The situation when door location the refrigerator becomes inconvenient, familiar to many owners of household appliances. This may be due to rearranging furniture, moving to a new kitchen, or simply a desire to optimize the space for more comfortable access to products. Fortunately, the design of most models Indesit allows you to change the opening side, which greatly simplifies life and makes using the unit more ergonomic.
The process hanging the door is not technically complicated, but requires care, accuracy and a basic set of tools. Errors at the dismantling stage can lead to damage to decorative elements or loss of tightness, so it is important to strictly follow the algorithm of actions. In this article, we will look in detail at how to correctly perform installation workso as not to damage the hinges and maintain the warranty on the seal.
Before starting any manipulations, you need to make sure that you understand the structure of your specific unit. Models may differ in the type of handles, the number of hinges and the presence of additional systems, such as No Frost or a control display. Attention: if your model has an electronic control unit installed on the door, independent re-hanging may not be possible without re-flashing controller. Therefore, the first step should always be checking with official documentation.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This is critical for safety, since you will be working with metal tools in close proximity to electrical components and wiring.
Preparation of tools and work area
Quality preparation is the key to success and preservation of the appearance of your equipment. You will need not just a set of screwdrivers, but also a certain organization of space. It is best to work on a flat surface where there is room to put the removed parts and not lose small fasteners. Prepare a container for the screws in advance so that they do not roll under the refrigerator.
To perform the task of changing sides opening, you will need the following set of tools:
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) for dismantling fasteners.
- 🔩 Wrenches or sockets (most often sizes 8, 10 mm).
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧼 Clean rags for wiping hinges from old lubricants.
Pay special attention to the choice tool. Using the wrong size bits can strip screw heads, turning a simple repair into a complex fastener drilling problem. If the hinges are very tight, aerosol lubricant may be required WD-40to facilitate the process of unscrewing rusted or “stuck” connections.
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics of fasteners may vary depending on the year of manufacture of the model. Always check the specifications in the user manual, as the manufacturer may make changes to the design without notice.
Removing the top panel and hinge cover
The first stage of work requires special care, since the upper part of the case often hides not only fasteners, but also controls. For models with a top freezer compartment, remove the top housing cover first. To do this, unscrew the screws located on top, after which the cover is carefully moved back and lifted.
If on your model Indesit the upper control panel is located on the door, the process becomes more complicated. You will need to carefully disconnect the cable of wires, having first remembered or photographed their position. Electrical contacts should be disconnected very delicately so as not to damage the connectors.
After removing the decorative elements, access to top hingeopens. It is she who holds the bulk of the door leaf. Before loosening the screws, make sure that the door is fixed or held by an assistant, otherwise it may fall and damage the floor or its own corners.
Removing the door leaf and dismantling the fittings
After the top hinge is freed from the fasteners, the most crucial moment comes - removing the door itself. It is better to perform this action with an assistant, since the door leaf with seal and shelves has significant weight. Carefully lift the door up, removing it from the bottom hinge pin, and set it in a safe place, having first covered the floor with cardboard or soft cloth.
Now you need to dismantle accessories from the door itself. This includes removing the handle, hinge mate and plugs. On many models Indesit the handles are secured with screws hidden under decorative plugs that need to be pryed off with a thin screwdriver. Be careful: the plastic on old refrigerators can be fragile.
On the freed side surface of the case you will see holes closed with plastic plugs. They must be removed and moved to the opposite side where the loop was previously located. This will provide an aesthetic appearance and protection of internal components from dust.
☑️ Removing the door
Installing fasteners to the new side
When the door and body are prepared, the stage begins installation to the new side. First of all, you need to move the bottom hinge pin to the opposite side. To do this, unscrew the screw that secures the pin in the old hole and screw it into a new, prepared hole on the other side of the body.
Then the mating part top hinge and the handle are installed on the door leaf. It is important to use exactly those holes that are provided by the manufacturer for the alternative opening side. Do not try to drill new holes, this will break the tightness of the door insulation.
