Many owners of kitchen appliances are faced with a situation where the standard location of the refrigerator door becomes inconvenient due to the redevelopment of the kitchen or the features of the room. In such cases, the optimal solution is to rehang the sash on the opposite side. For brand models Hotpoint Ariston this procedure, as a rule, does not require calling a specialist and can be performed independently with a minimum set of tools and a clear understanding of the sequence of actions.
Before proceeding with dismantling, you must carefully study the design of the hinges of your unit. Most modern models Hotpoint Ariston have universal hinges that allow you to change the opening side without purchasing additional components. However, ignoring the preparation rules can lead to damage to decorative elements or disruption of the seal, so it is important to act methodically.
In this guide, we will analyze in detail the process of rearranging the door, paying special attention to the nuances characteristic of this particular brand of household appliances. You will learn how to properly prepare the work area, what tools you will need, and what to pay attention to when adjusting clearances after installation. Compliance with all stages of the instructions ensures that your refrigerator will work silently and efficiently.
Preparation for work and necessary tools
The success of the door rehanging operation directly depends on the quality preparation of the workplace. The refrigerator Hotpoint Ariston is a large and heavy unit, so before starting work it must be emptied of food, defrosted (if it is a model with manual defrosting) and moved away from the wall, ensuring access from all sides. It is advisable to enlist the help of a second person, since holding a heavy sash with one hand and simultaneously unscrewing the bolts is extremely inconvenient and unsafe.
To complete the task, you will need a standard DIY kit. The main tool will be a wrench or a set of sockets, since the hinge mounting bolts usually have a threaded connection for a hexagon or socket head. You also cannot do without a Phillips screwdriver for removing decorative plugs and, possibly, a flat-head screwdriver for carefully prying up plastic elements.
It is important to prepare a soft mat for the floor where you will place the removed door, so as not to scratch either the floor or the surface of the refrigerator itself. Some models Hotpoint Ariston equipped with a complex control system, and before starting physical work, it is recommended to disconnect the device from the power supply to avoid accidental short circuit when working with elements located near the wiring.
☑️ Ready for re-weighing
Dismantling the top part and removing doors
The process begins with dismantling the top cover, if any, or the decorative panel hiding the top hinge. In models Hotpoint Ariston there are often hidden loops covered with plastic plugs. Carefully remove them using a flathead screwdriver, but be careful not to use too much force to avoid breaking the latches. Underneath them you will find mounting bolts that hold the top hinge.
Before completely unscrewing the top hinge bolts, be sure to lock the door in the closed position or have an assistant hold it. This is a critical point, since once the fastening is loosened, the sash may fall under its own weight, damaging the lower hinge or the floor covering. Use masking tape to temporarily fix the position of the door relative to the body.
After unscrewing the bolts, remove the top hinge. Now the door is only secured on the bottom hinge, but often it is also held in place by a pin or additional retainer. In some models Hotpoint the door simply lifts up after removing the top hinge. Proceed carefully, controlling the weight of the structure, and place the removed door on a prepared soft surface with the outer side up.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to remove the door by leaning on a shelf or glass element inside - this will lead to instant destruction of the glass and injury.
Features of Hotpoint Ariston hinges
In some older Hotpoint Ariston models, the top hinge can be welded to the body, and the rotating mechanism is implemented through replaceable bushings. In such cases, a specific tool is required to press out the bushings, and it is better to contact a service center.
Rearranging the fittings and lower hinge
After the door is removed, it is necessary to rearrange the fastening elements to the opposite side. At the end of the door you will see holes closed with plastic plugs on one side and open on the other. You need to remove the plugs from the new side of the unit and use them to cover the holes on the old side. This will preserve the aesthetic appearance of your refrigerator Hotpoint Ariston.
Particular attention should be paid to the bottom hinge. It often has an asymmetrical shape or a displaced center of rotation. You will need to dismantle it from the current side and move it to the opposite side using the holes provided by the manufacturer. When rearranging, make sure that the hinge axis is correctly installed and has no play, since it is the lower hinge that bears the main load from the weight of the door.
