Changing the kitchen layout or rearranging furniture often dictates its own conditions for the placement of household appliances. If you purchased a model Indesit with right opening, and the place is prepared for the left one, it becomes necessary to change the hinge of the sash. Fortunately, most modern refrigerators of this brand, such as series Smart, Push&Go or classic NBS, structurally provide for this possibility.
The rehanging procedure does not require calling a specialist if you have basic skills in handling tools and follow safety precautions. The main thing is to act consistently, without applying excessive force to the plastic elements and carefully monitoring the integrity of the wiring if electronic controls are built into the doors.
In this article we will analyze all the nuances of dismantling, transferring fittings and subsequent adjustment. Accuracy of execution each step ensures that the door will close tightly, without distortions and gaps, maintaining tightness of the chamber.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Before starting work, it is necessary to prepare all the tools so as not to be distracted in the process. You will need a standard home craftsman's kit: Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers, a set of open-end wrenches (most often sizes 8, 10 and 12 mm), as well as hexagons. Some models Indesit may require socket heads with an extension.
Free up space around the refrigerator. You need access to the unit from all sides, as it is sometimes necessary to tilt the housing to get a better view of the lower mounts. Make sure the floor under your feet is dry and stable.
- 🛠️ Set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) for screws and plugs.
- 🔧 Open-end wrenches or ratchet for hinge bolts.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp edges metal edges.
- 📦 Container for folding small parts so as not to lose them.
Important in advance unplug the refrigerator from the power supply. This is not only a safety requirement, but also a way to prevent the compressor from accidentally turning on or the light coming on during work.
If your model has a system No Frost, be especially careful with internal plastic boxes that may interfere with access to the fasteners. It is better to temporarily remove them.
⚠️ Attention: Some models Indesit have hidden screws under decorative plugs or rubber seals. Carefully inspect the ends of the door before you begin to unscrew the visible bolts.
Dismantling the upper part and removing the door
Work always begins with the top hinge, since it is this that holds the main weight of the door leaf. First remove the top trim panel, if present. It is usually secured with latches or one screw that needs to be unscrewed.
After removing the cover, you will see the top hinge mounting bolts. Don't take them out completely right away. Loosen the bolts, but leave them in the threads to prevent the hinge from falling off. Then carefully lift or remove the metal hinge plate itself.
What to do if the screws are rusty?
If the top hinge bolts will not come off due to oxidation, apply a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) to them and wait 10-15 minutes. Do not try to tear them off by force, so as not to damage the threads in the refrigerator body.
Now you can completely unscrew the hinge mounting bolts. Have a helper hold the door as it is heavy and may fall. Remove the door from the bottom pin and place it in a safe place, placing it on a soft cloth or cardboard so as not to scratch the enamel.
At this stage it is also recommended to remove the door handle if the design of the model Indesit implies its removal for ease of transfer or if the handle interferes with installation on the other side. The handle fasteners are often hidden under decorative plugs.
Moving the lower support and studs
The next stage is working with the lower part. There is a support pin (bushing) on which the door rests in the closed position. Depending on the design of your model Indesit, the pin can be pressed into the body or screwed into the lower loop.
If the pin is in the body, it must be carefully knocked out or unscrewed with a special key. Then it is installed in a symmetrical hole on the opposite side. In some cases, it is necessary to rearrange the plastic bushing.
☑️ Removal checklist
Pay attention to the door rotation stops. These are plastic or metal pins that prevent the door from opening 180 degrees and hitting the side of the refrigerator. They also need to be moved to the other side.
Adjusting washersif they were installed under the lower support to equalize the height, they are also transferred to the new side. Save them, they are critical for the correct operation of the closing mechanism.
Installing hinges and hanging the door
After preparing the holes on the new side, the process is reversed. Install the lower support pin in its new location. Make sure it fits snugly and evenly.
Take the door and carefully slide it onto the bottom pin. Have a helper hold the door upright. Now it’s the turn of the top hinge: put it in place and tighten the bolts.
- 🔩 Insert the bolts into the holes of the top hinge and tighten them by hand until they stop.