Pay special attention seal. When rearranged, it could become deformed. If you notice that the rubber has lost its elasticity, you can warm it up with a hairdryer or gently straighten it with your hands before finally installing the door. This will ensure a tight fit and retention of cold.
Here is a table that will help you navigate the sequence of actions for different types of loops:
| Loop type | Action when rearranging | Required tool | Special instructions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top rotary | Reposition to the opposite side | 10 mm wrench | Observe the tightening torque |
| Lower support | Move the pin | Phillips screwdriver | Check verticality |
| Middle (for 3-chamber) | Dismantling and installation mirrored | 8 mm head | Do not remove until the top is fixed |
What to do if the holes do not match?
In some models Indesit hinge holes can be closed with factory plugs or filled with foam. If you don't find threads on the other side, your model may not have overhang. Do not drill new holes yourself - this will damage the thermal insulation.
Door installation and position adjustment
The final stage is the installation of the door leaf in the prepared place. The door is put on the lower pin, after which it is installed and screwed on top top hinge. Do not tighten the screws all the way straight away. First, tighten them so that you can adjust the position of the door.
Adjusting the position is a critical process. The door should open freely, not touch the body, and close tightly under the influence of a magnet or its own weight (with the body tilted slightly back). If the door is skewed, loosen the hinge screws and, by slightly raising or lowering the edge, achieve an ideal gap around the entire perimeter. After the final tightening of all bolts, check the operation of the seal. A sheet of paper sandwiched between the door and the body must be removed with noticeable force along the entire perimeter. If in some place the paper slides out easily, it means that it is broken around the entire perimeter.
After all bolts are fully tightened, check the seal operation. A sheet of paper sandwiched between the door and the body must be removed with noticeable force along the entire perimeter. If in some place the paper slides out easily, it means there is a problem there tightness, and additional adjustment of the hinge is required.
⚠️ Attention: The design of the hinges may vary depending on the modification of the refrigerator. If you feel that the tightening forces are excessive, stop and double-check the instructions so as not to strip the threads in the case.
Common errors and ways to eliminate them
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes that can lead to unstable operation of the refrigerator. One of the most common problems is doors after rehanging. This often happens if during installation the slope of the floor was not taken into account or the adjusting supports of the refrigerator itself were incorrectly positioned. loose closure doors after rehanging. This often happens if during installation the slope of the floor was not taken into account or the adjusting supports of the refrigerator itself were incorrectly positioned.
Another common mistake is damage plastic plugs. When removing them, they often use brute force, breaking the latches. As a result, the plugs fall out or become loose. Carefully remove them, heating them with a hairdryer if the glue is too hard, or using a thin blade.
Also, users often forget to check the tilt level of the case. For the door to close correctly, the refrigerator must be slightly tilted back. This is regulated by the front support legs. If the refrigerator is perfectly level, the door may not close completely on its own.
Is it possible to change the doors on an Indesit refrigerator with the No system Frost?
Yes, on most models with the system No Frost door rehanging is possible. However, these refrigerators often have more complex ductwork, and it is important not to damage them when removing the panels. Also check whether the power cable for a fan or lamp passes through the door.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not fit tightly?
Most likely, the problem is in adjusting the height of the support legs or deformation of the seal. Try unscrewing the front legs to tilt the body backwards. If this does not help, remove the seal, straighten it and warm it with a hairdryer, then reinstall it.
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 freezer, it is better to let it melt so that water does not flow onto the floor or electrical contacts when tilting or removing the door.
Will the warranty remain valid after re-hanging the door yourself?
According to the law, re-hanging the door yourself, as provided by the design, should not void the warranty if you do not the unit was damaged. However, if the hinges are broken or the glass is broken during the process, the service center has the right to refuse free repairs.
What if the screws are rusty and cannot be unscrewed?
Use a penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40), apply it to the threads and wait 10-15 minutes. You can also try gently heating the joint with a hairdryer. The main thing is not to rip off the screw head, otherwise it will be extremely difficult to remove it.