Changing the kitchen layout or rearranging furniture often dictates new requirements for the arrangement of household appliances. Owners of refrigerators Ariston Hotpoint are faced with the need to change the side of the door opening in order to provide convenient access to products. Fortunately, the design of most modern models of this brand provides for the possibility of reverse installation leaves.
The rehanging process does not require calling a specialist and can be done independently with a minimum set of tools. However, it is important to understand that the wrong sequence of actions or ignoring the nuances of adjustment can lead to a leak. In this article, we will analyze each stage in detail so that you can complete the work efficiently and safely for your equipment.
Before you begin dismantling, you need to prepare your workspace and make sure that you have everything you need. The refrigerator must be stable and accessible from all sides. Remember that the doors have significant weight, so it is better to enlist the help of an assistant, especially if we are talking about two-chamber models with a NoFrost freezer.
Preparation of tools and workplace
The quality of the work directly depends on the preparation. You will need a standard DIY kit that most men have. The main tool will be hex wrench or a set of screwdrivers, since in technology Hotpoint screws with hidden heads are often used.
Free up space around the refrigerator. You need to approach the unit from any side, so move it away from the wall at least 50-70 centimeters. Cover the floor in front of the equipment with a soft material, such as a blanket or thick cardboard, to prevent accidentally dropped parts or tools from damaging the floor covering.
- 🔧 Hex key (usually 4 mm or 5 mm) and a Phillips screwdriver.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges metal.
- 🧊 Tray or container for folding fasteners.
- 📏 Construction level for checking the horizon after installation.
It is also important to prepare clean rags. During operation, traces of grease or dust may remain on the surface, which should be removed immediately. Do not use aggressive household chemicals to clean the internal mechanisms of the hinges; a dry cloth is enough.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! Remove the plug from the socket to eliminate the risk of short circuit or electric shock if the wiring in the loop area is accidentally damaged.
☑️ Preparing for rehanging
Removing the top part and handle
Work always starts with the top door, since it is attached to the body through the top panel and the top hinge. First you need to remove the decorative plug that hides the mounting bolts. On models Ariston it can be made in the form of a plastic cover or simply a pasted sticker.
Carefully pry off the plug with a flat-head screwdriver. Do not use excessive force to avoid breaking the plastic clips. Underneath you will find bolts securing the top hinge. Use the appropriate key to loosen them, but do not unscrew them completely yet, so that the hinge does not fall sharply.
Next, you should remove the handle if the design of your model requires its removal separately from the door leaf. In some series Hotpoint the handle is part of the design and cannot be removed, while in others it is attached with screws from the inside. Carefully inspect the end of the door.
Features of fastening the handles
In some models, the handle is attached not only with screws, but also snaps onto plastic pins. If the screws are unscrewed and the handle cannot be removed, do not pull it by force. Try carefully prying the edge with a plastic card or check if there is a hidden screw under the decorative trim.
After loosening the top hinge, you need to hold the door with your other hand or ask an assistant. Unscrew the bolts completely and remove the top hinge. Now the top door can be carefully lifted and removed from the bottom hinge, placing it in a safe place.
Removing the freezer door
After removing the top flap, access to the middle hinge, which holds the freezer door, opens. The principle of action is similar to the previous stage, but there are some nuances. The freezer compartment is often lighter than the top part, but requires care due to the possible presence of ice on the seals.
Unscrew the middle hinge mounting bolts. If the bolts are rusted or seized, do not use force that could strip the threads. Treat them with a penetrating spray (such as WD-40) and wait 10-15 minutes. For models with the system NoFrost it is important not to damage the air supply channels that may run next to the hinges.
Remove the middle hinge and carefully set aside the freezer door. Check the condition of the magnetic seal. If there is ice or dirt on it, this is the ideal moment for cleaning, since after rehanging it will be more difficult to do.
- ❄️ Check the seal for cracks or creases.
- 🧼 Wipe the end of the door and the body from dust and dirt.
- 🔩 Save everything removed plugs in one place, they will come in handy later.
Now you only have the lower part of the refrigerator body left. Inspect the location where the bottom hinge is attached. In some models it may not be removable or require removal of the base panel. If the loop is removable, unscrew it and move it to the side.
Transferring elements to the opposite side
This is a key step that requires care. You need to move all the dismantled hinges to the opposite side of the body and doors. At the ends of the doors and on the body of the refrigerator you will see symmetrical holes closed with plastic plugs.
Unscrew the plugs on the new side (where you will hang the doors) and install them in the vacated holes on the old side. This will provide an aesthetic appearance and protect the internal cavities from dust. Make sure that the plugs fit tightly and do not protrude beyond the surface.
⚠️ Attention: The hinge design often has a top and a bottom. When moving to the other side, some parts may require turning 180 degrees. Carefully study the geometry of the metal fastener before fixing it.
