The need to change the direction of opening the refrigerator door Indesit often arises when rearranging furniture or changing kitchen layouts. This allows you to ergonomically fit the equipment into the interior, making access to products more convenient. Modern models of the Italian brand are designed with this possibility in mind, however, the process requires care and adherence to a certain sequence of actions.
Before starting work, it is important to make sure that your specific model has this possibility hanging doors. In most cases, the manufacturer leaves technological holes for hinges on both sides of the case, closed with decorative plugs. If you plan to carry out this procedure yourself, you will need a basic set of tools and free space to work.
It is important to understand that improper assembly can lead to skewed fabric or a loose seal. Therefore, strictly follow the algorithm and do not use excessive force when unscrewing rusted or tightened bolts from the factory. The key feature of most Indesit models is the presence of two pins on the bottom hinge, which must be rearranged into symmetrical holes.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
To do the job well, you will need a minimum set of home craftsmen. The main tool will be a Phillips screwdriver, but in some cases a hex wrench or 10mm socket may be required. Also prepare a container for folding fasteners so as not to lose small screws during dismantling.
Free up space in front of the refrigerator. You need to provide access to the equipment from all sides, since sometimes you need to tilt the body to make it easier to work with the lower mounts. Remove all food from the door shelves to reduce the load on the hinges and avoid falling objects.
- 🛠️ Phillips screwdriver (preferably magnetic for easy work with screws).
- 🔧 Hex key (often included with the refrigerator or needed for handles).
- 🧤 Construction gloves (the metal edges of the shelves and body can be sharp).
- 📏 Level (to check the horizontal installation after completion of work).
Make sure the floor under the refrigerator is level. If the equipment is crooked, the process of adjusting the hinges will become much more difficult. In some models, to access the fasteners, you may need to remove the decorative panel of the base, which is also done using a screwdriver.
Dismantling the top hinge and removing the door
We start the process from the top of the refrigerator. The first step is to remove the decorative cap from the top hinge, located on the side opposite the one where you plan to hang the door. Underneath is the main mounting screw that holds the structure in place.
Carefully unscrew the top hinge screw. Do not rush to completely remove the hinge until you have secured the position of the door. On some models Indesit the top hinge also holds the handle bracket or trim strip, so be careful not to damage the plastic parts.
⚠️ Warning: The refrigerator door is heavy and may fall if not supported. Ask an assistant to back you up or use stops to secure the door in a vertical position before completely removing the fasteners.
After loosening the fasteners, remove the top hinge and carefully lift the door, disengaging it from the bottom hinge. Set the removed door aside in a safe place, preferably on a soft surface (such as a blanket or cardboard) to avoid scratching the front panel.
Now work on the mating part of the top hinge. You need to move the top canopy to the other side. To do this, unscrew the screws holding the hinge in its current position and screw them into symmetrical holes on the other side. Often these holes are closed with plastic plugs that can be easily removed with a knife or a thin screwdriver.
Working with the bottom hinge and rearranging the pins
The most important part of the operation is the manipulation of the lower loop. This is where beginners most often encounter difficulties. In the design of refrigerators Indesit the lower support often has an asymmetrical shape or special pins that must be installed in a strictly defined manner.
Remove the lower hinge from the current side. Pay attention to its design: it usually has two holes for pins (legs). One pin is working (the door rests on it), the second is a spare or technological one. Your task is to rearrange the pins so that the supporting one is on the desired side.
☑️ Algorithm for rearranging the pins
Install the bottom loop on the new side, in the symmetrical holes. Make sure the pin is facing up and ready to accept the door axis. Tighten the mounting screws, but do not tighten them all the way yet - the final adjustment will occur after hanging the door.
Do not forget to rearrange the door stop, if it is provided by the design of your model. This is a small plastic or metal element that limits the movement of the door and prevents it from opening too wide, hitting the wall.
Installing the door and adjusting the position
After preparing the lower support, you can begin installing the door. Carefully lift the fabric and slide it onto the bottom hinge pin. Make sure that the axle fits exactly into the hole in the bushing. If the door does not fall into place, do not press on it with force - check the position of the pin.
Align the door with the refrigerator body. Now you need to secure the top loop. Insert it into the grooves, align the holes and tighten the screws. At this stage, it is important to observe the geometry: the door should hang evenly, without distortions.
