Modern kitchens often dictate their own ergonomic conditions, and the standard configuration of household appliances may not fit into the updated interior. Owners of refrigerators Indesit often face the need to move the unit to a corner where opening the door to the right becomes physically impossible or extremely inconvenient. Fortunately, the design of most models of this brand initially provides the possibility of reverse installationwhich allows you to change the opening side without the involvement of specialists.
The process of rehanging the door leaf requires care and adherence to a certain algorithm of actions so as not to damage the seal or break the threads in the plastic bushings. An incorrect sequence of actions can lead to misalignment, causing the refrigerator to stop closing tightly, which can lead to compressor failure. In this article, we will analyze in detail how to perform this operation technically competently, what tools will be needed and what design nuances Indesit you should pay special attention to.
Before you begin physical work, you need to make sure that your model really supports such a modification, although this is typical for 95% of the equipment from this manufacturer. You will need to free up space around the unit and prepare a flat surface for temporary placement of the removed elements. It is critically important to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply and completely defrost it before starting work., since the presence of ice or condensation inside the channels can lead to a short circuit or damage to the wiring during manipulation.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
The success of the door hanging operation directly depends on the quality of preparation and the availability of the right tools. You should not try to unscrew the hinge bolts with a knife or inappropriate objects, as this is guaranteed to lead to licking of the edges and damage to the decorative plugs. To work with equipment Indesit usually you need a minimum set of household tools, which any amateur craftsman can find.
You will need a Phillips and flathead screwdriver, as well as a wrench or socket of the appropriate size (most often 8 mm or 10 mm). Some models may have specific hex head screws, so having a set of hex keys will be a good idea. Also prepare a soft rag or cardboard to cover the floor and protect the door covering from scratches during work.
- 🔧 Phillips and flathead screwdrivers for removing plugs and working with screws.
- 🔩 Wrench or socket head (usually 8-10 mm) for bolts loops.
- 📏 Level or ruler for checking the horizontal installation after installation.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
Organizing a workspace is not just a matter of convenience, but a safety measure. Make sure there is enough space around the refrigerator to walk around it on all sides without touching furniture. If the floor is slippery, lay a rubber mat to eliminate the risk of a heavy door leaf or the unit itself falling during tilting.
☑️ Preparing for rehanging
Dismantling the top part and removing the door
The first stage of work is dismantling the top panel and removing the door from the top loops On most models Indesit the top cover is secured with two screws at the front and sometimes secured with latches at the back. Carefully unscrew the visible screws, slide the cover back and remove it, gaining access to the top hinge.
Next you need to free the top hinge from the mounting bolts. Before completely unscrewing them, it is recommended to have an assistant hold the door, as it may fall after removing the last bolt. If there is no assistant, the door must first be secured with tape or propped up, but it is better to work together.
After removing the bolts, carefully lift the door up to remove the bottom hinge pin from the bushing, and set it in a safe place. Pay attention to the condition sealing rubber: if it has creases or damage, now is the best time to replace it with a new one while the door is removed.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to forcefully remove rusted bolts. If the fastener does not give way, treat it with a penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40) and wait 10-15 minutes, otherwise you can break the threads in the aluminum hinge body.
In some models, you will need to remove the handle along with the door, if the design does not allow it to be turned over without dismantling. To do this, unscrew the screws hidden under the decorative plugs on the inside of the door. Be careful with plastic elements, they can be fragile.
Features of removing a door with a display
If your Indesit refrigerator is equipped with an external display or buttons on the door, before removing it, you must carefully disconnect the cable cable. Typically the connector is located under the top cover or in a special loop channel. Do not pull on the wires; use a thin flat-head screwdriver to unclip the connector lock.
Flipping the door handles and rearranging the fittings
The most time-consuming step is moving the handles and plugs to the opposite side. There will be plastic plugs on the factory holes that will now become the front holes. They must be removed with a thin screwdriver, being careful not to scratch the door covering. The same plugs are installed in the vacant spaces (where the handles were).
Handles on refrigerators Indesit often have a universal fastening that allows you to change their orientation. To do this, you may need to turn the handle itself over or rearrange the mounting sleeves inside it. Study the design carefully: sometimes you just need to move the screws from one side to the other, and in some cases, turn the decorative element 180 degrees.
- 🔄 Remove the plugs from the new holes for the handles.
- 🔩 Rearrange the fasteners of the handles to the new side according to the instructions.
- 🚪 Install plugs in the old holes from the handles.
- 🧹 Wipe the surface of the door from dust and fingerprints before assembly.
