The situation when the refrigerator Ariston stops closing tightly or ice begins to accumulate inside often indicates wear on the rubber seal. This part, despite its apparent simplicity, plays a critical role in maintaining the temperature regime and energy efficiency of the device. If you notice that the door does not fit tightly, and the motor works almost non-stop, then it is time to think about replacing the cuff. Chamber tightness This is the first thing that suffers when the rubber ages, which leads to excessive energy consumption.
Many owners of household appliances mistakenly believe that Replacing the seal is a task exclusively for qualified technicians from the service center. However, if you have a basic set of tools and are careful, you can perform this procedure yourself at home. The main thing is to choose the right compatible part and not damage fragile fastening elements during dismantling. In this article, we will analyze in detail the replacement process so that your Ariston refrigerator works like new again.
It is worth noting that ignoring a problem with the seal can lead to more serious compressor breakdowns. Constant load on the engine due to loss of cold reduces the service life of the entire system. Therefore, timely diagnosis and replacement sealing rubber is not just a cosmetic repair, but a necessary preventive measure.
Diagnostics of the condition of the sealing rubber
Before running to the store for a new part, you need to make sure that the problem lies precisely in the wear and tear of the material. Visual inspection is the first stage of diagnosis. Carefully examine the perimeter of the door: there should be no cracks, tears, deep creases or areas where the material has become sticky and crumbly. Problems often occur in the corners or at the bottom of the door, where wear occurs most quickly due to gravity and frequent opening.
There is a simple and effective way to test for leaks known as the “paper test.” To carry it out, you will need a regular sheet of paper or a banknote. Open the refrigerator, place a sheet of paper against the opening and close the door so that some of the paper remains outside. Try to pull out the sheet:
- 📄 If the paper is pulled out with noticeable force and breaks, then door pressure is normal.
- 📄 If the sheet falls out or is pulled out too easily, the seal in this place does not provide tightness.
- 📄 The check should be carried out along the entire perimeter, moving the sheet every 10-15 centimeters.
⚠️ Attention: If the test with paper shows poor pressure in only one place, perhaps it is not a matter of rubber wear, but of the door being skewed or the hinges being loosened. Before purchasing a new part, make sure that it stands level and that the door hinges do not require adjustment. refrigerator body It sits straight and the door hinges do not require adjustment.
Another sign of a malfunction is the formation of ice or condensation on the back wall of the chamber or on the floor around the appliance. This indicates that warm air from the room is constantly penetrating inside, meeting the cold air of the evaporator. In such cases replacing the seal becomes inevitable, since no cleaning will restore the elasticity of the old rubber.
Choosing a suitable seal for Ariston
The spare parts market for household appliances offers many options, but for Ariston refrigerators it is important to choose a compatible model. Seals can differ not only in size, but also in cross-sectional profile, method of fastening and material rigidity. Using the wrong part may result in the door closing with difficulty or, conversely, not staying closed.
When choosing a new cuff, pay attention to the following parameters:
- 🔍 Refrigerator model: the exact model number is indicated on the sticker inside the chamber or on the back wall of the case.
- 🔍 Type of fastening: a magnetic profile can be inserted into a groove, glued or fixed with screws.
- 🔍 Material: modern seals often have an antibacterial coating, which prevents the growth of mold.
Original spare parts from the manufacturer guarantee a perfect match of sizes, but they may cost more than their analogues. High-quality compatible seals from trusted brands are often not inferior to the original in terms of performance characteristics. The main thing is to avoid too cheap options of unknown origin, since low-quality rubber will quickly lose elasticity and begin to smell unpleasant.
Where to look for the model number?
The model number (P/N or Model) is usually located on a metal or paper sticker. In Ariston refrigerators it is often located on the inner wall of the left or right chamber, or on the base of the case at the front. Write down all numbers and letters exactly as they appear.
Required tools and preparation
Sophisticated professional equipment is not required to successfully replace the seal. It is enough to prepare a workbench and a basic set of tools that every amateur craftsman would find in his home. It is important to ensure good lighting of the workplace, since some fastening elements may be hidden in the grooves and require careful inspection.
You will need:
- 🛠️ Hairdryer (construction or household) - to warm up the rubber before installation.
- 🛠️ Screwdrivers (phillips and flat) - for removing decorative panels or mounting screws.
- 🛠️ Soap solution and a soft sponge - to clean the seat.
- 🛠️ Silicone grease or Vaseline - to make it easier to fit a new rubber band.
Before Before starting work, the refrigerator must be disconnected from the power supply. This is a safety measure that will also allow the unit to defrost if there is ice in the chamber. The softened rubber of the old seal is easier to remove, and new parts behave more predictably during installation. Let the device stand turned off for at least 30-40 minutes so that the materials reach room temperature.
☑️ Preparing to replace the seal
Removing the old seal
The process of removing the old rubber depends on the design of the door your Ariston refrigerator. In modern models, the seal is most often inserted into a special groove around the perimeter of the door or fixed with a plastic strip, which, in turn, is screwed on with self-tapping screws. In older models, the rubber can simply be glued, which greatly complicates the task.
