The appearance of gaps between the door and the body of the refrigerator is a signal that cannot be ignored. Equipment owners Indesit often encounter the fact that the old rubber seal loses its elasticity, cracks, or simply no longer fits tightly to the metal. This leads to the fact that warm air begins to penetrate into the chamber, forcing the compressor to wear out and increasing energy bills.
Any home craftsman can easily replace this part on his own, but the success of the operation depends 90% on the correct selection of components. A seal that is not suitable in size or profile will not ensure tightness, no matter how high-quality the rubber itself is. The market offers many options, and it can be difficult to understand the article numbers without preparation.
In this article we will look in detail at how to determine the size of your model, where to look for serial numbers and what nuances to pay attention to when purchasing. You will learn how magnetic tapes differ for different series Indesit and why universal solutions are often inferior to the originals.
Why tightness is needed and how to understand that the seal is worn outThe main function of sealing rubber is to create a barrier between the cold internal environment of the refrigerator compartment and the warm air of the kitchen. A magnetic tape is built inside the profile, which ensures a tight fit around the entire perimeter. If this circuit is broken, the cold begins to evaporate, and the humidity inside the chamber drops sharply, which harms the products.
The first sign of wear is often frost in the freezer or condensation on the inner walls of the main compartment. However, a visual inspection may not immediately reveal the problem, since microcracks in the folds of the profile are difficult to notice. Tightness is a key parameter on which the service life of the compressor depends.
The second sign is the constant operation of the motor. You may notice that the refrigerator Indesit hums more often than usual or does not turn off at all. This happens because the temperature sensor does not record the achievement of the required values due to the constant flow of heat.
Types of seals for Indesit appliancesThe manufacturer Indesit (part of the Whirlpool concern) uses several types of profiles depending on the series and year of manufacture of the refrigerator. Understanding the design will help you avoid making mistakes when ordering. The main difference lies in the method of fastening and the shape of the rubber section.
The most common option is a profile with a “swallow” (or “herringbone”) fastening. In this case, the rubber is inserted into a special groove on the door, and it is held in place by the shape of the profile itself. Such models are easily removed and installed without glue, which simplifies maintenance.
⚠️ Attention: There are models with a glued seal, where the rubber is fixed with special glue or screws under the decorative strip. Before purchasing, be sure to remove the old seal in one of the corners to see the type of fastening.
The second type is magnetic seals with an internal channel for self-tapping screws or with a clamping strip. They are more often found in older models or built-in series. It is also important to pay attention to the number of chambers in the profile (single-chamber or double-chamber), as this affects the tightness of the fit.
How to determine the refrigerator model and find the article numberThe most reliable way to select a part is to search by serial number (PNC) or article number. There is always an information sticker on the refrigerator body Indesit . It is usually located inside the refrigerator compartment on the left side wall or on the back panel of the unit itself.
You need to find the field where the serial number or product code is indicated. It often looks like a combination of letters and numbers, for example starting with a series code. It is by this code that in the spare parts catalogs you can find the exact seal article seal article.
Where to look for the code if the sticker has worn off?
If the sticker inside the camera is not readable, look for the technical data sheet of the product that came with the kit. Also, the code is often duplicated on the box or in the warranty card. As a last resort, you can take a photo of the door hinge and send the photo to the spare parts seller.
If you cannot find the number, you can use the selection method by dimensions. You will need a construction tape measure. Measure the outside dimensions of the door in width and height. It is important to measure the doorway or the door itself, and not the internal volume of the chamber.
Table of correspondence of models and sizesTo simplify the search, we have prepared a reference table with popular series of refrigerators Indesit. Please note that dimensions may have tolerances of several millimeters, so it is always better to double-check the data for a specific article.
| Series / Model | Mounting type | Approximate size (HxW) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indesit C 138 | Swallow (in the groove) | 1760 x 540 mm | Single-chamber refrigerators |
| Indesit SB 167 | Swallow (in the groove) | 1670 x 540 mm | Standard profile |
| Indesit NBS 18 | In the groove / Plank | 1850 x 600 mm | No Frost systems |
| Indesit DF 520 | Swallow (in the groove) | 2010 x 600 mm | Double-chamber, tall |
Remember that for dual-chamber models, you will most likely need two different seals: one for the refrigerator compartment, the other for the freezer. They may differ not only in size, but also in the rigidity of the magnet.
