Changing the kitchen layout or simply inconvenient location sockets often dictate their terms, requiring the rearrangement of large household appliances. Owners of units Indesit often face the need to change the direction of door opening in order to provide comfortable access to the shelves. Fortunately, the design of most modern models provides for this possibility, allowing you to rehang the canvas without calling a specialist.
This process requires not so much special skills as attentiveness and accuracy. Reversing the door is a technically simple operation, however, violation of the sequence of actions can lead to damage to the plastic or a violation of the tightness of the circuit. It is important to understand that not all models have symmetrical fastenings, so preliminary diagnostics are required.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for various series of refrigerators Indesit. You will learn what tools you will need, how to properly dismantle the fittings and what to pay special attention to when installing a magnetic seal in a new place.
Before you start work, you need to make sure that the warranty period of the device is still valid. Independent intervention in the structure may result in denial of warranty serviceif seals or internal components are damaged in the process. If you are confident in your abilities, you can proceed to preparation.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tools
High-quality preparation is the key to successful completion of the repair. You don't need a complex professional tool; a standard home craftsman's kit is enough. The main thing is that everything you need is at hand, so as not to be distracted by searching at the most crucial moment.
Free up space in front of the refrigerator. You will need to ensure that the unit is easily accessible from all sides, as you may have to tilt the unit or walk around it. Remove carpets and unnecessary objects so that nothing interferes with movement.
- 🛠️ Set of screwdrivers: Phillips (PH2, PH3) and flat of different sizes for removing decorative plugs.
- 🔧 Keys: open-end or socket (often requires size 8, 10 or 13 mm) for hinge bolts.
- 🧤 Protective gloves: metal edges of shelves or hinges can be sharp, and it is better not to stain the plastic itself with greasy hands.
A soft plastic spatula or an old knife with with a dull blade. This tool is needed to carefully remove decorative panels and plugs so as not to scratch the glossy surface of the case. Some models Indesit have rather tight latches, and it can be difficult to open them with your fingers.
Don't forget about lighting. If work takes place in the evening, make sure the area around the refrigerator is well lit. The shadow of your own body should not fall on the work area, otherwise you can miss an important fastening element.
Diagnostics of the model and checking the possibility of overhanging
Not every refrigerator Indesit allows you to change the opening side. In budget or older models, holes for hinges may only be on one side. Before starting disassembly, carefully inspect the end of the case from the opposite side.
Look for technological holes closed with plastic plugs. If you see threaded holes or through bolt channels on both sides of the top and bottom panels, then your model supports reverse. If the side you need is smooth metal without holes, alas, you won’t be able to redo the structure without drilling, which is strictly not recommended.
⚠️ Attention: In models with a display on the door or a system No Frost with a complex air duct system, there may be nuances. Check the length of the cables and wires - they may not be enough to transfer to the other side.
Two-chamber models require special attention. Here you will need to rehang both the upper and lower doors separately. Make sure that the central hinge (if there is one between the cameras) also has symmetrical fastenings. In some series Indesit the middle loop is universal, while in others it requires replacement with a mirror one.
It is recommended to find the technical data sheet of your device or download the instructions from the official website. There, in the “Installation” or “Installation” section, there is often a diagram indicating the possibility of reverse. This will save time and save you from unnecessary actions.
Dismantling the top door and removing the top hinge
We start disassembling from the top of the refrigerator. The first step is to remove the top decorative panel if it covers the hinge fasteners. Usually it is held on by latches or one screw, which is hidden under the plug.
Carefully pry up the plug with a flat-head screwdriver. Do not use excessive force to avoid tearing the plastic. Underneath you will see the top hinge mounting bolts. Before unscrewing them completely, ask an assistant to hold the door, since without fixation it may fall and damage the floor or break itself.
☑️ Preparing to dismantle the upper door
After removing the bolts, remove the hinge itself. Now you can remove the top door. Lift it slightly to disengage it from the lower hinge (if it is a single structure) or simply remove it from the axle. Set the door aside in a safe place, preferably with it face up on a soft surface.
If the door has a handle, it may also need to be repositioned. The mounting holes for handles are Indesit often symmetrical. Unscrew the handle on one side and screw it on the other using the same screws. If the holes are different, you may need additional plugs, which usually come with the refrigerator.
Removing the bottom door and working with the central hinge
After the upper part is freed, move on to the bottom door. Here is the main load-bearing loop, which is often combined with the axis of rotation. In some models Indesit the axis is part of the hinge, in others it is pressed into the door itself.
The process is similar: remove the decorative trim, unscrew the fastening bolts. Pay attention to washers and bushings. Order of their arrangement critical for proper operation of the mechanism. It is best to lay out the parts in the order in which you remove them, or take photographs of each stage.
By removing the bottom door, you will gain access to the central part of the refrigerator. If your model has a middle hinge separating the cameras, it must be completely removed. It is attached to the refrigerator body with bolts, which can be hidden under plastic plugs at the end.
What to do if the bolts are rusty?
