The situation when, after purchasing or rearranging furniture, it turns out that refrigerator opens in the wrong direction is familiar to many owners. This creates serious inconvenience, blocks access to shelves or interferes with normal movement around the kitchen. Fortunately, the design of most models Indesit provides for the possibility of changing the opening side, which allows you to adapt the equipment to the layout of the room.
The process hanging doors requires accuracy and a minimum set of tools, but is not an overly complicated task for a home craftsman. The main thing is to understand the sequence of actions and take your time so as not to damage the plastic elements or threads. In this article we will look in detail at how to properly dismantle and install the doors on the opposite side.
It is worth noting that models may differ in the design of the hinges and the location of the fasteners. Therefore, before starting work, it is strongly recommended to find the technical data sheet of your particular model Indesit. However, the general principle for most refrigerators of this brand remains the same and is based on the rearrangement of metal hinges and plugs.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Before starting active actions, it is necessary to prepare all the tools. You will need a set of screwdrivers, including Phillips and flathead, and an 8mm or 10mm wrench or socket, depending on the fastener model. It’s a good idea to have a knife on hand to carefully remove decorative plugs.
Free up space in front of the refrigerator. You need to ensure free access to the device from all sides, since the doors will have to be removed and set aside. Remove all products and shelves to significantly reduce the weight of the structure and prevent heavy objects from falling during operation.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This is critical for safety, especially if the process involves touching wiring or controls.
Make sure there is a soft pad on the floor where you will place the removed doors. This can be cardboard, a thick blanket or a rug, which will prevent scratches on the enamel and chips on the corners.
☑️ Preparing for rehanging
Dismantling the upper part and removing the upper door
You should always start work with the upper door, as it is lighter and easier to dismantle. First, remove the top decorative panel or cover, if your model has one Indesit. It is usually secured with latches or screws hidden under the plugs.
Unscrew the bolts securing the top hinge. On some models, a temperature sensor or display control wire may pass under this loop. If there are wires, they must be carefully disconnected, having first memorized or photographed the connection diagram.
Remove the upper door from the lower hinge and put it in a safe place. Now you have access to the middle part of the case. At this stage, it is important not to lose screws and small parts, so use a magnetic tray or jar to store them.
If your refrigerator has a system No Frost, be especially careful with the wires going through the loop. Their damage may lead to incorrect operation of the defrost or indication system.
Re-hanging the main lower door
The main difficulty lies in working with the lower door, which often has a large mass and dimensions. To remove it, you need to dismantle the middle hinge, which at the same time serves as a support for the bottom and a top for the bottom (if there is only one door) or simply a holder.
Unscrew the fastenings of the middle hinge. At this moment, someone must hold the bottom door so that it does not fall. Carefully remove the door, disconnect all communications if they pass through the body, and lay it on the prepared surface.
Now you need to rearrange the handle. In most models Indesit the handles are symmetrical, and to move them it is enough to unscrew the mounting screws on one side and tighten them on the other using the existing technological holes.
⚠️ Attention: When rearranging the handles, be careful not to overtighten the screws. The plastic may crack, and the threads in the door body may break off, which will require replacing the entire door.
After moving the handle, check the fit. The handle should not dangle, but excessive force when twisting is unacceptable. Make sure that the holes for the screws match the holes on the door leaf.
What to do if the holes do not match?
In some older or specific models, the holes may be closed with plugs from the factory. They need to be carefully squeezed out or drilled out, if the instructions for the model allow this.
Rearranging hinges and fasteners
The key step is transferring the metal hinges to the opposite side of the case. Remove all the hinges on the right side (or left, depending on the original position) and move them to the new side.
Use the holes that were originally covered with plastic plugs. Remove the plugs from the new side of the unit and cover the vacated holes on the old side with them. This will ensure an aesthetic appearance and tightness.
When installing the hinges in a new location, make sure that they fit snugly against the body. Skewed hinges will cause the door to close poorly or, conversely, open spontaneously.
| Element | Action | Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Dismantling and transfer | Screwdriver, key |
| Middle hinge | Dismantling and transfer | 8/10 key |
| Lower support | Rearrangement axis | Pliers |
| Plugs | Replacing sides | Knife, tweezers |
It is important to correctly install the axis of rotation in the lower bushing. It may have a specific shape, so insert it as it was originally, but on the other side. This will ensure smooth movement of the door.
Features of reinstalling the lock and latches
If your refrigerator is equipped with a lock, it also needs to be reinstalled. The lock mechanism is usually symmetrical, but requires careful attention when dismantling. Remove the entire lock block and install it in the prepared hole on the other side.
Do not forget about the door latches (magnets or mechanical stops) that are located on the refrigerator body. They need to be moved to the opposite side so that the door is locked in the closed position.
Check the operation of the lock after installation. The key should turn freely, without jamming. If the lock is electric (in models with a display), check the integrity of the contacts.
Assembling the structure and final adjustment
Assembly is done in the reverse order. Install the bottom door onto the bottom support first, then secure the middle hinge. After this, hang the top door and screw the top hinge.
At this stage, it is important not to tighten the bolts “tightly” right away. First, bait them so that you can adjust the position of the doors. Make sure the doors are level and parallel to each other.
Reconnect the sensor and display wires if they were disconnected. Make sure the connectors click into place. Lay the wires so that they are not pinched when opening the door.
After the final tightening of all bolts, check the tightness of the seals around the entire perimeter. The door should close with a characteristic bang, but without excessive force.
Checking the tightness and adjusting the gaps
The final stage is checking the tightness. Take a piece of paper and clamp it with the door in different places around the perimeter. If the sheet is pulled out with force, it means that the seal fits well.
If you notice a distortion, you can slightly loosen the fastenings of the middle hinge and add washers or adjust the position of the screws. Some models Indesit are provided with adjusting screws for tilting the door.
Plug in the refrigerator and leave it empty for several hours. This will allow the system to return to operating mode, and you will once again check whether the seal has been broken after warming up.
⚠️ Attention: The design and location of fasteners may vary depending on the specific series and year of manufacture. Always check the official diagram for your model.
Properly performed re-hanging will extend the life of the hinges and ensure efficient operation of the refrigerator. Do not ignore the need for adjustment, as a loosely closed door will lead to the formation of ice and excessive energy consumption.
Is it possible to re-hang the doors yourself if the refrigerator is under warranty?
In most cases, re-hanging the doors yourself will not void the warranty, as this is provided for in the instructions. However, if in the process you break the thread or damage the plastic, the warranty case may not be recognized. Be extremely careful.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not close tightly?
Most likely, the problem is skewed hinges or improper installation of the seal. Try loosening the middle hinge and aligning the door. Also check if the seal is stuck in the corners.
Do you need to change the magnets in the seal when turning the door over?
No, the magnets in the seal are located around the entire perimeter and work the same on either side. There is no need to change them or turn over the seal itself, just turn the door over.