The situation when, after purchasing large household appliances, it turns out that the door opens in the wrong direction is familiar to many. This is especially true for kitchens with a non-standard layout or narrow passages, where every centimeter of space counts. Fortunately, the design of most modern models Indesit provides for the possibility of changing the opening side, which allows you to adapt the unit to any operating conditions.
The process of hanging doors does not require special engineering education or unique tools, but it does require accuracy and attention to detail. An incorrect sequence of actions can lead to damage to the plastic elements or failure of the seal. In this article, we will analyze in detail all stages of work, paying special attention to the nuances that are specific to the equipment of this brand.
Before starting work, you need to make sure that you have free space around the refrigerator. You will need access to the unit from all sides, including the back wall where the hinges are located. It is also important to prepare all the necessary tools in advance so as not to interrupt the process by looking for a screwdriver or key at the most inopportune moment.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
To successfully complete the task, you will need a minimum set of tools that any home craftsman can find in his home. The main tool will be a wrench, the size of which depends on the model of your refrigerator, but most often it is a 10 mm wrench. You also cannot do without a Phillips screwdriver, since many decorative plugs and internal elements are fastened with screws of this type.
Particular attention should be paid to preparing the surface on which you will place the dismantled parts. It is better to put all bolts, hinges and plugs in a separate container or on a magnetic tray so that nothing gets lost. Small fasteners tend to “run away” into the most inaccessible places, so discipline in this matter is the key to success.
It is also important to ensure the stability of the refrigerator itself during operation. Since you will have to exert effort to remove and install heavy door panels, the unit should not wobble. If the floor is slippery, place anti-slip mats under the feet or have someone hold the body.
- 🔧 Wrench (usually 8, 10 or 13 mm depending on the model).
- 🪛 Phillips and flathead screwdrivers for removing plugs and screws.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges and grease.
- 🧹 Clean rags for wiping parts and removing old grease.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! Remove the plug from the socket to eliminate the risk of electric shock and accidental starting of the compressor during dismantling.
Some models may have specific fastenings that require hexagons. It is therefore recommended to carry out a preliminary visual inspection of the fasteners to ensure that the correct tools are available. If you find non-standard bolts, it is better to find the appropriate wrench in advance rather than stop the work halfway.
Dismantling the top part and removing the top door
You should always start the reinstallation process from the top door. This is due to the design features of refrigerators Indesit, where the upper loop is often a load-bearing hinge or fixes the position of the entire unit. First you need to remove the decorative plug that hides the top hinge mounting bolts. Usually it is pryed off with a flathead screwdriver or simply removed by hand if it has a groove for gripping.
Once access to the fastener is open, you will see one or two bolts holding the hinge. They need to be unscrewed, but do not remove them completely yet if the design requires the door to be supported. In some cases, the hinge may be stuck or tight, so use a long-handled wrench for better leverage, but avoid sudden jerks.
The next step is to remove the door itself. Here you will definitely need an assistant, since the door leaf with seal and shelves has significant weight. While one person holds the door, the second completely unscrews the hinge bolts. After removing the fasteners, the door is carefully lifted up and removed from the lower pin.
Do not place the removed door on its edge or with the outer side down - this may deform the seal or scratch the coating. It is best to place it on a soft surface covered with a blanket or cardboard, with the inside side up.
If your model has an intermediate crossbar or decorative strip between the doors, it must also be removed at this stage. The fasteners can be hidden under plastic covers, which require careful handling when removing.
Working with the bottom door and freezer compartment
After successfully dismantling the upper section, we move on to the bottom door, which in refrigerators Indesit most often is the freezer compartment. The principle of action here is similar, but there are some nuances. The bottom hinge often has a more complex design, since it bears the main load from the weight of the food and the door itself.
First remove the plinth grille or decorative screen at the bottom of the refrigerator if it blocks access to the bottom hinge. Unscrew the mounting bolts holding the lower hinge. As with the top door, a second person is required to secure the door in position while unscrewing.
When removing the bottom door, be especially careful about the pins and bushings. They may fall out, so control their position. Often in the bottom hinge there is a closer mechanism or stop, which also requires rearrangement or replacement with an alternative one included in the kit.
- 🧊 Carefully remove all shelves and drawers from the freezer before dismantling to reduce weight.
- 🔩 Keep all washers and bushings in the order in which they were found removed.
- 🔍 Inspect the seal for damage during removal.
In some models with the system No Frost an electrical wire may pass through the bottom loop. If you find wires going to the door (for example, for an open indicator), do not pull on them under any circumstances. Carefully disconnect the connector, first remembering or photographing the connection diagram.
⚠️ Attention: When working with the lower hinge, be careful not to damage the cooling system tubes that may run in the lower part of the case. Any mechanical damage to the circuit will lead to freon leakage.
☑️ Dismantling checklist
Rearrangement of hinges and fittings to the other side
The most critical stage is the transfer of all fastening elements to the opposite side side of the body. There are symmetrical openings at the ends of the doors and on the body of the refrigerator, closed with plastic plugs. Your task is to unscrew the plugs from the new side and install them in the old places to hide the empty holes.
To remove the plugs, use a thin awl or knife. Be careful not to damage the plastic. If the plugs have threads, they need to be unscrewed. Once the holes are free, install the hinges on the new side. Please note that the left and right hinges may differ in shape, so do not confuse them during installation.
If the refrigerator came with additional pins or bushings for the opposite side, replace the old ones with them. It often happens that on one side there are already working elements installed, and on the other there are transport plugs that need to be replaced with functional parts.
