Changing the kitchen layout or rearranging furniture often poses a difficult task for owners of household appliances: how to adapt the overall refrigerator to new conditions if the door opens in an inconvenient direction. Equipment owners Ariston often face the need to change the hinge of the door leaf to ensure easy access to products and ergonomic use of space. Fortunately, most models of this brand structurally provide for this possibility, allowing you to complete the procedure yourself.
The rehanging process does not require calling a specialist if you have a basic set of tools and the exact model of your refrigerator for selecting the hinge pattern. However, it is important to understand that the wrong sequence of actions can lead to damage to the seal or disruption of the housing geometry. In this article, we will analyze in detail all stages of work, from preparation to final adjustment, so that you can safely change the opening side.
Before taking active steps, you need to free up the space around the unit. You'll need access from all sides, as repositioning often requires tilting the unit or moving it toward the center of the room. Make sure that the floor is protected from scratches and is stable. refrigerator cabinet stable
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
Quality preparation is half the success of any technical operation. To work with hinges and fittings Ariston you will need a standard home craftsman's kit, but there are nuances that cannot be ignored. The main tool will be screwdriver or a set of screwdrivers with different attachments, since the mounting screws may differ in diameter and type of slot.
In addition, you will need:
- 🔧 A set of wrenches or sockets (usually 8, 10 mm) for dismantling the main bolts.
- 🔨 Flat screwdriver or mounting spatula for carefully removing decorative plugs.
- 📏 Building level for checking horizontal position after installation.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp edges metal.
It is important to remove all shelves, drawers and containers from the door in advance to reduce its weight and avoid broken glass. You should also disconnect the unit from the power supply and let it stand for 10-15 minutes so that the refrigerant is distributed evenly, although this is not critical for mechanical operation, but is a good safety practice.
⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator is equipped with a system No Frost with a display on the door, before starting work, be sure to disconnect the cables running to the control panel so as not to damage the electronics when removing the panel.
Design analysis and removal of the top panel
Models Ariston may have different top cover configurations. In some cases it is a separate plastic panel, in others it is a metal part of the body, covered with a decorative strip. The first step is always to dismantle this particular element, since it hides the upper hinge fastenings.
Carefully inspect the perimeter of the cover. Often the mounting screws are hidden under rubber plugs or decorative stickers. Use a flathead screwdriver to carefully pry them off. Be careful not to scratch the glossy surface or break the plastic clips.
After removing the caps, you will see the mounting screws. Their number varies from 2 to 4 pieces depending on the series of the refrigerator. Use the appropriate bit PH2 or PZ2 to unscrew them. If the screws become sour, do not use excessive force, it is better to treat them with a penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40) and wait a few minutes.
When all the screws are removed, the top panel should come off easily. If it's holding tight, check to see if you forgot to remove any hidden fasteners from the back of the unit. Place the removed cover in a safe place so as not to lose small parts.
Removing the door and upper hinges
The most critical stage is removing the door leaf. The refrigerator door Ariston is quite heavy, so it is better to perform this operation with an assistant. If you are working alone, make sure that you have a stable support to hold the door while unscrewing the hinges.
The procedure is as follows:
- Locate the top hinge, which is now open after removing the cover.
- Holding the door with one hand (or asking an assistant), unscrew the bolts, securing the hinge to the body.
- Carefully lift the door, removing it from the lower axis, and set it aside on a soft surface (rug, blanket).
Now you need to dismantle the upper hinge itself and the axis on which it rotated. Often the axle is pressed into a hinge or housing. If you plan to move the door to the other side, you will need to remove this axis and move it to the opposite side, or use components from the repair kit, if they are provided for in the design.
Pay attention to the condition sealing rubber. While the door is removed, inspect it for cracks or deformations. If necessary, it can be warmed up with a hairdryer or replaced with a new one while the modernization process is underway.
☑️ Check before dismantling
Rearranging the lower support and axis
The lower part of the structure requires special attention, since it bears the main load from the weight of the door. In refrigerators Ariston the bottom support is often hidden under a decorative plinth or plastic trim at the bottom of the front panel.
To access the bottom hinge, you may need to remove the plinth. It is usually secured with latches or screws. Once removed you will see the lower mounting assembly. You need to unscrew the bolts holding the lower hinge and remove it.
