The situation when, after purchasing or moving, it turns out that the refrigerator door Hotpoint Ariston opens in the wrong direction is familiar to many owners. This creates serious inconvenience, especially if the kitchen has a non-standard layout or limited space. Fortunately, the design of most models of this brand provides the ability to change the opening side without calling a specialist.
The process of rehanging requires accuracy, a basic set of tools and an understanding of the structure of the hinge group. Rearranging the door It allows not only to improve the ergonomics of the kitchen space, but also to extend the service life of the seal by eliminating distortions. In this article, we will analyze in detail all stages of work, starting from preparing tools and ending with the final adjustment of the gaps.
It is worth noting that modern models Ariston may have different design features, so before starting work you need to make sure that all the necessary components are available. In some cases, installation may require additional plugs or fasteners, which are often supplied with the equipment.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Before you begin to dismantle the heavy elements of the refrigeration cabinet, you need to properly organize the workspace. You will need a flat, clear area where you can safely place the removed door. To work, you will need a standard home craftsman's kit, including several types of screwdrivers and wrenches.
Particular attention should be paid tools for fasteningas the hinge bolts are often tightened with great force. It is recommended to prepare hex keys (usually 4 mm or 5 mm), Phillips and flat head screwdrivers, and an 8 or 10 mm socket wrench. It will not be amiss to have a level on hand to check the position of the unit after completion of work.
- 🔧 A set of hex keys for unscrewing hidden hinge bolts.
- 🪛 Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers (PH2 and SL4) for removing decorative panels.
- 🔩 Socket wrench or socket with a collar for the main fasteners.
- 📏 Construction level for checking the horizontal installation of the housing.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator Hotpoint Ariston from the power supply. This is critically important for safety, since if the case is skewed, damage to the wiring or sensors may occur.
It is also worth taking care of the backing under the door in advance. This can be thick cardboard, a folded blanket or a special soft stand that will prevent scratches on the enamel or glass when placing the removed part.
Design analysis and removal of the top panel
Models Hotpoint Ariston are often equipped with a top cover that covers the top hinge and control mechanism. The first step is always to dismantle this particular element. Depending on the model, the cover may be secured with latches or screws located at the back or front.
Carefully inspect the perimeter of the top panel. If you find screws, they must be removed using the appropriate screwdriver. In some models, the fasteners may be hidden under decorative plugs. After releasing the fastenings, the panel moves forward and is removed upward.
Features of fastening the top cover
In some models, the top panel can be fixed with powerful plastic latches, which require careful snapping with a plastic spatula so as not to damage the painted surface.
Under the removed cover you will see the top hinge of the door and, perhaps electronic components or sensor wiring. Top loop is the main load-bearing element, so its dismantling must be approached responsibly. Make sure that the wires are not strained and have sufficient length for subsequent manipulations.
If your model provides the possibility of rearrangement, there should be symmetrical holes and spare fasteners on the opposite side of the top panel or inside the case. In rare cases, models with a display may require lengthening the cable, but in most domestic refrigerators Ariston the length of the standard wires allows rehanging.
Removing the main door of the refrigerator compartment
After freeing access to the top hinge, it is necessary to fix the position of the door. Have an assistant hold it so that it does not fall when unscrewing the bolts. The top hinge is usually secured with two or three bolts that need to be unscrewed counterclockwise.
Once the fasteners are removed, carefully remove the top hinge from the axle. Now the door is held in place only by the lower hinge (in models with a bottom freezer) or the middle fastening. Smoothly lift the door, removing it from the lower axis, and place it in a safe place on the prepared substrate.
☑️ Procedure for dismantling the door
At this stage it is important not to lose washers and bushings, which could be on the hinge axis. These small parts ensure smooth movement and the correct position of the door relative to the body. Adjusting washers It is better to immediately put them in a separate container so as not to lose them among the tools.
If your refrigerator model has a second door (freezer compartment at the bottom), the process for it will be similar, but is performed after working with the upper section. In two-chamber models with a common frame or a No Frost system, the design may differ in the presence of intermediate fastenings.