Install the bottom hinge to a new location on the refrigerator body. Do not tighten the bolts all the way yet, leave a little play for later adjustment. Screw the mating hinge piece to the bottom of the freezer door if it was removed.
Then install the middle hinge. Place the freezer door on it, lining up the holes. Insert and tighten the mounting bolts. Carry out similar actions with the top door: install the top hinge on the body, then place the door on it.
| Element | Action during transfer | Nuance for Hotpoint |
|---|---|---|
| Top hinge | Rearrange to the opposite corner | Often has a pin for centering |
| Middle hinge | Turn over or rearrange | May have a plastic sleeve |
| Bottom loop | Rearrange and secure | Adjustable in height |
| Plugs | Swap | It is important not to lose small parts |
| Fasteners | Use original bolts | Do not replace with ordinary screws |
Installation of doors and initial fixation
When all the hinges have been transferred to the new side, it is necessary to put the doors in place. Start from the bottom. Place the freezer door on the bottom hinge, then put the middle hinge on and screw it to the cabinet. Repeat the procedure for the top door.
At this stage, the bolts are tightened tightly, but not “to death”. The final tightening is best done after checking the operation of the mechanisms. Make sure that the hinge axes are in their seats. If you hear metal grinding against metal, it means the door is not sitting straight.
When installing the handles, pay attention to their orientation. If the handle is asymmetrical, it may have to be turned over or the fasteners must be moved to other holes in the door leaf. Models Ariston often have additional holes for such cases.
Check that the doors open and close freely. They should not touch the body, shelves or each other. If you notice friction, loosen the hinges and try moving the door left or right, achieving an even gap all around.
Adjusting gaps and checking tightness
The final stage is fine tuning. A correctly adjusted door should close on its own when opened to an angle of about 30-45 degrees (if the refrigerator is level). The gap between the seal and the body should be the same at the top and bottom.
The legs of the refrigerator are often used to adjust the height. By rotating the front supports, you can raise or lower the angle of the unit, which will affect the tilt of the doors back. This provides a self-closing effect. Use a building level for control.
Check the tightness of the magnetic tape. Take a sheet of paper, clamp it with the door and try to pull it out. If the paper is pulled out with noticeable force around the entire perimeter, the tightness is normal. If in some place the paper slides freely, you need to tighten the hinge in this corner.
⚠️ Attention: If after adjusting the door still does not close tightly, check whether there is food on the shelves or bottles in the door pockets in the way. Overload can shift the center of gravity and disrupt the operation of the mechanism.
After all manipulations, finally tighten all the bolts. Install decorative caps on the screws. Plug in the refrigerator and listen to the compressor. Give the equipment 2-3 hours to set the temperature before loading the products.
Possible problems and their solutions
Even with careful attention It may be difficult to follow the instructions. Often users are faced with the fact that the door is skewed. This can be solved by re-adjusting the height of the refrigerator legs or loosening the hinge fasteners and then leveling them.
If the door begins to close too tightly, you may have overtightened the bolts or incorrectly installed the hinge axis. In some cases, it is necessary to lubricate the rubbing parts of the hinges with a special lubricant that is safe for food products.
- 🚪 The door does not hold: check the magnetic seal, it may need to be replaced.
- 🔊 Creak when opening: lubricate the hinges, but avoid getting oil on the plastic.
- 📉 Gap in the corner: adjust the height of the front leg on the appropriate side.
In rare cases, re-hanging may damage the wiring going to the display or light bulb on the door. If after assembly the light does not light or the indication does not work, check the cables. They must be carefully laid and not pinched by the metal of the hinges.
What to do if the plugs for the holes are lost?
If the plastic plugs are lost, do not leave the holes open, as dust and moisture will get there. You can temporarily seal them with a piece of plastic card in the color of the refrigerator or use decorative stickers. In the long term, it is better to order a set of plugs from a service center or buy universal ones at a furniture fittings store.
Is it possible to rehang a door if a display is installed on it?
Yes, it is possible, but this requires more caution. Before removing the door, you must disconnect the cable going to the display. Typically the connector is located on the top of the case or inside a hinge. Be sure to take a photo of the connection before disconnecting the contacts so that you can put everything back together correctly.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging it?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, if there is a lot of ice in the freezer, it may crumble when the door is tilted. It is recommended to defrost in advance so that water does not get into the hinge mechanisms and onto the floor when you remove heavy doors.
Why does the Hotpoint refrigerator door open by itself?
Most often the reason is the incorrect angle of the body. The refrigerator should be tilted slightly backwards. If it stands strictly vertical or tilted forward, gravity will pull the open door further. Adjust the front legs by unscrewing them to raise the front of the unit.
How often should you check the adjustment after re-hanging?
After the first week of operation, it is recommended to re-check the tightness of the bolts, as new parts may shrink slightly. In the future, it is enough to check the tightness of the seal once every six months during general cleaning of the equipment.