Changing the opening side of the refrigerator door Indesit is a standard procedure, often necessary when moving to a new kitchen or remodeling the space. The design of most models of this brand initially provides for the possibility of reinstalling the hinges, which allows you to adapt the equipment to the specific location of the furniture. The owner can perform this operation independently, without contacting a service center, if he carefully follows the algorithm of actions.
The main difficulty of the process lies not in the mechanics of removing parts itself, but in the correct dismantling and subsequent installation fastening elements. It is important to understand that different models Indesit may have design features: in some cases the handles are removable, and in others they have doors integrated into the body. It is also worth considering the weight of the door leaf, which, if handled carelessly, can fall and damage the floor or the unit itself.
Before starting work, you must clear enough space around the refrigerator. You will need access to the unit from all sides, including the rear wall where the bottom fasteners are often located. Preparing the right tools and following the sequence of operations will ensure that after assembly the door will close tightly and the seal will not be deformed.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
To successfully complete the task of hanging doors, you will need a minimum set of tools that are usually found in every home. The key point is to use equipment that is in good working order and of the correct size, so as not to strip the bolt threads or scratch the decorative trims. The main tool will be a wrench, most often 8 or 10 mm in size, or a set of open-end wrenches.
You will also need a flat-head and Phillips screwdrivers for removing decorative plugs and dismantling handles. In some models Indesit the screws may be hidden under plastic caps that need to be carefully pryed off. It would be a good idea to prepare masking tape or a soft rag to protect glossy surfaces from scratches during work.
- 🔧 A wrench (size 8 or 10 mm) or a small diameter adjustable wrench.
- 🪛 A set of screwdrivers (flat and Phillips) for working with screws handles.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
- 📦 A small container for folding the bolts so that they do not get lost.
Be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the electrical outlet before starting any work. This safety rule is relevant even if you are just changing the hinges, since there is a risk of accidental damage to the wiring or contacts of the door opening sensors. In addition, all food and shelves should be removed from the refrigerator to lighten the structure and prevent glass elements from falling.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to unscrew the top hinges without locking the door itself in a vertical position. Without support, the door leaf will fall, which can lead to injury to the legs or damage to the lower corner of the door.
Dismantling the top part and removing the door
The process starts from the top of the refrigerator compartment. First you need to remove the top decorative panel, if it is provided for by the design of your model Indesit. Underneath this panel or plug are the bolts that hold the top hinge in place. Carefully pry up the plastic cover with a flat-head screwdriver and set it aside.
Next, unscrew the top hinge mounting bolts. At this stage it is vital that someone holds the refrigerator door, as once the last bolt is removed it will no longer hold anything. If you are working alone, you can use stands or ask an assistant to fix the canvas. Once the bolts are removed, the hinge can be removed.
After removing the top hinge, carefully lift the door to remove it from the bottom pin and set it aside in a safe place. Now you need to remove the door handle if it interferes with further dismantling or needs to be rearranged. In models Indesit handles are often attached to screws from the inside or top/bottom, hidden by plugs.
Pay special attention hinge mechanism. If the hinges are rusty or coated with oxides, they can be carefully cleaned with a brush. Do not use excessive force when unscrewing, so as not to strip the threads in the aluminum hinge body if it is made of a soft alloy.
Flipping the bottom hinge and removing the base
After the refrigerator compartment door is removed, it is necessary reach the bottom hinge, which is often common to the freezer or bottom door. In most models Indesit this requires removing the base grille (plinth) in the lower part of the case. It can be secured with latches or screws.
Remove the decorative panel of the base by pulling it towards you or unscrewing the fasteners. Below it you will see the lower support loop. Before removing it, it is also recommended to dismantle the freezer door using a similar principle: unscrew the top hinge of the freezer, remove the door, then work with the lower fastening.
| Element | Fixation type | Tool | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Bolts (2-3 pcs) | Key 8/10 mm | Requires door support |
| Lower hinge | Bolts + pin | Key 8/10 mm | Hidden under the plinth |
| Door handle | Screws under the plug | Screwdriver | Removed from the door body |
| Limiter | Plug | Flat screwdriver | Located on the opposite side |
The key point is to dismantle the lowest support plate. It is attached to the refrigerator body with bolts. After unscrewing them, the loop must be removed. In some models Indesit this hinge is symmetrical and can simply be turned over, in others it is necessary to rearrange the pin or use a spare hinge from the kit.
