Changing the opening side of the refrigerator door Indesit is not just a whim, but often a necessary measure when remodeling a kitchen or changing the ergonomics of a space. Owners are faced with a situation where the standard arrangement of handles interferes with the comfortable use of household appliances or access to adjacent cabinets. Fortunately, the design of most modern models allows you to perform this procedure yourself.
The process door rehanging requires care, a basic set of tools and strict adherence to the sequence of actions. An error in the dismantling procedure can lead to damage to the plastic fasteners or failure of the seal. Before starting work, it is important to make sure that your model technically supports such a modification, since not all budget series have hidden holes for hinges on the reverse side.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for various types of refrigerators Indesit, including models with the system NoFrost and conventional drip defrosting. You will learn about the specifics of dismantling the upper and lower hinges, as well as how to correctly move the controls if they are located on the facade. Compliance with safety precautions and accuracy will be the key to successful completion of the repair.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Even short-term intervention in the design of a working device can lead to electric shock or damage to the electronics.
Preparation of tools and workplace
Quality preparation is half the success of any repair operation. To work with refrigeration equipment from the Indesit brand, you will not need many tools, but they all must be in good working order. The main tool will be a screwdriver or a set of screwdrivers with different attachments, since fasteners may differ in the type of slot.
You will need the following set:
- 🔧 Phillips screwdriver (PH2) for the main screws.
- 🔧 Flat screwdriver for removing decorative plugs.
- 🔧 Socket wrench or 8-10 mm head (depending on the hinge model).
- 🔧 Assembly spatula or plastic knife for careful removal of panels.
Organize the space around the unit. You will need easy access from all sides, so it is best to move the refrigerator at least one meter away from the wall. Cover the floor in front of the appliance with thick cardboard or an old blanket to avoid damaging the floor covering when installing the removed door. Also prepare a container for folding small parts so as not to lose screws during operation.
☑️ Preparing for rehanging
Design features and checking the possibility of re-hanging
Before proceeding with dismantling, you need to study the design of your specific refrigerator Indesit. Not all models have a universal case. Carefully inspect the end of the body on the side where you plan to hang the door. There should be technological holes for attaching hinges and seats for plugs.
If there are no holes, or they are covered with a solid layer of metal without threads, then, alas, overhanging in the factory is not provided for this model. Attempting to drill new holes may compromise the integrity of the insulating layer and lead to corrosion. In such cases, all that remains is to put up with the current situation or look for an alternative place to install the equipment.
It is also worth paying attention to the control system. If the control panel is built into the door, the procedure becomes more complicated. You will need to not only rehang the canvas, but also move the wiring harnesses, and sometimes the panel itself. In models where the display is located on the body, the task is greatly simplified.
How to determine the type of hinges?
Indesit refrigerators most often use hidden hinges, which are located under the decorative cover on top, or open hinges visible from the side. Hidden ones require more careful removal of the top plastic.
Dismantling the top part and removing the door
We begin the main stage of work. The first step is always to remove the top cover of the refrigerator, if it is structurally provided for in your model Indesit. It can be secured with latches or screws. Carefully pry it open with a flat-head screwdriver or remove the fastener to gain access to the top hinge.
After removing the cover, you will see the top hinge that holds the door. On some models, the lamp or display power wiring runs under the loop. Inspect carefully the space under the loop. If there are wires, they must be carefully disconnected by first photographing or marking the contacts so as not to be confused during assembly.
Unscrew the screws securing the top hinge to the refrigerator body. Do not remove them completely until you are ready to remove the door to avoid dropping the heavy panel. Holding the door with your other hand (or asking an assistant), finally unscrew the fasteners and remove the hinge. The door can now be carefully lifted and removed from the lower pin hinge.
Place the removed door on a prepared soft surface with the outer side facing up. Be careful: glass or plastic may be fragile. At this stage, you can check the condition sealing rubber and, if necessary, clean it from dirt.
⚠️ Attention: The refrigerator door is heavier than it seems. Never try to remove it alone if you are not confident in your abilities - there is a risk of dropping it on your foot or damaging the lower hinge.
