The need to change the opening direction of the refrigerator door Ariston often arises when remodeling the kitchen or purchasing new furniture that does not fit into the standard arrangement. Manufacturers of household appliances understand the importance of ergonomics, so most models, including popular series Hotpoint-Ariston, provide the ability to reinstall hinges and handles without calling a technician. This process requires care and adherence to a sequence of actions so as not to damage expensive equipment or the door leaf.
Before starting work, it is important to assess the dimensions of the room and make sure that the selected opening side is truly optimal for your use case. Rehanging the door is a mechanical procedure that does not require deep knowledge in electronics, but requires care when working with fasteners. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the stages, from preparing the tools to the final adjustment of the gaps, so that you can do the job efficiently.
It is worth noting that the design of refrigeration chambers may vary depending on the year of manufacture and the specific model. If you have a two-chamber unit, the procedure will be a little more complicated than when working with a single-chamber device, since you will have to dismantle both doors or act in stages. Compliance with safety precautions and the correct use of tools will be the key to successful completion of the operation.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
To successfully complete the work, you will need a basic home craftsman's kit, which is found in the arsenal of most men. The main tool will be a set of screwdrivers: flat and Phillips, and possibly also a socket wrench or a screwdriver with appropriate bits if the fasteners are screwed tightly. It is also recommended to prepare masking tape to secure moving parts during dismantling, and a soft rag to protect the surface from scratches.
The work space should be clear and well lit so that you can see all the small parts and mounting holes. Disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply and remove all shelves and products to make the structure lighter and to avoid falling objects. If the model has a system No Frost, make sure that you do not damage the air ducts when removing the panels.
- 🔧 Set of screwdrivers (Phillips, flathead, Torx if necessary)
- 🔩 Endcap wrench or wrench (usually 8-10 mm)
- 📦 Masking tape or securing straps
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges
Pay special attention to fasteners: in some models Ariston non-standard shaped bolts or hidden plugs can be used. Carefully inspect the hinges and handles before starting disassembly to determine the type of fasteners used and not to break the plastic fasteners.
Removing the top panel and top door
The process starts from the top of the refrigerator, since that is where the main support point for the top compartment is located. First you need to remove the decorative plug on the top panel, if present, and unscrew the mounting bolts holding the cover. On some models, the top panel may be secured with latches that require careful prying with a flat-head screwdriver.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use excessive force when removing the plastic panels, as the material can be brittle, especially on older models. Proceed smoothly, checking for hidden screws.
Removing the top cover reveals access to the top hinge. Before unscrewing the hinge bolts, be sure to lock the door in the open position or have an assistant hold it. Abruptly removing fasteners can cause the heavy door to fall and damage the floor or the unit itself. Unscrew the bolts of the upper hinge and carefully remove it along with the axle.
Now you can remove the upper door itself. Lift it vertically up to remove the lower axle from the hole, and set it aside in a safe place, placing it on a soft surface. If there is a handle installed on the door, it can also be removed now or left to be moved to the other side, depending on the design of your model Ariston.
Removing the middle hinge and main door
After dismantling the upper part, attention turns to the middle hinge, which connects the upper and lower compartments. In two-chamber refrigerators, this part carries a significant load, so the bolts can be tightened quite tightly. Use a suitable wrench and, if necessary, penetrating lubricant if the threads are soured.
The algorithm of actions here is similar: fix the bottom door, unscrew the middle hinge and remove it. Then carefully remove the main (lower) door, lifting it from the axis of the lower hinge. It is important not to drop the structure, since the weight of even an empty door can be impressive. Place all removed metal elements in a prepared container.
If your model provides for rearranging the handle, now is the time to do this. Usually the handle is attached to screws on the inside of the door or snapped on Remove the handle and install it on the opposite side using pre-prepared holes or plugs. In some cases, the holes may be closed with plastic plugs that need to be removed and moved to the vacant space.
☑️ Removing the doors
Rearranging the bottom hinge and installing it on a new side
The bottom hinge is usually fixed to the base of the refrigerator and often has an asymmetrical shape or an offset axis. You need to unscrew it and move it to the opposite side of the base using symmetrical mounting holes. Make sure that you use exactly the holes that are intended for the new opening side.
When installing the bottom hinge in a new place, check that it lies flat and fits snugly against the body. Tighten the mounting bolts, but do not tighten them all the way “tight” yet, leaving a slight play for later adjustment. This will allow you to correct the position of the door if distortions occur.
