Changing the side of the door opening is a frequent need when moving or remodeling a kitchen, when the standard configuration is no longer convenient. Refrigerators Hotpoint Ariston were initially designed with the possibility of reinstallation, which allows you to adapt the equipment to narrow openings or a specific arrangement of furniture. A correctly performed procedure will not only save space, but will also ensure the durability of seals and hinges.
Before starting work, it is extremely important to understand that hinge mechanism it may differ between different series, so blindly following general instructions without taking into account the model is risky. Owners should prepare the necessary tools in advance and free up the working space around the unit. Ignoring the procedure can lead to damage to the decorative panels or a violation of the seal of the chamber.
In this article we will analyze the reinstallation process in detail, paying attention to hidden screws and pressure adjustment. You will learn what nuances are typical for models with the system No Frost and how to avoid common mistakes when dismantling fittings. A competent approach ensures that the door will close tightly, maintaining the temperature regime.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
High-quality reinstallation is impossible without a pre-prepared set of tools, since attempts to replace them with improvised means often lead to thread breakage or scratches on the body. You will need a Phillips screwdriver (usually a PH2) for most fasteners and a wrench, the size of which depends on the diameter of the hinge bolts, most commonly 8 or 10mm. It would also be a good idea to use a flat spatula or spatula to carefully snap off the plastic plugs without damaging them.
Particular attention should be paid to fixing the refrigerator itself during operation. Since you will have to exert physical effort to remove heavy door panels, the unit must be stable and not wobble. Place anti-slip material under the legs or ask an assistant to hold the case to avoid equipment falling or injury.
- 🔧 Medium-sized Phillips screwdriver for case screws.
- 🔩 Wrench or 8-10 mm socket for hinges.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧹 Clean rags for wiping the fastening points from dust.
If you are working with a model that has a display on the door, you will need additional care when disconnecting the cables so as not to damage the thin contacts.
Design features of Hotpoint hinges Ariston
Refrigerators Hotpoint Ariston are equipped with upper and lower hinges, the design of which allows for the possibility of rearrangement to the opposite side. The top hinge is usually secured with two or three bolts and often has a built-in opening stop. The lower support is responsible for centering the leaf and experiences the main load from the weight of the door, so its condition is critical for proper operation.
⚠️ Attention: On some models, the screws of the upper hinge are closed with a plastic plug, which must be pryed off with a knife or flat-head screwdriver. Do not use excessive force to avoid breaking the plastic, as it can be difficult to find a replacement for the original plug.
It is worth noting that in models with the system No Frost power wires for the lamp and display often pass through the top loop. When reversing the door, these cables must be moved to the other side or switched to the appropriate connectors if the design provides for symmetrical sockets. In older or budget models, there may be no wiring, which greatly simplifies the task.
Is it necessary to remove the middle door?
In two-chamber refrigerators, it is often necessary to rehang the middle door of the freezer. To do this, it is usually enough to move the pin or hinge axis into a symmetrical hole on the opposite side, having first removed the decorative plug.
The closer mechanism, if present, also requires careful handling. When dismantling, make sure that the spring elements do not release suddenly, as this may result in injury or loss of small parts. Study the diagram in the instructions for your specific model Hotpoint Ariston, since the location of the mounting holes may vary.
Dismantling the top part and removing the door
The process begins by disconnecting the refrigerator from the power supply, which is a prerequisite for safety, especially if you have to work with the electrical wiring of the door. The first step is to remove the top decorative panel, if present, and remove the mounting bolts holding the top hinge. After this, the door must be carefully lifted to remove it from the lower support axis, but not completely released, as it is heavy.
If a control unit or display is installed on the door, at this stage you need to disconnect the wire connectors. They are usually secured with plastic latches that need to be gently pressed out. Do not pull the wires by force, so as not to break the contacts, it is better to use a thin tool for undocking.
