Changing the kitchen layout or moving to a new apartment often dictates its terms of arrangement household appliances. The refrigerator Hotpoint Ariston, being a large-sized device, requires careful planning of the space around it for comfortable opening of the doors. Many models initially have the ability to change the opening side, which makes this brand convenient for various interior solutions. However, the process itself requires accuracy and understanding of the design of the device.
Before starting work, it is important to realize that rehanging the door this is not just rearranging handles, but a complex mechanical operation. It affects the hinge system, the position of the compressor and, in some cases, the integrity of the seal circuit. Incorrect actions can lead to misalignment of the sash, loss of tightness and, as a result, increased energy consumption. That is why we have prepared a detailed analysis of the process.
In this article we will look at the algorithm of actions that is relevant for most modern models Ariston, including series with the system No Frost. You will learn what tools you will need, how to properly dismantle the fittings, and what to pay special attention to when installing on a new side. Following the sequence of steps will ensure that your refrigerator will work properly for many years to come.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
Quality preparation is half the success of any repair operation. To work with refrigeration equipment Hotpoint Ariston you will need a basic DIY kit. You should not rely on a random tool, as specific screws may have a special head or coating that can be easily damaged by the wrong screwdriver. Collect everything you need in one place in advance.
The basic list of tools includes open-end wrenches (most often sizes 8, 10 and 12 mm), a set of screwdrivers (Phillips and flat-head), and pliers. Some models may require a hex wrench, which is sometimes included with the refrigerator itself. It would also be a good idea to have a soft rag and masking tape on hand to secure the elements.
- 🛠️ A set of screwdrivers with magnetic tips for conveniently removing fasteners from hard-to-reach places.
- 🔧 Open-end wrenches of appropriate sizes for hinge nuts (usually M8 or M10).
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges and contamination.
- 📏 Level or plumb line to control the verticality of the installation after completion of work.
Pay special attention to the lighting of the work area. You will have to work in the lower part of the refrigerator, which is often dark and cramped. A good flashlight will help you avoid losing small parts like washers or bushings that might roll under the body. Make sure the floor around the device is clean and dry.
Safety precautions and preliminary actions
A refrigerator is an electrical device that operates under voltage. Before starting any manipulations with the housing and internal components, you must completely disconnect the power the unit. Unplug the power cord from the outlet. This is a critically important rule that cannot be ignored, even if you are only changing the external hinges.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to defrost the refrigerator if there is ice in it. Water can flow into the electrical circuits when the case is tilted, which will lead to a short circuit.
The next step is to free up the internal space. Shelves, drawers and products must be removed. An empty refrigerator is significantly lighter, reducing the risk of injury to your back or the unit falling on your foot. In addition, loose shelves can move and break if the cabinet is skewed while removing the hinges.
Open the doors and let them warm up if they are stuck. Gently wipe the seals with a dry cloth. If decorative panels or magnets are installed on the doors, these should also be removed. Heavy objects on the doors can create tension on the hinges when they are unscrewed, which complicates the process.
Dismantling the top hinge and removing the top door
The process begins from the top of the device. In most models Hotpoint Ariston the upper hinge is the carrier for the upper door (in two-chamber models) or the only support (in single-chamber models). First, remove the trim cap if it covers the mounting bolts. Usually it is simply pryed off with a flat-head screwdriver.
Using the appropriate wrench, loosen the top hinge bolts, but do not remove them completely right away. The door should remain locked until you are ready to remove it. After loosening the fasteners, carefully lift the door to remove the load from the axle and completely unscrew the bolts. Now the hinge can be removed.
To remove the door itself, it is better to work together. One person holds the sash, and the second removes the axle from the lower hole of the hinge or releases the latches. The door must be removed strictly vertically upward so as not to damage the lower hinge pin or plastic hinge. Place the door in a safe place, resting it against the wall through a soft gasket.
☑️ Check before dismantling
Working with the lower hinge and rearranging elements
After removing the upper door (or the main sash in single-chamber models), access to the lower hinge opens. Adjustment screws and pins are often hidden here. On some models Ariston the bottom hinge may be welded or have a complex system of stops, so do not use excessive force.
If your refrigerator is equipped with a system No Frostpay attention to the wires going to the sensors or display on the door. They must be carefully disconnected, remembering or photographing the connection diagram. The wiring harness is usually hidden in a channel inside the door or body.
