different types of refrigerators so that you can safely perform reinstallation.
Before starting any manipulations, you need to prepare the workplace and free up space around the unit. You will need to move the equipment away from the wall by at least 50-70 centimeters to provide free access to the ends and back of the case. Be sure unplug the refrigerator from the power supply and remove all shelves, drawers and containers, since even a small load can shift the center of gravity during dismantling.
To work, you will need a standard DIY kit. The main tool will be screwdriver or a Phillips screwdriver, as well as open-end wrenches (most often 8, 10 or 13 mm). It would be a good idea to prepare masking tape to secure the moving parts and a soft rag so as not to scratch the glossy surface of the door when removing it.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to check the availability of spare plugs for holes in the kit. If you have lost the original plastic plugs, they can be replaced with decorative stickers or ordered from an authorized dealer to preserve the aesthetics of the case.
It is important to consider that for models with a system NoFrost or Full NoFrost the process may be more complicated due to the presence of air ducts. In such cases, you need to be extremely careful with plastic elements, as they become brittle at low temperatures. If the refrigerator has just been working, let it stand in a warm place for at least 30 minutes before disassembling.
Determination of the type of structure and preparation
The first step is to accurately determine the model of your unit, since the algorithm of actions depends on this. Refrigerators Indesit are divided into several categories based on the type of control and door design. The most common models are c mechanical control, where the temperature controller is located inside the chamber, and electronic versions with a display on the facade. In the second case, additional care is required when disconnecting the cables.
It is also critical to check whether the manufacturer provides the possibility of reversing for your specific series. Although 90% of models support this function, there are exceptions, especially in retro series or built-in models with specific mounting. Find the technical data sheet or inspect the end of the door: if there are symmetrical holes on the opposite side and plugs were included, then reverse is possible. Surface preparation also plays a role. Wipe the ends of the doors and the places where the hinges are attached with a damp cloth, removing dust and grease. This will prevent tools from slipping and allow you to clearly see the threaded connections. If rust is visible on the hinges, pre-treat them with a penetrating lubricant such as reverse possible.
Surface preparation also plays a role. Wipe the ends of the doors and the places where the hinges are attached with a damp cloth, removing dust and grease. This will prevent tools from slipping and allow you to clearly see the threaded connections. If the hinges show rust, pre-treat them with a penetrating lubricant such as WD-40and leave for 10-15 minutes.
Removing the top panel and hinge
The disassembly process always starts from the top of the refrigerator. First of all, you need to remove the top cover of the case if it interferes with access to the top hinge. It is usually secured with two or four screws on the back or sides. Carefully unscrew them and slide the cover back, then lift it up, being careful not to touch the internal components.
Next, move on to the very top hinge. It holds the door in a vertical position, so the door must be securely secured before unscrewing the bolts. Ask an assistant to hold the façade or use stable stands. Unscrew the mounting bolts holding the hinge and remove it. Now the upper part of the door is free, but is supported by the lower hinge.
If you have a model with a display, you need to be extremely careful at this stage. There is often a passage at the top of the door control cable. It must be carefully disconnected from the connector. Do not pull the wires, but press the connector latch and smoothly remove the connector. It is better to immediately seal the joint with masking tape to prevent dust from getting in there.
⚠️ Attention: When removing the top hinge, the door may tilt sharply. Make sure you hold the frame firmly or have the support of a second person to avoid the heavy structure falling on your feet.
After removing the top hinge, you can carefully lift the door and remove it from the bottom guide pin. Place the door on a prepared soft surface (such as a blanket or cardboard) with the outside facing down. Now you have full access to the lower fastening and the mating part of the hinge.
Removing the door and rearranging the fittings
When the door is removed and lies on the floor, you can begin rearranging the fittings. At the end you will see the handle (if it is not overhead) and the counterpart of the lower loop. In some models Indesit the lower support is pressed into the door body and does not require removal, but most often you need to unscrew the bolt from below and move the support sleeve to the other side.
If the door handle is integrated into the body or has a symmetrical fastening, it also needs to be removed. Unscrew the screws on the inside of the door that hold the handle and move them to the opposite end. Be sure to close the holes that become free after dismantling with the plugs included in the kit. This is not only a matter of aesthetics, but also protecting the internal cavity of the door from moisture.
Now let's deal with the hinge itself. Remove the axle and washers from it, if they are structurally removable, and install them in symmetrical holes on the other side. Make sure all gaskets remain in place. When installing in a new location, check that the thread fits in easily, without distortions, otherwise you can break the thread in the metal body of the door.
What to do if the bolt is rusty?
If the fastener does not give in, do not use excessive force. Sprinkle the connection generously with rust remover, tap the bolt head with a hammer to create vibration, and try to warm the connection with a hair dryer (without overheating the plastic) for 30-40 seconds.
Installing the door on the new side
The most important step is installing the door in a new place. Lift the door and slide the bottom support sleeve onto the pin, which should now be on the opposite side of the refrigerator body. Make sure the door is level and vertical. At this stage, an assistant is again needed, since it is extremely difficult to hold the door with one hand and get into the holes of the top hinge with the other.
