The need to change the direction of opening the refrigerator door often arises when moving to a new kitchen or after purchasing a new model that does not fit into the usual space. Equipment owners Ariston may encounter a situation where the standard opening on the right interferes with comfortable access to shelves or aisles. Fortunately, the design of most modern refrigerators of this brand provides for the possibility of reversing the doors, which allows you to adapt the unit to the layout of the room.
The rearrangement process requires care and the availability of a basic set of tools, but is not a very complex engineering task. It is important to understand that hanging doors is a mechanical operation involving fasteners and hinges. If you have not previously dealt with such manipulations, it is worth studying the sequence of actions in advance to avoid damage to the coating or loss of functionality of the seals.
In this article we will analyze in detail the stages of work for various models Ariston. We will look at preparing the workplace, dismantling old fasteners and installing new ones. We will pay special attention to the nuances of working with handles, since it is this element that often raises the most questions among users who are trying to independently change the configuration of their equipment.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
Before starting any work with large household appliances, it is necessary to ensure the safety of the process. The refrigerator is a heavy unit, so the first step should be to completely empty it of food and shelves. This will not only lighten the weight of the structure, but also prevent the contents from falling when the case is tilted. It is recommended to disconnect the device from the power supply, although for purely mechanical work this is not always critical, but it is a rule of good form when servicing electrical appliances.
To successfully complete the task, you will need a certain set of tools. Usually a standard home arsenal is enough, but it is better to prepare everything in advance so as not to be interrupted in the process. The main tools are:
- 🔧 Flat-head screwdriver (used to remove decorative caps and work with some types of screws).
- 🔩 Phillips screwdriver (main tool for removing hinges).
- 🔑 Wrench or socket head (often a size of 8 or 10 mm is required, depending on the model).
- 🧤 Work gloves (to protect hands from sharp edges and slipping).
- 🧼 Soft rags (for wiping the fastening points).
Pay special attention to the choice of place for carrying out works It is best to carry out the rearrangement in a free area, where you can place the refrigerator on its side or move it away from the wall at a sufficient distance. The floor should be flat and covered with a soft material, such as cardboard or a blanket, so as not to scratch the coating of the case. Floor protection and the appliance itself is the key to ensuring that the aesthetic appearance of the equipment will not be affected during the installation process.
Design features of Ariston refrigerator doors
Equipment Ariston (often produced at the facilities of Indesit or other holding plants) has its own design features. In most models, the hinges of the upper and lower doors are arranged symmetrically, which allows them to be overweight. However, there are models with fixed handles or integrated closer systems that can complicate the process. Before starting work, it is strongly recommended to find the technical data sheet for your specific model.
It is important to distinguish between the types of handles, since the algorithm of actions depends on this. In older models, there were often overhead handles that were simply screwed to the door leaf. More modern lines Ariston use hidden or integrated handles, which are recesses in the door profile. If on your model the handle is part of the structure and does not have visible fasteners on the reverse side, it may not be intended for rearrangement without replacing the element itself.
It is also worth considering the presence of a system No Frost or Low Frost. In these refrigerators, the power cable for the fan or sensors often runs through the top loop. When removing the top cover or hinge, extreme care must be taken to avoid damaging the wiring. Unlike the drip defrosting system, here the mechanical impact on the upper assembly requires greater care.
What to do if the hinges are rusty?
If the screws do not unscrew due to oxidation, do not use excessive force so as not to strip the threads. Treat the joints with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and leave for 15-20 minutes. After this, the fasteners should go easier.
Dismantling the top part and removing the door
The process begins from the top of the refrigerator. First you need to remove the decorative plug or cover that hides the top hinge. Usually it is pryed off with a flat screwdriver. Underneath you will find mounting bolts. Before unscrewing them, it is better to hold the door or ask an assistant, since after removing the upper fastening it will only be supported by the lower hinge and may fall.
After loosening the bolts of the upper hinge, carefully lift the door and remove it from the lower axis. This is the most difficult stage, requiring physical strength and coordination. The removed door should be placed in a safe place; it is advisable to rest it against the wall, having previously covered the floor. Now access to the bottom hinge and base of the refrigerator is open.
Next you need to dismantle the base grille at the bottom of the refrigerator. It is usually attached with latches or magnets. Hidden underneath is the lower support and often the adjustable feet. If the model involves rearranging the lower support pin, it is unscrewed from the current hole and screwed into a symmetrical hole on the other side. This may require a wrench.
Repositioning the bottom support and preparing for installation
The bottom support is a critical element on which the entire door is based. In some models Ariston it is just a metal pin, in others it is a complex mechanism with a bearing. When rearranging, it is important not to lose washers or bushings, if they are present in the structure. All removed parts must be carefully folded.
If there is a plastic plug at the site of future installation of the lower support, it must be removed. Usually it is pulled out with pliers or just with your fingers if there is a snag. The vacated hole on the old side is closed with the same plug. This ensures symmetry and protection of the insides of the case from dust.