Now you need to rearrange the hardware elements. Remove the hinges from one side of the housing and install them on the opposite side using the holes provided by the manufacturer. Often the unused side already has threaded holes covered with plastic plugs. Rearrange the plugs to the free spaces to preserve aesthetics.
| Element | Action | Nuance |
|---|---|---|
| Top loop | Rearrangement to the other side | Follow the direction of the pin |
| Bottom hinge | Replacing the axle or turning it over | Check the thrust pads |
| Handle | Dismantling and installation | Use a hole pattern |
| Plugs | Rearrangement | Do not lose small parts |
It is important to correctly orient the loop. Often it is symmetrical only visually, but has specific bends for the correct operation of the closing mechanism. Compare the position of the old hinge with the new seat. If the hinge has a stop to limit the opening angle, make sure that after turning it over it will work correctly.
Installing the door on the new side and adjusting
Installing the door in a new place is the most critical step. Insert the bottom pin into the hinge hole and carefully lower the sash. Make sure that the top hole of the hinge coincides with the mating part on the body. If the holes do not line up, do not press with force - the hinge may be installed incorrectly or the door is skewed.
Secure the top hinge with the bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet. Leave a little play for final adjustment. Insert the pin into the top hinge and check the door movement. It should open and close smoothly, without squeaks or jams. If necessary, lubricate the rubbing mechanisms with a special lubricant (do not use edible oil or Vaseline).
⚠️ Attention: Excessive tightening of the bolts before the final check can lead to metal deformation and the inability to adjust the gaps. Tighten the fasteners gradually.
Now let's start making adjustments. The door should fit snugly around the entire perimeter of the housing. If skew is noticeable, use adjusting screws (if provided by the design) or place washers under the hinge. The gap between the door and the body should be uniform.
What to do if the door does not close tightly?
If after installation you notice that the door does not fit tightly, check the position of the refrigerator by level. Often the problem lies in a warped floor. Use the refrigerator's adjustable feet to raise the front of the unit 1-2 cm higher than the back. This will ensure that the door closes spontaneously under the influence of gravity. Also check if anything is interfering with the seal inside the chamber.
Nuances for models with the No Frost system and display
Models Hotpoint Ariston with electronic control and system No Frost require additional attention. These types of refrigerators often have power cords running through the door for a lamp, temperature sensors, or control panel. When re-hanging, they must be reconnected.
The cable duct usually runs inside the door. You may need to remove the door's top panel or trim to access it. Proceed with caution, the plastic latches are fragile. Disconnect the connectors, remembering their location, and pass the harness through the new channels in the housing.
After connecting, make sure that the wires are not pinched or strained. When opening the door to the maximum angle, the cable must have a range. Tension can lead to broken contacts and failure of the refrigerator electronics.
Tightness check and final tests
After all mechanical work is completed, it is necessary to check the tightness of the closure. Take a piece of paper or a banknote and clamp it around the perimeter of the door. In normal condition, the paper should be pulled out with force. If it falls out freely or is pulled out too easily, it means that the seal does not fit tightly.
Check the operation of the lock (if there is one) and latches. The door should only open when unlocked. Also check that the door does not hit adjacent furniture or walls when fully opened. Make sure that the opening angle corresponds to that stated in the instructions (usually 90 or 110 degrees).
Plug in the refrigerator and listen. There should be no extraneous sounds. After 1-2 hours of operation, check the temperature inside the chambers. If the refrigerator starts working continuously or ice freezes in the wrong places, the seal may be broken and the hinges need to be re-adjusted.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do you need to call a specialist to rehang the door?
In most cases, this operation can be performed independently if you have basic skills and tools. However, if you have a model Side-by-Side or a refrigerator with built-in electronics of a complex design, it is better to contact specialists so as not to damage expensive components.
Is it possible to re-hang the door without draining the oil from the compressor?
Yes, when re-hanging the door, you do not need to drain the oil from the compressor. This operation applies only to the hinged elements of the housing. However, tilting a refrigerator that is running or has just been turned off is not strongly recommended. Allow the compressor to cool and settle before tilting.
What to do if the plugs for the holes are lost?
If you have lost decorative plugs, they can be ordered from the service center Hotpoint Ariston by model catalog number. You can temporarily seal the holes with opaque tape that matches the color of the body to prevent dust from getting in, but this is a temporary solution.
Why does the door open by itself after rehanging?
Most likely, the refrigerator is not installed level. To close properly, the top of the refrigerator should be slightly higher than the bottom (tilt backwards). Adjust the front legs by twisting them to raise the front corner.