Changing the kitchen layout or simply wanting to make the operation of household appliances more comfortable often leads owners to think about rearranging. Refrigerators Indesit are designed taking into account the possibility of changing the opening side, however, this process requires care and adherence to the sequence of actions. Improper reinstallation of the hinges can lead to a loose fit of the door, the formation of condensation and premature wear of the compressor.
In this guide we will look in detail at how to change the door hinge on Indesit models, what tools will be required and what to pay special attention to. You will learn about the nuances of working with different types of fasteners and get answers to frequently asked questions. Accurately follow the instructions will allow you to do the work efficiently and safely for the unit.
Before you begin dismantling, you need to assess the scale of the work. Some models have hidden hinges or specific fasteners that require a special approach. Safety precautions When working with heavy household appliances, this must also be strictly observed.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
Any technical manipulation begins with preparation. You will need clear space around the refrigerator to allow access from all sides. It is recommended to move the unit at least one meter away from the wall. It is advisable to cover the floor with a soft material, such as cardboard or an old blanket, to avoid damage to the case if parts accidentally fall.
To work with fasteners Indesit usually a standard DIY kit is sufficient. However, having specific tools can greatly simplify the task. Make sure you have on hand:
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flathead) for removing decorative plugs.
- 🔩 8 and 10 mm socket wrench or socket for the main hinge bolts.
- 🛠️ Pliers or pliers for working with small fasteners.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
It is important that all tools are in good working order. Frozen threads on hinge bolts - a common problem when using low-quality tools. If you plan to disassemble old fasteners that have not been serviced for a long time, you may need a penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40) to make it easier to unscrew soured connections.
☑️ Ready to rehang
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! This is critical for safety, since if the case is skewed or the wiring is handled carelessly, damage to the electrical components may occur.
Removing the top part and removing the door
The process starts with the top door if you have a two-chamber refrigerator. The first step is to remove the top decorative panel or cover that hides the top hinge. It is usually held in place by latches or a single screw. Carefully pry it open with a flathead screwdriver, being careful not to damage the plastic.
Once you gain access to the top hinge, you will need the help of a second person. The door is heavy, and holding it with one hand while unscrewing the bolts is extremely difficult and dangerous. An assistant should hold the sash firmly while you unscrew the top hinge mounting bolts Top Hinge.
Once the bolts are unscrewed, the top hinge can be removed. The door is now free at the top. Carefully lift it up to remove it from the bottom support and set it aside in a safe place. Do not place the door flat on the floor - this may deform the inner panel or damage the seal.
Nuances of dismantling old models
In some older Indesit models, the top hinge can be welded to the body, and only the counter part on the door is removable. Carefully inspect the structure: if you see that the bolts only secure the cover, you may need to remove the entire door along with the hinge, unscrewing it from the body through special holes in the top panel of the refrigerator, if they are provided for by the design.
When removing the door, pay attention to the condition sealing rubber. If it has cracks or scuffs, rehanging it is the ideal time to replace it. Also check the integrity of the plastic bushings, if they are included in the hinge design.
Working with the lower door and brackets
If you change the opening side on a two-chamber model, after removing the upper door, move on to the lower one. The principle is similar, but has its own characteristics. The lower door often has a more massive structure and additional fittings, such as a handle or a lock (in some models).
First remove the lower decorative panel of the plinth. Then remove the bolts securing the bottom hinge to the refrigerator body. As in the upper case, hold the door. Once the bolts are removed, the door will easily separate from the lower support. Now you have freed the entire front part of the unit.
Pay special attention brackets and the counter strips. On many Indesit models, the hinge holes are symmetrical, but can be closed with plastic plugs on the opposite side. You will need to carefully remove these plugs and move them to the vacated holes.
| Part type | Action during dismantling | Action during installation | Nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Unscrew 2-3 bolts | Tighten on the new side | Requires an assistant |
| Bottom hinge | Remove after the top doors | Install in new holes | Often has a pin |
| Plugs | Remove from new holes | Install in old holes | Do not lose small ones details |
| Door handle | Remove (if it interferes) | Rearrange or turn over | Depends on the model |
In some modifications Indesit lower hinge is a non-removable part of the body, and only the upper rotating mechanism is changed. Carefully study the instructions for your specific model so as not to apply unnecessary effort where it is not provided.
