The need to change the opening side of the door in the refrigerator Indesit often arises when remodeling a kitchen or purchasing a new model that does not fit into the usual interior. The standard factory configuration involves opening the door from right to left, which is convenient for most right-handers, but can be critically inconvenient in a narrow corridor or a specific location of the furniture set. Fortunately, the design of most modern models allows you to independently perform this procedure without calling a specialist, which significantly saves budget and time.
The process of rehanging, or reversing, does not require deep knowledge in electronics or complex special tools, however, it requires attentiveness and strict adherence to the sequence of actions. Incorrect reinstallation fastening elements can lead to skewing of the canvas, loss of tightness seal and, as a result, to compressor failure due to increased loads. In this article, we will analyze in detail how to safely and correctly change the door on an Indesit refrigerator, paying attention to the nuances for different types of structures.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tools
Before starting any manipulations with the refrigerator body, it is necessary to prepare the space and tools. It is best to carry out work on a flat surface with sufficient lighting so that small parts, such as washers or plugs, do not get lost in the carpet pile or floor crevices. The main tool will be hex wrench (usually 4, 5 or 6 mm in size), which often comes complete with equipment, or a set of Phillips screwdrivers.
You will also need pliers, a knife with a wide blade for prying up decorative plugs and, preferably, assistant, since the doors of modern refrigerators, especially two-chamber ones, are quite heavy. It would be a good idea to prepare a soft rag or cardboard to put the removed parts and not scratch the floor or the enamel of the unit itself. Indesit often completes its models with plastic plugs that require careful handling.
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) and hex keys
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp edges
- 📦 Container for collecting screws and small fasteners
- 🧼 Clean rags for wiping fastening points
☑️ Preparation for rehanging
It is important to make sure that the refrigerator is disconnected from the power supply, although when replacing hinges mechanically, this requirement is more for general safety than technical necessity. If your model has a display or control panel on the door, turning off the power is a necessary step to avoid a short circuit when disconnecting the cables.
Removing the upper door of the refrigerator
You should always start the process with the upper door, since it is attached to the upper panel of the case and is not dependent on the lower section. The first step is to remove the decorative plug from the top hinge, which hides the mounting bolts. In some models Indesit this plug is simply inserted into the groove, in others you may need to carefully pry it off with a knife or flat-head screwdriver.
After gaining access to the fasteners, loosen the top hinge bolts, but do not remove them completely immediately. The door must be held so that it does not fall. Then unscrew the bolts completely and remove the hinge. Now you can carefully lift the door and remove it from the lower support pin, which will remain on the body or on the middle partition.
⚠️ Attention: The upper hinge often has an asymmetrical shape or specific guides. Remember or photograph its position relative to the door leaf so that when installing it on the other side you do not confuse the orientation.
In the vacant space where the hinge was previously attached, there will be a hole that needs to be closed. To do this, the refrigerator usually comes with plastic plugs that match the color of the case. If the plug was on the active side, now it moves to the passive (left), closing the unnecessary hole.
Pay special attention sealing rubber. When removing the door, try not to damage the magnetic seal, since replacing it is a more complex and expensive process. If there is a handle installed on the door that interferes with dismantling or has a specific fastening, it is also better to remove it in advance by unscrewing the screws from the inside.
Removing the bottom door of the freezer
After the upper part is freed, we move on to the bottom door of the freezer. The principle of operation is similar, but there are some nuances depending on the model Indesit. If you have a No Frost refrigerator, there may be a cold air supply channel at the bottom, which will need to be carefully disconnected.
First, remove the decorative panel or plug from the bottom hinge located near the floor. Unscrew the mounting bolts. Unlike the upper door, the lower one often rests on a pin that is screwed into the body, or has its own hinge with an axle. When removing the door, make sure that you do not drop it on your feet, as the weight of the freezer with shelves can be significant.
If the model is equipped with the system No Frost, you will see a plastic box or air duct on the inside of the door or at the end. It must be carefully disconnected from the main body of the refrigerator. It is usually held in place by latches or a few screws. Proceed with caution, as plastic becomes brittle in the cold and can crack.
| Element | Type of fastening | Tool | Nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper loop | Hex bolts | Key 5-6 mm | Requires door fixation |
| Bottom hinge | Bolts or stud | Key 5-6 mm / Pliers | Access to the air duct is possible |
| Door handle | Inside screws | Phillips screwdriver | Remove before dismantling the door |
| Plugs | Fitting in the groove | Knife / Screwdriver | Do not break when removing |
After removing the door, inspect the lower support sleeve. It can be plastic or metal. If you change the opening side, this bushing often needs to be moved to the opposite side or replaced with a symmetrical one, if provided for by the design. In some cases, the axis of the lower hinge is simply unscrewed from the body and screwed into the prepared hole on the other side.
