Situations when The standard configuration of household appliances no longer suits the owners; problems arise quite often. This may be due to moving to a new apartment, where the kitchen layout requires a different direction for opening the doors, or to the desire to optimize space in a narrow corridor. For brand equipment Indesit this option is usually provided by engineers, but the process requires care and adherence to a strict sequence of actions.
Before starting work, it is important to understand that re-hanging doors is not just a mechanical movement of parts, but a complex procedure that affects the operation of seals and the tightness system. Incorrect installation may result in the door not closing tightly, which will cause freezing of the evaporator and increased energy consumption. In this article we will analyze in detail how to correctly perform this operation.
It is worth noting right away that not all refrigerator models allow for symmetrical reinstallation of fittings. Some budget versions may have an asymmetrical body design or lack technological holes on the opposite side. Therefore, the first step should always be to check the technical documentation or visually inspect the ends of the housing for the presence of hidden plugs.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tools
The success of the entire operation depends 90% on quality preparation. You will need not only a set of tools, but also free space around the unit. It is recommended to move the refrigerator at least a meter away from the wall to ensure access from all sides. If this is not possible, you will have to be creative, but safety should be a priority.
For the job, you will need a standard DIY kit. The base will be a Phillips screwdriver, wrenches (often a size of 8 mm or 10 mm is required) and a flat-head screwdriver for removing decorative elements. It would also be a good idea to prepare a small container for storing the screws so that they do not get lost in the process.
- 🔧 A medium-sized Phillips screwdriver for removing the main fasteners.
- 🔩 A wrench or 8 mm socket for the hinges.
- 📏 A building level for checking the horizontal position after installation.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
Unplug the plug from the socket. This is a basic safety rule that is often ignored during simple mechanical work, but the risk of a short circuit or damage to the electronics if the cable is accidentally pulled is always present.
☑️ Ready to re-hang
Design features of Indesit doors
Refrigerators Indesit have their own design features that distinguish them from appliances other brands. In most models, the upper and lower hinges have different designs, and it is physically impossible to confuse them during installation, but you need to be aware of this. The hinges are often equipped with special pins that fix the position of the door relative to the body.
Particular attention should be paid sealing rubber. When re-hanging a door, it often becomes necessary to rearrange the magnetic lock or turning mechanism in the rubber itself. In older models, this required careful removal of the magnet with a knife; in new ones, a symmetrical design is often provided, where the magnet is already installed on both sides or can be easily moved with your fingers.
⚠️ Attention: In some models with the No Frost system, air ducts may pass through the door. If you notice wires or plastic boxes going inside the door, be extremely careful - their length may not allow you to rotate the door 180 degrees without disconnecting the connectors.
It is also worth considering the weight of the leaves. The freezer door is usually lighter, but requires more precise adjustment to ensure a tight fit. The door of the refrigerator compartment is heavier due to the shelves and products installed inside, so it is better to carry out the work with an assistant to avoid skewing the case or falling of the part.
Is it possible to re-hang the door if there are no holes?
If there are no threaded holes on the opposite side of the case, then it is impossible to re-hang the door using the factory method. It is strictly not recommended to drill new holes in the refrigerator body - this will break the tightness of the thermal insulation and lead to metal corrosion. In this case, you will have to put up with the current situation or look for a model with reversible doors when purchasing new equipment.
Step-by-step instructions: dismantling the top door
The process starts from the top of the refrigerator. First you need to remove the decorative plug if it covers the fasteners. It is usually pryed off with a flathead screwdriver or simply removed by hand if it has a textured gripping surface. Underneath it are hidden screws that hold the upper hinge.
After unscrewing the fasteners, do not rush to remove the hinge. The door is now only supported by the lower awning, and it can be pulled to the side. Holding the sash with one hand, carefully lift the top hinge. In some models Indesit a special bushing or washer is installed between the hinge and the door body - do not lose it, it will be needed during reassembly.
| Element | Action | Nuance |
|---|---|---|
| Top hinge | Unscrew 2-3 screws | Hold the door with your hand |
| Plug | Remove and rearrange | Do not damage the plastic |
| Pin | Remove from the hinge | Lubrication may be required |
Next, you need to free the lower part of the door from the fastenings. To do this, unscrew the mating part of the hinge located at the bottom of the door. After this, the door can be completely removed from the lower frame canopy. Place it in a safe place, preferably on a soft surface so as not to scratch the enamel or glass.
Re-hanging the bottom door and freezer
The bottom door, be it a freezer or just a bottom compartment, is dismantled according to a similar principle, but has its own characteristics. Often the bottom hinge is a non-removable part of the case or requires unscrewing the base panel of the refrigerator. Remove the plastic plinth at the bottom of the unit to gain access to the fastening bolts.
