The sudden need to rearrange kitchen furniture often confronts owners of household appliances with a difficult choice. This is especially true for large devices, such as refrigerators, which take up significant space. When the standard opening of the damper interferes with the passage or does not fit into the new interior design, the only correct solution is to change the side of the canopy. For owners of Italian brand appliances Ariston this procedure does not require calling a specialist if you approach the matter carefully and consistently.
Modern models of refrigerators Ariston are designed taking into account maximum functionality and ease of use. The design of the hinges allows for dismantling and reinstallation without damaging the housing or voiding the warranty, if the technological sequence is followed. It is important to understand that rehanging doors is not just a mechanical action, but a process that requires attention to detail, since the energy efficiency and service life of the compressor depend on the tightness of the seal. Incorrect assembly can lead to distortions and loss of tightness.
Before starting any work, it is necessary to clear the space around the unit and prepare the necessary tool kit. You will need a Phillips screwdriver, wrenches (usually 8 or 10 mm), a knife to carefully remove the plugs and, possibly, an assistant to hold the heavy door. Make sure that the refrigerator is unplugged 15-20 minutes before starting work to stabilize pressure in the system and the heating elements have cooled down. Only after careful preparation can you begin disassembly.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
The quality of the work directly depends on the preparation. Before you touch any fasteners, make sure you have everything you need on hand. Not having the right key in the middle of the process can lead to the edges of the bolts breaking off or the plastic being damaged. Models Ariston most often require a standard home craftsman's kit, but the specifics of some components may require a special approach.
Here is a list of what should be on the table before disassembling:
- 🔧 Phillips and flathead screwdrivers for removing decorative elements and screws.
- 🔩 Wrenches or heads of sizes 8, 10, 13 mm depending on the hinge model.
- 🔪 A stationery knife or thin awl for removing plugs.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧹 Soft rags for wiping mechanisms from dust.
The workplace should be spacious and well-lit. Cover the floor in front of the refrigerator with a soft material, such as cardboard or an old blanket, to avoid scratching the flooring or damaging parts if they fall. Remove all removable shelves and drawers from the door to reduce its weight. This is a critically important stage, since complete unloading will facilitate manipulation and reduce the risk of dropping a heavy structure on your foot.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to carry out work on a slippery floor or in poor lighting. A fall of a heavy door can lead to injury or irreversible damage to the refrigerator body.
Removing the top door and removing the top hinge
The process starts from the top of the refrigerator compartment. First of all, you need to remove the decorative plug located on the top panel above the door. It can be attached with latches or simply sit tightly in the grooves. Carefully pry it off with a knife or thin screwdriver, being careful not to damage the paintwork. Under the plug there is a fastener of the upper hinge.
Use a wrench or socket of the appropriate size to remove the bolts holding the hinge. Usually there are two or three. Do not remove the bolts completely at once, loosen them and then remove them. After this, an assistant must hold the door firmly so that it does not fall. Remove the loop and set it aside. Now the door can be carefully lifted and removed from the lower pin.
If your model Ariston has a magnetic holder or closer, proceed especially carefully. The closer mechanism may be connected to a hinge, and sudden movement will cause it to break. After removing the door, inspect the lower hinge shaft for play or wear. If defects are detected, it may be necessary replacement of parts before reinstallation.
☑️ Check before removal
Working with the bottom door and freezer
The next stage is dismantling the bottom door, which leads into the freezer. The principle of operation is similar, but there are some nuances. First, remove the top hinge of the bottom door (which is the middle hinge of the entire refrigerator). To do this, you will also need to remove the protective plugs and unscrew the fastening bolts.
After removing the fasteners, the freezer door is released. Remove it from the lower support sleeve. Pay attention to the condition of the bushing: if it is plastic and shows signs of severe wear or cracks, it is better to replace it. In some models Ariston the lower support is adjustable in height, which allows you to compensate for uneven floors.
Now it is necessary to dismantle the lower support loop itself, if required by the design for turning over. In some cases, it is enough to move the loop to the opposite side using the holes provided by the manufacturer. Other models require complete disassembly of the unit. Carefully study the design so as not to lose small washers or bushings that ensure smooth operation.
⚠️ Attention: When removing the lower door, keep an eye on the refrigerant supply tube if it passes inside the blade. A sharp jerk can damage the line, which will lead to freon leakage.
