Changing the opening side of the refrigerator door is not just a whim, but often a necessary measure to optimize the kitchen space. If you have recently made a rearrangement or have just purchased an Italian unit Ardothen the question of how to rearrange the door becomes paramount. Many models of this brand are initially designed with the ability to change the hinge, which allows you to adapt the equipment to any kitchen layout without calling a specialist.
The process of rehanging requires care and the presence of a basic set of tools, but is not an extremely complex engineering task. The main thing is to strictly follow the sequence of actions so as not to damage sealing rubber or break the threads of the mounting bolts. In this article, we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions that is suitable for most models of refrigerators Ardo, including series A and F.
Before starting work, it is critical to turn off the power to the device. This is not only a safety issue, but also a necessity, since tilting the housing to access the lower hinges can cause the internal components of the compressor to become dislodged. Make sure that you have free space around the unit to freely walk around it from all sides.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tools
The success of the operation depends 80% on proper preparation. You don't need any specialized equipment, but using the wrong tools may damage the trim caps or bolt heads. The main requirement is cleanliness and good lighting of the work area.
You will need the following tools:
- 🛠️ A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) - for removing handles and decorative elements.
- 🔧 Open-end wrenches or heads (usually 8 mm, 10 mm) - for unscrewing hinges.
- 🔨 A small hammer or wooden mallet - for carefully knocking out the hinge axes if they are stuck.
- 🧤 Work gloves - to avoid staining the body and protect your hands from sharp edges.
Special Pay attention to the surface on which the removed parts will lie. It is better to cover the floor with soft cloth or cardboard, as metal hinges can scratch the floor covering or become deformed if dropped. Also prepare a container for storing the screws so that they do not get lost during operation.
⚠️ Attention: Never use aggressive solvents to clean rusted hinge bolts, as chemicals can get on the plastic door seal and destroy its structure, which will lead to loss of chamber sealing.
If your refrigerator is standing close to wall, move it at least 50-70 cm. This will provide comfortable access to the rear of the case, where the lower hinge fasteners are often located. For models with a lower freezer, access to the lower hinge may be limited by the decorative plinth, which will also need to be removed.
Dismantling the upper part and removing the door
Work always begins with the upper hinge, since it is this that holds the main weight of the door leaf. First you need to remove the top decorative panel, if present. On refrigerators Ardo it is often secured with latches or a single screw hidden under a plastic plug.
Use a flat-head screwdriver to carefully pry off the plug. Proceed without fanaticism: the plastic on older models can be fragile. After removing the cover you will see the top hinge mounting bolt. It must be unscrewed, but do not remove it completely yet if the design requires the presence of a pin.
Algorithm for removing the upper part:
- ❄️ Loosen, but do not completely remove the bolt of the upper hinge.
- 🚪 Holding the door with your second hand (or asking an assistant), completely unscrew the fasteners.
- 🔩 Remove the metal hinge plate and set it aside.
- 🙌 Carefully lift the door up, removing it from the lower axis (if it is structurally provided) or completely disconnecting it from the body.
After removing the door, it must be put down onto a prepared soft surface with the outer side facing down. Be careful with the shelves inside the door: it is better to remove them in advance so that they do not fall out and break the glass or plastic when moving them. At this stage, it is already clear that top hinge has symmetrical holes for fastening on the other side.
Nuances of old Ardo models
In some older models of Ardo refrigerators, the axis of the top hinge can be pressed into the door body. In this case, to rehang, you will need to carefully knock the axle down using a hammer and drift, having previously warmed up the joint with a hairdryer to soften the frozen grease.
Working with the lower hinge and base
The lower support experiences enormous loads, so it is often fixed very rigidly. In refrigerators Ardo access to it may be blocked by a ventilation grille or a decorative base. Remove the front panel at the bottom of the case by unscrewing the retaining screws or snapping off the plastic clips.
Once you gain access, you will see a bottom hinge. It is attached to the bottom of the refrigerator and to the door itself. If you removed the entire door along with the lower part (in some models there is a single door), then you just need to rearrange the hinge itself. If you have a two-chamber refrigerator and the doors are independent, then first remove the top door, then the middle one (if there is one), and only then the bottom one.
Key points of working with the bottom:
- 📉 Unscrew the bolts holding the bottom hinge on the refrigerator body.
- 🔄 Remove the rotation axis from the door leaf (it may fit tightly).
- 🧹 Thoroughly clean the seat of old grease and dirt.
