The situation when Indesit refrigerator stops opening in the desired direction due to the layout features kitchens, familiar to many owners. Often the door rests against the wall or interferes with passage, which creates noticeable discomfort when cooking. Fortunately, most modern models of this brand, such as series BIA, DS or SB, provide the ability to hang the doors on the opposite side.
The process hanging the door is not technically complicated, but requires accuracy and a basic set of tools. You don't need to be a professional craftsman to do this work yourself if you strictly follow the algorithm of actions. The main thing is to understand the design of the hinges and not to make excessive efforts so as not to damage plastic elements or the thread.
In this article we will analyze in detail how to change the direction of door opening, what nuances should be taken into account when working with models of different years of production and how to properly adjust the gaps after installation. Please note that on two-chamber models, the upper freezer door is always removed first. Carefully study the recommendations, prepare the workplace, and you can optimize the space in your kitchen without calling a specialist.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
Before proceeding with dismantling, it is necessary to ensure safe working conditions. The refrigerator is a heavy unit, and its stability is critical to prevent it from falling while removing the hinges. Move the device away from the wall, ensuring access from all sides, and be sure to unplug it from the power supply.
To perform the work, you will need a minimum set of home handymen. Usually a few screwdrivers and wrenches are enough, but the specific type of fastener may vary depending on the model Indesit. Prepare all the tools in advance so as not to be distracted during the work process.
- 🔧 Phillips and flathead screwdrivers for removing decorative plugs and screws.
- 🔩 A set of open-end or socket wrenches (most often sizes 8, 10 mm).
- 🧤 Construction gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧹 A piece of soft fabric to avoid scratching the case when installing on the floor.
Free shelves and door baskets from food and plastic containers themselves. Empty shelves will significantly reduce the weight of the structure, which will facilitate the removal process and reduce the risk of damage glass shelves or fasteners. It is also recommended to cover the floor in front of the refrigerator with thick cardboard or a blanket, since the removed door will have to be temporarily placed somewhere.
☑️ Preparation for rehanging
Dismantling the upper door of the freezer
Work always starts from the top of the refrigeration unit. In models Indesit with a top freezer, this door is the first in line to be removed. If you have a model No Frost, be especially careful with sensors and wiring if they are present in the hinge area.
First remove the top decorative panel that covers the hinge. It can be held on with latches or secured with a screw. Carefully pry up the plastic with a flathead screwdriver, being careful not to break the guides. Under the panel you will see mounting bolts holding the hinge axis.
⚠️ Attention: Before completely unscrewing the top hinge, make sure that the door is not fixed in anything! If you remove the bolts completely, the heavy door may fall on your foot or damage the flooring.
Hold the door with one hand and loosen, but do not completely remove, the top bolts. Ask an assistant to secure the structure or use a wedge to secure the position. After this, you can unscrew the fasteners completely and remove the hinge along with the axle. Now the door is free and ready to be moved to the other side.
The question often arises of what to do with the holes from the old fasteners. The housing is usually provided with technological plugs. You will need to unscrew the plugs from the side where you plan to hang the door and install them in the vacated holes to maintain an aesthetic appearance.
What to do if the bolts are rusty?
If the fasteners do not give in, do not use force so as not to strip the threads. Apply some penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) to the joint and wait 10-15 minutes. This will help to unlock the threads and unscrew the bolts without damage.
Removing and moving the bottom door of the refrigerator compartment
After the top door has been removed and put in a safe place, we move on to the main refrigerator compartment. The principle of operation here is similar, but there are some peculiarities related to weight and dimensions. The door of the refrigerator compartment is much heavier, so the help of a second person here will not be superfluous.
Find the middle hinge that connects the two chambers. In some models Indesit it can be common for both doors or divided. Carefully unscrew the fasteners holding the lower door in place. As in the previous case, hold the massive structure so that it does not fall.
After removing the door, inspect the bottom bracket. In some cases, it also needs to be rearranged or turned over. Pay attention to the pin that the door rests on. It must be moved to the opposite side, into a previously prepared technological hole.
- 🔍 Inspect the sealing rubber for damage during removal.
- 🧼 Wipe the ends of the doors and hinge installation locations from dust.