At this stage it is also worth checking the condition of the rubber seal on the door. While the door is removed, this is the ideal time to wash it with warm, soapy water and check for cracks. If the elastic does not fit tightly, problems with tightness may occur after rehanging. Make sure that the hinge attachment points on the door leaf itself are also free of dirt.
⚠️ Attention: When working on the bottom of the refrigerator, be careful not to damage the compressor or refrigeration circuit pipes located at the rear. Any mechanical damage to the tubes will lead to freon leakage and expensive repairs.
Installing hinges and hanging the door on the new side
Now we move on to assembly on the new side. First, the top hinge (or its fasteners) is installed on the new side, but not yet fully tightened. This is necessary in order to be able to slightly adjust the position. Then the door is placed on the lower axis. This stage is best done together: one person holds the door, the second fixes the lower hinge.
After installing the door on the lower axis, the upper part is leveled. The door should stand straight, without distortion. Only after making sure that the position is correct can you finally tighten the upper hinge bolts. The tightening torque should be sufficient to eliminate backlash, but not excessive, so as not to break the threads in the metal casing.
Pay special attention to the gaps between the door and the casing. They should be uniform over the entire height. If you notice misalignment, you may need to adjust the height of the legs of the refrigerator itself. By twisting the front legs, you can achieve the correct tilt angle of the body, which will ensure the door closes itself under the influence of gravity.
☑️ Assembly control
Installation of handles: nuances for different models
The most difficult step is often the rearrangement of handles, especially if they are made in the form of horizontal strips or hidden profiles. In models where the handle is a separate element, it must be removed on one side and secured on the other. For this purpose, threaded holes are provided at the end of the door, closed with plastic plugs.
If your model Ariston is equipped with vertical profile handles, the situation may be different. Sometimes the profile goes across the entire width of the door, and there is nothing to rearrange there - the functionality remains the same regardless of opening. However, if the handle is asymmetrical, it may be necessary to replace the decorative overlay or even the entire handle with a component with reverse symmetry, which is sometimes included in the kit or purchased separately.
The table below shows the types of handles and their transferability:
| Handle type | Possibility permutations | Required actions |
|---|---|---|
| Overlay (with screws) | High | Twist the screws to the other side |
| Built-in (notch) | Not required | No need to change anything |
| Hidden (profile) | Depends on the model | Check profile symmetry |
| Latch button | Low | Often requires replacement of the unit |
When installing handles, it is important not to overtighten the screws, especially if the door is made of plastic or thin metal. This may cause dents to form around the fastener. Use a screwdriver with a force limiter or control the pressing force manually.
Final adjustment and tightness check
After all elements are installed in place, it is necessary to carry out final check. The door should open and close smoothly, without squeaks or jams. When the door is released in a half-open position (approximately 30-45 degrees), it should either remain in place or be smoothly brought to full closure, depending on the angle of inclination of the refrigerator.
Checking the tightness is a critical stage. Take a sheet of paper or a banknote, press it with the door and try to pull it out. The force should be felt throughout the entire perimeter. If in some place the paper falls out freely or is pulled out without resistance, it means that the seal does not fit tightly. In this case, additional adjustment of the hinges or replacement of the sealing rubber may be required.
Do not forget to install all the decorative plugs in place in the places of the old fasteners. This is not only a matter of aesthetics, but also protection from moisture and dust getting inside the case. Also check whether the hoses or cables inside the case are twisted (if they have been affected), although with standard door rearrangement access to internal communications is usually not required.
⚠️ Attention: You can turn on the refrigerator and load food only after it has stood in an upright position for at least 2-4 hours (if it was transported lying down) or at least 30 minutes after tilting. This is necessary for the oil to drain into the compressor.
In conclusion, it is worth noting that although the procedure for hanging the refrigerator door Ariston seems straightforward, it requires care. Incorrect installation can lead to loose closure, which will result in increased energy consumption and accelerated wear of the compressor. If you doubt your abilities or notice a complex design of the hinges, it is better to contact an authorized service center.
Can you move the door yourself if the refrigerator is under warranty?
In most cases, re-hanging the door yourself does not void the warranty, since this is a standard procedure provided for in the instructions. However, if in the process you strip threads, break plastic, or damage the seal, the service center may refuse to repair those specific damages free of charge. It is recommended to save all the removed parts.
What to do if, after rearranging, the door does not close completely?
Most likely, the angle of the body is broken. The refrigerator should be tilted slightly backwards. Try unscrewing the front leveling feet to raise the front of the unit. Also check if anything inside is in the way (for example, an incorrectly installed shelf or bottle).
Does the seal need to be changed when reversing the door?
No, the standard seal is symmetrical and does not require replacement. However, if the seal was deformed during operation (jammed on one side), after rehanging it can straighten and fit better. If the rubber band is cracked or has lost its elasticity, it is better to replace it with a new one.
Where to put the holes from the hinges on the old side?
Included with the refrigerator or in technological niches (often inside the door or on the base) there should be plastic plugs identical to the color of the case. They close the vacated holes. If the plugs are lost, they can be ordered from the service center or carefully sealed with a decorative sticker, although this is less aesthetically pleasing.