The need to change the opening side of the refrigerator door often arises when moving to a new apartment or after remodeling the kitchen space. The standard factory-installed configuration may butt up against a wall or furniture, making the shelves difficult to access. Owners of equipment Indesit often face this question, since the brand provides the possibility of modification for most of its models.
The rehanging process requires care, but is not a very complex engineering task. You will need a minimum set of tools and about an hour of free time. The main thing is to strictly follow the sequence of actions so as not to damage sealing rubber or the door control system.
Before starting work, make sure that you understand the design of your particular model. Some modern versions Indesit with displays on the door require additional wiring manipulations, which complicates the task. In this article we will analyze a universal algorithm suitable for most classic two-chamber refrigerators.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This is critical for safety, especially if the model is equipped with electronic controls or a display on the facade.
Preparation of tools and workplace
The success of the operation directly depends on proper preparation. You don't need professional machines, but quality hand tools are a must. The main tool will be hex key or a set of heads, since most fasteners in technology Indesit have hidden heads.
You will also need a flat and Phillips screwdriver, a wrench (usually 8 or 10 mm) and a construction level. It wouldn’t hurt to use a piece of thick cardboard or a soft blanket to put the removed door on without scratching it or the floor. Make sure you have room around the refrigerator to maneuver.
- 🛠️ Set of hex keys (basic tool for hinges).
- 🔧 Wrench or ratchet with heads (for mounting bolts).
- 📏 Building level (for checking the horizon after installation).
- 🧤 Work gloves (metal edges may be sharp).
- 🧼 Clean rags (to remove dust from the hinge holes).
It is important to check the equipment of your refrigerator. In some models Indesit the plugs for the holes on the opposite side are already in the bag with the documents or are attached with tape to the inner wall of the chamber. If you don't have them, you may need to purchase a universal set of plugs.
⚠️ Warning: If you have lost the original plugs, do not leave the holes open. This will disrupt the thermal insulation and can lead to moisture getting inside the case, which will cause corrosion of the metal.
Dismantling the top part and preparing the door
We start working with the top hinge, as it holds the bulk of the door leaf. First, remove the decorative cover, if provided by the design. It is usually secured with latches or one screw that needs to be unscrewed. Be careful, the plastic can be fragile, especially on older models.
After removing the cover, you will see the mounting bolts. Do not unscrew them completely at once. Loosen the fastening, but leave the hinge attached to one bolt or place a stop under the door. The refrigerator door Indesit is heavy and falling can damage the floor or cause foot injury.
Ask a helper to hold the door while you completely remove the top hinge bolts. Remove the loop and set it aside. Now you can carefully remove the door itself by lifting it from the bottom stud. Immediately clear the opening from obstructing elements, such as shelves or drawers, if they are installed.
- 🚪 Remove the top decorative panel (hinge cover).
- 🔩 Loosen the top hinge mounting bolts, but do not remove them completely.
- 🙋 Ask an assistant hold the door during dismantling.
- 📦 Remove all removable shelves and drawers for easier access.
At this stage, the nuances of the design are often revealed. For some models top hinge it can be integrated with a closer mechanism or an opening sensor. If you see wires leading to the door, proceed with extreme caution. In most classic models, the wiring runs inside the housing and does not require disconnection.
Re-hanging the main door
The removed door must be prepared for installation on the new side. Locate the holes for the bottom hinge at the end of the door. They are usually closed with plastic plugs. Carefully remove them with a flathead screwdriver. The same plugs will need to be moved into the vacated holes on the old side.
Now pay attention to the handle. If the refrigerator model requires repositioning the handle (it is not symmetrical), it must be removed. Unscrew the screws securing the handle from the inside of the door, remove the element and install it on the opposite end using the provided holes. In some models Indesit the handles are universal and do not require rearrangement.
Install the door in a new location. Insert the lower pin (axis) into the corresponding hole in the refrigerator body. Make sure it fits snug and straight. Place the top hinge on the stud and align the holes for the mounting bolts.
| Element | Action | Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom stud | Rearrangement to new hole | Wrench |
| Upper hinge | Installation on a new side | Hexagon |
| Plugs | Replacement of sides (open -> closed) | Flat screwdriver |
| Fixing bolts | Fixing the hinge to the body | Open-end wrench |
Fix the upper hinge with bolts. Tighten them evenly without using excessive force to avoid stripping the threads. The metal of the hinges is quite strong, but the aluminum inserts in the case may not withstand the tension. Check that the door sits evenly and there are no visible distortions.
Working with the bottom door of the freezer
If you change the opening side of the main compartment, it is logical to rehang the bottom door of the freezer to maintain symmetry and convenience. The principle here is similar, but there are some peculiarities. The bottom door is often attached to a separate hinge, which can be hidden under the decorative base panel.
