Changing the kitchen layout or simply rearranging furniture often poses a difficult task for owners of household appliances: the refrigerator door opens in the wrong direction. For brand equipment Hotpoint Ariston this is a solvable problem, since the design of most models initially provides for the possibility of changing the opening side. However, this process requires accuracy, the presence of a certain set of tools and an understanding of the structure of door mechanisms.
An incorrect sequence of actions can lead to damage to the plastic plugs, skewing of the canvas, or even failure of the opening alarm system. In this article we will look in detail at how to carry out re-hanging yourself without calling a specialist. Read carefully recommendations before starting work to avoid common mistakes and maintain the product warranty.
It is worth noting that in some models with a system No Frost or electronic control the procedure may have its own nuances related to the laying of cables and hoses. In models with a display on the door, it is often necessary to disconnect the cable, which requires special care. If you doubt your abilities, it is better to contact an authorized service center, but for most users this instruction will be a useful guide to action.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Before proceeding with dismantling, it is necessary to prepare all the tools. You will need a Phillips screwdriver, a flat head screwdriver for removing trim, and possibly an 8mm or 10mm socket wrench or wrench, depending on the specific model of your refrigerator. It would also be a good idea to have a plastic spatula or card on hand so as not to scratch the case when removing the plugs.
Free up space in front of the refrigerator. You will need to move the unit away from the wall to be able to access the rear and open the doors wide without obstruction. Make sure that the floor is level and clean, as heavy door leaves will have to be temporarily placed on the floor or on a prepared soft surface.
- 🛠️ Phillips and flathead screwdrivers for disassembling fasteners.
- 🔧 Wrench or socket (usually 8-10 mm) for bolts loops.
- 🧤 Construction gloves to protect hands from sharp edges.
- 🧼 Soft rags for wiping fastening points.
It is important to ensure good lighting of the work area. The shadow from the refrigerator body may make it difficult to see small parts of the fasteners. If you have an assistant, ask him to hold the door while unscrewing the hinges - this will greatly simplify the process and protect the mechanism from falling.
☑️ Preparing for work
Removing the top hinge and removing the top door
We start working from the top of the refrigerator. The first step is always to remove the top door, as it is held on by the top hinge, which also serves as support for the entire structure. Locate the decorative cap on the top panel above the door. Carefully pry it up with a flathead screwdriver or knife and remove it to gain access to the mounting bolts.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use excessive force when removing the plugs. Plastic on older models Hotpoint Ariston can be brittle and easily crack if you act harshly.
After the top hinge bolts are loosened, do not rush to unscrew them completely. First, have a helper hold the door firmly, or support it from below. Unscrew the fasteners and remove the metal loop. Now the upper door can be carefully removed from the lower hinge and placed in a safe place, having first placed cardboard or soft cloth under it.
If your model is equipped with a door sensor, carefully inspect the upper part. In some configurations, the wiring may pass through the top loop Disconnect the connector gently by pulling on the plastic part of the connector rather than on the wires themselves. Remember or photograph the position of the wires so as not to mix up the contacts during assembly.
What to do if the bolts are rusty?
If the bolts of the top hinge do not unscrew due to corrosion, try dripping a penetrating lubricant on them (for example, WD-40) and wait 10-15 minutes. Do not use an open flame for heating, as this can damage the plastic case and paintwork of the refrigerator.
Rearranging the lower hinge and main door
After removing the upper part, we move on to the main panel. Here the process is similar, but requires more physical strength due to the weight of the door. Locate the bottom hinge that attaches to the refrigerator body. Unscrew the bolts holding it in place. As in the previous case, make sure that the door is secured so that it does not fall on your feet.
After removing the door, pay attention to the lower support sleeve. It must be moved to the opposite side. To do this, unscrew the bushing on one side and screw it into the prepared hole on the other. Make sure that the thread is tightened all the way and is not loose, otherwise the door will creak or warp.
Now let's work on the lowest hinge. On most models Hotpoint Ariston it is symmetrical, but may have specific protrusions. Remove the hinge and install it on the opposite side of the case, using the same holes that were previously closed with plugs. Tighten the bolts reliably, but without fanaticism, so as not to break the threads in the metal case.