Moving the handle and rearrangement of fittings
After the door leaves are removed, it is necessary to prepare them for installation on the new side. This involves rearranging the handles. On most modern Indesit models, handles are attached to screws on the inside of the door. You need to open the door (if it has not yet been removed) or turn over the removed door.
Find where the handle is attached. Usually they are closed with decorative plugs. Remove them carefully. Unscrew the mounting screws and remove the handle. Then move it to the opposite side using the pre-prepared holes. If there are no holes on the new side, check the package - sometimes you need to drill out the plastic, but in the factory the holes are most often already provided.
Don't forget about stops. In some models, plastic stops are included with the refrigerator, which limit the movement of the door or serve to fix it in the open position. They also need to be moved to the new side. This is done by unscrewing the old ones and screwing new ones into symmetrical holes.
⚠️ Attention: When rearranging the handles, watch the length of the screws. Using self-tapping screws that are too long can result in damage to the door's internal contour or a refrigerant leak if it touches the evaporator tubes (although on modern models the risk is minimal, caution is a good idea).
If your model has magnetic latches or mechanical locks, make sure the mating parts are also relocated or reoriented. The lock mechanism sometimes requires disassembly and rotation of the internal components 180 degrees.
Installing doors on a new side
Now we move on to the final stage - assembly. Start by installing the bottom door. Place it on the bottom hinge (or install the hinge together with the door, if the design allows it). Make sure the hinge pin fits into the corresponding hole on the door.
Then install the top door. Align the holes on the top hinge with the holes on the refrigerator body. Insert the bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet. This is an important point: the initial fixation must be free so that you can align the door.
Alignment is done vertically and horizontally. The door should close tightly around the entire perimeter, without gaps. If you notice misalignment, loosen the bolts and place washers under the hinge or adjust the position until the ideal result is achieved. Only after this, finally tighten all the fasteners.
Check the operation of the doors. They should open freely, without creaking, and fit snugly against the body when closed. If the door bounces or does not fully magnetize, it means that the installation geometry is broken or the seal is in the way.
Adjustment and checking the tightness
After installation, it is necessary to check the tightness of the seal. There is a simple folk method: clamp a sheet of paper with the refrigerator door so that half of the sheet hangs out. Try to pull out the sheet. If it is pulled out with force and breaks, the seal is good. If the sheet falls out or is removed too easily, additional adjustment of the hinges is required.
It is also worth paying attention to gap between the door and the body. It should be uniform along the entire length. An uneven gap can lead to the fact that in one place the door will fit tightly, and in another it will form a gap through which the cold will escape.
Plug in the refrigerator and let it run for 1-2 hours. Check to see if condensation has appeared on the outside of the door or inside the seal. The appearance of moisture is a sure sign of a loose fit. In this case, the adjustment procedure will have to be repeated.
In conclusion, hanging the door of an Indesit refrigerator is a completely solvable task for a home craftsman. The main thing is to act consistently, do not force events with rusty bolts and be sure to call an assistant for heavy elements.
Do you need to drain the freon before hanging the door?
No, you do not need to drain the refrigerant. The re-hanging process does not affect the freon circulation system unless you damage the tubes inside the door (which is unlikely if you work carefully). The tightness of the contour is maintained.
What to do if the holes for the hinges do not match?
In factory Indesit models, the holes are always symmetrical. If they don't match, you may have the top and bottom hinges mixed up, or the door may be installed upside down. Double-check the diagram in the instructions. You cannot drill new holes in the case!
Is it possible to rehang the door of a built-in refrigerator?
Yes, but the process is more complicated due to the presence of furniture facades. First you need to remove the facade, then rehang the refrigerator door, and then re-attach the facade, adjusting its position. Often, additional adjustment of furniture hinges is required.
Why doesn’t the door close on its own after rehanging?
Most likely, the angle of the refrigerator is broken. For the doors to self-close, the unit must stand with a slight tilt back (the legs at the front are twisted slightly higher than at the back). Check the adjustment of the support legs.