Remove the refrigerator base panel Indesit. It is usually held on with latches or magnets. Under it you will find the lower fastening unit. Unscrew the bolts holding the bottom hinge. As with the top door, support the structure to prevent it from falling.
⚠️ Attention: When working on the bottom door, be aware of the refrigerant lines if they are located at the bottom of the housing. Although the risk of damaging them is minimal when working with hinges, caution is a good idea.
Move the bottom hinge to the opposite side using the holes provided at the factory. Reinstall the freezer door. Check the tightness of the seal around the entire perimeter. If the freezer door has a handle, make sure it is also moved or symmetrical.
☑️ Checklist for rehanging doors
Adjusting and aligning the doors
After installing doors in a new location, height adjustmentis often required. Doors can hang below level or, conversely, touch the body from above. For this purpose, the design of the hinges provides adjusting washers or the ability to change the height of the studs.
If the door is skewed, loosen the bottom hinge and place adjusting washers (usually included in the kit or use old ones) under the axle. This will raise the door leaf. If the door, on the contrary, touches the top, the washers need to be removed or thinner ones used.
Use a building level, applying it to the end of the door at several points. The horizontal position of the refrigerator also plays a role. Make sure the unit itself is level by using the adjustable feet. Uneven load on the hinges will lead to rapid wear and the appearance of cracks.
- 📐 Check the level of the door with a building level.
- ⬆️ Use adjusting washers to lift the door.
- 🔄 Loosen the fastenings gradually, checking the result after each step.
- 🚪 Make sure that the door closes tightly around the entire perimeter.
Pay special attention to the opening angle. The door should open freely without hitting drawer handles or adjacent furniture. If the angle is too small, you may need to adjust the position of the stoppers or stops, if your model has them Indesit.
What to do if the door does not close tightly after rehanging?
If after all the manipulations you notice a gap, check the cleanliness of the seal. Sometimes the rubber gets jammed during installation. Also check to see if the refrigerator body is warped. In rare cases, it is necessary to replace the seal if the old one has lost its elasticity.
Nuances for models with electronics and No Frost
Owners of modern models Indesit with a system No Frost and displays on the door need to be especially careful. In such refrigerators, power wires for a lamp, display, or door sensor often pass through the top hinge.
When dismantling the top hinge in such models, you cannot simply remove the door. It is necessary to carefully disconnect the wire connectors. They may be located inside or adjacent to the loop. Remember or take a photo of the connection order so as not to mix up the contacts during assembly.
The wires should be carefully pulled through the new holes in the case. Do not allow the cable to bend or pinch the door leaf. This may result in an open circuit and electronic malfunction. If the wires are too short for the new configuration, they may need to be extended, which is best left to a specialist.
| Model type | Feature | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical | No wires in doors | Minimal |
| With display | Wires through the top hinge | Broken cable |
| No Frost | Complex hinge system | Tightness failure |
| Built-in | Facade fastening | Facade displacement |
After assembly, be sure to check the operation of all electronic functions. Is the light on? Is the display working? Does the refrigerator respond to door opening (compressor shutdown)? If something does not work, check the connector contacts.
⚠️ Attention: In models with electronic control, after turning off the power, the settings may be lost. Be prepared to reset the temperature and operating modes according to the user instructions.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before hanging the doors?
Yes, this is highly desirable. If you tilt or move the refrigerator during operation, oil or water may leak from the evaporator if there is ice there. In addition, an empty refrigerator is easier to manipulate, and the risk of damaging the shelves is minimal.
Is it possible to rehang the doors yourself if the refrigerator is under warranty?
Formally, tampering with the structure yourself may be grounds for denial of warranty service if you damage the components. However, simply rearranging the loops according to the manufacturer's instructions is usually not considered a violation. The main thing is not to damage the seals on the compressor or break the plastic.
What to do if, after rehanging, there is a gap between the door and the body?
A small gap can be eliminated by adjusting the height of the door using washers. If the gap is significant, the door leaf may be deformed or the seal may not be installed correctly. In some cases, heating the seal with a hairdryer helps to restore elasticity.
Where to put the old plugs from the holes?
The old plugs that covered the holes on the previous side now need to be installed in the holes on the new side (where the loop used to be). They should fit tightly in the grooves, ensuring tightness and an aesthetic appearance.
How long should you wait before turning on the refrigerator after rehanging?
If you just changed the hinges and did not tilt the refrigerator more than 40 degrees, you do not have to wait. If the unit was tilted or laid down strongly, it is recommended to wait 2-4 hours before turning on, so that the oil in the compressor flows into the crankcase.