Tighten all fasteners completely. Check the door operation: it should open smoothly, without squeaks or jams. When released from an opening angle of about 30-45 degrees, a working door should close independently under the action of the seal magnets and gravity (if the refrigerator is level).
| Element | Action | Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Dismantling and transfer to the other side | Phillips screwdriver |
| Bottom hinge | Rearranging the support pins | Hexagon / Key |
| Fixing screws | Fixing hinges in new holes | Screwdriver / Ratchet |
| Decorative plugs | Installation on old holes | Manual force |
Rearranging handles and decorative elements
If your model refrigerator Indesit equipped with built-in or overhead handles, they will also need to be rearranged. In models with vertical handles located on the sides, you often just need to twist the fasteners to the opposite side.
For hidden handles (recesses), this step is skipped. If the handles are overhead, proceed with caution: the plastic can be fragile, especially if the refrigerator has been in use for a long time. Remove the plugs from the old mounting points and install them on the new ones, closing the resulting holes.
In some cases, it is necessary to turn the handle itself over or rearrange the decorative trims. Carefully inspect the design: often there are technological holes on the inside of the handles that must be closed with plugs after rearrangement.
⚠️ Attention: When working with plastic elements of handles, do not use a metal tool without a pad (fabric or cardboard) so as not to leave dents and scratches on the glossy surface.
Checking tightness and eliminating gaps
The final stage is checking the quality of the work performed. Visually inspect the perimeter of the seal. There should be no gaps. If you notice that the door does not fit tightly at the top or bottom, adjustment will be required.
To eliminate the misalignment, you can slightly loosen the screws securing the hinges (top or bottom) and place a thin cardboard spacer on the desired side, or simply move the door in the desired direction and tighten the fasteners again. Adjust the position until the seal is evenly pressed along the entire contour.
Check the operation of the light sensor and reed switch (if equipped). When the door is closed, the light should go out and the compressor should start after a specified period of time. If the door is hung correctly, the magnetic lock should work reliably.
What to do if the door does not close completely?
Most often the reason is that the hinges are skewed or that the refrigerator is not level. Try unscrewing the front adjustable supports of the refrigerator to tilt the body a little back - this will help the door close under its own weight.
Possible problems and their solutions
During operation after re-hanging, nuances may arise. For example, the door may begin to creak. This can be solved by lubricating the rubbing parts of the hinges with a special compound or ordinary machine oil (a drop). Avoid getting grease on the rubber seal.
If you find that the screws do not fit into the new holes, check to see if any paint or debris has gotten there. Sometimes it is necessary to clean the threads manually with a drill of a smaller diameter, but this must be done extremely carefully so as not to damage the body.
- 🔍 The door is skewed: loosen all the hinges, align the door and tighten again.
- ❄️ Condensation has appeared: check the tightness of the seal, it may be dirty or damaged.
- 🔊 Strong creaking: lubricate the hinge axes without completely disassembling them.
Remember that the design of refrigerators may vary depending on the year of manufacture and series Indesit. If you are faced with a non-standard mount, it is better to find the official diagram for your model.
⚠️ Attention: Hinge design and hole locations may vary depending on the specific model and year of production. Before starting work, check the technical documentation of your device to avoid damage to the case.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before hanging the door?
It is not necessary to specifically defrost the refrigerator, but it is advisable to drain the water from the drain pan (if there is one outside) so that when tilting the body, it did not spill onto the floor. It is also recommended to disconnect the device from the mains while working.
Is it possible to re-hang the door in a No Frost refrigerator?
Yes, in most models Indesit No Frost re-hanging is provided. However, be careful with the wires going to the display or door buttons (if there are any). They may need to be carefully disconnected and reconnected to the corresponding connectors on the other side.
What to do if decorative plugs are lost?
Plugs can be ordered at a service center or selected similar in size at a furniture fittings store. Temporarily, the holes can be sealed with colored tape that matches the color of the body to prevent dust from getting in.
Why did the door begin to close worse after the rearrangement?
Most likely, the geometry of the hinges is broken or the refrigerator is tilted forward. Check the adjustment of the refrigerator's support legs - the front ones should be twisted a little more than the rear ones, creating a tilt back.