- 🔨 Check the vertical installation of the door visually.
- 🔧 Tighten the bolts with a wrench, but do not apply the maximum force yet effort.
- 🚪 Check the free movement of the door, it should not touch the body.
It is better to tighten the bolts after a preliminary check. If the hinge is skewed, the door will be skewed. Use level or simply evaluate the gaps around the perimeter.
If your model is equipped with an electronic display on the door, at this stage you will need to carefully pull the wiring harness through the technological hole in the housing and connect the connector. Be extremely careful with the contacts.
⚠️ Attention: When connecting the display wires, make sure that the connectors snap into place until you hear a characteristic click. Poor contact can lead to errors in the operation of the electronics or lack of indication.
Adjusting the door position and gaps
The final and most important stage is adjustment. The door should close tightly around its entire perimeter. If you notice that there is a larger gap in one corner than the other, or the door does not fit tightly, adjustment is required.
Use the top hinge for adjustment. Loosen the mounting bolts half a turn. Slide the hinge to the desired direction (left, right, forward or backward) and tighten the bolts again. Check the result.
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Door does not suction | Casing or hinge misalignment | Adjusting the height of the refrigerator legs or the position of the top hinge |
| Large gap at the top | The top hinge is not pressed enough | Lower the hinge slightly or check for washers |
| The door is touching body | The pin is installed incorrectly | Check the position of the lower stop and stoppers |
| Whistling when closing | Friction of the seal | Lubricate the seal or check fit |
It is also worth checking the work magnetic seal. Run your hand around the perimeter of the closed door - there should be no drafts. If the paper sandwiched between the door and the body is pulled out too easily, the pressure is insufficient.
Common mistakes and troubleshooting
When re-hanging doors themselves, users often make common mistakes. One of them is the loss of small parts such as bushings, washers or snap rings. Always use a container to store them.
Another common mistake is overtightening the bolts. Excessive force can lead to stripping of the threads in the metal body of the refrigerator, the restoration of which will require serious repairs. Tighten the bolts with moderate force.
- ❌ Forgot to rearrange the door rotation stops (the door will open too wide).
- ❌ They mixed up the side of installation of plastic plugs in place of the old fasteners.
- ❌ Did not check the horizontalness of the floor before starting work.
- ❌ The wiring was damaged when moving the door with the display.
If after all the manipulations there is a visible gap between the door and the body through which the cold escapes, the rubber seal itself may have become deformed. In this case, you can try straightening it with a hairdryer or replacing it with a new one.
Remember that the geometry of the refrigerator body Indesit designed for precise tolerances. Even a millimeter shift can affect the energy efficiency of the appliance.
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics and hinge design may vary depending on the specific series and year of manufacture of the refrigerator. Always check the instructions that came with your model, as the location of the mounting holes may vary.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before hanging the door?
It is not necessary to defrost the refrigerator specifically for this procedure, unless you plan to wash its insides. However, if there is a lot of ice in the freezer compartment, it is better to defrost the unit so that water does not pour out when the body is tilted during work.
Is it possible to hang the door alone, without an assistant?
Theoretically it is possible, but it is highly not recommended. The refrigerator door is heavy and bulky. Without an assistant, there is a high risk of dropping it, damaging the enamel, floor or even legs. In addition, it is difficult for one person to simultaneously hold the door and get into the mounting holes.
What to do if the holes on the opposite side are closed?
In most models Indesit the holes are already drilled and closed with plastic plugs. If there are no holes (found in very old or budget models), then you won’t be able to hang the door yourself without drilling metal and cutting threads. In this case, it is better to leave everything as is or contact service.
Why did the door begin to close tightly after rehanging?
This is normal for the first days of operation. The new seal should rub in. Also check that the door does not interfere with shelves or food inside. If the tightness persists for a long time, perhaps the bolts of the top hinge are tightened too tightly or the tilt of the case is incorrectly set.
Will the warranty remain valid if I move the door myself?
According to the law, the consumer has the right to independently service the equipment. However, if in the process of rehanging you damage the case, break the thread or break the hinge, the warranty claim for this damage will not be considered. Proceed carefully.