If the bolts of the central hinge cannot be unscrewed due to corrosion, do not try to tear them off by force - you can break the cap. Treat the joint with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and leave for 15-20 minutes. After this, try to carefully move it with the key.
Carefully inspect the removed loop. There may be special pins or protrusions on it that should point in a certain direction. When installing on the other side, the orientation of these elements may have to be changed. The instructions for your model Indesit should indicate whether you need to turn the hinge over or change it to a mirror one.
Installing hinges and hanging doors on the new side
Now that all the elements have been dismantled, we begin assembly on the other side. Place the center hinge (if there is one) in its new location. To do this, use holes that were previously closed with plugs. Secure the hinge with bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet - this will allow you to correct the position in case of misalignment.
Hang the bottom door. Insert the hinge pin into the corresponding hole on the door. Make sure the door is seated tightly and level. Now you can tighten the mounting bolts of the lower and central hinges. Use open-end wrench for secure fixation, but do not overtighten the thread so as not to strip it.
| Element | Installation action | Important nuance |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom hinge | Install in the lower holes | Check the horizontalness of the axis |
| Central hinge | Attach to the end of the body | Don't forget about the bushings |
| Upper hinge | Install after hanging the top door | Adjusting the gap |
| Plugs | Move to the vacated holes | Maintain aesthetics |
Next go to the top door. Hang it on the central axis (or directly on the body if the model is single-chamber). Reinstall the top hinge. It is at this stage that the main adjustments are made. The door should close tightly, without gaps, but not too tightly.
If you notice that the door is skewed, loosen the top hinge bolts a little and align the position of the door with the body. Once aligned, re-tighten the fasteners. Check the operation of the magnetic lock - the door should be magnetized along the entire perimeter.
Move the handle and final adjustment
The final stage is installing the handle and decorative elements. If the handle is integrated (hidden), this step can be skipped. If the handle is overhead, transfer it to the new side using symmetrical holes. The refrigerator often comes with additional screws or plugs for old holes. Indesit Often there are additional screws or plugs for old holes.
Close the vacant holes on the old side with plastic plugs. They should click into place with a characteristic click. If the plugs do not fit tightly, you can drop a drop of glue, but usually this is not necessary, since they are held on by friction clutches.
After assembly, be sure to check the tightness. Take a sheet of paper, clamp it with the door and try to pull it out. The paper should be pulled out with force along the entire perimeter. If in some place it falls out freely, it means that the pressure there is broken. In this case, adjusting the height of the refrigerator legs or tightening the hinges will help.
⚠️ Attention: After moving the door, be sure to check whether the backlight or sensor wires (if any) are pinched. When opening the door, the wiring should not be stretched.
Plug in the refrigerator and listen. There should be no extraneous sounds, creaks or knocks. If the door slams by itself, you may have tilted the refrigerator forward too much during installation, and now the tilt angle is off.
Common mistakes and troubleshooting
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes. One of the most common is the loss of small washers or bushings. These items may seem minor, but they provide the correct clearance between the door and the frame. Without them, the door will warp and the seal will be broken.
Another mistake is the incorrect bolt tightening sequence. If you first tightly tighten the lower hinge, and then try to get the upper door into the upper hinge, you can create enormous stress in the metal. Adjustment must be carried out in stages: secured - checked - tightened.
Sometimes it happens that after hanging the door does not close completely. Check if anything inside is in the way: bottles on the shelves, hanging bags. Also make sure the refrigerator is level. If the floor is uneven, use adjustable supports at the bottom of the body.
If you did everything correctly, but the door is still skewed, perhaps the door structure itself is deformed (for example, from standing open for a long time). In this case, it may be necessary to replace the seal or align the metal frame of the door, which is a more difficult task.
Is it possible to rehang the door if there is a display on it?
In most cases, no, or it is extremely difficult. The display cable wires usually have a strictly defined length and are laid inside the door leaf. Transferring to the other side will require lengthening the wires and re-soldering the contacts, which can lead to loss of warranty and unstable operation of the electronics.
What to do if the plugs for the holes are lost?
Plugs can be ordered at the service center Indesit or pick up universal ones at a furniture fittings store. As a last resort, if the hole is at the bottom and is not visible, you can leave it open, but it is better to close it so that dust does not get inside.
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging it?
Yes, this is a mandatory condition. Hanging the door involves tilting and turning the unit. If liquid or ice remains in the system, when the position of the compressor changes, a water hammer may occur, which will damage the equipment. Let the refrigerator stand unplugged for at least 2-3 hours.
Why does the door open by itself after rehanging?
Most likely, the angle of the body is broken. The refrigerator door closes due to gravity. If the top of the refrigerator is tilted back, the door will open on its own. Adjust the front legs so that the front is slightly higher than the back.
Does overhang affect the warranty?
According to the law, if you have not damaged the internal components or broken the seals on the compressor, the warranty should remain valid. However, if you break the plastic handle or scratch the body in the process, the service center may refuse free repairs precisely because of these damages.