The rubber seal (or, as it is also called, magnetic rubber band) is a key element of the refrigerator Indesit, responsible for the tightness of the chambers. Over time, it loses elasticity, cracks or deforms, which leads to increased energy consumption and even compressor breakdown. If you notice that the door does not fit well, ice forms on the walls, and the motor works without stopping, it’s time to replace the seal. loss of cold, increased energy consumption and even compressor breakdown. If you notice that the door does not fit well, ice forms on the walls, and the motor runs non-stop, it’s time to replace the seal.
In this article we will look in detail at how to change the rubber band on a two-chamber refrigerator yourself Indesit (models like C 132 G, T 16, B 18 and similar). You will learn which seal to choose, how to properly remove, install and adjust it, and also avoid common mistakes. No special tools are required - just accuracy and patience.
Before you begin, check whether the problem is really in the seal. To do this, close the door and try to insert a piece of paper between it and the refrigerator body. If it falls out easily or no resistance is felt the elastic band is worn out and needs to be replaced.
1. Which seal is suitable for an Indesit two-chamber refrigerator
Not all rubber bands are the same - for Indesit it is important to choose a seal that matches model and year of manufacture your refrigerator. Original parts are marked with article numbers, for example:
- 🔹 C00233756 - for models Indesit C 132 G, C 138 G;
- 🔹 C00199593 - for series T 16, T 18;
- 🔹 C00244764 - universal for most two-chamber refrigerators of the brand.
If the original seal is difficult to find, you can use analogues from trusted manufacturers, for example Sibir or Stinol (select by size). The main thing is that the new elastic band:
- 📏 Matches length and width (measure the old tape);
- 🧲 Has magnetic insert (for tight fit);
- 🔄 Suitable for type of fastening (in a groove or on screws).
Before purchasing, be sure to check the article number of your model - it is indicated on sticker inside the refrigerator (usually on the side or top). If in doubt, take the old rubber band with you to the store for comparison.
⚠️ Attention: Seals for refrigerators Indesit and Ariston (of the same manufacturer) are often interchangeable, but may differ in hardness. Check that the new rubber band is not too tight - this will make closing the door more difficult.
2. Tools and materials for replacement
For work you will need:
- 🔧 Flat screwdriver (for dismantling the old rubber band);
- 🔨 Awl or thin screwdriver (if the seal is attached with self-tapping screws);
- 🧴 Silicone grease (to facilitate installation);
- 🧼 Soap solution (to clean the groove);
- 📏 Tape measure (to measure the length of the seal);
- 🧲 Hair dryer (optional, to soften the rubber).
If the seal is attached to glue or double-sided tape (rare, but found in older models), also prepare:
- 🧴 White spirit (to remove glue residue);
- 🎨 Moment glue or sealant (if the new seal is not self-adhesive).
Before starting work unplug the refrigerator and defrost it (if there is ice on the walls). This will simplify access to the grooves and prevent damage to the new rubber band.
Take a photo of the old rubber band (for comparison during installation)
Mark the top of the seal with a marker (so as not to confuse the orientation)
Prepare warm water and a rag to clean the groove
Check the contents of the new seal (sometimes the kit includes fasteners)-->
3. Removing the old seal: step-by-step instructions
Removing the worn rubber band is the most important step. If you do this carelessly, you can damage the plastic door housing. Proceed as follows:
Find the mounting location. For most models Indesit the seal is inserted into groove around the perimeter of the door. Less commonly, it is screwed on with self-tapping screws (usually in the corners).
Carefully pry out the rubber band with a screwdriver. Start from one of the corners, gradually pulling the seal out of the groove. Do not pull too hard - it may tear.
Remove any remaining glue (if any). Wipe the groove with a damp cloth, then treat it with white spirit. This will ensure a secure fit of the new rubber band.
If the seal was attached to self-tapping screws:
- Unscrew them with an awl or screwdriver (usually they are hidden under decorative plugs).
- Remove the rubber band, remembering the location of the fasteners.
- Check whether the holes for the screws are damaged - if necessary, use fasteners of a larger diameter.
After dismantling, inspect the groove for objects cracks or chips. If there are any, cover them with silicone sealant so that the new rubber will lie flat.
⚠️ Attention: On some models Indesit (for example, BIAA 13) the seal can be glued to the metal plate of the door. In this case, remove it slowly, heating it with a hair dryer - this way the glue will come off easier.
4. Installing a new seal: secrets of proper installation
Now we move on to the most difficult thing - installing a new rubber band. Here it is important to follow three rules:
- Start from the corners - it is easier to distribute the seal around the perimeter;
- Do not stretch elastic band - it should lie freely, without tension;
- Check the symmetry —the upper and lower parts must match.
Step-by-step instructions:
Apply silicone grease on the groove (this will make installation easier).
Insert the seal into the groove, starting from the top corner. Use a screwdriver to tuck the rubber deeper, but do not press too hard - it can tear.
Secure the corners (if there are screws, screw them in now).
Warm the elastic with a hair dryer (temperature 40–50°C) - this will help it take the shape of the door.
If the seal is attached to glue:
- Apply the glue thin layer on the groove or the elastic itself.
- Press the seal and secure with masking tape for 10-15 minutes.
- Remove excess glue with a damp cloth.
After installation, close the door and check how it fits. If resistance is felt, this is normal (the magnetic insert is working). If the door does not close completelythen the rubber is installed crookedly or is pulled too tight.
