Rearranging the kitchen or changing the layout often requires moving large household appliances. Owners of Indesit equipment are often faced with the need to change the opening direction of the door to provide convenient access to products. This procedure is technically simple, but requires care, accuracy and the presence of a basic set of tools. Rehanging doors is a standard operation provided for by the design of most modern models.
It is important to understand that the process may vary slightly depending on the specific series Indesit, be it classic two-chamber refrigerator or model with system No Frost. The main difficulty lies not in the dismantling itself, but in the correct transfer hinges i handles, as well as maintaining the integrity of the seals. If you act strictly according to the algorithm, the whole work will take no more than 30-40 minutes.
Before starting work, you need to clear the space in front of the unit. You will need access from all sides, as the case may sometimes need to be tilted to allow for easy installation of the bottom mounts. Make sure that the floor is covered with soft material so as not to damage the floor covering and the legs of the device.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
To successfully complete the task of changing the opening side, you do not need complex professional tools. A standard home kit is enough. The main requirement is that all tools must be in good working order, and the screwdriver bits must match the type of screw heads so as not to tear off the slots. Philipps screwdriver and wrench (usually 8 or 10 mm) will become your main assistants.
Particular attention should be paid to protecting surfaces. Refrigerator doors have a glossy finish that is easily scratched by metal tools or dropped screws. It is recommended to prepare in advance a soft rag or cardboard on which you can temporarily place the removed parts.
- 🔧 Phillips screwdriver (PH2) - for removing most housing screws.
- 🔩 8-10 mm wrench or socket - for hinge fastening bolts.
- 🧤 Work gloves - to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧼 Soft cloth - for wiping fastening points and protecting the floor.
☑️ Preparation for rehanging doors
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! Working with live electrical appliances is prohibited by safety rules.
Removing the top door and top hinge
The process always starts from the top of the refrigerator. First you need to remove the top decorative panel, if it is present in your model Indesit. It is usually secured with latches or small screws hidden under plugs. Carefully pry the panel with a flat object wrapped in fabric so as not to leave marks.
After removing the decor, you will have access to the top hinge. Do not rush to unscrew all the bolts at once. Loosen them first, but leave the hinge held by one screw to prevent the door from falling suddenly. The door is heavy, and a fall may cause damage seal or the body itself. It is better to do this part of the work with an assistant.
When the top hinge is completely released, carefully remove the door and set it in a safe place. Now you can completely unscrew the upper hinge axis. Pay attention to the presence of plastic bushings or washers - they should not be lost, they will be needed when installing on the other side. Hinge axis may be pressed in, and light tapping may be required to remove it.
What to do if the screws are rusty?
If you find corrosion on fasteners, do not use excessive force - you may strip the threads. Treat the problem area with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and leave for 10-15 minutes. This will make unscrewing much easier.
Re-hanging the handle and plugs on the upper door
The removed upper door must be prepared for installation on the new side. First of all, this concerns the handle. On most models Indesit the handle is fastened with screws from the inside or has hidden fastenings under decorative overlays. Carefully unscrew the fasteners and move the handle to the opposite end.
There will be holes in the place where the handle was previously located. They must be closed with special plugs that come with the refrigerator. If the supplied plugs are lost, you can use decorative stickers or cut the plugs yourself from plastic of a suitable color. This is important for aesthetics and protection of the internal cavity from dust.
Also check the condition magnetic seal. During dismantling, it could stretch or deform. If there are creases on the seal, you can try to straighten them with a hairdryer (at minimum temperature) or simply leave them straightened on a flat surface for several hours.
- 🚪 Remove the handle by unscrewing the screws on the inside of the door.
- 🕳️ Install plugs into the vacated holes from the handle.
- 🧲 Check the tightness of the magnetic tape around the entire perimeter.
- 🔩 Save all removed screws in a separate container so as not to lose.
Working with the bottom door and middle hinge
The bottom door often raises more questions due to the presence of a middle hinge that connects both doors. After removing the top door you will see the middle hinge. It also needs to be dismantled. In some models Indesit under the middle hinge there is a pin on which the lower door rests.
When removing the lower door, be careful: it may slide to the side if the pin disengages unevenly. Lift the door straight up vertically to release the bottom axis. As in the case of the upper sash, move the handle to the opposite side and close the old holes with plugs.
Deserves special attention rod (pin) that covers the light control button or the door opening sensor, if it is located below. It also needs to be moved to the other side. Usually it is simply inserted into the hole with force or fixed with a small screw.