☑️ Check before assembly
Installing fasteners on the new side
Now that all the elements have been dismantled, it is necessary to prepare places for fastenings on the opposite side of the case. On the front panel of the refrigerator Indesit, on the side where there were no hinges, there are usually plastic plugs. They need to be removed and moved to the vacant places on the previous side.
It is important to check whether there are ready-made threaded holes on the body. In 99% of cases, manufacturing plants, including Indesit, provide symmetrical holes on both sides. You just need to make sure that there is no factory grease that may have hardened, or dust.
Install the lower support hinge on the new side. Insert and tighten the mounting bolts, but do not apply maximum force yet - final tightening is done after the doors are hung. If the hinge design allows, flip it over or move the pin to the appropriate position for the new opening side.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure the bottom hinge is installed with the correct side up. Incorrect installation will lead to the door being skewed and the impossibility of closing it tightly, which will cause ice to freeze.
Similar actions are carried out with the upper fasteners. Move the top cover panel to the new side. If the refrigerator came with additional bushings or washers for turning the door, use them according to the diagram in the instructions. Models Indesit typically use standard metric threads, so problems with selecting fasteners usually do not arise.
What to do if the holes do not match?
In rare cases (for example, during repairs after impacts), the holes may be deformed. If the thread is broken, you can try to cut a new one with a tap or use a repair sleeve, but it is better to contact a specialist.
Installation of doors and position adjustment
After installing the lower fastening, you can begin hanging the doors. First, install the freezer door (if it is bottom). Place it on the bottom hinge pin. Make sure the door is level and fits snugly against the frame. Then install the middle hinge (if your model has one) and secure it with bolts.
Next, the refrigerator compartment door is hung. Align the holes in the top of the door with the holes in the frame and top hinge. Insert the bolts and tighten them. At this stage, it is important not to overdo it with force, so as not to distort the metal, but to ensure reliable fixation.
The final stage is adjustment. The door should close tightly around its entire perimeter. If you notice gaps or loose weatherstripping, loosen the hinge bolts half a turn, straighten the door, and tighten the fasteners again. Models Indesit are characterized by the possibility of (fine-tuning) tilting the door in different directions.
- 🚪 Check that the door closes itself when opened by 45 degrees.
- ❄️ Make sure that the rubber sealing contour adheres to the body without gaps.
- 🔩 Check the tightness of all bolts after the first cycle of operation of the refrigerator.
If the door warps, the floor under the refrigerator may be uneven. In this case, it is necessary to adjust the height of the front support legs of the refrigerator, rotating them with a key or manually, in order to level the body horizontally.
Rearranging handles and limiters
The finishing touch is to rearrange the handles. Remove the door handles and install them in new places using the provided holes. In some models Indesit the handles are asymmetrical, and for the other side you need to turn the fastening element itself over or use special bushings included in the kit.
Do not forget about the door opening limiter. This is a small plastic or rubber stop located on the side wall of the case or on the door itself (depending on the model). It needs to be moved to the new side so that the door does not swing open too wide and hit the furniture.
Check the operation of the magnetic door opening sensor (if your model has one). It is usually located in the top corner. When hanging the door, make sure that the magnet in the door interacts correctly with the reed switch on the body so that the light goes out when closing.
⚠️ Attention: Do not mix up the length of the screws when installing the handles. Using bolts that are too long may result in damage to the interior door panel or a refrigerant leak in rare cases of the structure.
After installing all the elements, wipe the surfaces with a damp cloth, put away the tools and turn on the refrigerator. Let it work for 2-3 hours without loading food to make sure that the operation is stable and the doors close correctly.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do I need to defrost the refrigerator before hanging the door?
Yes, this is a mandatory procedure. When defrosting, you will remove ice that may interfere with the removal of hinges, and you will be able to remove all shelves and drawers, significantly reducing the weight of the structure. In addition, this will allow you to wipe the seals and check their condition.
Is it possible to lose the warranty if you re-hang them yourself?
According to the laws and rules of most service centers, re-hanging the doors yourself Indesit is not grounds for voiding the warranty if other components of the unit were not damaged in the process. However, keep all the removed parts and bolts in case you call for service.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not fit tightly?
Most likely, the problem is improper adjustment of the hinges or contamination of the seal. Loosen the hinges, press the door closer to the body and tighten the bolts. Also check if a foreign object has gotten under the rubber seal.
Where can I get the diagram for my specific Indesit model?
The door hanging diagram is usually located in the paper user manual, in the "Installation" or "Installation" section. It can also be found in electronic form on the official website of the manufacturer by entering the model of your refrigerator (for example, Indesit DF 418) in the search.