5. Checking the tightness and adjusting the door
Even if the seal is installed correctly, the door may not close well due to hinge misalignment or hull deformation. Carry out the test:
| Checking method | What to do if the test fails |
|---|---|
| Sheet of paper —should hold when pressed door | Adjust the hinges or replace the seal with a softer one |
| Flashlight —light should not penetrate through the cracks | Warm the rubber with a hairdryer and re-tuck into the groove |
| Visual inspection —gaps of more than 2 mm are unacceptable | Check whether the door is warped (adjusting the hinges) |
| Tactile check —resistance when closing | If it is too tight, loosen the hinges; if it is too easy, the seal is weak |
If the door is sagging or does not fit tightly, adjust the hinges:
- Loosen the screws on the top and bottom hinges (use a hexagon or screwdriver).
- Raise or lower the door to the correct position.
- Tighten the screws and check the tightness again.
Critical error: ignoring the adjustment of the hinges after replacing the seal. Even a perfectly installed rubber band will not save you if the door is skewed - this will lead to rapid wear of the new seal.
6. Typical mistakes and how to avoid them
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when replacing the seal. Here are the most common:
- 🔧 Wrong choice of elastic band -too hard or, conversely, soft. Solution: buy only the original or certified analogues.
- 📏 Uneven tension — wave seal or with bends. Solution: start installation from the corners and use lubricant.
- 🧲 Ignoring the magnetic insert —if it is weak, the door will not work close. Solution: check the magnet before installation (bring a metal object).
- 🔥 Overheating with a hairdryer —the rubber may be deformed. Solution: heat for no longer than 30 seconds one area.
Another common problem is creaking when opening the door after replacement. This means that the seal is too tight in the groove. Solution:
- Lubricate the rubber with silicone spray.
- Loosen the hinges a little.
- If the creaking does not go away, replace the seal with a softer one.
If, after replacing the refrigerator began to make more noise, check:
- 🔊 Whether the sealant is touching the internal shelves;
- 🔧 Whether the compressor fastenings have become loose (vibration can be transmitted to door);
- 🧊 Has ice formed on the back wall (due to a leak in the seal).
7. Caring for the seal: how to extend its service life
To make the new rubber last longer, follow simple rules:
- 🧼 Clean the seal 1-2 times a month with a soap solution (no abrasives!).
- 🧴 Lubricate with silicone once every six months - this will prevent cracking.
- 🚫 Do not slam the door - sharp blows will deform the rubber.
- 🔄 Check for leaks once every 3 months (test with a sheet of paper).
Avoid aggressive detergents (for example, with chlorine) - they destroy the rubber structure. Also, do not place heavy objects (bottles, cans) on the door, this leads to sagging.
If the seal begins to move away in the corner, do not wait for complete wear - glue this area with superglue or replace the rubber partially (in some models Indesit this is possible).
⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators with a system No Frost the seal wears out faster due to frequent opening of the door (air circulation requires a tighter fit). Check its condition every 6 months.
8. When is it better to contact a specialist
Replacing the seal is a task that even a beginner can handle. However, in some cases it is better to call a specialist:
- 🔧 If the door is deformed (bent, cracked);
- 🧊 If after replacing the seal formed ice on the back wall;
- 🔌 If the refrigerator does not turn on or constantly works;
- 📉 If the temperature in the chambers does not correspond to the settings.
Cost of replacing the seal at the service center - from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles (depending on the model and region). If you are not confident in your abilities or the refrigerator is under warranty, do not take risks, contact professionals.
Remember: incorrectly installed seal can lead to:
- 💰 Increased energy consumption (up to 30%). A refrigerator with a worn rubber band leads to overheating of the compressor and its premature failure. In the worst case, the motor will need to be replaced, which will cost 5–7 thousand rubles (plus the cost of work). In addition, a violation of the tightness leads to the formation of condensation on the walls, mold and spoilage of products.
- ❄️ Evaporator icing and breakdown No Frost;
- 🔊 Increased noise due to constant operation of the compressor.
What happens if you don't change the seal?
Long-term operation of a refrigerator with a worn rubber band leads to overheating of the compressor and its premature failure. In the worst case, the motor will need to be replaced, which will cost 5–7 thousand rubles (plus the cost of work). In addition, a violation of the tightness leads to the formation of condensation on the walls, mold and spoilage of products.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing the seal with Indesit
Is it possible to repair the old seal without buying a new one?
If rubber band cracked or torn —no, it needs to be changed. But if it is simply deformedtry:
- Warm it with a hairdryer (40–50°C) and straighten it with your hands;
- Place it under lagging areas with a thin strip of foam;
- Lubricate with silicone grease to restore elasticity.
These measures are temporary - after 1-2 months the seal will still have to be replaced.
What glue should I use for the seal?
Best fit:
- 🧴 "Moment Crystal" —transparent, elastic;
- 🧴 Silicone sealant (for example, Dow Corning 7091);
- 🧴 Special glue for rubber (for example, Loctite 406).
Do not use superglue (it makes the rubber brittle) or PVA (does not withstand temperature changes).
How long does it take to replace the seal?
B on average - 1.5–2 hours, if you are doing this for the first time, an experienced master will do it in 30–40 minutes. The most time is spent on:
- Carefully removing the old gum;
- Cleaning the groove from glue and dirt;
- Adjusting the door after installation.
Is it possible to replace the seal on only one chamber?
Yes, if the rubber is damaged only refrigerator or only freezer cameras. Seals for them are usually sold separately. The main thing is to choose the correct article.
The exception is models with common door (for example, Indesit ITF 118). completely.
Why does the new seal smell like chemicals?
This is normal - fresh rubber may have a specific smell in the first 1-2 weeks. To eliminate it:
- Wash the seal with soap. solution;
- Wipe with vinegar (1:1 with water);
- Ventilate the refrigerator with the door open.
If the smell does not disappear for more than a month, this is a defect, contact the seller.