The situation when the standard location of the refrigerator door Hotpoint-Ariston does not fit into the dimensions of the updated kitchen occurs quite often. Manufacturers usually provide the possibility reweighing of the sash, allowing you to change the direction of its opening from left to right and vice versa. This is a standard procedure that takes from 30 to 60 minutes if you act in accordance with the technical regulations.
However, the process requires care, since inept handling of the hinges can disrupt the geometry cases or damage the seal. Before starting work, it is important to understand that the model range Ariston i Hotpoint has its own design features that are different from other brands. In this article, we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions, the necessary tools and subtleties that are silent in service centers.
The main goal is to maintain tightness and proper fit seal after rearrangement. If you skip the adjustment step, the refrigerator will begin to leak heat, which will lead to increased energy consumption and load on the compressor. It is critically important to disconnect the device from the power supply before starting work, since some models have electric door closing sensors that are energized.
Necessary tools and worker preparation places
For a high-quality replacement of the opening side, you will need a basic DIY kit. Do not use kitchen knives or pliers, which can tear off the edges of the bolts or damage the plastic elements accessories. The best solution would be to use a professional or semi-professional tool that will provide reliable grip and force control.
You will need:
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) for dismantling decorative plugs.
- 🔩 Wrenches or sockets (most often sizes 8, 10 mm) for removing hinges.
- 📏 Level or thread to check the vertical installation of the case.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
Free up space in front of the refrigerator so you can access it from all sides. Cover the floor with cardboard or thick fabric, since heavy ones if accidentally dropped can damage the floor covering. Also prepare a container for folding fasteners so as not to lose small screws during the process. doors If accidentally dropped, they may damage the floor covering. Also prepare a container for storing fasteners so as not to lose small screws during operation.
If you are working alone, make sure that you have the ability to securely fix the case or ask someone to help you when removing the top hinges. The weight of the door with shelves can reach 15-20 kg, and holding it with one hand while unscrewing the bolts is almost impossible without the risk of dropping the structure.
Dismantling the top hinge and removing the door
The first step is always removing the top hinge, since it is this that holds the main weight doors In models Hotpoint-Ariston the upper hinge is often hidden under a decorative cover, which must be carefully pryed off with a flat screwdriver. Be careful not to break the plastic clips, which become brittle over time.
After removing the cover, you will see the mounting bolts. Do not unscrew them completely at once - loosen them to the point where the loop can be removed, but it still holds. Now you will need an assistant to hold the door while you finally remove the fasteners. Abrupt removal of the load can lead to misalignment casing or damage to the lower support.
⚠️ Attention: In some models, the door sensor wires pass through or near the top hinge. Before completely removing the element, make sure that the connectors are disconnected, otherwise you can break the wiring, which will require complex electronics repair.
Carefully place the removed door in a safe place, placing it on a soft surface with the outer side down so as not to scratch the coating or glass. Now you can begin preparing the lower fastening unit for installation on the opposite side.
☑️ Preparation for dismantling
Flip the bottom supports and body preparation
The lower part of the fastening in refrigerators Hotpoint-Ariston is often made in the form of a rotary sleeve or a removable pin. You need to find this part at the bottom of the doorway. Depending on the model, it can be pressed or simply inserted into the groove.
If it is a bushing, it must be removed, turned 180 degrees and installed in a symmetrical hole on the other side. To do this, you may need to remove the refrigerator's base panel, which is secured with latches or magnets. Gently pull the panel towards you to gain access to base.
In some cases, the bottom hinge pin is already installed on the desired side and just needs to be rearranged. Use soft-nose pliers to avoid damaging threads or metal surfaces. After rearranging, make sure that the element sits tightly and does not wobble, since it will bear the weight of the entire structure when opening.
What to do if the bushing cannot be removed?
If the lower bushing is pressed in and does not give in, do not use excessive force. Try warming it up slightly with a hairdryer or using WD-40 lubricant. In rare cases, drilling is required, but this is a last resort measure that requires professional skills.
Installing the door on a new side
After preparing the bottom stop, you can begin installing the door. Lift the sash and place it with the bottom hole on the installed pin or bushing. Make sure that the door is level and the lower hinge is fully seated.