☑️ Dismantling procedure
After removing the door, put it in a safe place, preferably on a soft surface, so as not to scratch the front panel. Now you can start rearranging the fasteners on the refrigerator body. Inspect the opposite side: there should be symmetrical holes, closed with plastic plugs, which need to be removed and moved to the free space.
Rearranging the lower support and fittings
The lower hinge is often hidden under a decorative base or plastic cover at the bottom of the refrigerator. Remove this element to gain access to the fastener. Unscrew the bolts holding the lower support and move it to the opposite side using the symmetrical holes prepared in advance. In some models Hotpoint Ariston it is also necessary to rearrange the pin on which the door is placed.
Pay attention to the condition of the threaded connections. If you find traces of corrosion or broken threads, it is better to replace the fasteners with new ones, since the tightness of the closure depends on the reliability of the lower hinge. Use thread lock during assembly so that the vibration of the compressor does not loosen the connections over time.
| Element | Action | Nuances |
|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Dismantling and rearrangement | Careful with wires |
| Bottom support | Removing the base, moving | Requires fixation |
| Plugs | Rearrangement to the other side | Do not lose small parts |
| Handle | Removal and installation | Depends on the model |
If your model is equipped with a magnetic lock or a specific locking mechanism, make sure that the mating part is also rearranged or installed on the other side. Failure to do this step will result in the door not staying closed.
Installing the door on a new side
After preparing all the fasteners on the on the new side you can start hanging the door. It is more convenient to do this together: one person holds the heavy blade, and the second directs the lower axis into the loop hole. After making sure that the door is level, you can begin fixing the top part.
When installing the top hinge, it is important to immediately get into the mounting holes without distorting the metal. Tighten the bolts evenly, without tightening them all the way all at once, to be able to position the door. If the model involves connecting wires, connect the connectors and lay the harness so that it does not get pinched when opening.
- 🚪 Install the door on the lower axis.
- 🔩 Fix the upper hinge with bolts.
- ⚡ Connect the cables (if in stock).
- 🔧 Tighten all fastenings completely.
Now you can install decorative plugs in the places where the holes were and return the base panel to its place. Check that all plastic elements fit tightly and do not dangle, creating a single plane with the body.
Adjusting and checking tightness
The final stage is checking the quality of installation and adjusting the position of the door. The door should open smoothly, without jamming, and fit snugly around the entire perimeter of the body. If you notice a skew or a loose fit in one of the corners, you need to loosen the fastenings and adjust the position.
⚠️ Attention: If, after rehanging, the door does not close completely or comes off at the top, check the tilt level of the refrigerator itself. Often the problem is solved not by adjusting the hinges, but by tightening the front support legs of the unit.
To check the tightness, you can use a simple test with a sheet of paper: hold the sheet with the door and try to pull it out. If the paper is pulled out too easily anywhere around the perimeter, it means that the seal is not tight. In this case, you may need to warm up the rubber with a hairdryer or re-adjust the hinges.
After successful installation, turn on the refrigerator and let it work several hours to ensure that the temperature is maintained. If the freezer operates normally and no excess frost forms on the walls, it means that tightness it has been completely restored.
Is it necessary to completely remove the door to rehang it?
In most cases, it is necessary to completely remove the door to rearrange the hinges and plugs. However, some models Hotpoint Ariston provide for the possibility of rearranging only the fasteners without completely dismantling the canvas, but this requires high qualifications and is inconvenient for a beginner.
What to do if the holes for the hinges do not match?
All holes for rehanging are already provided by the manufacturer on the opposite side. If you do not see the holes, check whether they are closed with decorative plugs, or refer to the instructions, as some budget models may not have complete symmetry.
Is it possible to damage the compressor when overhanging?
If you follow safety precautions and disconnect from the network, the risk is minimal. However, sharp impacts on the body or a strong tilt of the refrigerator (more than 40 degrees) during work can negatively affect the motor, so be careful.