Pay special attention to the handles. If they are not symmetrical or have a locking mechanism, they may also need to be flipped or rearranged. In models with hidden handles (recess in the body), this stage is skipped.
| Element | Action when moving | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| Top loop | Move to another side | Check the holes for alignment |
| Bottom hinge | Move and turn over (if necessary) | Keep an eye on the door pin |
| Plugs | Change places (working ↔ decor) | Do not lose the rubber seals under them |
| Stoppers | Rearrange into new holes | Ensure tight closure |
When installing the hinges to a new location, do not tighten the bolts “all the way” immediately. Fit them first to be able to adjust the position of the door. Final tightening is done only after hanging the door leaf and checking the gaps.
What to do if the holes do not match?
In rare cases, if there is a manufacturing defect or severe deformation of the body, the holes may not match perfectly. Do not drill new holes! Try loosening all the fasteners and shaking the door. If the gap is critical, contact the service; you may need to replace the door itself or the body.
Hanging doors and final adjustment
After the hinges are installed in new places, you can begin hanging the doors. Start, as when dismantling, from the bottom door. Place it on the bottom hinge pin and have a helper hold it upright. Carefully align the holes in the top of the bottom door with the hinge mate or intermediate bar.
Secure the bottom door by installing the bolts, but leave them slightly loose for now. This will allow you to further adjust the position of the door so that it closes tightly and without distortion. Then install the top door by sliding it onto the pin and securing it with the top hinge.
Adjustment is key. The door should close tightly around the entire perimeter, without gaps. If you notice a misalignment, loosen the hinge fasteners and slightly move the door in the desired direction. Check the operation of the magnetic seal: it should adhere evenly to the body.
Make sure that when opening the door does not touch the body, shelves or nearby objects. The door movement should be smooth, without creaking or jamming. If everything is in order, finally tighten all the bolts with a wrench.
- 🚪 Check that the door closes itself when opened at an angle of about 30-40 degrees.
- 🧲 Make sure that the magnetic seal “sticks” to the body along the entire contour.
- ⚖️ Assess the gaps between the door and the body - they should be the same at the top and bottom.
⚠️ Attention: If after adjustment the door still does not fit tightly, try heating the seal with a hairdryer (not too hot air) - this will restore the elasticity of the rubber if it was deformed during storage.
Typical mistakes and tips for caring for the seal
One of the most common mistakes is excessive zeal when tightening the bolts. Tightening too tightly can lead to deformation of the metal hinge or even a crack in the plastic door body. Tighten the bolts tightly, but without fanaticism, using the force of your hands and a standard wrench, without extension levers.
Another mistake is ignoring the condition of the seal. When overweight, the rubber experiences stress and can stretch in some places and shrink in others. If you notice that the seal has “flyed out” of the groove, carefully straighten it with your fingers or a blunt object, without using sharp tools that can cut it.
After installation, it is recommended to wipe the seal with a damp cloth and lubricate it with a special silicone grease or talcum powder. This will extend the life of the rubber and provide a better fit. Regular maintenance of the seal is the key to ensuring that the refrigerator operates economically and does not accumulate ice.
It is also worth checking the tilt level of the refrigerator itself. For the doors to close properly, the body must be tilted slightly backwards. This is adjusted using the front support legs. If the refrigerator is level or tilted forward, the door will open on its own or will not close tightly.
Possible problems after re-hanging and their solutions
After completing the work, you may find that the door begins to close tighter or, conversely, too easily. This is normal in the first days of operation, until the hinge mechanism gets used to it. However, if the door warps, you will have to repeat the adjustment step.
Sometimes users forget to rearrange the plastic stoppers or plugs, which causes the door to open at too large an angle or, conversely, to rest against the body ahead of time. Check the package again and make sure that all elements are installed in the correct holes.
In models with electronics, if you disconnected the wires, check the operation of the indicators. If the light does not light when the door is opened, you may have connected the connector poorly or pinched the wire when installing the hinge. In this case, partial re-disassembly will be required.
If you follow all the steps carefully, your refrigerator Indesit will serve you for many years, delighting you with ease of use in the new location. Remember that patience and attentiveness are the best tools in repairing household appliances.
Do you need to call a specialist to rehang doors?
In most cases, calling a specialist is not required. The process is quite simple and takes 20-40 minutes. However, if you are not confident in your abilities, are afraid of damaging your equipment, or you do not have the necessary tools, it is better to contact an authorized service center to keep the warranty intact (although re-hanging yourself usually does not void the warranty if there is no damage).
What to do if you have lost the plugs for the old holes?
If you have lost the plastic plugs, the holes will look like unsightly and dust can get into them. You can order a set of plugs at the Indesit service center according to your refrigerator model. Temporarily, you can use decorative stickers or plugs of a suitable size from a hardware store, choosing the color.
Is it possible to hang the door by one person?
Technically possible if the door is light (for example, a small freezer), but it is highly not recommended. The door is heavy and slippery, there is a high risk of dropping it, damaging the floor, leg or the door itself. The presence of a second person for insurance and support is mandatory.
Does re-hanging affect the warranty?
According to the legislation and rules of most manufacturers, independent re-hanging of doors is not grounds for refusal of warranty service, IF the process did not cause mechanical damage (scratches, dents, chips) and the integrity of electrical circuits was not violated. However, if you break the thread or break the glass, this will be considered a non-warranty case.