Question about how to convert door hanging, often occurs when remodeling a kitchen or purchasing a new model of appliances that does not fit into the existing interior. Refrigerators of the brand Hotpoint Ariston were initially designed taking into account the possibility of changing the opening side, which greatly simplifies the life of the owners. However, despite the declared versatility of the design, the process requires care and adherence to a certain sequence of actions so as not to damage the hinges or decorative elements.
Before starting any manipulations, it is necessary to clearly understand that the design of different models may have its own nuances, especially with regard to the location of the control electronics and the No Frost system. An incorrect dismantling sequence can lead to pinched wires or breakage of plastic fasteners. Main goal - maintain the integrity of all components and ensure a tight fit of the sash after completion of work.
This article will help you understand the technical features of the process and avoid typical mistakes made by inexperienced masters. We will consider a detailed algorithm of actions, the necessary tools and specific points specific to the equipment of this brand. Carefully study the information below before taking up the tools.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
To perform high-quality work on hanging doors, you will need a minimum set of tools, which can be found in the drawer of most home craftsmen. The main tool will be a set of screwdrivers, including Phillips and flathead versions of different sizes. You may also need an 8 or 10 mm wrench or socket, depending on the specific modification of your equipment Ariston.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to unplug the refrigerator from the power supply and remove all products to reduce the weight of the structure and avoid damage to the contents.
Particular attention should be paid to preparing the surface on which the assembly will be carried out. The floor must be covered with thick cardboard or a soft blanket to prevent the floor covering from being scratched by fallen parts or the unit itself. In addition, you will need the help of a second person, since the door leaves weigh quite a lot, and it is physically impossible to hold them with one hand while unscrewing the bolts.
For the convenience of storing small parts, such as plugs, screws and washers, prepare a small container. Loss of fasteners during the work process - one of the most common problems, leading to the inability to complete the installation or the appearance of strangers noise during operation.
- 🔧 Set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat)
- 🔩 Wrench or ratchet with heads
- 🧤 Construction gloves to protect hands
- 📦 Container for folding fasteners
☑️ Preparation for rehanging
Removing the top panel and removing the top door
The process begins with dismantling the top cover of the refrigerator compartment, if it is present in your model. In most cases, it is secured with two or four screws located on top. After unscrewing them, the panel moves back and is removed, providing access to the upper hinge bracket.
Next you need to release the upper door. To do this, unscrew the bolts securing the upper hinge. Do not allow the panel to fall sharply, as this may lead to deformation of the frame or damage to the seal.
After removing the top door, similar actions are performed with the bottom door of the freezer if you plan to hang both doors. If only one side changes, the process stops at the required stage. All removed screws and hinges should be immediately placed in a prepared container.
Nuances of fastening the top cover
In some Hotpoint Ariston models, the top decorative panel can be held not only by screws, but also by plastic latches. Be careful when removing them so as not to break them by sharply pulling the cover up.
Features of moving the electronic module and handle
One of the most difficult tasks when hanging a door is moving the controls if they are located on the facade. In modern models Hotpoint there is often a remote display or temperature control buttons built into the door leaf. In this case, it is necessary to carefully disconnect the wire cables before finally removing the door.
Disconnecting the connectors should be done by grasping the plastic connector itself, and not the wires. Pulling on the cable can lead to broken contacts and damage to the electronics. After disconnecting, the wires are carefully pulled through special holes in the case.
⚠️ Attention: When moving the handle and plugs, make sure that all holes on the opposite side of the case are free of factory plugs. Sometimes a thin awl or knife is required to remove the plugs.
If your model is not equipped with electronics on the door, the task is simplified. However, even in this case, it is worth checking the integrity of the insulation of the wires running inside the housing for damage by rodents or mechanical wear. If defects are found, the insulation must be restored before assembly.
- 🔌 Carefully disconnect the wire connectors
- 👐 Do not pull the wires themselves, only the connector
- 🕳️ Check the holes for the wires on the new side
- 🔒 Fix the wires so that they do not interfere with the movement of the door
Installing hinges and hanging doors on the new side
After preparing the case and removing all elements from the “old” side, installation on the “new” side begins. First of all, the lower support for the freezer door (or the main door, if the model is single-chamber) is installed. The bolts are screwed into the reserved holes on the opposite side of the body.