After removing the door, you must rearrange the handle if the model requires it. In refrigerators Indesit handles are often attached to screws on the inside. You will need to unscrew them, move the handle to the opposite end and screw them into the pre-provided holes. Don't forget to close the old holes with the decorative plugs that come with the kit.
The latch mechanism requires special attention. If your model has a door that is secured with a magnet, make sure that the counter part on the body is also rearranged or activated on the desired side. Sometimes it is enough to simply turn the plastic element over with your fingers, in other cases you will need to cut out a seat in the seal.
- 🔓 Remove the handle by unscrewing the screws from inside the door.
- 🔄 Move the handle to the opposite side and fix it.
- 🧩 Install plugs into the vacated holes to preserve aesthetics.
- 🔨 Check the operation of the closing mechanism in weight before installation.
It is important not to overtighten the screws when tightening. Excessive force can cause the threads in the aluminum door body to break or the plastic to crack. Tighten the fasteners tightly, but without fanaticism, using moderate force.
Installing doors on a new side
Installation is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. The bottom door is installed first. Place it on the bottom pin of the housing, making sure it is level. Then screw the bottom hinge to the refrigerator body, but do not tighten the screws all the way yet - this will allow you to adjust the position.
Then we move on to the top door. Place it on the bottom hinge (which is now the top hinge for the bottom door), line up the holes and screw on the top hinge. It is critical to maintain verticality here. Use building levelto check whether the door is falling forward or backward.
⚠️ Attention: When installing, make sure that the wiring (if any) is not pinched between the hinge and the housing. A pinched cable can lead to failure of the No Frost system or temperature sensors.
After preliminary fixing all elements, check for ease of movement. The door should open smoothly, without jerking, and fit tightly around the entire perimeter. If you notice a skew, loosen the fasteners of the top hinge and slightly move the door in the desired direction, then tighten the screws again.
Adjusting and checking the tightness
The final stage is checking the tightness. Even a visually perfectly installed door can let in cold. The easiest way to check is a test with a sheet of paper. Clamp a sheet of paper with the refrigerator door in different places around the perimeter. If the sheet is pulled out with force, it means the seal fits well. If the paper falls freely or pulls out too easily, adjustment is required.
Adjustment is often as simple as loosening the top hinge a little and tilting the door toward the loose fit. Some models Indesit provide for adjusting the height of the refrigerator legs. If the door opens by itself when you release it half-open, the refrigerator is tilted backwards. It is necessary to unscrew the front adjustable feet so that the body tilts forward.
Checking the magnetic lock is also required. It should click clearly and confidently. If the door closes but does not lock, the magnet may be in the wrong position or may have moved when moved. In this case, you will have to remove the seal again and adjust the magnetic element.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
Unforeseen difficulties may arise during the work process. For example, screws may become stuck or rust. In this case, you should not use brute force, which can tear off the bolt head. It is better to drip a penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40) onto the threads and wait 10-15 minutes.
Another common problem is deformation of the seal after rearrangement. If the rubber cuff has creases or does not straighten out, you can use a hair dryer. Heat the deformed area with warm (not hot!) air and straighten it with your hand. Let it cool in the straightened state.
If the door is skewed and adjusting the screws does not help, check the floor. Uneven floors are a common cause of closing problems. Use pads under the legs of the refrigerator to level its position in space. This will solve 90% of problems with “runaway” doors.
What to do if, after re-hanging, a gap appears at the top?
A gap at the top of the door usually indicates that the top hinge is set too low or has weakened. Try placing a washer under the hinge or tightening the mounting screws more. If the gap remains, perhaps the door itself has a curvature, which can be compensated by adjusting the lower supports of the refrigerator.
Is it possible to rehang the door if the refrigerator is built-in?
With built-in appliances, everything is more complicated. Re-hanging is possible, but requires dismantling the facades of the kitchen unit. You will have to remove decorative panels from the refrigerator door and move them to the other side, which often requires special fastenings and may not be possible without damaging the furniture. In such cases, it is better to turn to professionals.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before work?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, if there is a lot of ice or food inside, the door will become heavy and difficult to hold with one hand when unscrewing the hinges. It is better to empty the chamber of food to reduce the weight and the risk of spilling the contents when tilted.
Why does the door slam when closing?
A loud bang indicates too much pressure or lack of shock absorption. Check if the seal is twisted. Also, the reason may be that the gap between the door and the body is too large when open, which creates a vacuum effect when it slams sharply. Adjusting the tilt of the body forward often solves this problem.
How long does re-weighing take?
For an experienced master, the process takes 15-20 minutes. For a beginner doing this for the first time and carefully reading the instructions, it can take from 40 minutes to an hour. The main thing is not to rush and carefully fold the fasteners.