Install the top hinge in a new place. Insert the bolts and start tightening them, but do not tighten them all the way yet. This is necessary in order to be able to adjust the position of the door. If you tighten the fasteners too much at once, it will be almost impossible to correct the misalignment without re-disassembling.
For models with a display, at this stage the cable is connected. Pull the wire through the provided hole in the housing and connect the connector until you hear a characteristic click. Lay the wires so that they do not fall into the movement zone of the mechanisms and are not pinched when closing.
☑️ Installation checklist
After fixing the upper hinge, check the operation of the lower part. The door should open and close freely without touching the body. If you hear grinding or feel friction, the axle is not installed correctly or is twisted. In this case, loosen the fasteners and level the position.
Adjusting and aligning the doors
Correct adjustment is the key to long service life of the seal and efficient operation of the refrigerator. After installing a door, a situation often arises when one side hangs lower than the other or the door does not fit tightly to the body. To correct the position, the design of the hinges Indesit provides adjusting washers or the possibility of slightly shifting the fasteners.
If the door is skewed diagonally (one upper corner is adjacent, and the opposite lower one is moving away), try placing a thin washer under the lower hinge on the desired side or loosen the upper fasteners and slightly move loop in the right direction. The movements should be microscopic, literally a fraction of a millimeter, after which the result should be checked.
Pay special attention to the magnetic seal. It should fit evenly around the entire perimeter of the body. Check this by closing the door on a piece of paper: the paper should be pulled out with slight effort along its entire length. If in some place there is no gap at all or, on the contrary, the paper falls out, additional adjustment is required.
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The door does not close completely | The hinges are skewed or the shelf is in the way | Loosen the top hinge, align, check the shelves |
| Gap in the upper part | The top hinge is not tightened enough | Tighten the bolts of the top hinge, check washers |
| The door opens by itself | The body is tilted back or the seal is loose | Unscrew the front legs, tilting the body forward |
| Creak when opening | Metal friction or absence lubricants | Lubricate the hinges with lithium grease, check the alignment |
⚠️ Attention: Never use silicone lubricants for seals, as they can cause rubber degradation. To lubricate the rubbing metal parts of the hinges, use only specialized compounds that do not destroy plastic.
Nuances for models with the NoFrost system
Refrigerators Indesit with the system NoFrost have a more complex door design, since inside it there may pass channels for air circulation. When rehanging these doors, it is critical not to damage the interior insulation and ductwork. Often in such models, the door handle is part of a decorative panel that is fastened with latches.
When dismantling the top part of NoFrost models, it is often necessary to remove the decorative trim to get to the fasteners. Work slowly, using a plastic spatula, to avoid leaving marks on the glossy plastic. Inside you can see a corrugated air duct tube - it must not be bent or squeezed, otherwise the circulation of cold air will be disrupted.
Also in models with “Full No Frost”, air ducts can be in both the freezer and refrigerator compartments. Make sure that when rearranging the plugs you do not block the technological holes that may be located at the ends. Carefully study the diagram in the instructions, as different series Indesit the location of these elements is different.
Frequent errors and troubleshooting
Even following the instructions, beginners often make mistakes that subsequently affect the operation of the equipment. One of the most common is the loss of small washers or bushings when rearranging. These elements may seem insignificant, but they are what ensure the correct gap between the door and the body. Without them, the door may warp or close poorly.
Another mistake is mixing up the sides of the handle. On some models, the holes for the handle are asymmetrical, and if you screw it the other way around, it will look unnatural or interfere with opening. Always test the handle before final tightening the screws. Also make sure that the handle screws are not too long and do not rest against the inner plastic of the door.
If after installation you notice that the refrigerator began to operate louder or hold the temperature worse, check the tightness of the seal. It is possible that during installation you accidentally turned the edge of the rubber inward. Straighten it by heating it with a hairdryer if a dent has formed. Also check whether the door touches the body when closing - this creates an extra load on the compressor.
Is it possible to hang the door if there are no holes on the body on the other side?
If there are no technological holes and threaded bushings on the opposite end of the body and the door, then it is impossible to hang the door in the factory way. Attempting to drill new holes may compromise the integrity of the thermal insulation and lead to failure of the refrigerator. In such cases, it is recommended to use special adapters or leave the door as is, rearranging the refrigerator itself.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging?
Yes, this is highly recommended. Even if you have a model with NoFrost, condensation may remain inside. In addition, tilting and moving the pipes may cause oil or refrigerant to leak out if the system is not stable. Complete defrosting and drying (at least 2-3 hours when turned off) will protect the electrics and the floor in the kitchen.
What to do if the plugs for the holes are lost?
It is undesirable to operate the refrigerator without plugs, since moisture and dust get into the holes, causing corrosion. You can order original plugs according to the catalog number of your model Indesit at the service center. Temporarily, you can use decorative stickers of a suitable color or carefully paint over the holes with a metal marker if they are not in a visible place.
Does re-hanging the door affect the warranty?
Re-hanging the door yourself, as a rule, does not void the warranty on the compressor and cooling system, since this is an operation provided by the manufacturer. However, if you damage the case, break the glass, or break plastic parts in the process, that particular damage will not be covered by the warranty. Keep all removed parts in case you call for service.