The situation when, after purchasing a refrigerator Indesit it turns out that it does not fit into the kitchen set due to the direction of door opening, occurs quite often. The standard factory installation is right-handed, which is convenient for most, but not all, floor plans. Fortunately, the design of most brand models allows you to rehang the doors yourself without calling a specialist.
This process requires accuracy, a basic set of tools and an understanding of the hinge mechanism. An incorrect sequence of actions can lead to damage to the seal or disruption of the sash geometry, so it is important to act strictly according to the instructions. In this material, we will look at how to change the opening side, what nuances to take into account when working with models of different series, and how to avoid common mistakes.
Before starting work, it is necessary to clear the space around the unit and prepare a flat surface for temporary placement of the removed elements. Make sure you have enough light, as some fasteners are located in hard-to-reach places and require good visibility. Attention at the preparation stage will save you time and nerves during the disassembly process.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This is critical for safety, as you will be working with metal tools in close proximity to electrical components and wiring.
Required Tools and Workplace Preparation
To successfully complete the task of changing the side of the hitch, you will need a minimum DIY kit. The main tool will be hex wrench (usually 5 mm in size), which often comes with the refrigerator, or a set of hex keys. You will also need a Phillips screwdriver to remove the handles and some fastening elements.
It would be a good idea to prepare a container for storing screws and bolts so that they do not get lost or roll under the refrigerator. Small details tend to disappear at the most inopportune moment, so order in the workplace is the key to success. Some models may require a flat-head screwdriver to carefully remove decorative plugs.
- 🔧 Hex wrench (main tool for hinges)
- 🪛 Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
- 📦 Container for fasteners
- 🧤 Work gloves (to protect hands from sharp edges)
It is important to prepare a flat area next to the refrigerator where you can place the removed door. It is best to cover the floor with a soft material, such as a blanket or cardboard, so as not to scratch the front panel Indesit and the floor covering. Make sure that you have free access to the unit from all sides.
☑️ Preparing for rehanging
Dismantling the upper door and removing the handle
We start the process from the upper chamber, since it is this that holds the main load and requires priority attention. The first step is to remove the door handle if the design of your model Indesit involves its separate installation. Usually it is attached to screws hidden under decorative plugs or located on the inside.
Carefully unscrew the fasteners and remove the handle. If the handle is integrated into the body (hidden), this step can be skipped. Next we move on to the upper canopy. You need to loosen or completely unscrew the bolts holding the top hinge, but do not remove it completely yet, so that the door does not fall.
After loosening the fastenings, the top door must be lifted and removed from the bottom stud. This action is best performed by two people, since the door is quite heavy and can shift the center of gravity of the refrigerator. If you are working alone, make sure that the unit is stable and will not tip over when jerked.
Naints of removing the Indesit handle
In some models, the handle screws may be closed with plastic plugs that need to be pryed off with a flat screwdriver. Do not use excessive force to avoid breaking the plastic. If there are no screws on the outside, check the inside of the door or the end.
Removing the bottom door and main hinge
Once the top door is removed and set aside in a safe place, move on to the bottom of the refrigerator compartment. The main loop is located here, which is also responsible for fastening the evaporator or refrigerant supply in some modifications. Be extremely careful not to damage the tubes.
Unscrew the bolts securing the middle hinge (which has now become the top hinge for the lower door). As in the previous case, first loosen the fasteners, then carefully remove the door. Pay attention to the condition sealing rubber: if removed carelessly, it can be easily torn or deformed.
After removing both doors, it is necessary to dismantle the central hinge completely. It is she who will be rearranged to the opposite side of the case. Stoppers and studs that are no longer needed in their current location are also removed. All vacated holes on the front panel should be closed with the plugs included in the kit.
- 🚪 Remove the bottom door, holding it from below
- 🔩 Remove the central hinge completely
- 🛡️ Install the plugs in the vacated holes
- 🧹 Clean the ends of the doors from dust and old grease
⚠️ Attention: When working with the bottom door, watch the freon supply tubes if they pass through the hinge. Their bending or damage will lead to a refrigerant leak and costly repairs.
Installing hinges on the opposite side
Now we move on to installing the elements on the new side. At the opposite end of the refrigerator body Indesit there should already be technological holes closed with plastic plugs. Carefully remove them and move them to the vacant places on the working side.
Install the main lower hinge in a new place and secure it with bolts. Do not tighten them all the way yet, so that it remains possible to (adjust) the position of the door. Insert the hinge pin into the corresponding hole at the end of the lower door and put the door in place.
After installing the lower sash, we proceed to installing the upper one. It is important to correctly align the holes for the fasteners. If the model is equipped with a magnetic lock or a door sensor, make sure that when re-hanging you rearrange the corresponding controls or plugs, if so provided by the design.
Tighten all bolts completely. Check that the hinges fit tightly and do not wobble. Geometry The installation must be strictly vertical, otherwise the door will open spontaneously or, conversely, not close completely.
Adjusting the position of doors and gaps
After installing doors on a new side, they almost always require adjustment. Even a minimal misalignment can lead to the refrigerator not closing tightly, which will result in excessive energy consumption and the formation of ice.
Use a building level or simply visually assess the gaps around the perimeter of the door. They should be uniform. Adjustment is carried out by loosening the hinge mounting bolts and slightly moving the door in the desired direction, after which the bolts are tightened again.
Pay special attention to the angle of inclination. The door should open easily and, if released half-open (about 30-45 degrees), it should either remain in place or close smoothly under its own weight, but not slam.
| Parameter | Normal value | Sign of problem | Elimination method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gap around the perimeter | Uniform, 2-4 mm | Tapers towards the bottom or top | Adjusting the tilt of the body or hinges |
| Tightness | Full along the entire contour | There are cracks, air whistling | Checking the seal, adjusting the hinge |
| Door movement | Smooth, without creaks | Creaking, jamming | Lubricating hinges, checking misalignment |
| Self-closing | When opening >45 degrees | Does not close by itself | Increasing the tilt angle of the refrigerator back |
Frequent errors and troubleshooting
In the process of self-repair, users often make mistakes that nullify all efforts. One of the most common is the loss or confusion of fasteners. The bolts for the upper and lower hinges may differ in length and thread diameter.
Another mistake is ignoring the seal check after installation. If you pulled the door too hard or positioned it crookedly, the rubber could come loose from the frame. Where the seal is loose, condensation will begin to accumulate and mold will grow.
If, after rehanging, the door does not close tightly, try warming the seal with a hairdryer (not too hot air) and pressing it tightly with your hand. This will help the rubber regain its shape and elasticity. Also check whether the products on the shelves do not interfere with tight closure.
- ❌ Do not overtighten the hinge bolts - you can break the threads