Changing the kitchen layout or simply the desire to optimize the workspace often requires moving household appliances. Owners of units Ariston Hotpoint may be faced with the need to change the opening direction of the door so that it does not block the passage or entrance to another room. Fortunately, the design of most models provides for this possibility, although the process requires care and adherence to the sequence of actions.
The rehanging procedure is not complicated, but it requires careful handling of mechanical components and fittings. Incorrect dismantling may result in damage to the housing coating or loss of seal tightness. Before starting work, it is important to make sure that you have enough free space around the device for maneuvers.
In this article we will analyze in detail the stages of preparation, dismantling old fittings and installing hinges on the opposite side. We will pay special attention to the nuances of adjustment, since this determines how tightly it will close refrigerator compartment after modernization.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
The success of the operation directly depends on the quality of preparation. You won't need sophisticated electronic devices, but a basic DIY kit is a must. The main tool will be wrench or a set of heads, since the fastening bolts are often tightened with great force.
You will also need a flathead and Phillips screwdriver to remove decorative plugs and plastic elements. It would be a good idea to have a building level on hand to check the levelness of the installation after completion of the work. To protect the flooring and the unit itself, prepare a soft cloth or cardboard.
- 🔧 A set of open-end wrenches or a ratchet with heads (often a size of 8, 10 or 13 mm is required).
- 🪛 Various types of screwdrivers (PH2 for screws, flathead for plugs).
- 📏 Construction level for checking the tilt of the body.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to unplug the refrigerator from the power supply and defrost it if there is ice inside. This will prevent short circuits and make it easier to work with the mechanisms.
Free up space around the refrigerator. You will need to move it away from the wall at least a meter to have access to the back and sides on all sides. Remove all shelves, drawers and products to make the structure as light as possible and avoid breaking glass when tilted.
Removing the top hinge and door
The first step is always removing the top hinge, since it is this that holds the main weight of the door leaf. Depending on the model Ariston Hotpoint, the loop can be hidden under a decorative cover or open. Carefully pry up the plastic plug with a flat screwdriver, being careful not to scratch the metal surface. Unscrew the bolts securing the top hinge. It’s better not to act alone here: while you hold the key, an assistant should hold the door so that it does not fall. If you are working alone, place blocks or a stack of books under the door, after covering them with a cloth, to secure the position before completely unscrewing. metal surface.
Unscrew the bolts securing the top hinge. It’s better not to act alone here: while you hold the key, an assistant should hold the door so that it does not fall. If you are working alone, place blocks or a stack of books under the door, covering them with a cloth to secure the position before completely unscrewing.
After loosening the fasteners, remove the hinge and set the door in a safe place. Now pay attention to the axis of rotation. In some models it is part of the hinge, in others it is inserted into the door body. To rehang, the axle will need to be moved to the opposite side, using the muffler holes provided by the manufacturer muffler holes.
What to do if the bolts are rusty?
If the fasteners are stuck, do not try to tear them off by force, so as not to break the thread. Treat the joint with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and leave for 10-15 minutes. After this, the bolts should unscrew more easily.
Rearranging the fittings and lower fastening
The next step is to work with the lower part of the structure. Remove the refrigerator base panel, if equipped. It is usually secured with latches or magnets. Under it you will see the lower hinge, which also needs to be removed.
It is important to remember the location of all washers, bushings and gaskets. When reassembling on the new side, they will need to be installed in the same order to ensure proper functioning of the mechanism. Move the lower support axis to a symmetrical hole on the other side of the body.
Now let's work on the door itself. There may be holes left at the end where the handle was attached (if it is through) or where the hinges were located. They must be closed with plastic plugs, which usually come with the refrigerator or are already installed on the reverse, now working, side. If there are no plugs, you can use special stickers in the color of the body to maintain aesthetic appearance.
Install the handle in a new place if the design of the model requires it. In some series Hotpoint the handles are symmetrical and do not require rearrangement, in others you need to unscrew the fasteners from the inside of the door.
| Element | Action during dismantling | Action during installation | Important detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Unscrew, remove from the axle | Install on new holes | Do not lose washers |
| Bottom support | Unscrew from the body | Screw into a symmetrical hole | Check the thread |
| Axis of rotation | Knock out or pull out | Insert into upper/lower socket | Lubricate with lithium grease |
| Plugs | Remove from new holes | Install in old holes | Keep an eye on color |
☑️ Checklist before assembly
Installing the door on the new side
After preparing all the elements, you can begin hanging the door. Lift the door leaf and carefully slide it onto the lower axle. Make sure the door is seated tightly and is upright. Now you need to fix the top hinge.
