Changing the opening side of the refrigerator door is a common need that arises when remodeling a kitchen or purchasing a new model of household appliances. Owners of units Hotpoint Ariston often face the question of whether it is possible to independently change the direction of opening of the valves without damaging the hinges and seals. Fortunately, the design of most modern refrigerators of this brand provides for this possibility, allowing the device to be adapted to any indoor conditions.
The process of hanging doors requires some preparation and care, since the work involves heavy elements and complex fastening mechanisms. Before starting work, you need to free up the space around the refrigerator and make sure that you have access to the rear wall of the unit from all sides. The correct sequence of actions guarantees that you will not lose fasteners and will be able to correctly install the fittings in a new location.
In this article we will analyze in detail the stages of dismantling and installation door panels, and also pay attention to the nuances of setting up locks and handles. You will learn what tools are needed to complete the task and how to avoid common mistakes that can lead to misalignment of the valves or leakage. Hotpoint Ariston equipment has a reliable assembly, but requires careful handling of plastic plugs and metal pins.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
Before you begin to physically dismantle the elements of the refrigerator, you should prepare all the necessary tools. To work with fasteners Hotpoint Ariston you will most likely need a set of wrenches, including sizes 8, 10 and 13 mm, as well as screwdrivers (Phillips and flat head). Some models may use hex bolts, so having a set of bits will not be superfluous.
Pay special attention to the organization of space: the refrigerator should be stable, and there should be enough space around it to walk around. Protective coating on the floor will protect the laminate or tile from scratches in the event of a fall of a heavy element or tool. It is also recommended to call an assistant, since removing the door, especially the bottom one, with or without food inside, is a task for two.
- 🛠️ Set of wrenches and sockets (8, 10, 13 mm)
- 🔧 Screwdrivers (cross, flat, possibly hexagon)
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges
- 🧼 Soft cloth for wiping seals and surfaces
Do not forget to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply before starting any work. This is a basic safety rule that cannot be ignored, even if you are only replacing mechanical parts. While the unit is cooling and defrosting (if necessary), you can study the fastening diagram in the instructions for your specific model Hotpoint Ariston.
Removing the top door refrigerator compartment
The process of removing the top door usually begins with dismantling decorative elements and handles. Depending on the model Hotpoint Ariston, the handle can be attached to screws hidden under plugs, or be integrated into the canvas. Carefully remove all visible fasteners, being careful not to damage the plastic covers that may be needed for installation on the other side.
After removing the handle, you need to unscrew the top hinge. It is important here that someone holds the door, since after unscrewing the last bolt it may fall. Top hinge often has a complex design, including a closer mechanism or a latch, so before completely removing it, inspect for additional latches.
⚠️ Attention: Before unscrewing the top hinge, make sure that the door is securely fixed or supported by an assistant. A falling glass shelf or heavy panel can cause injury or damage to the flooring.
When the hinge is unscrewed, carefully lift the door to remove the bottom pin from the hole and set it in a safe place. At this stage, you can check the condition of the sealing rubber and, if necessary, clean it of dirt. It is better to immediately put all removed screws and parts into a separate container so as not to lose them during work.
Removing the bottom door of the freezer
The bottom part of the refrigerator Hotpoint Aristonis usually a freezer and has its own fastening features. Dismantling begins with removing the central hinge that connects the upper and lower doors. After removing the top flap you will have access to this assembly. Unscrew the bolts of the central hinge and remove it along with the decorative cover, if it is provided for in the design.
Next, you should remove the bottom door itself. The principle is similar to the top one: you need to lift the blade to free the lower axis and set it aside. Pay attention to the condition lower bearing or the bushings - they should not have signs of corrosion or severe wear. If you find rust, it is better to immediately replace these elements or lubricate them with a special lubricant.
In some models with the system No Frost the display or lamp power wires may pass through the central part. If your refrigerator has electronic controls on the door, be sure to disconnect the connectors before finally removing the panel. Do not pull the wires sharply so as not to damage the contacts.
- ❄️ Inspect the seal for cracks and abrasions
- 🔩 Check the integrity of the threads in the mating holes of the housing
- 🧹 Clean the ends of the doors from dust and adhering fat
☑️ Dismantling the bottom door
Rehanging the hinges and installation plugs
The most important stage is moving the fasteners to the opposite side. The refrigerator body Hotpoint Ariston initially has technological holes on both sides, closed with plastic plugs. You need to carefully remove these plugs from the side where the hinges will be moved and install them in the vacant spaces.
