Changing the kitchen layout or simply the desire to improve the ergonomics of the workspace often dictates new requirements for the location of household appliances. Hotpoint Ariston refrigerator can initially be configured to open to the right, which in conditions of a narrow passage or a specific location of the socket becomes a serious obstacle. Fortunately, the design of most modern models of the brand, such as series Quartz, Lyra or Indesit (produced at the same factories), provides for the possibility of re-hanging the valves.
This process does not require calling a specialist and expensive tools, but it does require attentiveness, physical strength and strict adherence to the sequence of actions. Incorrect assembly can lead to misalignment, loss of seal tightness, or even damage to the housing. In this article we will analyze in detail how to properly rehang the door, what nuances to take into account when working with two-chamber models and how to avoid common mistakes.
Before starting work, it is critical to make sure that your unit really allows such a modification. Although the vast majority of models Hotpoint Ariston have symmetrical holes, there are rare modifications with non-removable handles or specific electronics at the end of the leaf, where rearrangement is impossible without complex alterations. Carefully inspect the end of the door leaf: if there are only two holes for hinges (top and bottom) and there is no electronics whose wiring passes through the hinge, the procedure is possible.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Quality preparation is half the success of any repair operation. To work with massive elements of a refrigeration cabinet, you will need not only a standard home craftsman’s kit, but also free space. Make sure that there is at least a meter of space around the unit, as the door will have to be removed completely and set aside.
As for tools, the basic set usually includes a Phillips screwdriver (often a PH2 or PH3 size is required) and wrenches. Depending on the model Ariston refrigerator, fasteners can be represented by hexagon bolts (usually 8 mm or 10 mm) or standard nuts. It is also strongly recommended to have a flat spatula or spatula with a wide blade on hand to carefully pry up the plastic plugs.
- 🛠️ Set of wrenches or sockets (sizes 8, 10, 13 mm)
- 🪛 Phillips and a flat screwdriver (for screws and plugs)
- 📏 Level (bubble) for checking horizontality
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! Remove the plug from the outlet. This is necessary not only for your safety, but also to ensure that the compressor does not try to start when the case is tilted or vibrating.
Removing the top part and removing the top door
The process always starts from the top door if you have a two-chamber refrigerator. The first step is to dismantle the top decorative panel, if it is present on your model Hotpoint. It can be secured with latches or screws hidden under rubber plugs. Carefully remove it to gain access to the top hinge.
Next, you should loosen, but do not completely unscrew, the screws securing the top hinge. At this moment, it is very important that someone else holds the door, since after unscrewing the bolts it will remain hanging only by friction and may fall. If you don't have an assistant, use wedges or shims under the bottom of the door to secure its position before finally removing the fasteners.
Once the top hinge is released, remove it along with the axle. Now you can carefully lift the door and remove it from the bottom axis (which in this case is the middle hinge for two-chamber models). Place the canvas in a safe place, having first removed all the shelves and heavy containers from it to reduce weight.
☑️ Preparing to remove the doors
Particular attention should be paid to plastic bushings and washers that may be located on the hinge axis. Loss of these elements will lead to the door not closing well or starting to creak. Place all small fasteners in a separate container so that they do not get lost among the tools.
Working with the bottom door and middle hinge
After removing the top panel, attention turns to the bottom door. The algorithm of actions here is similar, but has its own characteristics. It is necessary to dismantle the middle hinge, which now serves as the top hinge for the lower sash. Often, it is on this element that the axle is attached, which enters the counter hole of the door.
Remove the lower door by disconnecting it from the axle. Now you have two doors and the freed end of the refrigerator body in your hands. At this stage, it is important to inspect the condition of the rubber seals. If they are deformed, it makes sense to warm them up with a hairdryer or replace them while the doors are removed, since access to them is now maximum.
What to do if the bolt is rusty?
If the hinge bolt is “stuck” and does not unscrew, do not use excessive force so as not to strip the thread. Apply some penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) to the joint and wait 10-15 minutes. If there is no lubricant, you can gently warm up the bolt head with a hair dryer, but make sure that hot air does not get on the plastic body of the refrigerator.
Now you need to remove the stoppers and plugs on the side where you plan to hang the doors. Usually, decorative plastic plugs are already installed on the reverse side, which need to be removed and moved to the vacated holes. In some models Hotpoint Ariston you also need to rearrange the locking pin, which prevents the door from opening at an angle of more than 90 degrees.
Rearrangement of fittings and handles
The most crucial moment is the relocation of fastening elements. Door handles often have an asymmetrical shape or a specific fastening mechanism that requires rearrangement. Carefully study the instructions for your specific model, since the methods of attaching handles may differ for Hotpoint refrigerators may vary.
