Changing the opening side of the refrigerator is a common need that arises when moving or remodeling a kitchen. Owners of equipment Hotpoint Ariston often face the question of whether it is possible to independently change the direction of movement of the valves without calling a technician. The answer is clear: the design of most models provides for this possibility, but requires care and adherence to the sequence of actions.
Before starting work, it is important to understand that the process requires physical strength and the presence of a basic set of tools. Improper installation of hinges can result in loose door seals, which will affect energy consumption and compressor life. In this article, we will analyze in detail the technical nuances specific to Hotpoint Ariston refrigeratorsand help to avoid common mistakes.
It is worth noting that models may differ in the design of the hinge joints, but the general principle remains similar. You have to dismantle the handles, remove the front panels, unscrew the main hinges and move them to the opposite side of the case. Particular attention should be paid to the magnetic seals and the closing mechanism so that they function correctly after rearrangement.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
The success of the operation depends 80% on proper preparation. You will need a flat, clean surface on which to place the refrigerator or place it stable. Do not try to do the work on slippery linoleum or carpet, as the unit has significant weight and can move at the most inopportune moment.
For dismantling and subsequent installation, you will need a standard DIY kit. In most cases, a Phillips screwdriver, a wrench (often 8 or 10 mm in size) and hex keys will suffice. Some models Ariston are equipped with a special key in the instructions, which ideally fits the hinge screws, but it is easy to lose, so it is better to prepare your tool.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This is critical for safety, as you will be working with metal elements in close proximity to electrical components.
Also, be sure to clear the interior of food and remove all shelves and drawers. An empty refrigerator is easier to tilt and move, and the risk of breaking glass shelves if accidentally tilted is reduced to zero. Prepare a container for small screws and bolts so that they do not get lost in the process.
Removing the top cover and handles
The first step is always to remove the top cover of the refrigerator compartment, if it is structurally provided for in your model. It is under this that the fastening elements of the upper hinges are often hidden. Carefully unscrew the screws holding the cover in place and remove it, placing it in a safe place.
Next, remove the door handles. In models Hotpoint Ariston they can be mounted with screws from the inside or have a hidden fixation mechanism. If the screws are visible, simply remove them. If the handle is held on by latches, you may need to carefully pry off the decorative cap with a thin screwdriver.
It is important not to use excessive force, as the plastic of the handles can be brittle. After removing the handles, you will have access to the main fasteners or you can easily remove the door. Make sure that all removed parts are placed in a specific order to avoid confusion during reassembly.
Removing doors and dismantling hinges
The most crucial moment is the direct removal of the doors. The top door (refrigerator) is usually held on the top and middle hinge. You need to unscrew the top hinge, but do not remove it completely yet, so that the door does not fall. Have an assistant hold the door while you remove the bolts.
After releasing the top hinge, remove the door and set it aside. Now your task is to dismantle the middle hinge that connects the upper and lower chambers. Please note that in some models Ariston refrigerators a temperature sensor or display control wire may pass through this loop.
If the wire is present, it must be carefully disconnected from the connector. Do not pull the cable sharply to avoid damaging the contacts. After disconnecting the wire, remove the middle hinge and remove the bottom door (freezer). The lower hinge is usually attached to the floor of the refrigerator and requires unscrewing from below.
☑️ Dismantling the structure
Rearranging the fittings to the opposite side
Now that the doors are removed and the hinges are dismantled, it begins rearrangement process. On the opposite side of the case you will see plugs in the holes for the hinges. They need to be removed. Often these plugs already have threads or are designed to screw fasteners into them.
Take the hinges that were removed from the right side (conditionally) and install them on the left side of the case. Use the same bolts that secured them previously. Make sure that the threads go in smoothly so as not to strip them and damage the refrigerator body. Tighten the fasteners tightly, but without fanaticism.
Pay special attention to the hinge pins. In some models Hotpoint they need to be rearranged into symmetrical holes on the door itself or turned over. If the pin is not reset, the door may not close or may open spontaneously. Check the instructions for your specific model for clarification of this point.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that all holes on the new side are free of shipping plugs. If the plug cannot be removed with your fingers, use pliers, but act carefully so as not to damage the enamel.