If on your model the handles are integrated into the door profile and are not removed separately, the process is simplified: you just need to make sure that the latch mechanism allows you to open the door from the new side. In rare cases, it may be necessary to overhaul the latch mechanism itself inside the door leaf.
Modernization of the bottom hinge and base
The bottom hinge of refrigerators Indesit is often asymmetrical, that is, it has a right and left design. To rearrange the door, you need to unscrew the bottom hinge from the body, turn it 180 degrees and screw it into symmetrical holes on the other side. If the hinge is symmetrical, you can skip this step by simply moving the attachment point.
It is important to check the condition of the lower hinge pin. If there are burrs on it or it is worn out, the door will not open well or squeak. If necessary, the pin can be lightly lubricated with graphite grease, but do not use liquid oil that may drip onto the floor.
The plinth grille (at the bottom of the refrigerator) also requires attention. The air intake openings are often offset to the side, and when moving the door they need to be rearranged symmetrically. To do this, remove the grille by unscrewing the fixing screws or releasing the latches, and install it on the opposite side, turning it over if necessary.
| Element | Action when rearranging | Nuance |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom hinge | Turn 180° | Check the pin for wear |
| Plinth grille | Move to the other side | Follow the direction airflow |
| Door stop | Move to a new hole | Use a rubber hammer |
| Plugs | Swap with handles | Don’t lose small details |
Don't forget about the rubber stop on the opposite side of the case. The small plastic or rubber stop that the door hits when closing also needs to be repositioned. Usually it is simply driven into the hole, and to remove it you may need to pry it off with a flat screwdriver.
Installing the door and adjusting the gaps
After preparing all the elements, the reassembly stage begins. Place the door on the bottom hinge, aligning the holes. This is the most critical moment, requiring precise coordination, especially if you are working alone. The door is heavy, and it is important not to drop it on your foot and damage the floor.
Secure the top hinge, but do not tighten the bolts all the way yet. Leave a little play to be able to adjust the position of the door. Check the vertical installation of the door leaf using a level. If the refrigerator is not level, first adjust the legs of the unit itself.
The gap between the door and the body should be uniform over the entire height. If the door fits tightly at the top, but there is a gap at the bottom (or vice versa), this indicates a misalignment. Loosen the top hinge fasteners and slightly move the door in the desired direction, then check the geometry again.
⚠️ Attention: When final tightening the top hinge bolts, proceed gradually. Tighten the bolts diagonally (crosswise), tightening each half a turn to avoid distortion of the metal and deformation of the hinge.
Checking the tightness and
The final stage is checking the quality of the work performed. After all the bolts are securely tightened, close the door and evaluate the tightness of the seal around the entire perimeter. There should be no gaps through which warm air can penetrate.
There is a simple test with a sheet of paper: clamp the sheet with the refrigerator door in different places around the perimeter. If the sheet is pulled out with noticeable force and breaks, then the fit is good. If the sheet slides out freely, additional adjustment of the hinges or replacement of the seal is required.
Also check the operation of the light switch and magnetic latch. The door should open with a characteristic sound of air suction (if it has stood closed for several minutes) and close easily when opened at an angle of more than 30-40 degrees (due to tilting the body back).
B During operation, after re-hanging, it may be necessary to re-tighten the bolts after 1-2 weeks, since the new seals and hinges must “grind in” to each other. If you notice that the door begins to sag or close worse, do not ignore this signal.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to rehang the door if there is a display on it?
Yes, this is possible, but it requires more caution. You will have to disconnect the cable harness going to the display before removing the door. Make sure that the cable length is sufficient for the new position of the door, and carefully place it in the provided channel so as not to squeeze it when closing.
What to do if the holes for the hinges do not match?
In 99% of cases, the holes on the body of refrigerators Indesit are symmetrical. If you can't see the holes on the other side, check to see if they are covered with a decorative panel or plug. It is strictly forbidden to drill new holes in the case - this will break the thermal insulation and tightness.
Why does the door open by itself after rehanging?
Most likely, the angle of the refrigerator is broken. To close correctly, the unit must be slightly tilted backwards (the rear legs must be higher than the front ones). Adjust the height of the front supports by unscrewing them until the door begins to close confidently on its own.
Is it necessary to change the seal when re-hanging?
Not necessary if the old seal is elastic and has no cracks. However, if you notice that after rearranging it fits worse (due to a change in the geometry of the deformation), it is better to purchase a new elastic band. It is inexpensive and guarantees perfect tightness.
How long does the rehanging procedure take?
For an experienced user, the process takes about 30-40 minutes. If you are doing this for the first time, allow about an hour to calmly deal with the fasteners and make quality adjustments without haste.