Changing the side of the door opening is not just a whim of design, but often a necessity dictated by the redevelopment of the kitchen or the particular arrangement of furniture. Equipment owners Indesit often face the question of how to adapt the unit to new conditions so that access to products remains convenient. Fortunately, the design of most models provides the ability to rehanging the loops without loss of functionality.
This process requires care, but is quite doable at home with a basic set of tools. The main thing is to understand that lock mechanism and the position of the handles may differ depending on the specific series of your refrigerator. Incorrect actions can lead to damage facade panel or loss of tightness.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions that will help you do the job efficiently. We will pay attention to nuances that are often overlooked, such as rearranging decorative caps and adjusting gaps. Your Indesit refrigerator will become comfortable again, and the kitchen will take on the desired look.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
Before starting any manipulations with equipment, it is necessary to ensure safe working conditions. Clear space around the refrigerator so you can access it from all sides. This will avoid accidental impacts on walls or furniture during work.
To complete the task, you will need a minimum set of tools. Usually a Phillips screwdriver, a wrench (often 10 mm) and a flat blade are sufficient to remove the plugs. Some models may require hexagon, so it is better to prepare them in advance.
☑️ Tools for hanging
It is important to disconnect the device from the power supply before starting work. This is a basic safety rule that cannot be ignored, even if you are only replacing mechanical parts. It is also recommended to clear the shelves on the doors to reduce their weight and the risk of falling.
Removing the top panel and top hinge
The first step is always to remove the top cover of the refrigerator. It is attached to screws, which can be hidden under decorative elements or located at the back. Carefully unscrew the fasteners and remove the panel, pushing it back.
The next step is top hinge. It holds the bulk of the door leaf. Ask someone to secure the door so that it does not fall on your feet while unscrewing the bolts. If you are working alone, you can prop the door from the bottom, but this is less secure.
⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to completely remove the door until you are sure that all top hinge fasteners are loose. A sharp jerk can damage hinge axis or deform the metal of the case.
After removing the hinge, put it and the screws aside so as not to lose it. The top of the door is now free and can be carefully lifted off the bottom pivot. Place the door on the prepared soft surface, face up.
Removing the handle and rearranging the stops
At this stage, it is necessary to dismantle the handle if the design of your model Indesit implies its rearrangement. Often the handles are symmetrical, but have different attachment points. In some cases, you just need to flip the element 180 degrees.
Pay special attention opening limiter. This is a small plastic or metal pin that prevents the door from swinging too wide. It needs to be moved to the opposite side of the case. To do this, you may need to remove the decorative trim at the end of the door.
- 🔧 Find the hole for the limiter on the new side.
- 🔧 Carefully remove the locking element from the current side.
- 🔧 Install the limiter in new socket until it clicks.
- 🔧 Check the reliability of the fixation by lightly pulling the element.
If there are decorative plugs at the site of future installation of the handle, they also need to be rearranged. They are usually simply inserted into the holes and easily removed with a flat object. Do not lose these small parts, because without them appearance the refrigerator will be incomplete.
What to do if the handle is not removable?
In some Indesit models, the handles may not be removable or require disassembling the internal mechanism. If the screws are hidden deeply, the entire interior door panel may need to be removed. Be careful with plastic latches - they are fragile in the cold.
Instructions for installing the lower hinge
Now we move on to the bottom of the unit. Here lower hingeis located, which is often integrated with the locking mechanism of the second chamber (if the refrigerator is two-chamber). Its dismantling requires special care.
Unscrew the bolts securing the hinge to the refrigerator body. Remove the element and move it to the opposite side. Pay attention to the washers and gaskets - they need to be installed in the same order to ensure the correct height and tight fit.
In models with a system No Frost or a complex condensate drainage system, a tube or wire may pass through the bottom loop. Make sure that when rearranging you do not squeeze the communications. If the tube is in the way, it must be carefully moved to the side, observing safety precautions.
| Element | Action | Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Upper loop | Remove and rearrange | Key 10 mm |
| Bottom hinge | Dismantle and move | Phillips screwdriver |
| Limiter | Rearrange into a new slot | Flat spatula |
| Plugs | Replace with places | Hands or knife |
Installation of the door leaf and upper fastening
After preparing the lower support point, you can begin hanging the door. Install the door leaf on the lower axle, aligning the holes for the upper fastening. At this stage, it is critical to keep the door in a vertical position.
Install top hinge in place. Do not tighten the bolts all the way right away. First, tighten them so that the loop has a slight play. This will be needed for subsequent adjustment of the gaps. Check that the door opens and closes freely.
Secure the top panel of the refrigerator. Make sure that all wires (if they went through the cover) are laid in their channels and will not be pinched. Return the decorative elements and plugs on the new side to their place.
Adjusting gaps and checking tightness
The final stage is adjusting the position of the doors. If the door is warped or does not fit tightly, food may spoil faster. Adjustment is carried out by tightening the bolts on the hinges or rotating the adjusting screws (if they are provided for in the design).
Use a building level to check the vertical installation. The gap between the door and the body must be the same along its entire length. If the bottom of the door protrudes more than the top, you need to loosen the bottom fastening and level the position.
⚠️ Caution: Over-tightening the bolts may warp the housing metal or damage the threads. Tighten the fasteners evenly, alternating sides.
Check the operation magnetic seal. It should be adjacent to the body along the entire perimeter. To check, you can use a sheet of paper: hold it between the door and the body and try to pull it out. If the paper is removed easily without resistance, adjustment is required.
Features of two-chamber Indesit models
In two-chamber refrigerators, the process is complicated by the presence of a second door and, often, a common control system. Here it is important to correctly rearrange chamber switch or the sensor, if it is located at the end.
The sequence of actions is usually as follows: first remove the upper door (freezer compartment), then the lower one. When assembling, the order is reversed. Pay special attention to the melt water drainage tube - it should not bend.
Some models Indesit have hidden hinges that require partial disassembly of the facade. In such cases, it is better to have a diagram specifically for your model on hand. Errors during assembly can lead to the doors opening by themselves.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
One of the most common mistakes is the loss of fasteners. Small screws easily roll under the refrigerator or get lost in the carpet. Use a magnetic container or a piece of fabric to keep the parts in one place.
Another mistake is not checking for leaks after installation. Even if the door closes, this does not guarantee a tight fit of the seal. Be sure to do a paper test or a visual inspection with the light on inside the camera.
Also, users often forget to rearrange the plugs, which spoils the appearance. Don’t be lazy to complete the work by replacing all the decorative elements in new places. It will take a minute, but the result will look professional.
Is it possible to rehang the door without removing it completely?
In most cases, completely removing the door is necessary to access the lower fastenings and rearrange the stops. Attempts to do this “by weight” can lead to broken hinges or injury.
What to do if, after hanging, the door does not close completely?
Most likely, the opening limiter is installed incorrectly or the seal is twisted. Check whether there is anything in the way from the inside (food, trays) and whether the locking pin is positioned correctly.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging it?
It is advisable. Complete defrosting will make the seal more elastic and will prevent moisture from getting inside the case when the equipment is tilted. In addition, an empty refrigerator is lighter.
Will the warranty remain valid after re-hanging it yourself?
The procedure of re-hanging the doors itself is provided by the manufacturer and should not void the warranty if you have not damaged the equipment in the process. However, if there are traces of mechanical damage or broken threads, the service center may refuse free repairs.