Flipping the door and transferring elements
Now that the door is on the floor, you need to prepare it for installation on the new side. Find the holes for the lower hinge rod at the end of the door. They can be closed with plastic plugs. Carefully remove the plug from the new working side and install it into the vacated hole on the old side.
Next we move on to the handle. In most models Indesit, the handles are hidden (mortise) or overhead. If the handle is overhead, unscrew it and move it to the opposite edge using the provided holes. If the handle is integrated into the profile, you may need to remove the entire decorative trim of the facade and turn it over, if the design allows this.
Pay special attention to the bottom hinge on the door itself. In some modifications it is asymmetrical. You may need to remove the bottom fastener from the door and reinstall it mirrored, or simply move the bottom hinge rod into the appropriate slot on the body. Make sure that all screws are tightened firmly, but not fanatically, so as not to strip the threads in the plastic.
Installing the bottom hinge and hanging the door
Move on to the bottom of the refrigerator cabinet. Remove the plastic base (plinth) at the bottom of the front panel. It is usually held in place by latches or two screws. Below it you will find a lower support loop. It must be moved to the opposite side, into the hole prepared in advance by the factory.
Unscrew the lower hinge rod from the old hole and screw it into the new one. Make sure it fits snug and upright. If your refrigerator came with extra bushings or washers for the alternate side of the installation, be sure to use them now. Their absence can lead to the door being skewed.
Now the most crucial moment is hanging the door. Lift the prepared door leaf and carefully place it on the lower rod. Make sure that the axis hits the exact center of the hole. Have an assistant hold the door upright while you install the top hinge.
Install the top hinge in its new location, aligning the holes on the frame and the door. Insert and tighten the mounting screws. Do not tighten them all the way at once - first tighten everything, align the door, and only then finally fix it. Check that the gaps between the door and the body are uniform over the entire height.
| Element | Action on the left side | Action on the right side |
|---|---|---|
| Top hinge | Rearrange to the left | Move to the right |
| Lower rod | Screw into the left socket | Screw into the right socket |
| Handle | Mounting on the left (or in the center) | Mounting on the right (or in the center) |
| Plugs | Hide holes on the right | Hide holes on the left |
Adjusting and checking the tightness
After installing the door in a new place, be sure to check its movement. It should open and close smoothly, without squeaks or jams. If the door touches the body or shelves, it will be required height adjustment. This is done by tightening the lower support leg of the refrigerator itself or the adjusting screws on the hinges (if your model has them Indesit).
Pay special attention to the magnetic seal. When closing, it should fit snugly against the body around the entire perimeter. Check this with a sheet of paper: clamp the sheet between the door and the body in different places. If the sheet is pulled out easily without resistance, then the seal is broken in this place.
If the door is skewed, loosen the top hinge a little, align the leaf and tighten the screws again. Sometimes it takes several attempts to achieve the ideal position. Also check the operation of the door opening sensor - if it has been moved, make sure that the magnet on the door is opposite it.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to hang the door on an Indesit refrigerator? NoFrost?
Yes, on most models with the NoFrost system, overhanging is possible, since the design of the hinges is similar to conventional models. However, be extremely careful with the wires going to the fan and sensors located in the door frame, their length may be limited, which requires special care when moving.
What to do if after. rehanging, the door does not close tightly?
Most likely, the installation geometry is broken. Check whether the refrigerator itself is level on the floor - use a building level. If the floor is level, try loosening the fastenings of the top hinge and slightly moving the door in the right direction. Also check whether the contents of the shelves interfere with the tight closing.
Do you need to wait before rehanging? turning on?
If you did not tilt the refrigerator too far from the vertical and did not shake it, then the compressor oil should not have entered the cooling circuit. However, to be on the safe side and stabilize the temperature conditions, it is recommended to let the device stand for 2-4 hours before the first start.
Where to get new plugs if they are old. lost?
Plugs are a consumable material that is rarely sold separately in regular stores. They can be ordered at service centers Indesit as a last resort, the holes can be carefully sealed with a decorative sticker in the color of the case or use plugs from other equipment of a suitable diameter.
Will it last? warranty after independent re-hanging?
According to the rules of many service centers, independent intervention in the design (breaking seals on hinges, damage to fasteners due to careless work) can become grounds for refusal of warranty repairs. If the refrigerator is new, it is better to call an official technician.