Solution re-hanging the doors on the refrigerator Ariston often occurs when remodeling a kitchen or purchasing new appliances that do not fit into the usual interior. This procedure allows you to optimize space, providing free access to shelves and convenient operation of the unit in limited areas. Although the process seems complicated, it is technically quite feasible at home if you have basic skills in handling tools.
Before you begin, you need to carefully study the design of your device, since the location of fasteners may differ depending on the year of manufacture and model series. Modern refrigerators Ariston are often equipped with complex sealing systems and magnetic locks that require careful handling. An incorrect sequence of actions can lead to damage to decorative elements or disruption of the seal of the chamber.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the stages of dismantling and installing door leaves on the opposite side. You will learn what tools are needed, how to properly remove old hinges and how to avoid common mistakes that inexperienced craftsmen make when repairing household appliances on their own.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
To successfully complete the task of hanging doors, you will need a minimum set of tools that most home craftsmen will have. The main working tool will be screwdriver or a set of screwdrivers with different attachments, since the mounting bolts may have different heads. It would also be a good idea to prepare a soft cloth or cardboard to protect the floor and the equipment itself from scratches during work.
It is important to ensure sufficient lighting of the work area, since some fasteners may be located in hard-to-reach places or hidden by decorative plugs. Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the electrical outlet by removing the plug from the socket to eliminate the risk of electric shock or accidental activation of the compressor.
- 🛠️ A set of screwdrivers (Phillips and flat-head) or a screwdriver with the appropriate bits.
- 📏 Building level to check the horizontal installation after rehanging.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp edges of metal fasteners.
- 🧹 Clean rags for wiping surfaces and removing dust from holes.
☑️ Preparation for rehanging
⚠️ Attention: Do not reuse rusty or damaged bolts if they go complete with new plugs, as this may break the tightness of the connection.
Removing the top panel and preparing to remove the doors
The first stage of work is removing the top decorative panel, if it is present in the design of your model. Ariston. It is usually secured with latches or screws hidden under plastic plugs that need to be carefully pryed off with a flat-head screwdriver. Removing the panel will provide access to the top hinges and, in some models, to the control system or wiring.
If your refrigerator is equipped with a display or control buttons on the door, you will need to disconnect electrical connector. This should be done extremely carefully, grasping the connector body, and not the wires themselves, so as not to damage the contacts. Remember or take a photo of the position of the cable so that during reassembly there will be no connection problems.
To facilitate the process of removing heavy door panels, it is recommended to enlist the help of a second person who will hold the door while unscrewing the hinges. This will prevent the structure from falling and possible deformation of the lower hinge or damage to the floor covering.
After turning off the electrics, you can begin to unscrew the mounting bolts of the upper hinge. Depending on the model, there may be two or three of them, and they may have different lengths, so it is better to arrange them in the order of removal.
Technology for removing door panels and hinges
The process of removing doors should be performed sequentially, starting from the upper chamber, if we are talking about a two-chamber refrigerator. After the top hinge is completely unscrewed, carefully lift the door up, removing it from the middle hinge pin, and put it in a safe place, previously covered with soft material.
Then we proceed to dismantling the middle hinge, which is often the support for the bottom door. It is important here not to lose bushings the plastic gaskets, which ensure smooth operation and proper fit. Some models Ariston have a specific design of the middle hinge, which can be integrated with the body or have a complex shape.
The lower door is removed in the same way: the lower support hinge is unscrewed, and the leaf is neatly moved to the side. Pay special attention to the condition of the sealing rubber - if there are creases or damage on it, the rehanging procedure should be combined with replacing the seal.
What to do if the bolts are soured?
If the mounting bolts do not unscrew, do not use excessive force. Treat them with a penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40), wait 10-15 minutes and try to carefully rip them off with a wrench again.
It is recommended to immediately wipe all removed metal parts, such as hinges and bolts, from old grease and dirt, so that when installed in a new place they function flawlessly. This will also allow you to visually assess their condition and identify possible defects.
Instructions for installing hinges on the new side
Installing hinges on the opposite side of the case requires care, since the mounting holes at the factory are often closed with plastic plugs. You need to remove these plugs from the new side and rearrange them into the vacated holes on the old side, maintaining the symmetry and aesthetic appearance of the unit.