Next is the installation of the main door. Apply a small amount of lubricant to the lower hinge shaft to make movement easier and prevent future squeaking. Carefully slide the door onto the axle, ensuring the vertical position. Now you can install the middle hinge by aligning the holes in the end of the lower door and the refrigerator body.
Having completed the installation of the middle hinge, the upper door is hung. Here it is important to correctly align the upper axis with the mating part in the housing. After all the doors are in place, a final tightening of all hinge bolts is performed. Tighten the fasteners crosswiseto ensure uniform pressure distribution.
What to do if the holes do not match?
If the hinge holes are on the new side do not match the holes in the door, perhaps your refrigerator model does not allow for re-hanging or requires replacing the door/hinges itself with universal ones. Check the technical data sheet of the device.
Adjusting gaps and tightness
After installing all the elements in new places, you need to check the installation geometry. Doors should open freely, without friction against the body, and close tightly around the entire perimeter. If you notice that the door is skewed or does not fit tightly, you will need to adjust the height of the hinges.
For adjustment, screws located on the hinges themselves or under the decorative trims are usually used. By turning the adjusting screw, you can raise or lower the corresponding corner of the door. Achieve a uniform gap around the entire perimeter and make sure that the magnetic seal (elastic band) is in tight contact with the body.
| Problem | Possible cause | Elimination method |
|---|---|---|
| The door does not close completely | Hinge distortion or seal contamination | Adjusting hinge height, cleaning rubber |
| Strong gap in the corner | Insufficient tightening or curvature of the door | Tightening fasteners, geometry check |
| The door opens itself | Tilting the refrigerator back | Adjusting the front supports (legs) |
| Friction against the body | Installed too close loop | Loosen the loop, move, tighten |
It is also important to check the tilt level of the refrigerator itself. To properly close the door under the influence of gravity, the unit must be slightly tilted back. Adjustable supports in the front of the refrigerator allow you to set the required height so that the door opens itself to a certain angle and closes tightly.
Installation of plugs and final check
The last stage of work is masking the vacated holes on the old opening side. The refrigerator usually comes with plastic plugs or decorative stickers that cover the holes for the hinges and handles. Install them in the places where the elements were previously attached to give the unit a completed look. Ariston Plastic plugs or decorative stickers are usually supplied to cover the hinge and handle holes. Install them in the places where elements were previously attached to give the unit a completed look.
After installing all the decorative elements, carry out a final check. Open and close the doors several times, listening for extraneous sounds. Make sure that the light inside turns on and off at the right time (if the sensor has not been moved), and that the seal does not jam.
⚠️ Attention: It is recommended to turn on the refrigerator no earlier than 2-4 hours after transportation or tilting, especially if you tilted the unit strongly during work. This is necessary for the oil to drain into the compressor.
If everything went well, your kitchen has become more convenient, and the refrigerator Ariston has received a new configuration. Regularly check the tightness of the door during the first days of operation, as the seal may “grind in” to the new position for some time.
Where to put the old plugs?
Do not throw away the dismantled plugs and fasteners. Keep them in a bag along with the instructions - if you decide to return to the original configuration or move to another apartment, these parts may be needed.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging the doors?
There is no special need to defrost the unit if There is no ice inside that could fall out when you tilt or remove the door. However, it is necessary to remove all products and shelves in order to lighten the structure and avoid broken glass.
Is it possible to re-hang the door on an Ariston refrigerator with the No Frost system?
Yes, on most models with the system No Frost re-hanging is possible. However, you need to be extremely careful when removing the top panel so as not to damage the cold air supply ducts going to the evaporator.
What to do if the plugs for the holes are lost?
If the factory plugs are lost, they can be purchased at the brand’s service center or picked up universal analogues in furniture fittings stores. As a last resort, the holes can be covered with decorative stickers of a suitable color.
Why did the door not close tightly after rehanging?
Most likely, the angle of the refrigerator is incorrectly set or the hinges are not adjusted. Check the height of the front supports: the front should be slightly higher than the back. Also try warming the seal with a hairdryer if it is deformed.
Does re-hanging the door affect the warranty?
Independently re-hanging the door, provided for by the design and done without damage, usually does not void the warranty. However, if in the process the hinges, plastic or the case are damaged, the service center may refuse free repairs.