Changing the kitchen layout or simply rearranging furniture often dictates new requirements for the location of household appliances. Owners of refrigerators Indesit are faced with the need to rehang the door to ensure convenient access to products and maintain the ergonomics of the space. This procedure does not require calling a specialist, since the design of most models allows for the possibility of changing the opening side.
The rehanging process takes a little time, but requires care and adherence to the sequence of actions. Incorrect installation can lead to a loose fit of the sash, which will lead to increased energy consumption and food spoilage. In this article we will analyze in detail all the stages of working with fittings Indesit refrigeratorso that you can complete the task efficiently and safely.
Before starting active actions, you need to prepare the workplace. Make sure that you have easy access to the unit from all sides and that the floor is protected from possible scratches or falling tools. It is also worth familiarizing yourself with the design features of your model in advance, since the location of fasteners may vary slightly depending on the series.
Preparation of tools and workspace
High-quality preparation is the key to successful completion of the job. To dismantle and subsequently install the door, you will need a basic set of tools, which are usually found in every home. Lack of the necessary equipment may delay the process or lead to damage to the fasteners.
The main tool will be hex key or a set of screwdrivers corresponding to the size of the screw heads on your refrigerator. Some models Indesit use specific bolts, so it is better to prepare several options for bits in advance. It would also be a good idea to have a flat-head screwdriver on hand for removing decorative plugs.
- 🛠️ A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) for working with screws of different calibers.
- 🔑 Hex keys (usually 4 mm or 5 mm) for the main fastening of the hinges.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp edges and grease.
- 📐 Level or plumb line to control the horizontal installation.
Particular attention should be paid to safety. The refrigerator is a heavy unit, and when the door is removed, the center of gravity shifts. It is recommended to enlist the help of an assistant who will hold the sash while unscrewing the lower fastenings. This will prevent the door from falling and possible injuries.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Remove the plug from the socket to avoid the risk of electric shock if the wiring or contacts are accidentally damaged while manipulating the case.
Free up space around the refrigerator in advance. You need to freely walk around it, squat and bend. Remove carpets that may interfere with your footing and ensure your work area is well lit. If there is a slippery coating on the floor, lay down non-slip material or cardboard.
☑️ Preparing to rehang the door
Design features of Indesit refrigerators
Refrigerators Indesit are famous for their maintainability and thoughtful design. Most models, including the popular series BIA, DS and EF, are equipped with universal hinges that allow you to change the opening side. However, there are nuances that depend on the type of control and the number of cameras.
In models with mechanical control, the process is simplified by the absence of electronic cables on the doors. If your refrigerator is equipped with a display on the facade or a system No Frost with a complex system of dampers, you need to be extremely careful. In such cases, a wiring harness can pass through the top hinge, which cannot be damaged or severely pinched.
The design of the hinges usually includes the main axis, bushings and decorative trims. The fastening is carried out to the metal frame of the case, which has sufficient strength. It is important to understand that re-drilling the holes is not required - all the necessary technological holes are already provided by the manufacturer and are closed with plugs.
Is it possible to re-hang the door on older models?
On very old models of Indesit refrigerators, produced more than 15-20 years ago, the possibility of re-hanging may not be available. This is due to the lack of response holes on the opposite side of the case or the monolithic design of the hinges. In such cases, changing the opening side is impossible without serious modernization, which is not recommended to be carried out independently.
It is worth noting the difference between single-chamber and double-chamber models. In two-chamber refrigerators Indesit the sequence of actions will be similar, but you will need to rehang both doors - the freezer and refrigerator compartments. This doubles the amount of work, but does not change the fundamental technology of the process.
Dismantling the upper and lower hinges
The disassembly process begins from the top of the unit. This is where the main support hinge is located, holding the weight of the door. Before unscrewing the bolts, you must remove the decorative cover, if present. It can be attached with latches or held in place by friction.
Carefully pry off the plug with a flat screwdriver or knife, being careful not to damage the plastic. Underneath you will find the top hinge mounting bolts. Using a suitable wrench, loosen them, but do not remove them completely yet. This will allow you to correct the position if something does not go according to plan.
After the upper fastening is weakened, a critical moment comes. You need to hold the door so that it does not fall and finally unscrew the bolts. If the model assumes the presence of wires (for a lamp or display), now is the time to carefully disconnect the connectors or remove the harness through the technological hole.
| Mounting type | Tool | Dismantling nuances |
|---|---|---|
| Hexagonal bolts | 4-5 mm wrench | Often hidden under a plastic cover |
| Phillips screws | PH2 screwdriver | Can be acidified, force required |
| Hidden fastener | Long bit | Needs to be reached through holes in the body |
| Combined | Tool set | Requires sequential removal of different types |
After removing the top hinge, the door can be carefully lifted and removed from the bottom support pin. Place it on a prepared soft surface (such as a blanket or cardboard) to avoid scratching the enamel. Now you can begin dismantling the lower hinge, which is often aligned with the axis of rotation.
