The need to move the refrigerator Indesit to a new kitchen set often confronts owners with a fact: the door opens in the wrong direction. The standard factory configuration assumes right-hand opening, which is convenient in 80% of cases, but narrow passages or a specific layout require a left-hand handle. Fortunately, the design of most models allows you to change the hinge without calling a technician.
The process of rehanging the refrigerator door Indesit is technically simple, but requires accuracy and a basic set of tools. It is important to understand that violation of the sequence of actions can lead to skewing of the canvas or damage to the seal. Before starting work, make sure that the unit is disconnected from the network, and the floor at the work site is level and stable.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for various series of refrigerators, pay attention to the nuances of dismantling plastic plugs and correct adjustment of gaps. A correctly performed procedure will ensure a tight fit of the seal and extend the service life of the hinges.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tools
The quality of the work directly depends on the preparation. You will need clear space around the refrigerator to allow access from all sides. It is advisable to move the equipment away from the wall by at least 50-70 cm. If this is not possible, make sure that you have enough space to maneuver with a screwdriver or screwdriver.
To dismantle and subsequently install the refrigerator door Indesit you will need the following set of tools:
- 🔧 Phillips screwdriver (size PH2) or a screwdriver with an appropriate bit.
- 🔩 8 mm wrench or socket (this size is most often used).
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
- 📏 Level (preferably bubble) for checking horizontal.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This is critically important, since during dismantling the wiring leading to the light bulb or display on the door may be damaged.
Free the door shelves from products in advance and remove removable elements. Heavy bottles or glass jars may fall out if the door is tilted during removal. It is also recommended to cover the floor in front of the refrigerator with soft material or cardboard so as not to scratch the floor covering with fallen tools or parts.
☑️ Ready to hang the door
Design features of Indesit doors
Refrigerators Indesit have a unified fastening system, however, there are nuances depending on the model. In most cases, the upper and lower hinges are fixed with bolts closed with decorative plugs. The main difficulty is that the fastening holes on the opposite side can be closed with plastic plugs.
Many users mistakenly believe that simply rearranging the hinges is enough. However, it is important to remember about sealing rubber. When hanging a door, its profile may become deformed if you do not warm it up with a hairdryer or give it time to straighten. In addition, some models require rearrangement of the stoppers that limit the opening angle.
Hidden structural elements
Inside the plastic plugs there are often threaded holes that are not used in standard assembly. Do not throw away the plugs - they will be needed to close the vacated holes on the opposite side.
If your refrigerator is equipped with a system No Frost or a display on the door, the procedure is complicated by the presence of electrical wires. In models without electronics on the door body, the task is greatly simplified. Always check the technical data sheet of a specific model Indesitas series DF and DS there may be differences in fastening elements.
Step-by-step algorithm for dismantling the door
You should start work from the top refrigerator. First, remove the top trim panel (if there is one) or locate the caps above the top door. Gently pry them off with a flathead screwdriver. Underneath them you will find the top hinge mounting bolts.
Using a wrench or socket, remove the top hinge bolts. Do not remove the hinge completely at once - you need to loosen the fastening first. Then move on to the middle pettsa (if you have a two-compartment refrigerator). To hold the door in a vertical position, it is better to call an assistant, since one hand will be busy with the tool, and the other with fixing the panel.
⚠️ Attention: The refrigerator door is heavy and can fall if it is not held. When dismantling the bottom hinge, the risk of falling is maximum, so do not ignore the need to fix the door leaf.
After removing the fasteners, carefully lift the door and remove it from the bottom pin. Set the door aside in a safe place, placing it on a soft surface with the outside facing up to avoid damaging the seal or glossy finish. Now you can begin preparing the holes on the opposite side.
Rehanging the hinges and rearranging the plugs
The most critical stage is transfer of fasteners. The side where you plan to hang the door should already have factory holes. If they are covered with plastic plugs, carefully remove them. On the opposite side where the hinges were, these plugs will need to be installed back to cover the empty holes.
