Changing the kitchen layout often requires rearranging large household appliances, and at this moment many owners wonder how to rehang the Ariston Hotpoint refrigerator door. Manufacturers of refrigeration equipment, including brand Ariston, often provide the ability to change the opening side of the door leaf, which allows you to adapt the device to a specific space. This is especially true for narrow kitchens or when moving to a new home, where the location of the doorway dictates its own conditions.
The rehanging process does not require calling a specialist if you have basic skills in handling tools and an understanding of the structure of household appliances. Doing the work yourself will save your budget and time spent waiting for a specialist. However
In this article we will analyze in detail the stages of preparation, dismantling and reinstallation of the door on the opposite side for models Hotpoint-Ariston. You will learn about the necessary tools, the nuances of working with fittings and typical mistakes that should be avoided. Correctly performed re-hanging guarantees the tightness and long service life of your refrigeration unit.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
Before starting any manipulations with the refrigerator, it is necessary to prepare the workspace and assemble the tools. To work with equipment Ariston you will need a standard home craftsman's kit, which is found in the drawer of most men. The absence of the necessary tool can lead to thread breakage or damage to the decorative elements of the case.
The main tool will be a set of screwdrivers, including Phillips and flathead versions of different sizes. You may also need an 8 or 10 mm socket wrench or socket, since the main mounting bolts often have this type of head. It would be a good idea to prepare a building level to check the horizontal installation after completion of the work.
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) for unscrewing the screws.
- 🔩 A socket wrench or wrench (usually 8 mm or 10 mm).
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges.
- 🧼 Soft rags for wiping hinges and cleaning fastening points.
It is extremely important to clear the space around the refrigerator in order to have access to it from all sides. Remove the mat if it is slippery and keep the work area well lit. The refrigerator should be stable, without distortions, which will make it easier to remove heavy door panels.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! Remove the plug from the socket to eliminate the risk of electric shock or short circuit if the wiring is accidentally damaged.
Design features of Ariston doors Hotpoint
Refrigerators of the brand Hotpoint-Ariston have a classic design, where the door leaf is attached to the body using upper and lower hinges. Depending on the model, the system may differ in the presence of intermediate loops if you have a two-chamber unit. Understanding the device hinge system is the key to successfully completing the task.
Most modern models are equipped with hidden or semi-hidden hinges, which are covered with decorative plugs. These plugs must be carefully removed before unscrewing the bolts. On some models Ariston closers or special fasteners may also be installed, which require careful handling during dismantling.
Particular attention should be paid to the sealing system. Sealing rubber along the perimeter of the door ensures the preservation of cold and should fit tightly to the body after hanging. If the magnetic tape or the rubber itself is damaged during rearrangement, the refrigerator will work inefficiently, consuming more electricity.
Warranty myth
There is a common misconception that re-hanging the door yourself will automatically void the warranty on the refrigerator. In fact, as long as you don't damage the equipment in the process, the warranty still applies. However, if the service center technician finds traces of careless intervention (broken threads, broken plastic elements), free repairs may be refused.
The design of the doors allows you to change the opening side thanks to symmetrical holes on the body and the end of the door. On the opposite side, these holes are closed with plastic plugs that will need to be rearranged. This makes the process reversible and user-friendly.
Step-by-step instructions: dismantling the door
The process of removing the door begins with the top hinge. First you need to remove the decorative panel or plug covering the mounting bolts. Use a flathead screwdriver to carefully pry up the plastic, being careful not to scratch the surface of the body.
Once you have access to the top hinge bolts, you need to unscrew them, but do not remove them completely if the door is heavy. It is better to ask an assistant to hold the door so that it does not fall and damage the floor. Then completely unscrew the fasteners and remove the top hinge along with the axle.
- 🚪 Remove the top decorative plug and unscrew the bolts.
- 👐 Hold the door and carefully remove the top hinge.
- 🔌 Disconnect the wires if the door has a display or indication.
- 📉 Remove the door from the bottom hinge and set it aside in a safe place.
If the door has a control panel or display, as in some Side-by-Side or premium models, you must be extremely careful. The wires may be short and sudden movement will cause them to break. Carefully disconnect the connectors, remembering their location, or take a photo of the connection diagram.
☑️ Checklist before removing the door
For two-chamber models, the process is similar, but requires sequential removal of first the upper door (freezer or refrigerator), and then the lower one. There may be a middle loop between the chambers, which also needs to be removed. It is better to put all removed parts, including bolts and washers, in a separate container so as not to lose them.
Re-hanging the handle and rearranging the plugs
After removing the door, you need to move the handle to the opposite side, if the design of your model Ariston suggests this. On many modern refrigerators, the handles are symmetrical or have a universal mount. To do this, unscrew the mounting screws on one side and tighten them on the other, using pre-prepared holes.
An important step is rearranging the plastic plugs. The side where the loop was previously will now have a handle, and vice versa. Carefully remove the plugs from the old holes using a thin blade or needle. Then install them in the vacated holes on the opposite side, they fit tightly and do not protrude beyond the surface.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use force when installing the plugs! The plastic may crack and the aesthetic appearance of the door will be ruined. If the plug does not fit into place, check whether you are orienting it correctly.
