Changing the kitchen layout or simply the desire to improve the ergonomics of the workspace often dictates its own conditions. The standard configuration, in which the refrigerator door opens from the right, is not suitable for every interior. Equipment owners Indesit can solve this problem on their own without resorting to the services of expensive specialists. Rehanging doors is a technically simple procedure, but it requires care and strict adherence to the sequence of actions.
Before starting work, you need to make sure that the model of your unit allows for such an upgrade. Most modern two-chamber models Indesit are designed taking into account the possibility of changing the opening side. However, there are exceptions, especially in older or specific series, where the design does not provide for the dismantling of hinges on one side without compromising the integrity of the body. A careful inspection of the ends of the door and the presence of hidden plugs on the opposite side will be the first indicators of the possibility of work.
The process requires careful handling of the parts, since careless movement can lead to damage facade panel or deformation of the fasteners. It is important to prepare a level space for work, since the refrigerator will have to be tilted or partially disassembled. Do not neglect the preparation, because the tightness of the chamber and the service life of the seal in the future depend on the quality of each stage.
Necessary tools and preparation
High-quality preparation of the workplace and the availability of the right tools are the key to successful completion of the operation. You don't need complex industrial equipment; a basic home craftsman's kit is enough. The main thing is that the tools are in good working order and suitable in size to the fasteners of your model Indesit.
For work you will definitely need hex wrench, most often 5 or 6 mm in size, since this is the type of fastener used by the manufacturer for the main components. Also have a flat-head and Phillips screwdriver, a wrench (usually 10 mm) and a sharp knife or awl for removing the plugs. It will not be superfluous to have a soft rag on hand to wipe the parts from dust and avoid scratches.
- 🔧 Hex wrench (5-6 mm) is the main tool for removing hinges.
- 🪛 Set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) - for screws and removing decorative elements.
- 🧤 Work gloves - to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧼 Soft cloth - for cleaning surfaces and keeping the seal clean.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This is critical for safety, since during operation you will tilt the unit and touch metal parts where there may be a risk of a short circuit if the wiring is damaged.
☑️ Preparing to rehang the doors
Removing the upper part and door of the refrigerator compartment
The process must begin from top to bottom. This rule is relevant for models Indesit, since the design involves sequential disassembly. The first step is to remove the top decorative panel, if there is one, or get to the top hinge. Often it is hidden under a plastic cover, which must be carefully pryed off with a knife.
After gaining access to the fasteners, unscrew the bolts holding the upper hinge. It is important here not to lose the washers and the screws themselves, since they can be of a specific shape. If the refrigerator door is heavy, have someone help you hold it to prevent it from falling and damaging the bottom hinge or floor.
After removing the top hinge, carefully lift the door and remove it from the bottom hinge pin. Place the door in a safe place, having first removed the handle from it, if the design requires it. On some models Indesit the handles are integrated into the body, and their removal is not required, which simplifies the process.
Nuances of removing the handle
On some Indesit models, the handle is secured with hidden screws under the decorative trim. If you do not see the fasteners, try carefully bending the plastic cap at the end of the handle. Do not use excessive force to avoid breaking the plastic, which can be fragile on older models.
Now attention turns to the middle part of the unit, where the partition between the chambers is located. If your model allows for rearrangement, there should be threaded holes or mounting sleeves on the opposite end. Remove the plastic plugs from the holes that will be used and install them in the empty spaces, maintaining a neat appearance of the equipment.
Working with the bottom door and freezer
The bottom door covering the freezer is usually removed in a similar way, but has its own characteristics. Often it is connected to the wiring that goes to the temperature sensor or the No Frost defrost button. Be extremely careful when disconnecting electrical contacts so as not to damage connectors or the wires themselves.
Disconnect the terminals after first remembering or photographing their location. After this, you can unscrew the lower hinge bolts. After removing the door, inspect the condition of the sealing rubber. If there are creases on it from the previous position, you can try to straighten them with a hairdryer, but you need to act very carefully so as not to melt the material.
- 📸 Take a photo of the connection of the wires before disconnecting - this will save time during assembly.
- 🌡️ Check the integrity of the sensor wire - it should not have cracks or kinks.
- 🧹 Clean the end of the door from ice and dirt before installing it in a new location.
⚠️ Attention: Never pull the wires to disconnect the connectors. Hold only the plastic housing of the connector. Damage to the insulation of the temperature sensor wire will lead to incorrect operation of the thermostat and possible failures in the mode. No Frost.
If your model allows for repositioning the knob, now is the time to do this. Typically the handle is attached with screws to the inside of the door or to the side. Transfer it to the opposite side using the prepared holes. Make sure that the screws are tightened tightly, but without overtightening, which can split the plastic.