⚠️ Attention: Do not mix up the installation side of the middle hinge. It has a specific shape, and if installed incorrectly, the doors will not be able to close tightly, which will lead to ice freezing.
Installing hinges and hanging doors on the new side
Now we move on to installation. On the opposite side of the refrigerator body there should be holes closed with plastic plugs. Remove these plugs and install them in the vacated holes on the side where the doors were originally. This will maintain the symmetry and neat appearance of the unit.
Install the lower hinge (or axle) in a new location. Make sure it is seated all the way and secure. Hang the bottom door, placing the hole in the hinge on the installed axle. Then install the middle loop. It is important to correctly align the holes in the hinge with the holes in the body and door. Fixation It should be rigid, without backlash.
After installing the middle hinge, you can hang the top door. Insert the top pin into the hole in the top door, lower the structure onto the middle hinge and secure the top platform. Tighten the bolts sequentially, making sure that the doors are level and not warped.
| Work stage | Required Action | An important nuance |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Preparation | Remove the plugs from the new side | Save stubs for the old side |
| Bottom | Install bottom axle/hinge | Check vertical installation |
| Middle | Fasten the middle loop | Do not confuse the top and bottom of the part |
| Top | Mount the upper platform | Tighten crosswise for uniformity |
| Final | Checking clearances | The gap should be the same along the entire length |
Adjusting gaps and checking tightness
After all the doors are installed, you need to check the quality of the assembly. Doors should close tightly, with a characteristic bang, but without excessive force. If you notice a misalignment or a loose fit in one of the corners, you will need adjustment.
Most models Indesit allow you to adjust the height of the doors using support legs at the front or hinged screws. If the door tilts to the side, try slightly loosening the middle hinge fasteners, straighten the door and tighten them again. Also check the operation of of the closerif it is provided for by the design.
To check the tightness, you can use a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet with the door in different places around the perimeter. If the sheet is difficult to remove and breaks, the seal is good. If the sheet falls out or is removed too easily, it means that in this place seal it does not fit tightly, and additional adjustment of the hinge is required.
- 📏 Check the uniformity of the gap between the doors over the entire height.
- 🧻 Carry out a test with a sheet of paper to check the tightness of the fit.
- 👂 Make sure that the doors do not touch the body when opening 90 degrees.
- 💡 Check whether the light comes on when opening (if the sensor is at the bottom).
⚠️ Attention: If you notice that the refrigerator doors are skewed and adjusting the screws does not help, the body itself or the hinges may be deformed. In this case, contact a service center, as independent repairs may lead to disruption of the camera geometry.
Frequent errors and operating tips
When performing work independently, technicians often make common mistakes. One of the most common is the loss of small parts (washers, bushings, plugs). To avoid this, arrange the parts in the order they were removed or use a magnetic tray. They also often forget to move the light sensor, which is why the refrigerator “thinks” that the door is closed and does not turn on the light. pin light sensor, which is why the refrigerator “thinks” that the door is closed and does not turn on the lights.
Another mistake is being overzealous when tightening the screws. The aluminum body or plastic hinge threads may not withstand excessive pressure, resulting in cracks or stripped threads. Use enough force to securely fix, but without fanaticism. Torque should be moderate.
Remember that after rearranging, the refrigerator may need time to stabilize the temperature, especially if it has been standing for a long time with the doors open during operation. Do not load the chamber with food immediately, let the unit run idle for 1-2 hours.
Is it possible to rehang the doors if the refrigerator is built into the kitchen unit?
Yes, this is possible, but it requires more effort. You will have to completely pull the refrigerator out of the niche, since manipulation requires access from all sides. It may also be necessary to dismantle the decorative panels of the facade if they interfere with access to the hinges. Make sure that the hoses and wires allow you to extend the unit a sufficient distance.
What to do if the holes on the new side of the case are threaded, but on the old side they are smooth?
In the design of Indesit refrigerators, holes are usually provided on both sides. If there are threads on one side and not on the other, this may mean that your particular model does not allow for overhang, or the threads are hidden under a plug inside the hole. Carefully inspect the holes: if there is a plastic insert with a thread, everything is in order. If the metal is smooth, you cannot drill, this will break the seal of the chamber.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging the doors?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, if there is a lot of ice in the refrigerator, it may crumble when tilted or vibrated. It is recommended to turn off the unit a couple of hours before starting work so that the ice melts slightly, and remove all products to make the construction easier. This will also reduce the risk of water getting on the electrical contacts.