Where to buy: original or analogue?When choosing between an original spare part Indesit and an analogue from third-party manufacturers (for example, Proficompress, Indesit Company or Chinese brands), it is worth weighing the risks. The originals are guaranteed to fit into place, but their price may be higher, and it is more difficult to find them in stock.
Analogues are often made of rubber of similar quality, but may have differences in the angle geometry. If the angle is too obtuse or sharp, a gap will form in this place. High-quality analogues are usually marked as “compatible” with specific series.
It is better to buy a seal in specialized stores of spare parts for household appliances, where a consultant can help with selection based on the database. In markets or in construction hypermarkets, the risk of buying the wrong profile is much higher.
Instructions for installing a new sealReplacing a seal is a process that does not require complex tools, but requires care. Before starting work, it is better to turn off the power to the refrigerator, although this is not always critical for replacing rubber, safety comes first.
☑️ What you will need for replacement
1. Remove the old seal. If it is on a latch (“swallow”), simply pry up the corner with a flat-head screwdriver and pull along the perimeter. If it is glued, carefully peel it off, helping yourself with a spatula.
2. Thoroughly clean the door groove of any remaining adhesive, dirt or grease. Use soapy water or alcohol. The surface must be perfectly clean and dry.
3. It is recommended to warm up the new seal before installation. Immerse it in warm water (about 50-60 degrees) for 5-10 minutes. This will make the rubber elastic and straighten out creases that occurred during transportation.
4. Start inserting the seal from the top corner. Insert the profile into the groove evenly, without strong tension. Move around the perimeter, pressing the “swallow” inward.
5. In the corners, the rubber must be carefully straightened, forming a right angle. Wrinkles often form here and need to be smoothed out with your fingers.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use superglue or harsh chemicals to secure the new seal if it is intended to be installed in a groove. The glue can “harden” the rubber and break the seal in the future.
After installation, close the door and let the refrigerator stand for several hours. The magnets should “grind in” to the body.
Common mistakes during selection and installationOne of the most common mistakes is trying to install a seal that is too hard on an old refrigerator. Over time, door hinges wear out and the door may hang crookedly. New, hard rubber simply will not allow the door to close, and the gap will remain in the opposite corner.
In such cases, not only replacement of the seal is required, but also adjustment of the door hinges. Sometimes it helps to hang the door on the other side, if the design of the refrigerator Indesit this allows it.
What to do if the seal does not fit into the corner?
If a “wave” has formed in the corner, try removing a section of rubber, straightening it and inserting it again, starting strictly from the corner. You can use a hairdryer to slightly warm up the bend, but do not overheat the rubber!
It is also a mistake to ignore door distortions. If you install a new seal on a warped door, it will wear out very quickly at the point of maximum friction. Check the horizontal installation of the refrigerator itself using a level.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to use a universal seal and trim it?
Technically this is possible, but not recommended for beginners. Universal seals often have an empty profile without a magnet (the magnetic tape must be inserted separately) or require complex gluing. For Indesit it is better to take a ready-made profile for a specific model.
How long does a new seal last?
The average service life of a high-quality seal is 5-7 years. However, this depends on operating conditions: frequency of opening the door, temperature in the kitchen and regularity of maintenance (wiping).
Why did the refrigerator begin to close worse after replacement?
New rubber is always thicker and stiffer than the old one. Give it 2-3 days to “shrink”. If the problem persists, check to see if the seal is in the way of shelves or food, and make sure the refrigerator is level.
Does the new seal need to be lubricated?
Immediately after installation - no. But during operation (once every 3-4 months), it is recommended to wipe the rubber with silicone grease or glycerin to prevent drying out and cracks.