Installing the upper door and installing the upper hinge
When the lower part is ready, you can begin installing the main leaf. Hang the bottom door on the installed hinge. Check that it rotates freely and fits tightly to the body. If everything is in order, we move on to the final stage - installing the top door.
Install the top hinge on the new side. Insert the top door into it, aligning the holes. Screw in the mounting bolts. At this stage it is critical Do not tighten the bolts all the way immediately. First, tighten them so that the loop has a little play for adjustment.
If you disconnected the sensor wires, now is the time to reconnect them. Route the cable into the groove provided for this purpose inside the loop or housing so that it does not get caught in moving parts and does not fray over time. Make sure that the connector snaps into place with a characteristic click.
Check the operation of the magnetic lock and sensor. The door should open easily, and when closed, fit tightly around the entire perimeter. If you hear a click of the magnet along the entire length of the seal, it means that the installation was successful.
Adjusting the position of doors and eliminating distortions
After installing both doors, it may turn out that they are not perfectly level or one of them is warped. This is normal, since when re-weighting the geometry might have gotten a little off. To adjust, use the adjusting screws, which are usually located on the front of the lower hinge or at the end of the door.
By turning the screws clockwise, you can raise the corner of the door, and counterclockwise, you can lower it. Achieve such a position that the gap between the doors (if there are two) is uniform, and the upper and lower edges of the doors are in the same plane with the refrigerator body.
| Problem | Possible cause | Elimination method |
|---|---|---|
| The door is not fits tightly | Distortion of the hinges or contamination of the seal | Adjusting the screws, washing the seal |
| A squeak is heard | Lack of lubrication or metal friction | Lubrication hinges with silicone or graphite |
| The door opens itself | Tilting the refrigerator back | Adjusting the front supports (legs) |
| The gap between the doors | Incorrect installation of the middle hinges | Re-tightening and centering |
Pay attention to the legs of the refrigerator. For the doors to close properly by gravity, the unit must be slightly tilted back. Unscrew the front adjustment supports so that the front of the refrigerator is 1-2 centimeters higher than the back. This will ensure proper closing even if the closure is not complete.
Installation of plugs and final check
The final stage is aesthetic. Take the decorative caps that were removed at the beginning of the process. Those holes that have now become operational (where the bolts are located) do not need to be closed. But be sure to close the empty sockets on the opposite side with plugs to prevent dust and moisture from getting in.
Just insert them into the holes until you hear a characteristic click. If the plugs are not seated tightly, you can add a drop of glue, but usually they are held in place by a tight fit. Check whether the plugs do not interfere with the door opening by 90 degrees or more.
Plug in the refrigerator and let it work. Check to see if the door open indicator (if equipped) is on when open and goes off when closed. Make sure that the light inside turns on and off correctly.
⚠️ Attention: If after rehanging the door does not fit tightly and cold is blowing from the refrigerator, do not ignore it. A loose fit will lead to ice freezing and increased load on the compressor.
During the first 24 hours, observe the operation of the equipment. If you notice that the door begins to sag or cracks appear, repeat the adjustment procedure. It often takes several approaches to find the ideal position.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to rehang the door if the refrigerator has a display?
Yes, you can, but it’s more difficult. You will need to carefully disconnect the ribbon cable that goes to the display, which often goes through the top loop. Before turning off, be sure to turn off the power to the refrigerator. Be extremely careful with thin wires.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, if there is a lot of food in the refrigerator and it is heavily loaded, it is better to unload the contents. This will make the doors lighter and reduce the risk of food accidentally falling when the case is tilted.
What to do if the holes for the hinges on the new side do not match?
In factory models Hotpoint Ariston the holes are always symmetrical. If you don't see any holes, they may be covered with a layer of paint or factory film. Carefully inspect the end of the housing. You cannot drill new holes!
Why does the door close on its own after rehanging, but not all the way?
Most likely, the problem is in adjusting the legs of the refrigerator. It stands too straight or leans forward. Unscrew the front supports to create a rearward tilt. Also check whether the door touches the floor or protruding parts of the kitchen.