Situations when standard opening of the refrigerator door becomes inconvenient arise quite often. This may be due to remodeling the kitchen, changing the arrangement of furniture, or simply a desire to make the space more ergonomic. Two-chamber models Indesit are designed taking into account this possibility, which allows owners to change the direction of opening of the valves without much difficulty.
The process of re-hanging requires care, but is not a very complex engineering task. Important to understandthat the design of different series may differ slightly, so the presence of original instructions will always be a plus. However, even without it, following the assembly logic and being careful, you can successfully complete the job in one hour.
In this article we will analyze in detail each stage, from preparing the tools to the final adjustment of the gaps. You will learn how to properly dismantle the fittings without damaging the plastic elements, and how to avoid common mistakes that can lead to misalignment or loose sealing.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
Before starting the active phase of work, you must prepare all the tools. Not having the right key in the middle of the process can result in you leaving disassembled equipment indefinitely. Models Indesit most often require standard home craftsman kits.
The bulk of the work is performed using wrenches and screwdrivers. You will need:
- 🔧 Open-end or socket wrenches for 8 mm and 10 mm (sometimes a size of 7 mm is required).
- 🔩 Phillips screwdriver (PH2) for removing handles and plastic plugs.
- 🧤 Flat screwdriver or a spatula for carefully removing decorative panels.
- 🧼 Clean rags and a container for small parts so as not to lose anything.
Free up space around the refrigerator. You need access from all sides, including the back wall and top of the unit. Make sure that the floor is level and clean, as you will have to place the removed parts.
Design features of Indesit doors and operation scheme
Two-chamber refrigerators Indesit usually have two independent doors: the upper (freezer) and the lower (main compartment). Unlike some budget models with one common door, here the process involves working with two separate blocks. Hinges located at the top and bottom, and between the chambers there is a middle partition.
The design assumes that the doors are not symmetrical. Handles, mounting holes and the location of magnetic latches are designed for a specific side. Therefore, simply turning the sash 180 degrees is impossible without rearranging the fittings. In some models, it is necessary to replace the handles themselves with mirror analogues, in others it is enough to rearrange the existing ones.
Pay attention to the control system. If your refrigerator has a display on the door, the procedure becomes more complicated. You will have to disconnect the wire loops, which requires special care. In models without electronics on the facade, the task is greatly simplified.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! Remove the plug from the socket to avoid electric shock or short circuit if the wiring is accidentally damaged.
Removing the top door and freezer
We start disassembling from the top of the unit. The first step is to remove the top decorative panel (if there is one) that covers the top hinge. It is usually held in place by latches or a single screw. Carefully pry it off with a flat-head screwdriver.
Next you need to release the top hinge. Unscrew the bolts holding it in place. At this point, the door will remain hanging only on the bottom hinge or will simply be fixed with weight. It is better to ask an assistant to hold the door so that it does not fall and damage the floor or zichzelf.
After removing the top hinge, carefully lift the freezer door and remove it from the bottom hinge. Set it aside in a safe place, placing it on a soft surface with the outer side down (it’s better to lay cardboard).
Now we move on to removing the loop itself. Unscrew it completely. Install the same hinge on the vacant space on the opposite side (where we will hang it), but do not tighten the bolts to the end yet so that adjustment can be made. Don’t forget to rearrange the plugs into the holes: where there were hinges, we put plugs; where there were holes for the plugs, we screw in the hinges or leave them empty, depending on the design.
☑️ Dismantling the top part
Removing the central hinge and main doors
After the upper part is dismantled, we move on to the middle part of the refrigerator. Here is the central hinge that holds the bottom door. Often the axis of the upper door is attached to the same structure, but in two-chamber Indesit they are usually separated.
Unscrew the bolts securing the middle hinge. Take it off. Now the main door doesn't hold anything. Carefully remove it, holding it by the handle. Proceed with caution, as the weight of the sash with shelves can be significant.
At this stage it is recommended to carry out revision of the seals. While the doors are removed, they can be easily washed and checked for integrity. If the elastic is cracked or has lost its elasticity, now is the time to replace it, since access to the fasteners is open.