Install the top hinge on the new side. Insert the bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet. This will allow you to adjust the door position later. If your model Indesit provides for rearranging the opening stops, do this now according to the diagram in the instructions. The stopper is usually a metal pin or plastic stop at the bottom of the door.
For models with electronics on the door: Check the length of the wires before final installation. Sometimes you need to carefully disconnect the connectors and pull the wires through special channels in the refrigerator body to the new side. Do not allow wires to be pinched by loops!
| Element | Action during dismantling | Action during installation | Nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper loop | Unscrew 2-3 bolts | Install on the new side | Do not tighten to the end immediately |
| Middle pin | Remove after the top | Move to opposite side | Watch the axis of rotation |
| Lower support | Remove last | Install and level | Height adjustable |
| Plugs | Remove from the new side | Insert into old holes | Keep all plugs |
Installing the door and adjusting the gaps
After the hinges have been moved, place the door on the bottom stud. Make sure that the axle fits exactly into the hole. Now your task is to achieve a perfect fit around the entire perimeter. If the door is skewed, the food will be cooled unevenly and the compressor will work overload.
Adjustment is made using the front support legs of the refrigerator. By rotating them clockwise, you raise the angle, counterclockwise, you lower it. Make sure that the door opens on its own to approximately an angle of 30-40 degrees, but at the same time closes tightly against a slight push.
Pay special attention magnetic seal. Run your hand around the entire perimeter of the closed door. There should be no cracks or bumps. If the seal has creases after rehanging, warm this area with a hairdryer (not too hot air) and straighten it with your fingers.
⚠️ Attention: If, after adjusting the legs, the door still does not fit tightly, check whether something inside is in the way (a convex shelf, the edge of the package). Sometimes the reason is not in the hinges, but in the contents.
Tighten all the hinge bolts until they stop. Make sure door handles are symmetrical and easy to grip. In some models Indesit the handles are asymmetrical, and they also need to be reinstalled, swapping the left and right parts or turning them 180 degrees.
Frequent errors and ways to eliminate them
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes. The most common of these is re-tightening the top hinge bolts before the door is finally installed. This leads to the fact that the axis is warped, and the door begins to creak or does not close completely. Always leave a small gap for final adjustment.
Another mistake is ignoring the condition of the seal. Old, stiff rubber may lose its seal after being re-hung. In this case, it is better to replace it with a new one, selected according to the model. They also often forget about the plugs, leaving the holes gaping, which spoils the appearance and collects dust.
If after all the manipulations the refrigerator begins to make more noise than usual, check whether the door touches the body or adjacent furniture when opening. It may be necessary to move the unit further from the wall or adjust the opening angle with stoppers.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before hanging the door?
It is not necessary to specifically defrost the unit if there is no ice inside that can spill out when tilted. However, if you plan to keep the door open (for a long time) during work, it is better to defrost the chamber so that water does not flow onto the floor.
What to do if the bolts are rusty and will not come off?
Use a penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40). Spray onto the threads, wait 10-15 minutes. If that doesn’t help, gently heat the bolt head with a hair dryer - the metal will expand and the rust will be destroyed.
Is it possible to hang the door on an Indesit refrigerator with a display?
Yes, it is possible, but it is more difficult. You will have to carefully disconnect the wire cables. The main thing is to remember or photograph the connection order so as not to confuse the contacts when assembling on the new side.
Why is the door not magnetic after rehanging?
Most likely, the geometry of the case is broken due to severe skew or the magnetic seal itself is damaged. Check if the refrigerator is level on the floor and try to adjust the legs. Also, the seal might not straighten out - warm it up.
Are special tools needed for No Frost models?
Special tools are not needed, the set is standard. However, in systems No Frost it is important not to damage the air supply channels, which may run close to the hinge attachment points. Proceed with caution.