Rearranging fittings and changing holes
The most crucial moment is moving all the fittings to the opposite side. Door handles, if they are not pass-through, may also require reinstallation. In models Ariston with recessed handles, it is often necessary to remove the inner door panel in order to move the fasteners from one side to the other.
To do this, carefully remove the decorative trim from the inside of the door (usually it is held on by latches around the perimeter). Unscrew the screws holding the handle and move it to the symmetrical holes on the other side. Make sure that all the screws are tightened tightly, but without excessive force, so as not to strip the threads in the plastic.
Now let's work on the hinges. The top and middle hinges must be installed on opposite holes on the refrigerator body. The factory holes on the other side are usually closed with plastic plugs. Remove the plugs from the working side and install them in the vacated holes to maintain an aesthetic appearance. Secure the hinges with bolts, but do not tighten them completely yet - final adjustment will happen later.
What to do if the holes do not line up?
In some older or specific models, the holes may be closed with factory plugs that need to be squeezed out from the inside, or you may need to use the adapter bushings included in the kit. If there are no holes at all, check the instructions - perhaps overhang is not structurally provided for your model.
Installing doors on a new side
After all the hinges have been moved and secured in new places, you can begin installing the doors. The bottom door (freezer) is installed first. Slide it onto the lower support sleeve. Make sure the door is level. Then install the middle hinge and secure it with bolts.
Next the top door is installed. Lift it up and put it on the pin of the middle loop. After this, the upper loop is mounted. At this stage, the hinge bolts only need to be tightened so that the door holds, but has a slight play for adjustment. It is too early to completely tighten the fasteners.
Check how the doors open and close. They should not touch the body or each other. If everything goes smoothly, you can begin the final tightening of the fasteners. Move from bottom to top: first tighten the bolts of the bottom support, then the middle hinge and finally the top.
Adjusting the position and checking the tightness
The final stage is adjustment. Even with careful installation, it may be necessary to adjust the position of the doors to ensure a perfect fit of the seal. To do this, the design of the hinges Ariston often provides adjusting bolts or the possibility of slightly moving the hinge body.
Use a level to check the verticality of the doors. If the door is skewed, loosen the corresponding hinge mounting bolts, straighten the position and tighten again. Pay special attention to the tight fit of the magnetic seal around the entire perimeter.
Tightness can be checked by a simple test with a sheet of paper. Cover the door with a piece of paper so that some of it remains outside. Try to pull out the sheet. It should come out with noticeable effort. If the paper falls out freely or pulls out too easily, the seal is broken in this place and additional adjustment of the loop is required.
Comparative table of actions for different zones of the refrigerator:
| Zone | Action | Tool | Important nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top door | Removing the top hinge | 8-10 mm key | Needed assistant |
| Lower door | Removing the middle hinge | Phillips screwdriver | Careful with the tubes |
| Case | Rearranging loops | Awl, key | Do not lose the plugs |
| Final | Adjusting the gap | Level, key | Check with paper |
⚠️ Attention: The design of the hinges and the presence of adjusting screws may vary depending on the specific series Ariston. Always check the technical documentation of your model, as the manufacturer may make changes to the design without notice.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to rehang the doors yourself without losing the warranty?
In most cases, the manufacturer Ariston allows rehanging the doors, if the structural elements were not damaged and standard holes were used. However, if you strip a thread or break a loop during the process, the warranty case for these components will not be recognized. Keep all removed parts.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not close tightly?
Most likely, the problem is incorrect adjustment of the hinges or misalignment of the refrigerator body. Check the horizontal installation of the unit itself using a level. If the floor is level, loosen the fasteners of the hinges and readjust their position, achieving an even fit of the seal.
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 ice in the freezer, it is better to defrost it in advance. This will reduce the weight of the door and prevent water leakage when tilting or removing shelves. In addition, empty shelves are easier to remove through a narrow opening.
Is it possible to rehang the doors if a display or control panel is built into the doors?
This is a difficult case. If the control panel is built into the door leaf, you will need to disconnect the electrical connectors. It is necessary to act extremely carefully so as not to damage the cables. In such models Ariston often requires partial disassembly of the door itself to transfer contacts, which is best left to professionals.