Install the middle loop on the new side. It is important here not to confuse the sides of the fastening. Pay attention to the pin on which the bottom door fits - it should point up. Tighten the mounting bolts securely using a wrench of the appropriate size.
| Element | Action | Tool | Nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Dismantling and transfer | Key 8/10 mm | Requires door security |
| Middle hinge | Dismantling and transfer | 8/10 mm key | The direction of the pin is important |
| Lower support | Axle transfer | 8 mm key | Often hidden by the decorator |
| Handles | Rearrangement | Phillips screwdriver | May be asymmetrical |
Reversing the lower support unit and installing doors
The lowest element is the support or bottom loop. In some models Indesit it is a simple bushing with an axle, in others it is a complex mechanism with a closer. Find it in the lower part of the refrigerator body.
Unscrew the fastening of the lower axle. Move it to the opposite side. This is a critically important stage: if the axle is installed crookedly or not completely, the door will open by itself or, conversely, will not close completely.
What to do if the axle does not fit into place?
Sometimes a plastic retainer or debris remains in the hole. Check that the hole is clean. Also make sure you are using the correct side of the axle - they are often marked L (left) and R (right) or shaped to prevent incorrect installation.
Now you can hang the doors in reverse order. First, we put the main (lower) door on the axis of the middle hinge. Then we install the upper freezer door on the axis of the upper hinge. When hanging, make sure that the hinge pins fit exactly into the holes.
Secure all hinges with bolts. Do not tighten them “tight” right away. First tighten all the bolts, align the doors visually, and only then make the final tightening. This will avoid distortions.
⚠️ Attention: When installing doors, ensure the integrity of the magnetic tape in the seal. If you accidentally tear the rubber band or crush the magnet, the seal of the chamber will be broken and the refrigerator will begin to work with overload.
Adjusting gaps and installing fittings
After all the doors hang in their new places, it is necessary to make a final adjustment. The gaps between the door and the body must be uniform around the entire perimeter. If the door is skewed, loosen the middle hinge and slightly move the door to the left or right.
Check the operation of the magnetic latches. The door should close tightly, with a characteristic sound, but without excessive force. If the door closes tightly, it may take time to “grind in” the seal, or you may need to loosen the hinges a little.
Install the handles. Depending on the model, the handles may be symmetrical and simply flip them over, or they may require repositioning to new holes. In some cases, Indesit you will need to buy a set of handles separately if your package includes only one-sided fastenings.
Insert plastic plugs into the vacated holes. They are sold complete with the refrigerator (usually in a bag with documents) or purchased separately. This is necessary for estética and to protect the metal from corrosion.
Frequent problems and ways to solve them
Unforeseen difficulties may arise during the rehanging process. For example, bolts may become stuck or threads may break. If the bolt does not turn, do not use excessive force - it is better to drop a little penetrating lubricant (WD-40) and wait 10-15 minutes.
Another problem is that the door does not stay closed. This often happens if the refrigerator is not level. Check the legs of the refrigerator: the front part should be slightly higher than the back so that the door closes itself under the influence of gravity.
If you notice that after rehanging there is a whistle or squeak when opening, lubricate the rubbing metal parts of the hinges with a special lubricant. Do not use edible oils (sunflower, olive), as they thicken over time and turn into a sticky mass.
Is it possible to hang the door if the refrigerator has a display?
Yes, it is possible, but it requires additional steps. You will have to disconnect the cable that goes to the display. Typically the connector is located inside the case behind the top cover or in the middle hinge. Be very careful with the chips - they are fragile. Before disconnecting, take a photo of the connection.
What to do if the plugs for the holes are lost?
Plugs can be ordered at the service center Indesit according to the catalog number of your refrigerator. As a last resort, you can seal the holes with a decorative sticker in the color of the body or use furniture plugs of a suitable diameter, picking them up at a hardware store.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging it?
It is advisable, but not strictly necessary if you work quickly. However, if there is a lot of ice in the chambers, the door may become heavier and you risk dropping it. In addition, when tilting (if necessary), water from melted ice can flow into the mechanisms.
Why did a gap appear at the top after rehanging?
Most likely, the upper hinge is not fully installed or is weakened. The cause may also be deformation of the door itself (rarely) or incorrect assembly of the middle hinge. Try to loosen all fastenings and re-align the door.
Does re-hanging affect the warranty?
Re-hanging doors yourself, as a rule, does not void the warranty on the compressor and electrics, unless you damage the equipment in the process. However, if you break the hinge or the housing, the unit will not be covered under warranty. Proceed carefully.