Moving the fittings to the opposite side
The next stage is moving the fastening elements to the other side. On the body of the refrigerator Indesit on the opposite side you will find symmetrical holes closed with plastic plugs. They need to be removed. To do this, you can use a thin awl or a self-tapping screw, screwing it into the center of the plug and pulling it towards you.
The plugs removed from the working side are installed on the vacated holes. This is an important aesthetic point, which also protects the inside of the case from dust. Make sure that the plugs fit tightly and flush with the surface of the case.
Now let's work on the door itself. It is also necessary to rearrange the handle (if it is non-removable and is attached to screws on the reverse side) and the mating parts of the hinges. Often the handles on Indesit refrigerators are symmetrical or have a universal fastening. If the handle is asymmetrical, you may need to purchase components separately, although most modern models do not require this.
- 🔄 Reposition the lower support pin into a symmetrical hole on the body.
- 🔩 Install the upper hinge onto the new holes, without tightening it all the way yet.
- 🚪 Move the opening limiter (if any) to the opposite end.
- 🔌 Route the wires (if any) through the new channels, avoiding kinks.
It is important to correctly install the door opening limiter. This small plastic or rubber element prevents the door from swinging open more than 90-110 degrees. If you forget about it, the door may hit the wall or furniture, which will lead to chips or damage to the hinges.
⚠️ Attention: When rearranging hinges, pay attention to the orientation of the bushings and washers. Installing them upside down can lead to distortion of the door and rapid wear of the closing mechanism.
Installing the door and final adjustment
After preparing all fastening points, you can begin installation. Place the door on the bottom stud, making sure it lies flat in place. Then align the holes on the top hinge with the holes on the body and insert the mounting bolts. At this stage, you should not tighten them “all the way” - preliminary fixation is needed.
The main task now is to achieve a perfect fit of the seal around the entire perimeter. If the door is skewed, condensation will accumulate in the chambers, and the compressor will work without interruption. Use a building level, applying it to the end of the door to check verticality.
Adjustment is carried out by loosening the bolts and slightly moving the door up, down, left or right. In some models Indesit the height of the front leg of the refrigerator also affects the tilt of the body back, which promotes self-closing. Adjust the legs so that the refrigerator is stable, but with a slight tilt back.
After alignment, finally tighten all the bolts of the upper hinge. Check the door operation: it should open smoothly, without squeaks, and close tightly with a slight push. The seal must evenly adhere to the body along its entire length.
Typical errors and ways to eliminate them
Even if the instructions are followed, beginners can make mistakes. One of the most common is an incorrect sequence of actions, resulting in the holes not matching up. They also often forget about the wires, which are pinched between the body and the door, which can lead to chafing.
If after installation you notice that the door does not fit tightly in one of the corners, try slightly heating the problem area of the seal with a hairdryer (without overheating!) and straighten it. Sometimes simply adjusting the height of the legs of the refrigerator helps.
If the door begins to touch the body when opening, check whether the limiter is installed correctly and whether the wiring harness inside is not twisted. Also make sure that the shelves inside do not protrude beyond the dimensions and do not interfere with the tight closing.
⚠️ Attention: If you feel that the thread is breaking or the bolt is too tight, do not use excessive force. Treat the threads with a penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40) and wait a few minutes.
Do not forget that after moving the refrigerator it takes time to stabilize the temperature. During the first day after switching on, monitor the operation of the compressor. If it runs continuously, the door may still not close properly.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before re-hanging the door?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, if there is a lot of ice or food inside, it may fall out when you tilt or remove the door. It is recommended to empty the chambers of food and allow the ice to melt so that water does not flow onto the floor during operation.
Is it possible to lose the warranty if you re-hang the door yourself?
According to the law, independent repairs or modifications that do not result in damage do not void the warranty. However, if you damage the case, hinges or wires in the process, the service center Indesit may refuse free repairs. Proceed with caution.
What to do if the holes for the hinges do not match?
In 99% of cases, the holes on the body of refrigerators Indesit are symmetrical. If they do not match, check that you are using the right holes (sometimes there are several pairs) and that you have not mixed up the top and bottom. You cannot drill new holes - this will break the thermal insulation.
What to do with the handle if it is asymmetrical?
If the handle has a clear shape for only one side and does not have fasteners on the back, you will need to purchase a universal handle or hanging kit suitable for your model. Sometimes turning the handle 180 degrees helps, if the design allows it.
Do you need to wait before turning on the refrigerator after rearranging?
If you did not tilt the refrigerator more than 40 degrees, you can turn it on immediately. If the unit was heavily tilted or lying down, it is advisable to wait 2-4 hours before turning it on so that the oil in the compressor flows into the crankcase.