Now we move on to the upper fastening. Install the top hinge in its new location, aligning the holes in the housing and the hinge itself. Models Ariston often use special spacer bushings that need to be rearranged along with the hinge. Do not tighten the bolts completely at this stage - just tighten them by hand or make a couple of turns with a wrench.
Align the door with the refrigerator body. The gaps between the door and the walls must be uniform over the entire height. If you see a misalignment, slightly loosen the lower or upper fasteners and correct the position sash manually.
| Element | Action | Tool | Nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper loop | Shift to the opposite side | Key 10 mm | Keep an eye on sensor wires |
| Lower bushing | Turn or rearrange | Pliers | Check tightness |
| Decor cover | Rearranging the plugs | Screwdriver | Close the empty holes |
| Handle | Symmetrical installation (if necessary) | Hexagon | Do not overtighten the plastic |
Adjusting gaps and tightness
The final and most important stage is adjustment. Even a perfectly executed rehang may require (fine-tuning) the position of the door. In refrigerators Hotpoint-Ariston threaded connections on hinges or adjustable support legs of the refrigerator itself are often responsible for adjusting the height and tilt.
Check the tight fit seal along the entire perimeter. To do this, you can use a simple test with a sheet of paper: hold the sheet with a door and try to pull it out. It should come out with noticeable force. If the sheet falls out freely or breaks when pulled, adjustment is required.
If the door is skewed, use the adjusting screws on the hinges (if provided by the design) or tighten the front support legs of the refrigerator to change the tilt of the body. In some cases, it helps to lightly heat the seal in places where there are creases with a hairdryer so that it straightens out and takes the desired shape.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to forcefully slam the door to check the tightness. A sharp blow may damage the new hinge or shift the adjustment. Close the door smoothly, controlling the moment you touch the magnetic lock.
After adjustment, let the refrigerator stand for 2-3 hours before turning it on. This is necessary so that the refrigerant and oil in the compressor calm down after tilts and vibrations that inevitably arise during installation work.
Features of models with a display and the No Frost system
Owners of modern models Hotpoint-Ariston with a display on the door or system No Frost you should be especially careful. In such refrigerators, the wires can pass not only through the top hinge, but also through the bottom, or be integrated into the door itself.
When rehanging such models, it is often necessary to re-arrange the wiring harness inside the case or use special adapters that come with the kit. If there are no adapters and the wires are short, independent re-hanging may not be possible without extending the cables, which requires electrical skills.
Also pay attention to the air duct system in No Frost models. If the door is installed incorrectly, the cold air supply channels can be pinched, which will lead to the formation of ice in one compartment and insufficient cooling in another. Check that nothing interferes with the free circulation of air.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
One of the common mistakes is ignoring the rearrangement of plugs on handles and hinges. If you do not close the holes on one side and open them on the other, the refrigerator will look unaesthetic, and moisture and dust can get into the empty slots, causing corrosion metal.
Another mistake is overtightening the bolts. Excessive force may cause deformation of the seats or cracks in the plastic fasteners. Tighten the fasteners tightly, but without fanaticism, using a ratchet wrench with a torque limiter, if available.
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics and design of the hinges may vary depending on the year of manufacture and the specific series of the refrigerator. Always check the official documentation of your model before starting work, since there are no universal solutions for all devices.
If after all the manipulations the door still does not close tightly or creaks, perhaps the problem is not in overhang, but in wear of the seal or deformation of the door itself. In such cases, it may be necessary to replace components or call a specialist.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to rehang the door if it is installed display?
In most modern models this is possible, but requires disconnecting the wire cables. If the length of the wires does not allow you to move the display to the other side, you may need to extend the cable, which is best left to a specialist.
Are special tools needed for Hotpoint-Ariston models?
Usually a standard set of wrenches and screwdrivers is sufficient. However, some models may require a hex key or an asterisk key (Torx), which often comes with the refrigerator.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not hold and opens on its own?
Most likely, the refrigerator is not level or the body is skewed. Try unscrewing the front leveling feet to create a slight backward tilt of the chassis. This will ensure that the door closes spontaneously.
Will the warranty remain valid after re-hanging the door yourself?
According to the law, the consumer has the right to self-repair if it did not cause the breakdown. However, if controversial situations arise (for example, a hinge breaks), the service center may refuse warranty service, citing violation of operating conditions. Save all the details and photos of the process.