Changing the kitchen layout or simply the desire to optimize space often raises the question of changing the door opening side for owners of household appliances. For many refrigerator models Ariston (as well as Hotpoint-Ariston) this procedure is quite realistic and does not require calling a service engineer if you act carefully and consistently. Re-hanging the door is a process that allows you to adapt the device to new placement conditions, providing comfortable access to products.
However, it is worth understanding that the design of different modifications may differ significantly. In some places you will just need to rearrange the hinges, and in some cases it will be necessary to dismantle the entire facade and handles. Careful study the features of your model before starting work will help to avoid damage to the fasteners or the body itself. In this article we will analyze in detail all the stages of reinstallation.
The main rule for a successful operation is the presence of the necessary tools and free space around the unit. You should not try to do the work suspended or in a tight corner. Ariston refrigerator - this is a heavy device, and its stability is critical for the safety of the master when manipulating metal parts.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Before you begin dismantling, it is necessary to collect the entire arsenal of tools. Usually, to work with fasteners Ariston you require standard kits, which most home craftsmen have. The absence of the necessary screwdriver can lead to the breakage of the slots on the screws, which will significantly complicate the process.
You will need:
- 🛠️ A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) - for removing decorative caps and working with screws.
- 🔧 A wrench or 8 mm head is the basic size for most hinges in this technique.
- 🧤 Construction gloves - metal can have sharp edges, and lubricant in the mechanisms gets your hands dirty.
- 📏 Level - to check the horizontal installation after rehanging.
Free up space in front of the refrigerator. You will need to move the unit away from the wall at least 50-70 centimeters in order to have access to the back and sides. It is better to cover the floor with thick cardboard or soft cloth so that the laid parts do not get scratched or damage the floor covering.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work with electrical components (if the door has a display), be sure to unplug the refrigerator. Even if you are working only with mechanics, de-energizing will eliminate the risk of an accidental short circuit when removing control wires.
Removing the top panel and handle
The process begins from the top of the refrigerator compartment. On many models Ariston the handle can be integrated into the body or have hidden fasteners. If the handle is overhead, it is often held on by screws closed with decorative plugs. They need to be carefully pryed off with a thin flat screwdriver.
After removing the plugs you will see the mounting bolts. They must be unscrewed, but not completely removed, if the design involves hanging the handle on the new side without completely removing it. If the handle is solid and requires moving, completely dismantle it. On some models, the top decorative panel (top) also requires removal to access the top hinges.
Removing the top often requires unscrewing two screws on the front or back, after which the panel slides out. Be careful: plastic can be fragile, especially if the refrigerator has been in use for a long time. Sudden movements can lead to breakage of the latches.
Removing the door and rearranging the hinges
The most important step is dismantling the door leaf itself doors. The top hinge is attached to the body and to the door. After unscrewing the bolts holding the hinge to the body, the door must be held, since it no longer holds anything. It is better to perform this operation together so as not to drop the heavy structure and damage the lower pin or floor.
After removing the door, we move on to the lower part. There is a lower loop, which is often a support loop. It also needs to be unscrewed. Now you have on your hands two canvases (top and bottom) and a set of loops. Carefully inspect the holes on the opposite side of the case. In modern models Ariston they often already have threads or are closed with plastic plugs that need to be removed.
Install the hinges on the new side. It is important to use the exact holes that are designed for your model. If there are old threaded holes left on the unused side, they must be closed with the supplied plugs to maintain an aesthetic appearance and protect the metal from corrosion.
☑️ Checklist before installing hinges
Working with the No Frost system and air ducts
In refrigerators with the system No Frost door design may be more complex. The canvas often has channels for cold air circulation. When rehanging, it is important not to mix up the sides and not to bend the seals if they have a specific shape.
Pay special attention to the plastic bushings and air duct adapters. When removing the door from the hinge side, they may fall out or become dislodged. They must be carefully removed and installed in the corresponding holes on the new side. Loss or damage to these elements will lead to disruption of air circulation and ineffective operation of the refrigerator.
