A modern kitchen often dictates its ergonomic conditions, and the standard location of the refrigerator door may not fit into the updated interior. Owners of equipment Ariston often face the need to change the direction of opening of the sash in order to provide convenient access to the shelves or to free up the passage. Fortunately, the design of most models of this brand provides the opportunity reversing the door, which allows you to adapt the unit to any planning solutions.
This process does not require calling a specialist and the presence of complex professional equipment, however, it requires attentiveness, accuracy and adherence to a strict sequence of actions. Any mistake when installing the hinges or incorrect adjustment of the gaps can lead to a loose fit of the seal, which is fraught with loss of cold and increased load on the compressor. In this article we will analyze in detail all stages of work, paying attention to the technical nuances of various series of refrigerators.
Before starting any manipulations with the body of household appliances, it is critical to ensure safety. Be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply and defrost the chambers at least 24 hours before starting work. Working with a wet or connected unit is unacceptable, as this can lead to electric shock or damage to the electronics if it is accidentally shorted.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
The success of the operation to change the opening side directly depends on proper preparation. You don't need a locksmith's entire arsenal, but you should have specific tools on hand that will ensure that all elements are securely fastened. For models Ariston standard hardware is most often used, however, in some series there may be specific screws with a countersunk head.
Organize the space around the refrigerator so that you have access to it from all sides. Remove carpets, as they may miss a dropped bolt, and ensure the work area is well lit. It would be a good idea to lay a soft cloth or cardboard on the floor to protect the decorative covering of the door in case it accidentally falls.
You will need the following set of tools:
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) for removing handles and plugs.
- 🔩 Wrench an 8 mm and 10 mm wrench or socket for working with the main hinges.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧼 Masking tape for temporarily fixing the door (optional, but extremely useful).
- 🧽 Rags and degreaser for cleaning seats.
It is important to check the equipment of your refrigerator: sometimes additional fasteners for hanging are in a separate package attached to the inner wall of the chamber or located in the documentation. If you have lost the original set, you will have to select replacements, which may complicate the task due to differences in threads or length mounting screws.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use impact tools or excessive force when unscrewing rusted bolts. A sharp jerk can damage the plastic body or deform the metal frame of the door, which will make it impossible to close tightly.
Removing the top hinge and removing the door leaf
The first step is always to remove the top hinge, since it bears the main load of keeping the weight of the door suspended. Depending on the model Ariston, the top hinge may be hidden under a decorative plastic plug or cover. Carefully pry it off with a flat-head screwdriver, being careful not to scratch the glossy surface.
After gaining access to the fasteners, unscrew the bolts holding the top hinge. You will need a helper at this stage as the door is heavy and may fall, damaging the floor or causing a dent. If you don't have an assistant, securely secure the door in the closed position with masking tape or have someone just hold it while you work the key.
The dismantling process includes the following steps:
- 🛠️ Remove the top decorative panel or plug.
- 🔩 Unscrew the fastening bolts top hinge and remove the hinge itself.
- 🚪 Gently lift the door (it hangs on the bottom hinge pin) and remove it from the support.
- 🧱 Place the door in a safe place, placing it on a soft surface with the outside side up.
After removing the door, inspect lower hinge. In some models, it also requires dismantling or moving to the opposite side. If the design includes a turning mechanism, make sure you understand how it works before applying any force. Often, the lower hinge pin is simply pulled up after removing the door.
Moving the handle and controls
One of the most time-consuming parts of the operation is moving the handle. On refrigerators Ariston handles can be overhead or integrated into the body. If you have a model with an overhead handle, the process is relatively simple: you need to unscrew the screws on the inside of the door and move the handle to the other side using symmetrical holes.
The situation becomes more complicated if the handle is hidden or if there is a control panel (display, buttons) on the door. In such cases, complete disassembly of the door panel is often required to relocate wiring harnesses and rearrange electronic components. This requires increased caution so as not to damage fragile plastic latches and cables.
Algorithm for handling the handle:
- 🔍 Find the places where the handle is attached (often they are hidden under decorative caps).
- 🔧 Carefully unscrew all the mounting screws.
- 🔄 Install the handle on the opposite side, aligning the mounting holes.
- 🧩 If the holes are closed with plugs, move the plugs to the vacant spaces.
Pay special attention to models with a system No Frostwhere channels for condensate drainage or defrosting heating elements may be located in the doors. When moving the handle, make sure that you do not pinch the wires or damage the integrity of the insulation. Any damage to the wiring can lead to a short circuit.
⚠️ Attention: The design of doors of different years of manufacture may differ. If you do not see symmetrical holes for the handle, your model may require purchasing an additional hanging kit from a service center.