An important point follows: moving the seat. On the opposite side of the case there should be symmetrical holes closed with plastic plugs. You need to:
- 🛠️ Remove the plugs from the new side of the installation.
- 🔩 Install the plugs into the vacated holes on the current side.
- 📐 Move the metal axis (pin) or support sleeve to the new side.
In some models, the axis of the lower hinge is part of the hinge itself, in others it is a separate element pressed into the body. If the axle needs to be repressed, use a wooden drift and hammer to avoid damaging the threads or metal surface. The blows must be accurate and strong.
⚠️ Attention: When moving the lower axle, make sure that it is seated all the way and has no play. Incorrect installation of the lower support will result in the door opening by itself or, conversely, not closing completely.
Installing the door on a new side and installing fittings
After preparing the lower support, you can begin installation. Place the bottom hinge in its new location and secure it with the bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet - this will allow you to make (fine adjustments) later. Make sure that the hinge axis points strictly vertically upward.
Now the most time-consuming part is putting the door in place. Align the bottom hole in the end of the door with the installed axle. It requires precision and physical strength. Ask an assistant to support the door while you fix its position.
When the door is put on the lower axis, move on to the upper fastening. Place the top hinge on the new side, lining up the holes. Insert the mounting screws and begin tightening them. At this stage, it is important not to warp the door.
If your model is equipped with a magnetic lock or door sensor, make sure that the lock mate is also moved to the new end of the door or body. Often, to do this, you simply need to rearrange the plastic insert or magnet into a symmetrical hole.
What to do if the holes do not match?
Sometimes, during factory assembly, the holes can be misaligned. In this case, do not drill new holes! Loosen all hinge fastenings, level the door and only then tighten the bolts. The gaps should be uniform around the entire perimeter.
Adjusting gaps and checking tightness
After installing all the elements in place, it is necessary to make final adjustments. Even with an ideal installation, distortions may occur. Check the gaps between the door and the body around the entire perimeter - they should be the same.
To adjust, use the adjusting screws on the hinges (if they are provided by the design Ariston) or loosen the main fasteners and align the position of the leaf manually. Also check the operation of the closer (if any) - the door should smoothly reach the magnetic contact.
Pay special attention to tightness. Take a sheet of paper, press it with the door and try to pull it out. The force must be uniform around the entire perimeter. If in some place the paper is pulled out too easily, it means that the pressure there is broken.
| Problem | Possible cause | Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| The door does not close completely | The hinges are skewed or the shelf is in the way | Align the hinges, check the loading |
| Gap in the upper corner | The upper bolt is not tightened | Tighten the upper hinge fasteners |
| The door opens by itself | Tilting the body back or weak lower support | Unscrew the front legs, check the axis |
| Whistling when closing | Friction of the seal | Lubricate the seal with silicone or water |
Do not forget to put back all the decorative plugs and covers that were removed at the beginning of the process. This will not only restore the refrigerator aesthetic appearance, but will also protect the mechanisms from dust.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to rehang a door if there is a display on it?
Yes, this is possible, but it requires more caution. You will have to carefully disconnect the cable that runs through the loop. Before turning off, be sure to turn off the power to the refrigerator. The length of the cable is usually designed for rearrangement, but check whether it will stretch on the new side.
What to do if there are no holes for loops on the new side?
In 99% of cases, refrigerators Ariston have symmetrical holes closed with plugs. If there really are no holes (which happens on very old or budget models), then it will not be possible to hang the door using the factory method. You cannot drill new holes in the housing - this will break the tightness of the thermal insulation.
Do you need to wait after installation before turning it on?
If you just changed the door hinge and did not tilt the refrigerator more than 40 degrees, you do not have to wait. However, if the unit was tilted strongly or laying down, it is recommended to let it stand upright for 2-4 hours before starting the compressor.
Why did the door begin to close tightly after rearrangement?
A new seal or one that has not been lubricated for a long time can create resistance. Also check that the door does not touch any protrusions on the cabinet or shelves. Over time (after 1-2 weeks), the seal will develop and the movement will become easier. You can speed up the process by lubricating the rubber with silicone grease.
Where can I get new plugs if the old ones are lost?
Plugs for the holes for the hinges are a consumable item. They can be ordered at service centers Ariston according to the catalog number of your model, or you can select universal analogues in furniture fittings stores, selecting the desired diameter and color.