⚠️ Attention: The sealing rubber on the doors No Frost often has a magnetic layer around the entire perimeter. When reinstalling, make sure that the rubber does not curl inward, otherwise the door will not close tightly.
If your model is equipped with an electronic display on the door, then before completely removing the door leaf, you must disconnect the cable cable. The connector is usually located at the top of the door, hidden under a plastic hinge cover. Disconnect the connector by holding the plastic block itself, and not the wires, so as not to break the contacts.
Installing doors on a new side
After the hinges are secured in new places, you can hang the doors. First, install the bottom door (freezer if it is at the bottom), then the top door. Insert the lower hinge pin into the door hole, align the leaf and secure it with the upper hinge.
Do not immediately tighten the bolts until they stop. First, tighten all the screws so that the door fits into place, and only then make the final tightening. This will compensate for possible micro-distortions. To tighten, use a wrench or socket, ensuring even force.
What to do if the holes do not line up?
Some older models may require rearranging the internal bushings. They are located inside the end of the door. To do this, you need to remove the decorative plug from the end, remove the bushing and move it to the opposite end, then close the hole with the plug.
Check the free movement of the door. It should open smoothly, without creaking or jamming. If the door touches the body or shelves, you may need to adjust the height of the legs of the refrigerator or loosen the hinges for position.
Adjustment and checking the tightness
The final stage is checking the quality of the installation. The door should close tightly around its entire perimeter. To check for leaks, you can use a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet between the door and the body in different places and try to pull it out.
If the sheet is pulled out too easily or, conversely, with great difficulty in only one place, then adjustment is required. Models Ariston often provide for adjusting the tilt of the door by rotating the support screws on the hinges or changing the height of the front legs of the refrigerator.
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution method |
|---|---|---|
| The door does not stick | The geometry is broken or the seal is dirty | Rinse the rubber with warm water or warm it with a hairdryer |
| The door opens by itself | Tilting the body forward | Unscrew the front adjusting feet |
| It touches adjacent shelves | Distortion when installing hinges | Loosen the hinge screws and align door |
| Difficult to close | New seal or distortion | Check the level and running-in of the rubber |
Common mistakes when rehanging
One of the common mistakes is the loss of small parts. Screws, plugs and washers are very small and are easily lost in the grass (if working outside) or rolled under furniture. Always use a magnetic tray or jar for folding fasteners in the order of dismantling.
Another mistake is excessive force when unscrewing soured ones bolts If the screw does not budge, do not try to remove it by force, otherwise you may damage the threads in the refrigerator body, the restoration of which will require serious expenses. It is better to use a penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40) and wait 10-15 minutes.
⚠️ Attention: The design and location of the mounting holes may vary depending on the year of manufacture and the specific series. Ariston. Always check the technical documentation, if it has survived, or use the method of elimination, carefully examining the ends of the door.
Do not forget about aesthetics. After completion of the work, holes will remain in place of the old fasteners. Be sure to close them with the plastic plugs included in the kit, or those that were dismantled on the other side. This will protect the internal insulation from moisture and dust.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging it?
Yes, this is necessary. First, an empty refrigerator is easier to move and tilt. Secondly, when tilting (even small ones), oil or refrigerant may leak from the system if the compressor has been running recently. Let the unit stand unplugged for at least 2-4 hours before starting work.
Is it possible to rehang the door if there is a display on it?
Yes, it is possible, but it is more difficult. You will have to carefully disconnect the cable that goes to the display and route it through the top loop on the new side. The length of the wires usually allows this to be done, but extra care is required so as not to damage the contacts.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not close tightly?
Most likely, the angle of the refrigerator itself is broken. Try unscrewing the front leveling feet so that the body tilts slightly backwards. Also check to see if the seal is wrapped at the bend.
Will the warranty still apply after re-hanging it yourself?
According to the law, independent repairs or modernization (which may include re-hanging) may cause a refusal of warranty service if the breakdown is related to your actions. If the refrigerator is new, it is better to call an official technician.