In most cases, the handle is attached to screws on the inside of the door. You will have to unscrew them, remove the handle and install it on the symmetrical holes on the other side. If the holes are covered with plugs, remove them. If the handle is solid and covers the end, you may need to remove it completely and turn it over, or rearrange the decorative trims.
| Element | Action during transfer | Nuance |
|---|---|---|
| Upper loop | Move to the opposite side | Check the length of the axle |
| Middle loop | Move the axle or pin | It is important not to confuse the top and bottom |
| Bottom support | Rearrange the bushing/support | Often hidden under the baseboard |
| Plugs | Close the old holes | So as not dust and moisture got in |
Do not forget about the lower support sleeve. It is located at the very bottom of the door leaf or on the body below. It must be unscrewed or knocked out on one side and pressed tightly into the hole on the other side. Without this element, the door will not fit correctly onto the axis.
Assembling the structure on the new side
Assembly is carried out in the reverse order of disassembly, but on the other side of the case. First, install the lower support sleeve (if it was carried separately) and the lower hinge (which will now become the middle one). Make sure all threaded connections are clean and undamaged.
We hang the bottom door. This requires precision: you need to hit the hole in the hinge axis. After installation, check whether the door is level. If all is well, you can proceed to installing the upper door. Here again you will need help, since the weight of the structure is significant.
Having installed the upper door, we put the upper hinge on the axis. Tighten the bolts immediately “all the way” is not recommended. First, tighten them, align the doors visually and level, and only then make the final tightening. This will compensate for possible distortions of the housing.
⚠️ Attention: Do not overtighten the hinge bolts! Excessive force can lead to deformation of the metal bushing or breakage of the thread in the refrigerator body, which will make further operation impossible without welding work.
Adjustment and leak testing
After final assembly, the fine-tuning stage begins. Refrigerator doors Hotpoint Ariston should close tightly, but without excessive force. Check the operation of the magnetic lock around the entire perimeter. If the door does not fit tightly in any place, the height of the refrigerator legs may need to be adjusted.
Use a building level to make sure that the unit is level. Often, tilting the frame back a little (where the top is slightly higher than the bottom) will help the doors close on their own under the influence of gravity. Adjustment is carried out by twisting or unscrewing the front support legs.
- 🔍 Check the gap between the door and the body around the entire perimeter
- 🌬️ Make sure that the seal does not tuck when closing
- 🚪 Check whether it touches the adjacent door furniture or wall
To check the tightness, you can use a simple test with a sheet of paper. Squeeze the sheet with the door and try to pull it out. It should come out with noticeable effort. If the sheet falls out freely or is removed too easily, the tightness in this place is broken, and additional adjustment of the hinges or replacement of the seal is required.
Common errors and difficulties
When re-hanging doors on their own, beginners often make a number of common mistakes. One of the most common is the loss or confusion of washers and bushings of different thicknesses. This causes the door to warp and cracks to form. Always lay out the parts in the order in which they were removed.
Another problem is damage to the plastic when removing the plugs. Be careful, use thin tools and do not use excessive force. If the plug does not budge, it is better to gently heat it with a hair dryer so that the plastic becomes softer.
⚠️ Attention: The design of the hinges and the location of the holes may vary slightly depending on the year of manufacture and the specific series of the Hotpoint Ariston refrigerator. If you find that the holes do not line up or parts are missing, check the official technical documentation for your model.
It is also worth mentioning problems with electronics. In some advanced models Ariston refrigerators the display or door sensor wires may pass through the hinge. In such cases, simple re-hanging is impossible without re-soldering the wires or extending the cables, which requires a qualified electronics engineer.
FAQ: Answers to popular questions
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before re-hanging the doors?
It is not necessary to specifically defrost the unit if it is in good working order. However, if you are planning the work for a long time, and there is a risk of food defrosting, it is better to carry out the procedure in advance or act quickly. The main thing is to turn off the power.
Is it possible to hang the door by one person?
Technically this is possible, but it is extremely inconvenient and risky for the back and the integrity of the equipment. The doors of two-compartment refrigerators are heavy and bulky. It is strongly recommended to involve an assistant for backup.
What to do if, after hanging, the door does not close completely?
Check whether the bushings and washers are installed correctly. Make sure that the shelves inside do not interfere with closing. Try adjusting the tilt of the refrigerator itself, raising the front part slightly higher than the back.
Will the warranty remain valid after re-hanging it yourself?
According to the law, independent repairs or modifications (which include re-hanging) may become grounds for denial of warranty service if the breakdown is related to your actions. If the refrigerator is new, it is better to call an official technician.