Installation of doors and electrical connections
After installing the hinges in a new place, you can begin hanging the doors. Start with the bottom door (freezer). Place it on the bottom loop, align and secure the middle loop. At this stage, it is important not to tighten the middle hinge bolts “tight” in order to be able to make adjustments.
If your model is equipped with a display or control buttons on the door, now is the time to connect the wire harness. Pull the wires through the provided channels in the loops and connect the connectors. Make sure that the wires are not pinched by the metal of the hinges, otherwise they may be damaged when opening.
Then install the top door on the middle hinge and secure the top hinge to the refrigerator lid. Check that the doors are installed vertically. The gaps between the door and the body must be the same along the entire length. If you see a distortion, loosen the fastenings of the middle hinge and align the sash.
| Work stage | Required tools | Completion time | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dismantling handles | Phillips screwdriver | 5 minutes | Low |
| Removing doors | Wrench, assistant | 10 minutes | Average |
| Rearranging loops | Hexagon, screwdriver | 15 minutes | Average |
| Final adjustment | Level, key | 10 minutes | High |
What to do if the holes do not match?
In rare cases, on some older or specific models, the holes may not match perfectly. This may be due to the design of a particular series. In this case, check that the left and right hinges are not reversed (they may be mirrored), and make sure that you are using the correct holes on the case that were previously covered with plugs.
Adjusting the position and checking the tightness
After all the doors are installed, it is necessary to carry out a thorough adjustment. Doors must close tightly around the entire perimeter. If you notice that the door does not fit tightly in one corner, use the adjusting screws on the hinges (if provided) or tighten the main fasteners.
Check the operation of the magnetic seal. Run your hand along the perimeter of the closed door - there should be no noticeable gaps. You can also use a simple test with a sheet of paper: hold the sheet of paper in a door and try to pull it out. If the paper comes out too easily, the clamp is weak and further adjustment is required.
Make sure that the doors open freely and do not hit the cabinet or nearby furniture. When installed correctly, the opening angle should remain the same as before re-hanging. If the door begins to open tightly, check whether the sensor wire inside the hinge is not twisted.
Common mistakes and expert advice
One of the most A common mistake is to ignore the floor level. If the refrigerator is on an uneven floor, the doors may open on their own or, conversely, may not reach the magnetic latch. Before starting work and after completing it, be sure to level the unit by adjusting the front legs.
Another mistake is the loss of special bushings or washers that may be located inside the hinges. When rearranging, make sure that all small parts have moved to the new place. The absence of even a small washer can lead to play in the door and rapid wear of the mechanism.
Do not forget to rearranging the plastic plugs into the vacant holes. This is not only a matter of aesthetics, but also protecting the internal insulation of the refrigerator from moisture and dust. Insert the plugs tightly until you hear a characteristic click.
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics and design of the hinges may vary depending on the year of manufacture and the specific series of the refrigerator. Always check the manufacturer's official documentation for your model.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before re-hanging the doors?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you plan to get the job done quickly. However, if there is a lot of ice in the freezer, it is better to turn off the unit in advance so that water does not flow out when the body is tilted while removing the doors.
Is it possible to hang the door alone, without an assistant?
Technically this is possible, but it is highly not recommended. Refrigerator doors Hotpoint Ariston are heavy and have a shifted center of gravity. The risk of dropping the door, damaging the floor, or causing injury is very high. Always involve a second person for insurance.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not close tightly?
Most likely, the problem is in adjusting the height of the refrigerator legs or in incorrect installation of the hinges. Try unscrewing the front adjustment supports so that the body leans back a little - this will help the door slam shut under its own weight. Also check to see if the seal is twisted.
Will the warranty still apply after re-hanging it yourself?
The procedure of re-hanging the doors itself, if it is done without damaging parts or breaking the integrity of the seals on the compressor, is usually not grounds for voiding the warranty. However, if in the process you break the thread or break the glass, the repair will be paid.