Do not forget about the door handle. If your refrigerator model allows the handle to be symmetrically mounted in the center or can be repositioned, complete these steps now. In some cases, the handle is part of the design and does not require movement, but if it is removable, use the instructions for the specific model Hotpoint for proper installation.
Layout of holes and fasteners
Understanding the geometry of fasteners helps to avoid errors during assembly. The table below shows the main types of hole configurations found in refrigerators Hotpoint Ariston. Although models may differ, the principle of symmetry remains key.
| Mounting type | Location of upper holes | Location of lower holes | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Symmetrical around the edges | Symmetrical around the edges | Simple hanging without nuances |
| Hidden loop | Under the decorative cover | In the bottom base | Requires removal of panels |
| Asymmetrical | Shifted to the center | Shifted to the edge | It is important not to confuse the sides |
| Multi-chamber | Several levels | Reinforced design | Requires the help of two people |
When working with holes in the refrigerator body, be extremely careful. The threads in the metal of the body Hotpoint Ariston are made quite well, but if you repeatedly screw in the bolts “dry” or with distortion, there is a risk of breaking the threads. If you feel strong resistance, check the alignment of the axes of the loop and the hole.
Sometimes it happens that technological holes are found on the new side of the installation that were not previously used. They can be covered with factory stickers or plugs. Make sure that you use exactly the holes that match the type of your hinge, and not adjacent process channels for refrigerant or wiring.
Installing the door on the new side
Now you can start installation. Place the bottom hinge in its new location and securely secure it with the bolts. After this, carefully place the door on the lower axis, holding it vertically. This is the most crucial moment that requires coordination of actions, especially if you are working without an assistant.
Align the door with the body of the refrigerator Hotpoint Ariston and try on the top loop. Insert the mounting bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet. This will allow you to adjust the position of the sash to achieve the ideal gap around the entire perimeter. If you tighten the bolts immediately, it will be almost impossible to correct the misalignment.
After preliminary fixation, check the ease of movement of the door. It should open and close smoothly, without jamming. Make sure that the magnetic seal (elastic band) fits evenly along the entire length of the housing. If you notice a loose fit in any corner, you may need to adjust the height of the lower support of the refrigerator.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use excessive force when tightening the bolts of the upper hinge - you can deform the metal of the lid or break the threads, which will require expensive repairs to the case.
Adjustment and final check
The final stage is fine adjustment. If the door is warped or does not close tightly, use the adjusting screws on the bottom hinge (if your model has them) or change the height of the front legs of the refrigerator. Turning the legs allows you to tilt the body back, which helps the door close itself under the influence of gravity. Hotpoint) or change the height of the front legs of the refrigerator. Turning the legs allows you to tilt the body back, which helps the door close automatically under the influence of gravity.
Check the operation of the light switch and sensors. When the door is opened, the light should come on, and when closed, it should go out. Also make sure that when closing, wires or tubes are not pinched if they pass near the hinge installation area. In modern models with displays on the door, make sure that the cable is connected correctly and is not strained.
Let the refrigerator stand off for at least 30-40 minutes after all manipulations, especially if you tilted the unit strongly during work. This will allow the oil in the compressor to return to the crankcase, which will prevent damage on first start-up. After this, turn on the device and check the temperature rise.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do I need to buy new hinges for rehanging doors on Hotpoint Ariston?
In 95% of cases, additional parts are not required. The design of the hinges initially allows for installation on any side. Purchasing new parts may only be necessary if old ones break or components are lost.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not close completely?
Most likely, the angle of the refrigerator is broken. Try unscrewing the front leveling feet to raise the front of the unit. This will create the necessary slope back, and the door will slam itself.
Can one person carry out the re-hanging?
Theoretically, it is possible if the model is small-sized and you are in good physical shape. However, manufacturers Hotpoint Ariston and craftsmen recommend working together to avoid falling of a heavy door and damage to the floor covering or the equipment itself.
Does re-hanging a door affect the warranty?
Re-hanging a door yourself is not a complex repair of internal components and usually does not void the warranty if no damage was caused in the process housing, hinges or electrical components. However, if problems arise with tightness after your actions, the service may refuse free repairs.