Then the lower door is hung. It is important to get the hinge pin into the corresponding hole in the end of the door. After this, the middle hinge is installed (if there is one in the design) and the top door is hung. The final stage is the installation of the upper bracket.
When tightening the bolts, do not apply excessive force right away. First, all screws are tightened by hand, then tightened with a wrench until they stop, but without fanaticism, so as not to break the threads in the aluminum case. Uniform tightening All fastenings are guaranteed to be free of distortions.
| Work stage | Tool | Nuances of implementation |
|---|---|---|
| Removing the top cover | Phillips screwdriver | Push back, do not pull up |
| Dismantling hinges | Key for 8 or 10 | Support of the door by an assistant is required |
| Transfer of plugs | Thin awl/knife | Act carefully so as not to damage plastic |
| Final tightening | Wrench | Check that the blade is not distorted |
Adjusting the position of the doors and checking the tightness
After installing the doors in a new place, there is often a need to adjust them. Even with precise installation, the seal may not fit tightly or may be slightly misaligned. The design of refrigerator hinges Hotpoint Ariston usually provides the ability to adjust the height and tilt.
To eliminate the distortion, you can use adjusting bolts on the hinges or tighten the legs of the refrigerator itself. If the door warps in one direction, you should slightly loosen the middle hinge, align the position of the door leaf and tighten the bolts again. Checking the tightness is carried out visually and tactilely.
There is a simple way to check the tightness: clamp a sheet of paper between the door and the body in different places around the perimeter. If the sheet is removed with force along its entire length, it means the seal is working correct. If the paper slips freely, additional adjustment or replacement of the sealing rubber is required.
⚠️ Attention: If after adjustment the door still does not fit tightly, check whether the contents of the shelves or containers installed on the door are interfering with it. Sometimes the reason lies in overload.
Frequent errors and troubleshooting
In the process of hanging doors themselves, amateur craftsmen often make mistakes that can lead to unstable operation of the equipment. One common problem is the incorrect installation of plugs in holes that are left free. If the plug is not installed completely or is skewed, the door may not close completely.
Another mistake is ignoring the wires when moving the handle or display. If the wire is pinched by the housing or loop, this may result in a short circuit or open circuit. Always make sure that the cable lies freely in the channel intended for it.
It is also worth mentioning the problem of the door “self-opening”. If, after rehanging, the door begins to open on its own, most likely the refrigerator is not installed level. It is necessary to twist the front legs so that the body has a slight tilt back. This will create a gravitational force that closes the door.
- 🚫 They forgot to move the plugs into new holes
- 🚫 They pinched the wire when installing the handle
- 🚫 They did not set the body tilt level
- 🚫 The hinge bolts are loosely tightened
Is it possible to hang the door yourself without an assistant?
Technically this is possible, but it is highly not recommended. Refrigerator doors are heavy and bulky. If you hold a heavy canvas with one hand, you risk dropping it on your foot or damaging the floor covering. It's also difficult to hold the door and get into the bolt holes at the same time. The risk of injury or equipment breakdown is too great.
What to do if the holes for the hinges do not fit?
In the original factory conditions, all hanging holes are already provided and closed with plugs. If you don't find any holes on the opposite side, your specific model may not support the reversible door feature. In rare cases, the holes may be hidden under decorative trims. Hotpoint Ariston Does not support reversible door function. In rare cases, holes may be hidden under decorative trims.
Do you need to wait after turning on the refrigerator?
Yes, after transportation and especially after tilting or turning over the refrigerator (which often happens when reversing the doors), it is recommended to let the appliance stand in an upright position for 2 to 4 hours before turning it on. This is necessary to allow compressor oil to drain into the compressor crankcase.
Will re-hanging affect the warranty?
Re-hanging the door yourself, as a rule, does not void the warranty if the unit components are not damaged in the process. However, if you break a loop or damage the wiring, the service center may refuse to repair those specific components free of charge. Keep all removed parts.
What to do if the door begins to touch the body?
Check the adjustment of the refrigerator legs. Often it is enough to unscrew the front supports a little to raise the front of the unit. Also make sure that the sealing rubber is in place evenly along the entire perimeter and is not turned outward anywhere.