Insert the top hinge into the grooves on the end of the door and align it with the holes in the refrigerator body. Screw in the mounting bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet. This will allow you to make final adjustment position of the door.
Check how the door behaves when opening and closing. It should move smoothly, without creaking or jamming. If the movement is stiff, the top hinge may be too tight or the bottom support may not be installed correctly. Loosen the fasteners and try to align the position again.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use excessive force when tightening the bolts. Aluminum alloys used in hinges are easily damaged by stripping the threads, which will make further operation impossible.
Adjusting gaps and tightness
The most important stage is setting. Even if the door is in place, distortions may remain. Pay attention to the gap between the door and the body around the entire perimeter. It should be the same at the top and bottom.
To adjust, it is often enough to loosen the screws of the top hinge, press or move the door in the desired direction and tighten the fasteners again. Some models Ariston are provided with adjusting screws that allow you to change the tilt of the door relative to the horizontal.
Check the operation of the magnetic seal. The door must fit tightly to the body along its entire length. If a gap has formed in some place through which the cold escapes, try slightly heating the seal with a hairdryer (without overheating!) and straighten it, or place a thin gasket under it.
- 👁️ Visually assess the evenness of the joint line between the door and the body.
- 📄 Use a sheet of paper: clamp it between the door and the body, it should be removed with force along the entire perimeter.
- 🔄 Check whether the door closes itself to the end when not fully opening.
If after adjustment the door is still skewed, check the legs of the refrigerator. They should be unscrewed so that the body leans slightly back. This ensures automatic closing of the door under the influence of gravity.
Frequent errors and troubleshooting
When doing self-repair, often There are typical mistakes. One of them is the loss of small parts. Washers and bushings may fall into the cabinet or roll under the refrigerator. To avoid this, work in good lighting and use a magnetic tray for fasteners.
Another common problem is damage to the seal when removing the door. If you pulled the door sharply, the seal could come off or become deformed. In this case, it will have to be changed or re-glued using a special glue for rubber.
Also, users often forget about electrical components. In models with a display on the door or a No Frost system with an air supply channel on the door, it is necessary to disconnect the wire cables. Electrical connectors require careful handling: you cannot pull the wires, only the plastic connector housing.
⚠️ Attention: If Your model has wires going to the door (light, display, button), make sure they are long enough for the new side. In rare cases, it is necessary to lengthen the cable, which is a more complex procedure.
If after all the manipulations the refrigerator begins to hum or vibrate loudly, check whether the door touches the body or floor when opening. Also make sure that during transportation you do not forget to remove the shipping bolts (if they were on the back wall), although this relates indirectly to rehanging the doors.
What to do if the door is not held by a magnet?
Check the integrity of the seal. If it is intact, the magnets may have become loose (rare) or the door may be warped. Try adjusting the tilt of the refrigerator by unscrewing the front legs more to create a reverse slope.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Do you need to wait after re-hanging before turning on the refrigerator?
There is no special waiting time due to re-hanging the door if you have not carried out work with refrigerant pipes. However, if the refrigerator was transported lying down, it must be kept upright for at least 2-4 hours before starting the compressor, so that the oil flows into the crankcase.
Is it possible to hang the door if there is a display on it?
Yes, in most modern models Ariston Hotpoint the wiring is designed to be hung. However, you will need to carefully disconnect the cable, remove the control panel and move it to the other side if the design is symmetrical, or move the wires inside the door channel.
Where to put the old holes from the hinges?
Plastic plugs (pins) are always included with the refrigerator. Those holes that are on top (formerly bottom) are closed with plugs. Holes that become operational are freed from plugs. If the plugs are lost, they can be ordered from the service center.
Why did the door begin to open on its own after rehanging?
Most likely, the angle of the body is broken. To close properly, the refrigerator must be tilted slightly backwards. Adjust the height of the front legs by unscrewing them until the door begins to close confidently from the “slightly ajar” position.