Re-hanging the handles and rearranging the hinges
The most critical stage is the physical rearrangement of the fastening elements to the opposite side. Door handles in refrigerators Hotpoint Ariston are often symmetrical or have special holes for installation on either side. If the handle is asymmetrical, it must be dismantled and installed in a new place using the holes provided by the manufacturer.
To remove the handle, you may need to access the fasteners from the inside of the door or unscrew the decorative trims. Be careful not to strip the threads on the plastic bushings. After moving the handle, check the reliability of its fixation.
| Element | Action when moving | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Upper loop | Transfer to the opposite side | Use standard holes |
| Bottom hinge | Dismantling and mirror installation | Often requires removing the baseboard |
| Plugs | Change in places | Close the old holes |
| Axes of rotation | Check for wear | Lubricate if necessary |
Now we move on to the lower part of the body. In some models, the lower hinge is hidden under a decorative base or baseboard. It must be carefully removed by pulling up or snapping the latches. Unscrew the bolts securing the lower support and move it to a symmetrical place on the other side.
⚠️ Attention: When moving the lower hinge, make sure that it fits tightly into the seat. Incomplete installation can lead to the door being skewed and opening spontaneously.
Do not forget to move the plastic plugs into the vacated holes. This will not only improve the appearance of the unit, but also prevent dust and moisture from entering the structure. In models with the system No Frost it is also important to check whether the new configuration does not interfere with air flow.
Door installation and final assembly
After all the hinge parts are installed in new places, you can begin installing the door. This step is best done with two people, as refrigerator doors are heavy and bulky. Install the door onto the lower axle, making sure it fits correctly into the groove.
Then place the top hinge on the door axle and bolt it to the frame. Do not tighten the fasteners completely all the way right away - first you need to set the correct position. Tightening the bolts This is done after the door is level and the gaps have been checked.
If your model has a middle door (freezer compartment on top or bottom), the process is repeated for it in the same way. It is important to follow the sequence: first the lower elements, then the upper ones, controlling the vertical installation at each stage.
After installing all the doors, return the decorative panels, plinths and plugs to their place. Make sure that all wires, if they were involved, are laid in cable channels and are not pinched by moving parts.
Adjusting gaps and checking operation
The final stage is adjusting the position of the doors. Even with careful installation, adjustments may be required to ensure a tight seal around the entire perimeter. To do this, adjusting bolts located on the hinges or in the lower support part are used.
By rotating the adjusting screws, achieve a uniform gap between the door and the refrigerator body. The door should close tightly, but without excessive force. When positioned correctly, the seal should evenly adhere to the metal along its entire length.
Check the operation of the stoppers and closers, if they are provided for in the design. The door should not open on its own when the body is tilted back more than 15-20 degrees. If the door “walks,” you may need additional adjustment of the tilt of the refrigerator itself using the front supports.
⚠️ Attention: After installation and adjustment, let the refrigerator stand off for 2-4 hours before turning it on. This is necessary to stabilize the refrigerant, especially if the unit was tilted during operation.
Plug in the appliance and check the tightness of the closure after several hours of operation. If necessary, repeat the procedure (fine-tuning) of the adjusting screws to achieve an ideal result.
Is it necessary to change the seal when reversing the door?
In most cases, replacing the seal is not necessary if the old one is in good condition. However, if during rehanging you find cracks, abrasions or loss of elasticity of the rubber, it is better to replace it immediately to ensure the tightness of the camera.
What to do if the holes for the hinges do not match?
In the original models Hotpoint Ariston the holes are always symmetrical. If you don't see any holes, they may be covered by factory plugs that need to be removed. Drilling new holes is strictly prohibited - this will damage the thermal insulation and void the warranty.
Is it possible to rearrange the door on a refrigerator with a display?
Rearranging the door on models with a display is possible, but more difficult. Often the control cable needs to be reconnected or extended. In some cases, the display is transferred along with the panel, in others it requires flashing or adjustment via Service Menu.
Why, after rehanging, does the door not hold and open?
Most likely, the angle of the case is broken. The refrigerator door is kept closed due to gravity and the correct tilt of the body back. Adjust the front support legs by lifting the front of the refrigerator so that the center of gravity moves back.