A change in kitchen layout or simply a desire to update the interior often dictates new operating conditions for household appliances. Owners of Ariston units are often faced with the need to change the opening side of the door leaf in order to ergonomically fit the equipment into the space. Fortunately, the design of most models Indesit and Ariston provides for the possibility of such a rearrangement, which makes the procedure accessible to perform at home.
However, the process requires care and adherence to a certain sequence of actions. Improper dismantling may damage the seal or deform the hinges. Before starting work, it is important to make sure that you have the necessary set of tools, and that you are refrigerator free of food and disconnected from the power supply.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for various types of fastenings. We will look at the nuances of working with two-chamber models and tell you what to pay special attention to so as not to break the seal of the chamber. Proper re-hanging will extend the life of the unit and make its use more convenient.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any manipulations, make sure that the power cord is unplugged from the outlet, and all shelves and drawers are removed from the chambers to prevent them from falling when the body is tilted.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
The success of the operation directly depends on the quality of preparation. You will need free space around the unit to be able to walk around it on all sides. It is advisable to enlist the help of an assistant, since door leaves, especially in models with the system No Frost, can be quite heavy and bulky.
To perform the work you will need a standard home handyman kit. The main tool will be a wrench or 8 or 10 mm socket, depending on the specific modification of the hinges. You also cannot do without a flat and Phillips screwdriver, and in some cases you may need a hexagon.
- 🔧 Wrench or set of heads (most often 8 mm, 10 mm)
- 🪛 Screwdrivers (flat and Phillips)
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges
- 🧼 Soft rags for wiping parts
Prepare in advance the place where you will put the removed parts. Small screws and plugs are easy to lose, which can cause problems during reassembly. We recommend using a magnetic tray or small container with a lid. If your model has decorative plugs to hide the holes for the hinges, make sure that they are intact and ready to be installed in new places.
Analysis of the design of the hinges and the type of doors
Before taking up the tool, you need to carefully study the design of your Ariston refrigerator. Models may differ in the type of hinge fastening: in some cases they are fixed with screws under decorative plugs, in others they require removal of the top panel of the case. Understanding the type of design will determine the further strategy of action.
Particular attention should be paid to the presence of an electronic control panel on the door. If the display or buttons are located on the canvas, simple re-hanging is impossible without transferring cables and resoldering contacts, which is a complex engineering task. In such cases, the manufacturer often provides special holes or plugs, but it is better to check the technical data sheet.
⚠️ Attention: If there is an electronic control panel on the door of your refrigerator, re-hanging it yourself may damage the cables. Check the instructions to see if relocation is provided for your specific model.
It is also important to check the condition of the sealing rubber. If during dismantling you find that the seal is cracked or has lost elasticity, the rehanging procedure should be combined with replacing the cuff. This will ensure a perfect fit of the door after installation on the new side.
Step-by-step instructions: dismantling the top hinge
We start the process with the top fastening, since it is this that holds the bulk of the door leaf. First you need to remove the decorative hinge cover, if there is one. Usually it is simply pryed off with a flat screwdriver or moved to the side. Underneath you will find mounting bolts.
Using a suitable wrench, carefully unscrew the upper hinge mounting bolts. Do not rush to remove the hinge itself right away - ask an assistant to hold the door so that it does not fall on your feet. After loosening the bolts, the hinge can be removed, and then carefully separate the door from the body by lifting it up.
If your refrigerator is a two-chamber one, then after removing the top door, the middle hinge that holds the lower chamber is removed in the same way. It is important not to lose the intermediate bushings or washers that can be installed on the middle hinge pin to adjust the height.
☑️ Removing the upper hinge
After removing the door, inspect the axis of the lower bushing. There should be no burrs or rust on it. If you notice dirt, it needs to be cleaned. The smooth movement of this part is critical for easy opening of the door in the future.
Rehanging the door leaf and rearranging the handles
The most critical stage is rearranging the handle. In most Ariston models, the handle is attached to screws on the inside of the door. You need to open the door (while it is still on the old side or has already been removed), find the mounting holes covered with plugs, and unscrew the screws.
After removing the handle, move the decorative plugs. Those holes where the handle was previously attached are closed with plugs, and in the new place the plugs are removed and the handle is screwed back on. Make sure that the screws are tightened tightly, but without excessive force, so as not to damage the plastic.