- 🔄 Check the integrity of the threaded connections on new installation location.
It is important not to confuse the sides when installing pins and bushings. If you install them incorrectly, the door may not fit properly or may not close properly. Visually compare the location of the elements on the newly removed door and the planned installation location.
Installing handles and moving accessories
One of the most important stages is reinstalling the handles. On refrigerators Indesit handles often have hidden fasteners, which are located under decorative plugs or directly at the end of the door. You will need to remove the handles from both doors and install them on the opposite side.
To remove the handle, find the holes in the top or bottom of the element (depending on the model). Unscrew the fixing screws and carefully remove the handle. Do not pull sharply to avoid damaging the plastic fasteners. Then install the handles in their new positions, using the holes that were previously covered with plugs.
Plugs are small plastic pieces that hide the mounting holes. Take them out of the old holes (now they will be on the “working” side) and insert them into the vacated holes on the back side. This will give the refrigerator a finished and neat look.
⚠️ Attention: Do not overtighten the screws securing the handles! The plastic may burst from excessive pressure. Screw them tightly, but without fanaticism, using moderate force.
If on your model the handles are integrated into the body and cannot be removed (cutout at the end of the door), then this step is skipped. In this case, just make sure that the cutouts are now on the correct side for easy grip.
Assembling the structure on the new side
Now that all elements are prepared, you can begin the final assembly. Start at the bottom door of the refrigerator. Install the lower support pin into the new hole, slide the door onto the axle and align it with the body.
After installing the lower part, mount the middle hinge. Insert the bolts into the holes and tighten them, but do not tighten them all the way yet. This is necessary in order to be able to adjust the position of the door in case of misalignment.
Next we move on to the upper door (freezer). Place it on the middle hinge axis and align the holes in the top hinge with the refrigerator body. Insert the mounting bolts and secure the structure.
| Element | Action | Control parameter |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom loop | Pin installation | Vertical position |
| Middle hinge | Axle fastening | Tight fit |
| Upper hinge | Door fixation | No play |
| Plugs | Rearrangement | Facade aesthetics |
After assembly, check the operation of the mechanism. Doors should open and close smoothly, without creaking or jamming. If you feel resistance, the hinges may be skewed and require adjustment.
Adjusting the gaps and checking the tightness
The final stage is checking the quality of the work performed. The tightness of the refrigerator directly affects its operating efficiency and energy consumption. If the door does not fit tightly, warm air will enter the chamber, which will lead to the formation of ice and increased load on the compressor.
Visually inspect the perimeter of the sealing rubber along the entire contour. Gaps should be minimal and uniform. To check, use a simple sheet of paper: clamp it between the door and the body at different points. If the paper is pulled out with force along the entire perimeter, the tightness is normal.
If you find a loose fit, try to slightly loosen the hinge bolts and gently press the door in the desired direction, then tighten the fasteners again. Sometimes heating the seal with a hairdryer helps if it has become deformed during storage or transportation.
Plug in the refrigerator and leave it empty for several hours. Listen to the work: are there any extraneous vibrations from the doors. After 2-3 hours, check how well the internal volume has gained temperature.
What to do if the door opens spontaneously?
If after rehanging the door does not stay in the closed position, check the horizontal installation of the refrigerator itself. Often the unit needs to be tilted back a little (by twisting the front legs) so that the door closes under the influence of gravity. Also check if anything inside (shelf or product) is preventing it from closing tightly.
Do you need to wait before turning it on after rehanging?
No special waiting time is required, since you did not touch the cooling system and freon. However, if you tilted or laid down the refrigerator strongly during work, it is recommended to let it stand in an upright position for 30-60 minutes before starting, so that the oil in the compressor flows into the crankcase.
Is it possible to change the doors on the built-in Indesit refrigerator?
The procedure is possible, but much more complicated due to the presence of a furniture facade. You will need to remove the front hinges, rehang the refrigerator door, and then reattach the furniture door. Without experience working with furniture fittings, it is better to turn to specialists.
Why did a creaking appear after rehanging?
A creaking can occur due to metal-to-metal friction in the hinges if dust gets in there or the grease has dried out. Add some machine oil or special lubricant to the hinges. Also check whether the door touches the body or shelves when opening.