Mounting the bottom hinge and installing the door
After preparing the door leaf, you need to move the bottom hinge to the opposite side of the refrigerator body. To do this, unscrew the mounting bolts on the current side and screw them into symmetrical holes on the other side. It is important to use exactly those holes that are provided by the design to ensure the correct height and angle of inclination.
Installing the door is the most crucial moment. You need to get the bottom hinge pin (or bushing) into the mating hole on the door. Since the weight of the door is significant, it is better to perform this operation together. One person holds the door, the second controls hitting the axis and fixes the position.
Parameters for installing the lower support:
| Parameter | Value / Action | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Type fastenings | Pin / Bushing | High |
| Tightening torque | Medium (without fanaticism) | Medium |
| Gap at the floor | 2-3 mm | Critical |
| Verticality | Strictly according to level | High |
After the door is in place, install the top hinge. Do not tighten the top hinge bolts “tight” immediately. First, attach them so that it remains possible to (adjust) the position of the door. Make sure that the door opens and closes freely without touching the refrigerator body.
☑️ Checking the installation
Position adjustment and tightness check
The final stage is fine adjustment. Even a millimeter deviation can cause the magnetic strip of the seal to not fit tightly to the body. Check that the gap is even around the entire perimeter of the door. If there is more gap in the upper part than in the lower part, or vice versa, it is necessary to loosen the fastenings of the upper hinge and adjust the position.
To check the tightness, use a simple but effective method with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet with the refrigerator door around the perimeter. If the sheet is pulled out too easily or, conversely, breaks, adjustment is required. Ideally, the sheet should be removed with noticeable, but not excessive force.
Main signs of correct installation:
- ✅ The door closes itself with a slight push when opening 45 degrees.
- ✅ The seal is evenly pressed throughout contour.
- ✅ There are no distortions or jamming when opening.
- ✅ The decorative gaps between the door and the body are the same on all sides.
If after adjustment you notice that the door still does not fit tightly, the seal may have become deformed during storage or installation In this case, you can warm it up with a hairdryer (carefully!) or replace it with a new one. Also check refrigerator legs: if the unit is not level, the door may open spontaneously or not close completely.
What to do if the door creaks after installation?
The creaking may occur due to metal-to-metal friction in loops. Place one drop of machine oil or special lubricant (for example, lithol) at the hinge joint. Do not use vegetable oil - it will thicken and become sticky over time.
Common mistakes and troubleshooting
In the process of hanging the door, even experienced craftsmen can make mistakes that will subsequently affect the operation of the refrigerator. One of the most common problems is overtightening of bolts, which leads to deformation of the threads or the hinge metal itself. The other extreme is insufficiently tightened fasteners, which is why the door will begin to sag over time.
Sometimes users forget to move the plugs to the places of the old holes, which spoils the appearance of the equipment. Some models Ariston also require rearrangement of the door opening limiter, which is located at the rear. If this is not done, the door will not open to the full angle or, on the contrary, too wide, interfering with passage.
Table of possible problems and solutions:
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The door does not hold | The body is skewed or the hinges are loose | Align the legs, tighten the fasteners |
| Gap in the corner | Deformation of the seal | Warm up with a hairdryer or replace the tape |
| Difficult to open | Pressure difference or tight seal | Check the pressure relief valve |
| Knock when closing | Poor adjustment of the hinges | Adjust the door height |
Remember that regularly checking the condition of the seal and keeping the hinges clean will prolong the life of the mechanism. If you feel that you cannot cope with the adjustment, it is better to contact a specialist, since incorrect installation can lead to failure of the compressor due to constant operation in increased mode.
Do you need to call a specialist to rehang the door?
If you have basic skills with tools and the physical strength to hold the door, you can do it yourself. However, if the model is complex (with a display, ice generation system), it is better to entrust the work to professionals so as not to damage the electronics.
Is it possible to hang the door on a two-chamber refrigerator?
Yes, on most two-chamber models Ariston you can hang both doors. The process is similar, but requires more time and attention to the sequence of removing the upper and lower chambers. It is often necessary to remove the upper door to gain access to the fastenings of the lower one.
What to do if the plugs for the holes are lost?
Plugs can be ordered at the brand’s service center or selected universal analogues in furniture fittings stores. As a last resort, the holes can be sealed with a decorative sticker in the color of the body, although this is less aesthetically pleasing.
Does re-hanging the door affect the warranty?
Independently re-hanging the door, as a rule, does not void the warranty on the compressor and main components, unless structural elements or electronics were damaged in the process. However, if you damage the body or seal, the warranty case for these elements will not be considered.