Installing hinges and assembling the structure
Assembly is carried out in the reverse order of disassembly, but using the opposite side of the case. Start by installing the bottom freezer hinge. Insert the hinge pin into the hole on the body and secure it with bolts. Make sure that the hinge sits tightly and does not wobble, as it will bear the main load.
Hang the bottom door, immediately connecting the sensor wires. A previously taken photo or diagram will help here. The wires must be laid in special grooves so that when closing the door they are not pressed or chafed. This is a critical point for the durability of the electrical part refrigerator.
| Element | Action | Test sign |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom loop | Secure with bolts | No backlash |
| Wiring | Connect and lay | Insulation integrity |
| Middle hinge | Install after hanging the top door | Coincidence of axes |
| Upper hinge | Fixing the position | Tight fit |
Next, install the middle loop (if it is separate) or immediately the upper one, depending on the design of your model Indesit. The top door of the refrigerator compartment is hung. The upper hinge is finally fixed with bolts. At this stage, it is important not to tighten the bolts “all the way” right away, but to leave a small amount of play for subsequent adjustment.
Adjusting the position of doors and gaps
After installing doors in a new location, there is often a need for adjustment. Doors may warp or not fit tightly against the frame due to uneven floors or small tolerances during installation. Adjustment is carried out by turning the hinges themselves or the adjusting bolts, if they are provided for in the design.
If the door is skewed, loosen the fastening bolts of the middle or lower hinge and slightly move the door in the desired direction, then tighten the fasteners again. Use a building level to check. The gap between the door and the body must be uniform around the entire perimeter. A loose fit will lead to loss of cold and the formation of ice crust.
- 📏 Check the gap around the entire perimeter - it should be the same.
- 🚪 The door should open and close smoothly, without jamming.
- 🔒 Make sure that the magnetic lock operates along the entire length of the seal.
Pay special attention to the opening angle. If the door does not open completely due to the kitchen furniture, you may need a travel limiter, which is sometimes included, or rearrangement of the refrigerator itself. In some cases, adjusting the tilt of the entire unit using the front support legs helps.
⚠️ Attention: Do not leave the hinge bolts loose. Vibration of the compressor during operation of the refrigerator can weaken the fasteners over time, which will lead to the door skewing and damage to the seal. After adjustment, be sure to check the tightness of all screws after 24 hours.
Checking functionality and common errors
The final stage is checking the quality of the work performed. Plug in the refrigerator and let it work. After 15-20 minutes, check the heating of the seal (it should be cold) and listen to see if there is any extraneous noise from the vibration of the doors. Make sure that the light inside goes out when closing.
A common mistake is to ignore rearranging the plugs. This is not only a matter of aesthetics, but also of protecting internal elements from dust and moisture. Also, users often forget to rearrange the door opening limiter, if there is one, as a result of which the handle can hit the wall or furniture.
Another common problem is overtightening of the wires inside the door. If the sensor wire is stretched, it may come off when the door is opened. Always leave a small margin of wire length inside the door cavity, forming a neat loop.
What to do if the door does not hold?
If after all the manipulations the door continues to open by itself, check the tilt of the refrigerator. The front should be slightly raised relative to the back. This can be achieved by unscrewing the front adjustable supports. Also check if anything is preventing the seal from closing tightly.
Answers to frequently asked questions
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging the hinges?
Yes, this is highly desirable. Complete defrosting will make the seal more elastic, which will make it easier to remove and install the doors. In addition, when defrosted, the unit is lighter, which will reduce the risk of damaging the floor or the technician’s back when tilted.
Is it possible to hang the doors on a single-chamber Indesit refrigerator?
Not on all models. In single-chamber refrigerators, the hinges are often welded or do not allow for repositioning. The presence of threaded holes on the other side of the case is the only sure sign of the possibility of re-hanging.
What to do if a whistle appears after re-hanging?
The whistle can be produced by the seal rubbing against the case or the hinge itself, if it is poorly lubricated or skewed. Check the gap around the perimeter and lubricate the hinges if necessary. If the seal makes noise, try wiping it with silicone grease.
Will the warranty remain valid after rehanging the hinges yourself?
Officially, any interference with the design may be grounds for denial of warranty service if the breakdown is related to your actions. However, the very fact of re-hanging the doors, as provided by the manufacturer, usually does not void the warranty for the compressor and electronics, if you did not damage anything.
Where to put the old plugs and fasteners?
It is better to keep all removed parts, including plugs, screws and washers. If you move or return the refrigerator to a store (although this is rare), you may need to restore it to its original condition. Fold them into a separate bag and stick them with tape inside the instructions or on the back wall of the unit.