It often happens that the thread in the lower hinge “sours” from moisture and time. Don't try to rip it off; use a penetrating lubricant (like WD-40), but apply it locally, avoiding the rubber seal. After waiting for 10-15 minutes, the bolt should go easier.
Rearranging the handle and fittings
The most noticeable element that requires moving is the handle. On most models Ardo handles are mounted with screws on the inside of the door or have a through mount. If the handle is integrated into the door profile, it may be necessary to move the decorative plugs to the opposite side.
To remove the handle, unscrew the fixing screws from the inside of the door. Be careful: there may be a backlight wire or a door opening sensor running inside the door leaf. If the wiring is in the way, carefully disconnect the connector, first remembering the position of the contacts, or simply carefully bend the harness to the side without pulling it.
Installing the handle on the new side:
- Find technological holes or plugged places for fasteners on the opposite side of the door.
- If the holes are closed with plastic plugs, carefully remove them.
- Insert the handle and secure it with screws on the back side.
- Check the reliability of the fastening by lightly tugging the handle.
In some cases, holes from the old installation of the handle remain on the free side. They must be closed with special plugs, which usually come with the refrigerator. If the plugs are lost, you can use a piece of plastic to match the color of the body or carefully paint the hole to prevent moisture from getting inside the door.
Installing the hinges on the new side
Now we move on to the main part - installing fasteners on the opposite side of the case. On the body of the refrigerator Ardo threaded holes should already be prepared, closed with plastic plugs. Remove the plugs from the new side and close the vacated holes on the old side with them.
Install the bottom hinge in a new place. Insert the axle into the door hole (if the design allows) or screw the hinge to the body, leaving the axle free. Align the door and slide it onto the spindle. It is important that the door sits smoothly, without distortions.
Table of typical fastener sizes for Ardo refrigerators:
| Hinge type | Bolt diameter | Thread type | Tightening torque |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper | 6-8 mm | M6 / M8 | Medium |
| Lower | 8-10 mm | M8 / M10 | Strong |
| Medium (if any) | 6 mm | M6 | Average |
| Handle fastening | 4-5 mm | M4 / M5 | Weak |
After installing the lower part and hanging the door, proceed to installing the upper loops. Insert the top hinge into the grooves on the body, align the holes and screw in the bolt. At this stage, do not tighten the bolt all the way, leave a small gap for final adjustment.
⚠️ Attention: When tightening the top hinge bolts, make sure that the metal plate does not pinch the temperature or light sensor wiring if it runs in this place. Damage to the insulation can lead to a short circuit.
Adjusting the position of the doors and checking the tightness
The final stage is adjustment. The door should close tightly, but not too tightly. The gaps between the door and the body must be uniform around the entire perimeter. If the door is skewed, loosen the fastenings of the top hinge and move it slightly to the left or right until it is aligned.
Checking the tightness is carried out using a simple method using a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet with the door around the perimeter. It should be pulled out with force, but not torn or slide out freely. If the paper comes out too easily, it means that in this place seal does not fit.
What to do if the door does not close tightly:
- 🔍 Check if anything inside is in the way (shelf, pan).
- 🌡️ Warm up the deformed area of the seal with a hairdryer and straighten it.
- 🔧 Try slightly loosening or tightening the hinge bolts to change the angle of inclination.
If after adjustment there is a gap at the bottom, the door itself may have sagged. In this case, you can place a washer under the bottom loop to lift the panel. However, for refrigerators Ardo this is rarely required; usually adjusting the top fastening is enough.
☑️ Final check
Is it necessary to change the opening side if the refrigerator is against the wall?
Yes, this is often necessary. If the refrigerator is located close to a wall or corner, the standard opening may block access to adjacent cabinets or prevent the door from opening 90 degrees, making it difficult to pull out shelves. Hanging the door solves the problem of ergonomics.
What to do if the plugs for the holes are lost?
You can use decorative stickers in the color of the body, plugs from other equipment of a suitable diameter, or even carefully seal the holes with a high-quality sealant to match if they are not in a visible place. The main thing is to prevent moisture from entering.
Is it possible to move the door alone, without an assistant?
Technically possible, but extremely inconvenient and risky. The refrigerator door is heavy and bulky. Without the help of a second person, there is a high risk of dropping it, damaging the floor or getting injured. It is recommended to work together.
Does re-hanging the door affect the warranty?
According to the law, independent re-hanging of the door provided for by the design (presence of holes on both sides) is not grounds for voiding the warranty. However, if parts are damaged in the process, the warranty for these components may be lost.