Also check the condition keep plates on the body of the refrigerator. On the new opening side they must be installed correctly. Sometimes it is necessary to rearrange the door latch rod, which is located in the lock area. To do this, you may need to remove the plastic trim at the end of the door and move the mechanism into a symmetrical hole.
If your refrigerator model is equipped with a magnetic lock or a complex fixation system, refer to the diagram in the instructions. In some cases, the rod is simply removed with pliers and inserted on the other side. The main thing is to act carefully so as not to lose small springs or latches.
Installing the door on the new side
Assembly is carried out in the reverse order. First, install the bottom hinge on the new side by inserting it into the provided holes on the body. Secure the hinge with bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet, so that you can adjust the position of the door.
Then carefully place the door leaf on the axis of the lower hinge. This action is best performed by two people, as the door is heavy and bulky. Align the holes in the upper part of the door with the upper hinge on the refrigerator body.
| Stage | Action | Tool | Nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Installing the bottom hinges | Screwdriver, key | Do not tighten completely |
| 2 | Door installation | Assistant | Keep an eye on the wires |
| 3 | Attaching the top hinge | Key | Check the holes for alignment |
| 4 | Final tightening | Key | Check vertical |
After installing the top hinge and fixing the bolts, you need to check the vertical installation of the door. If the door is warped, loosen the fasteners and use washers or adjust the height of the refrigerator legs. The correct position ensures a tight fit of the seal around the entire perimeter.
If there was a display on the door, connect the wire connectors, observing the polarity and markings. Make sure that the wires are not pinched by the metal loops or twisted. After this, install the decorative panels in place.
Adjusting and checking the tightness
After installing the door on the new side, it is critical to check its tightness. A loose fit will lead to the formation of ice, increased load on the compressor and increased energy consumption. To check, use a simple test with a sheet of paper.
Press a sheet of paper between the door and the body at different points around the perimeter. If the paper is removed easily and without resistance, it means that in this place seal it does not fit tightly. In this case, it is necessary to adjust the position of the door or replace the sealing rubber if it is deformed.
- 📄 Carry out a test with a sheet of paper around the entire perimeter.
- 👀 Visually inspect the gap between the door and the body.
- 🌡️ After switching on, check the operation after 2-3 hours.
- 🔊 Make sure there are no extraneous creaks when opening.
To adjust, it is often enough to loosen the fastening bolts of the top hinge, level the door and tighten them again. You can also adjust the height of the front support legs of the refrigerator, which affects the angle of inclination of the entire body and, therefore, the door.
⚠️ Attention: Do not turn on the refrigerator immediately after moving it if you have tilted it strongly or transported it. Allow the oil in the compressor to drain into the crankcase for 2-4 hours to avoid damage to the unit.
Possible problems and their solutions
Unforeseen difficulties may arise during the rehanging process. One of the problems is that the door does not close tightly or closes with difficulty. This often indicates incorrect adjustment of the hinges or misalignment of the refrigerator body. Check the horizontal installation of the device using a level.
Another problem is the appearance of a squeak when opening. This can be solved by lubricating the rubbing parts of the hinges. Use silicone lubricant, which is safe for plastic and rubber. If the creaking persists, the hinge axis may be deformed or installed skewed.
If there is an indication on the door and it does not light up after connection, check that the connectors are securely connected. It is possible that the contact came loose during the installation process. It is also worth checking the integrity of the wires running inside the door.
In rare cases, it may be necessary to replace the seal if the old one has lost elasticity during dismantling. A new seal can be ordered at a service center Ariston or purchased at a specialized store, indicating the exact model of the refrigerator.
What to do if the bolts do not fit?
Sometimes the holes on the new side may have a different thread or size. The refrigerator often comes with additional bushings or bolts secured with tape on the back wall or inside the chamber. Check the instructions and packaging materials.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do you need to call a specialist to rehang the door?
No, if you have minimal technical skills and a set of tools, you can do it yourself. The process takes about 30-60 minutes. However, if you have a Side-by-Side model or a refrigerator with a built-in No Frost system of complex design, it is better to turn to professionals.
Will the warranty remain valid after rehanging the door?
The warranty remains valid if no parts of the refrigerator were damaged during the work (threads were torn off, plastic was broken, wires were broken). It is recommended to keep the receipts and not throw away the original plugs and fasteners in case you call for service.
Is it possible to hang the door on a refrigerator with a glass shelf on the door?
Yes, you can. The presence of shelves on the door does not affect the possibility of rehanging. The main thing is to carefully remove the shelves before starting work so that they do not break when removing the door leaf.
Why does the door not fit tightly after rehanging?
Most likely, the geometry of the hinges is broken or the refrigerator itself is uneven. Try loosening the top hinge and adjusting the position of the door. Also check if anything is preventing the closure (for example, products on the shelves).
Where can I get new plugs if the old ones are lost?
Plugs can be ordered at the brand's authorized service center Ariston Hotpoint, indicating the model of the refrigerator. Also, universal plugs are sold in furniture fittings stores, if you choose the appropriate size and color.