Flipping the door handles and rearranging the hinges
The most critical stage is preparing the removed doors for installation on the new side. To do this, you need to rearrange the door handles if they are not symmetrical, and turn the hinges over. Door handles Indesit are usually fastened with screws from the inside. Having unscrewed them, move the handle to the opposite end of the door, using the same holes (if the design is symmetrical) or the provided mirror holes.
Next we work on the hinges. The top hinge must be turned with its axis down or up, depending on the design, so that it is suitable for opening in the other direction. Pay attention to closerif it is in your model. The closer mechanism may also require reinstallation or replacement of the guide.
At the ends of the doors you will find holes for fastening hinges. On one side they will be occupied by screws, on the other they will be closed with plastic plugs. You need to unscrew the screws, move them to the opposite side (where the plugs are now), and close the vacated holes with plugs. This will provide an aesthetic appearance and protection from moisture.
⚠️ Attention: When rearranging the mounting screws at the end of the door, make sure that their length matches the depth of the holes. A screw that is too long may push against the inside wall of the door or damage the insulation.
If your model has asymmetrical hinges (one side is longer than the other), make sure that when installing on the new side, the long part will not touch the refrigerator body when opening. In rare cases, for reversal it is necessary to replace the hinge itself with a mirror one, which is included in the kit or ordered separately.
What to do if the plugs are lost?
If the plastic plugs for the holes are lost, they can be temporarily replaced with a piece of black electrical tape or purchased a universal set of plugs at a furniture fittings store. The main thing is to close the hole so that moisture and dust do not get there.
Installation of doors on a new side
The assembly process begins from the bottom up. First, install the bottom door of the freezer. Screw the support pin or install the bottom hinge into the prepared hole on the new side (left). Slide the door onto the axle, making sure it rests flat on the bottom bushing.
Then we move on to installing the middle hinge (if your design that separates the chambers has one) and the top door. When installing the top door, it is important to align the hinge holes correctly. Insert the bolts into the top hinge and tighten them, but do not tighten them all the way. This will allow you to adjust the position of the door so that it hangs evenly.
The key point is adjusting the gaps. The door should fit tightly around the entire perimeter of the body. If you see misalignment, loosen the bolts slightly and move the door up and down or left and right. Once aligned, tighten all fasteners as tightly as possible, using a wrench or a long-handled wrench for the best torque.
If your refrigerator is equipped with a display, now is the time to connect the cable. Carefully insert the connectors until you hear a characteristic click. Make sure that the wires are not pinched by the hinges or the frame when closing the door. The wiring should lie freely, with a small reserve of movement.
Adjustment and checking for tightness
After installing all the elements, it is necessary to carry out a final check. Close the doors and visually assess the tightness of the seal around the entire perimeter. Gaps should be minimal and uniform. If the door does not fit tightly, you may need to adjust the height of the refrigerator legs.
You can use a simple test with a sheet of paper to check the tightness. Clamp a sheet of paper with the refrigerator door in different places around the perimeter. If the sheet is pulled out with force, then the seal is good. If the paper falls out freely or is pulled out too easily, it does not fit in this place, and you need to tighten the adjusting screws of the hinge or change the tilt of the case. seal does not fit, and you need to tighten the hinge adjusting screws or change the tilt of the housing.
Also check the operation of the light switch and magnetic valve (if any). When the door is opened, the light should come on, and when closed, it should go out. If the door is hung correctly, the button or magnet mechanism should work correctly without additional intervention.
Plug in the refrigerator and let it run for several hours. Listen to the operation of the compressor: the absence of extraneous sounds and vibrations will confirm that the doors are installed smoothly and do not create unnecessary load on the structure. During the first hours of operation, a more active hum may occur until the refrigerator reaches temperature.
What to do if, after hanging, the door does not close tightly?
Most likely, the problem is skewed hinges or improper installation of the seal. Try loosening the top hinge and slightly raising or lowering the door. Also check that the seal does not curl inward when closing. Sometimes heating the seal with a hairdryer at a low temperature helps to make it more elastic.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging?
Complete defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, if there is a lot of ice in the freezer, it is better to defrost the unit in advance. This will lighten the weight of the doors when removing and prevent moisture from getting on the electrical contacts when disconnecting the cables.
Is it possible to hang the door on an Indesit refrigerator with a display?
Yes, it is possible, but it is more difficult. You will need to carefully disconnect the cable cable going to the display and transfer it to the other side, if the design allows it. In some models, the length of the wire is limited, and it may need to be extended or re-soldered, which is best left to a specialist.
Where to put the old holes from the loops?
The old holes on the case are closed with plastic plugs, which were originally located on the opposite, non-working side. They are simply inserted into the holes until they click. If the plugs are lost, the holes can be carefully painted over or sealed with a decorative sticker to match the body.