Hinges are often asymmetrical or have a specific shape, so it is important not to confuse the upper and lower parts. Lock mechanism may also require reinstallation: in some models, the lock tongue needs to be moved into a symmetrical hole at the end of the door. To do this, you may need to remove the inner end panel or use a thin screwdriver to remove the lock.
| Element | Overhang action | Nuances for Hotpoint Ariston |
|---|---|---|
| Top loop | Move to the other side | May have a built-in closer |
| Central loop | Turn over or rearrange | Often aligned with the axis of rotation |
| Lower support | Move to a symmetrical hole | Requires precise alignment |
| Plugs | Swap | Remove carefully so as not to break |
When installing the hinges in a new place, do not immediately tighten the bolts “all the way”. First tighten all the screws to ensure that the position of the door can be (finely adjusted). Only after making sure that all the holes line up and the door is in place can you make the final tightening.
⚠️ Attention: Do not overtighten the hinge bolts. Excessive force can strip the threads in the metal body of the refrigerator or deform the seats, making it impossible to make correct adjustments in the future.
What to do if the holes do not line up?
If the holes do not line up perfectly, check that the center axis is installed correctly. Sometimes it is necessary to slightly loosen the hinge body and move it in the desired direction before tightening.
Installing the doors in the reverse order
Assembly is performed in the reverse order of disassembly. The bottom freezer door is installed first. Place it with the lower bushing on the prepared axle, then install the central hinge. When installing the central hinge, make sure that it correctly orients the doors relative to each other.
Then comes the turn of the top door. Align the holes on the top hinge with the holes on the body and insert the mounting bolts. If your model Hotpoint Ariston has an automatic closing mechanism, check its operation immediately after installation, without slamming the door sharply. Smooth operation is the main indicator of correct installation.
After installing the door leaves, you need to connect the wires if they were disconnected. Connectors usually have safety latches and a distinctive click when connected correctly. Make sure that the cables are not pinched by the metal hinges and do not fall into the movement area of the doors.
- 🚪 Install the lower door on the axis
- 🔩 Secure the central hinge
- 🆙 Hang the upper door and screw the upper hinge
- 🔌 Connect the wiring connectors (if any)
The final touch is the installation of handles and decorative trims. Check that all the plugs are installed in their places and do not stand out against the general background. If there are screws on the handles, cover them with the decorative caps included in the kit.
Adjusting and checking the tightness
After all the elements are installed, you need to check the tightness of the doors. Sealing is key to efficient compressor operation and food preservation. Take a regular sheet of paper and clamp it between the door and the body around the perimeter. The sheet should be removed with force, but not tear or fall out freely.
If you find gaps or a loose fit, you will need to adjust the door height. The design Hotpoint Ariston often provides the ability to adjust the height of the front leg of the refrigerator or the height of the hinge itself. By rotating the adjusting bolts, you can achieve an ideal horizon and tight clamping of the magnetic seal.
Let the refrigerator stand in the off state for at least 2-3 hours before turning it on for the first time, especially if you tilted the unit strongly during work. This is necessary so that the oil in the compressor flows into the crankcase. After turning on, listen to the operation: there should be no extraneous knocks or creaks.
What to do if the door does not stay open?
If the door does not lock in the open position (at an angle of about 45-90 degrees), the refrigerator may not be level. Try unscrewing the front leveling feet a little to create a slight backward tilt of the chassis. This will help the closer mechanism work correctly.
Is it possible to rehang the door if the refrigerator is built-in?
Reversing the doors of a built-in refrigerator Hotpoint Ariston is possible, but requires dismantling the facade of the kitchen unit. The process is more complicated, since you need to remove the decorative panel, rehang it on the new side and readjust the gaps. It is recommended to have the instructions for furniture hinges on hand.
Is it necessary to change the opening side for Side-by-Side models?
In most models of Side-by-Side refrigerators (two vertical doors at full height), reversing the doors is impossible or extremely difficult without special equipment and skills. The design of the hinges and the cold distribution system are often not provided for