⚠️ Attention: When rearranging the handle, pay attention to the orientation of the mounting screws. A self-tapping screw that is too long can pierce the inner wall of the door and damage the insulation or evaporator.
If on your model the handle is integrated into the profile or is part of the structure, this step may be missing. However, it is often necessary to rearrange the strikers or magnetic latches on the opposite side of the body so that the door closes securely and does not open by itself.
Installing doors on a new side
Now that all elements are prepared, you can begin installation. Install the lower bushing or pin into the prepared hole on the opposite side of the housing. Put on the door of the lower compartment (if the refrigerator is a two-chamber one), aligning the holes in the hinge with the corresponding holes in the body.
Fix the middle hinge with bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet. This will align the door vertically. Next, install the top door, thread the middle hinge pin through the hole in the top door, and slide the top hinge on. Only after all the elements are in place can you begin the final fixation.
Tightening the bolts should be done evenly, alternating sides, to avoid distortion of the hinge. After tightening, check the vertical installation of the door using a building level. If the door is crooked, you can slightly loosen the fasteners and adjust the position.
Adjustment and checking the tightness
The final stage is checking the quality of the work work. The door should open and close smoothly, without squeaks or jams. When the door is released in a half-open state (about 30-45 degrees), it should either remain in place or be smoothly adjusted with a magnet, but not slam shut.
To check the tightness, you can use a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet between the door and the body in different places around the perimeter. If the paper is pulled out with noticeable force, it means the seal fits well. If the sheet falls out or is pulled out too easily, the door height needs to be adjusted or the seal replaced.
It is also worth paying attention to the gaps between the door and the body. They should be uniform along the entire length. An uneven gap may indicate a skewed hinge or deformation of the door leaf itself.
Comparison of models and features of fastenings
Different series of Ariston refrigerators may have design differences. Below is a table that helps identify the type of fastening and the necessary actions for popular modifications.
| Model / Series | Type of fastening | Is special required? tool | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ariston MBAA | Hidden screws | No (phillips screwdriver) | Simple design, easy to remove |
| Ariston MB 18 | Exposed bolts | Yes (8 mm key) | Requires removal of the top cover |
| Ariston B 20 | Combined | Yes (10 mm key) | Massive doors, need an assistant |
| Ariston RS 24 | Hidden (No Frost) | Yes (hexagon) | Attention to plastic bushings |
Please note that in some modern models they can be used plastic bushings instead of metal ones. They are less durable, so during installation it is important not to overdo it with the tightening force, so as not to break the thread or split the plastic.
What to do if the holes do not match?
If after rehanging you find that the holes do not match perfectly, the door may skewed. Try loosening all the bolts, rocking the door from side to side and tightening it again. If the problem is in the geometry of the case (a rare defect), it may be necessary to drill new holes, but this is a last resort.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
One of the most common mistakes is loss of orientation of parts during dismantling. When you remove a hinge, it may look symmetrical, but have a specific angle of inclination or shift in the center of gravity. Always remember which side the part was originally on, or take a photo before disassembling.
Another mistake is ignoring the cleaning of rubbing surfaces. Over the years of operation, a mixture of dust and old grease accumulates on the hinge axis and in the bushing, which turns into abrasive. If you do not clean these elements before installing them in a new location, the door will soon begin to creak.
Do not forget about the floor level. If the refrigerator is not level, the door may open spontaneously or not close completely, regardless of the quality of the hanger. Use the adjustable supports at the bottom of the case to level the unit.
Is it possible to rearrange the door if the refrigerator is built into the kitchen unit?
Technically this is possible, but it is extremely difficult. You will need to completely remove the refrigerator from the niche as it requires access from all sides, including the top and bottom. In addition, furniture facades can interfere with the door opening in a new direction.
Do you need to wait after rearranging before turning it on?
Yes, it is recommended to let the refrigerator stand in the off state for 2-4 hours after transportation and tilting manipulations. This is necessary to allow oil to drain into the compressor if the unit was tilted strongly during operation.
What to do if the door does not magnetize after rehanging?
Check whether you have mixed up the top and bottom when installing the door itself (rarely, but it happens). Make sure that the mating metal strips or magnets are installed on the case on the new side. Sometimes you need to turn over the magnetic clamp itself.