If the seal is held on by screws, they are usually hidden under a decorative plastic trim or located on the inside of the end of the door. Carefully unscrew the fasteners, being careful not to drop the screws inside the door body. If the rubber is inserted into the groove, start pulling it from one of the corners, gradually releasing it from the channel. Movements should be smooth, without sudden jerks, so as not to deform the metal frame of the door.
⚠️ Attention: When dismantling, be careful with the plastic elements of the door. Old, hardened rubber can break, leaving sharp edges that can easily scratch the plastic or injure your hands. If the seal is glued, use a hair dryer to gently warm up the glue, but do not overheat the surface of the door.
After removing the rubber, you must thoroughly clean the groove or seat from the remains of old glue, dirt and grease. A warm soapy solution is ideal for this. A clean surface is the key to ensuring that the new seal will lie flat and perform its functions. If foreign particles remain in the groove, the seal will be broken even with a new part.
Installing a new seal: step-by-step instructions
New sealant is often supplied twisted or folded, which can create creases. Before installation, it is recommended to warm the rubber with a hairdryer or soak it in warm water for 10-15 minutes. This will make the material more elastic and convenient for installation. Temperature treatment also helps to straighten out deformations that occurred during storage in a warehouse.
The installation process is as follows:
- Start installation from the top corner of the door. Insert the edge of the seal into the groove or apply it to the seat.
- Evenly distributing the force, press the rubber around the perimeter. If a mounting strip is used, first secure it with the screws without fully tightening them.
- Go around the entire contour, checking that there are no gaps or bulges.
- Tighten the mounting screws (if any) and make sure the rubber is seated tightly.
Pay special attention to the corners. It is in these places that cracks most often form if the rubber is stretched or, conversely, crumpled. Make sure that the magnetic tape inside the seal is positioned correctly and is not inside out. After installation, wipe the new rubber with a damp cloth to remove traces of grease or dust.
| Mounting type | Difficulty of replacement | Required tools | Installation time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insert into the groove (profile) | Low | Hair dryer, sponge | 15-20 min |
| Screw mounting | Medium | Screwdriver, hair dryer | 20-30 min |
| Adhesive joint | High | Hair dryer, scraper, glue | 40-60 min |
Checking operation and final adjustment
After the new seal is installed, you cannot immediately close the refrigerator and leave. It is necessary to carry out an initial check of the installation quality. Close the door and visually inspect the perimeter: the gap between the body and the rubber should be uniform along the entire length. There should be no visible gaps or places where the rubber is bent outward.
Repeat the “paper test” that you performed during diagnosis. Now the sheet should be removed with the same force along the entire perimeter. If the pressure is weak in some place, try gently warming this area with a hairdryer and pressing the door with your hand for a few minutes. Often the thermal effect helps the rubber take the desired shape and expand.
Plug in the refrigerator and let it run for several hours. Listen to the operation of the compressor: it should turn on less often and work cyclically, taking rest breaks. This is a sure sign that tightness has been restored and the cold no longer evaporates in vain.
Caring for the seal and extending its service life
In order for the new seal to serve for a long time and not require replacement in the coming years, you need to take care of it care properly. Rubber is a material sensitive to chemical influences and temperature changes. Regular cleaning will help maintain its elasticity and prevent the appearance of mold, which often appears in folds.
Care recommendations:
- 🧼 Wipe the seal with a soft damp cloth once a month, removing dirt and food debris.
- 🧼 Use only neutral detergents funds; aggressive chemicals can destroy the rubber structure.
- 🧼 Once every six months, lubricate the rubber with a special compound for caring for rubber products or glycerin.
⚠️ Attention: Never use chlorine-containing products or abrasive sponges to clean the seal. This will lead to microcracks and loss of color. Also avoid getting vegetable oil on the rubber - it destroys the rubber.
Following these simple rules will allow your Ariston refrigerator to maintain operating efficiency for many years. Timely replacement and proper care of the seal is the key to fresh food and saving the family budget on electricity.
What to do if the new rubber band smells?
New rubber products often have a specific smell. It will disappear on its own a few days after installation. To speed up the process, you can wipe the seal with a solution of citric acid or leave the refrigerator open for a couple of hours in a ventilated room.
Is it possible to restore the old seal instead of replacing it?
Temporary restoration is possible if the rubber has no breaks. You can try removing it, soaking it in hot water (about 70-80 degrees) for 10-15 minutes, and then installing it back. This will restore elasticity, but the effect will be short-lived. If there are cracks, just replace it.
How long does silicone grease take to dry after installation?
Silicone grease does not require drying in the usual sense, it creates a protective film immediately. However, it is recommended not to load the door by actively opening and closing for 1-2 hours after installation, so that the seal is finally “settled” in the groove.
Does replacing the seal affect the warranty of the refrigerator?
If the warranty period has already expired, then the replacement does not affect anything. If the refrigerator is under warranty, independent intervention and breaking the seals may result in denial of free service. In this case, it is better to contact an authorized center.
Why did the door begin to close tighter after replacement?
This is a normal situation for a new, not yet developed seal. The magnets are new and press harder, and the rubber itself is stiffer than the old one. After 1-2 weeks of active use, it will become softer and closing will become easier.