Installation begins with the lower support loop, which is installed in the corresponding holes on the opposite lower corner of the case. Tighten the bolts securely, but without fanaticism, so as not to strip the threads in the metal body of the refrigerator. Use levelto make sure that the hinge is installed level with the floor.
| Fasting element | Installation location (new side) | Installation features |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom support | Bottom corner of the body | Requires precise level alignment |
| Middle hinge | Central partition | It is important not to confuse top and bottom of the part |
| Top hinge | Top panel/cover | Attached after hanging the door |
| Stoppers | Opposite holes | Needed to fix the door in the closed position |
After installing the lower support, the lower door is hung, aligned and fixed with the middle hinge. The process is then repeated for the upper chamber. Make sure that all hinge axes are lubricated with a special compound to reduce friction and eliminate creaking in the future.
⚠️ Attention: When tightening the bolts, make sure that they enter strictly perpendicular to the surface, otherwise you can damage the threads in the refrigerator body.
Adjusting the position of the doors and tightness
After all the doors are installed on new hinges, it is necessary to carefully adjust their position. Doors should open and close smoothly, without distortions or jams, and when closed, fit tightly to the body around the entire perimeter. Adjustments are often made using special hinged screws or adjustment feet on the bottom of the refrigerator.
Check the tightness seal along the entire contour. To do this, you can use a simple test with a sheet of paper: hold the sheet with a door and try to pull it out. If the paper is pulled out with force along the entire perimeter, then the seal is ensured correctly. In places where the sheet is removed too easily, additional adjustment of the hinge may be required.
If you notice that the door does not fit tightly, you may need to heat the seal with a hairdryer (at a low temperature) or, conversely, cool it so that the rubber becomes more elastic and takes the desired shape. Also make sure that the refrigerator is strictly horizontal, using adjustable legs.
Some models Ariston provide the ability to adjust the door opening angle using special limiters. This is a useful function if the refrigerator is installed close to a wall or furniture, and the door cannot be fully swung open.
Transfer of plugs and final assembly
The final stage is the installation of decorative plugs in the holes left from the hinges on the old side. These plastic elements not only improve the appearance of the refrigerator, but also protect the internal cavities of the case from dust, moisture and small insects. Usually they are simply inserted into the holes with light pressure until a characteristic click is heard.
If your refrigerator model has a system No Frost or other complex air channels, make sure that when rearranging the panels you do not block the ventilation holes. Air exchange inside the chamber is critical for proper operation of the cooling system and preventing the formation of ice.
After final assembly of all elements and checking the reliability of the fastenings, you can connect the refrigerator to the electrical network. Let the equipment run idle for 2-4 hours before loading the products so that the temperature conditions stabilize.
⚠️ Attention: Do not load the refrigerator with products immediately after turning it on - let the compressor reach operating mode, otherwise this may lead to its overload.
Possible problems and solutions solutions
During the rehanging process, unforeseen situations may arise, such as mismatched holes or difficulties in closing the door. If the door does not close completely, check that the stoppers are installed correctly and that there is nothing obstructing the seal. Sometimes it is necessary to loosen the fastenings and re-align the blade.
The appearance of creaking or noise when opening indicates insufficient lubrication of the rubbing parts or misalignment of the rotation axis. In this case, you should remove the door again, lubricate the hinges and reinstall them, maintaining strict verticality. Noise may also occur if the refrigerator is on an uneven floor.
- 🔍 The door does not hold - check the tightness of the bolts and the condition of the magnetic lock.
- ❄️ The appearance of condensation - the tightness of the seal is probably broken.
- 🔌 The display does not work - check the reliability of the cable connection and the integrity of the contacts.
Why does the door slam?
If the door begins to slam too sharply, you may have lost or incorrectly installed the closing damper, which dampens the inertia of the door movement.
In case you are faced with serious mechanical damage to the body or loops that cannot be eliminated on your own, it is better to contact an authorized service center Ariston. Professionals will be able to replace the deformed parts with original ones and ensure that the factory seal is maintained.
Is it possible to rehang the door if the refrigerator has a display?
Yes, this is possible, but it requires more caution. It is necessary to carefully disconnect the control cable, remember its position, and when assembling it on the new side, make sure that the wire is not pinched and is of sufficient length for connection. Some models may require reprogramming the control module.
Are special tools needed for Ariston models?
In most cases, a standard set of household tools is sufficient. However, some models may require a hex key (imbus), which often comes with the refrigerator itself in a bag with documents.
What to do if a gap has formed after rehanging?
A small gap can be eliminated by adjusting the height of the refrigerator legs or tightening the hinges. If the gap is significant, the door leaf or seal may have been deformed, which will require their replacement or alignment.
Will the warranty remain valid after re-hanging it yourself?
Independently changing the side of the door opening, as a rule, is not a basis for voiding the warranty if parts were not damaged in the process or the tightness of the system was broken. However, it is recommended to save all removed parts in case you contact service.