Rearranging furniture in the kitchen or changing the layout of the room often dictate their conditions, requiring a change in the direction of opening the refrigerator door. Equipment owners Hotpoint Ariston often face the need to perform this procedure themselves in order to save time on calling a technician. Fortunately, the design of most modern models allows you to do rehanging doors at home, having only a basic set of tools at hand and a clear understanding of the sequence of actions.
The process of changing the opening side is not a complex technical intervention, but it requires care and accuracy. Incorrect dismantling sequence can lead to damage to decorative trims or failure of the seal. In this article, we will analyze in detail all stages of work, paying special attention to the nuances of different models and typical mistakes that should be avoided.
Before starting work, it is important to make sure that the refrigerator is completely defrosted and disconnected from the power supply. This will not only protect you from electric shock, but will also prevent the leakage of condensation that can form when the unit is skewed during manipulations with heavy structural elements. Also free up space in front of the refrigerator to have free access from all sides.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
The success of the operation directly depends on how well you prepare for the process. To work with fittings Hotpoint Ariston you will need a standard home craftsman's kit. The main tool will be a hex key, often included with the refrigerator, or a set of hex keys (Imbus keys). The diameter is usually 4 or 5 mm, but it is better to have several sizes on hand.
In addition to the keys, be sure to prepare a Phillips screwdriver for removing decorative caps and, possibly, some types of hinge fasteners. Some models may have Torx (star) bolts, so having the appropriate bit or socket will not be amiss. You will also need a flat-head screwdriver or a thin putty knife to carefully pry up the plastic plugs without scratching the body.
Don't forget to protect the floor covering. Refrigerator doors are heavy, and if one slips off your hands or is placed on the floor without a backing, it can cause chips in the tiles or dents in the laminate. Cover the work area with thick cardboard, an old blanket or special construction mats.
- 🔧 A set of hex keys (the main tool for hinges).
- 🪛 Phillips and flathead screwdrivers (for plugs and screws).
- 🧤 Work gloves (to protect hands from sharp edges and dirt).
- 📦 Thick cardboard or soft bedding for removed doors.
Design features of Hotpoint Ariston refrigerators
Equipment Hotpoint Ariston famous for its ergonomics, but models can significantly vary in the type of handle fastening and the presence of additional functions. Most modern units have hidden hinges that are covered with decorative plastic caps. This gives the device an aesthetic appearance, but requires an additional step when dismantling.
It is important to consider the presence of a display on the door. If your model has a control screen or indicators located on the front of the door, the procedure becomes more complicated. You will not only have to re-hang the mechanical parts, but also reconnect the wires, which requires special care. In such cases, the help of a second person is often required.
It is worth noting that for some models of the series Ariston handles can be integrated into the door profile or be hidden (mortise). In such cases, there are no external decorative elements, and access to the fasteners is provided through special technological holes. Studying the instructions for your specific model before starting work will help you avoid unnecessary guesswork.
⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator has a system
No Frostwith a complex system of air ducts passing through the axis of rotation of the door, make sure that when re-hanging the internal pipes will not bend. In 90% of cases, the design provides for this, but visual inspection is required.
Step-by-step instructions: dismantling the upper and lower doors
You should always start work by dismantling the upper door. This is due to the structural stability of the unit: by removing the upper part, you will lighten the structure and gain access to the lower fastenings without unnecessary pressure on the body. First, remove the top trim panel or cover that hides the top hinge mounting bolts.
Once the fasteners are exposed, loosen the bolts, but do not completely remove them. Have a helper hold the door so it doesn't fall. Unscrew the bolts completely and remove the top hinge. Now you can carefully remove the top door by lifting it up and put it in a safe place, placing it on a prepared bedding.
☑️ Dismantling procedure
Next we move on to the bottom door. If you have a two-compartment refrigerator, there is often an intermediate loop between the chambers. It also needs to be dismantled. Removing the middle part gives you access to the lower door. The process is similar: remove the plug, unscrew the bolts, remove the door. Immediately place all removed screws and hinges in a container so as not to lose them.
Pay special attention to the safety of the rubber seals. When removing doors, be careful not to deform the magnetic seal. If the elastic band begins to move away from the plastic during removal, it can be temporarily fixed, but it is better to act slowly and evenly.
Rearranging hinges and fittings to the other side
After successful dismantling of all elements, the rearrangement stage begins. On the opposite side of the refrigerator body you will see technological holes closed with plastic plugs. They need to be removed. Usually they are removed with your fingers or pryed with a flat-head screwdriver. Plugs are installed in the free space on the side where the hinges were just removed.
Now let's take care of the hinges themselves. On many models Hotpoint Ariston the hinges are symmetrical or have a universal design. However, there are times when the top and bottom hinges need to be swapped or rotated 180 degrees. Carefully inspect the geometry of the part: the protruding parts must correspond to the shape of the counter holes on the door.
| Element | Action when rearranging | Where to install |
|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Remove, turn over (if necessary) | To the top hole on the new side |
| Middle loop | Remove the rod, rearrange | Between the chambers on the new side |
| Bottom hinge | Remove, check orientation | Into the bottom hole on the new side |
| Plugs | Remove from new holes | Into old holes (for hinges) |
Install the hinges in new places on the body, but do not tighten the bolts “all the way” yet. Leave a small gap so that when hanging the doors you can adjust the position and achieve the ideal gap. This is a critical moment to ensure a tight fit.
Installing doors and adjusting gaps
Now the most critical stage is installing the doors in a new location. Start with the bottom door. Apply a little grease (for example, lithium) to the lower hinge axis, if the design provides for it, to ensure silent opening. Carefully slide the door onto the bottom hinge, making sure the hole in the door hits the axle.
After installing the lower part, mount the middle hinge (if there is one) and secure it with bolts. Then install the top door. Here again you will need an assistant, since the structure is already assembled and is heavier. Align the holes in the top door with the hinge and insert the mounting bolts.
What to do if the door is warped?
If after installation you see a warp, do not panic. Loosen the hinge bolts half a turn, level the door by hand and tighten the fasteners evenly. Height adjustment is often carried out by rotating the refrigerator's support legs.
The final stage is adjustment. Check the tightness of the seal around the entire perimeter. The gaps between the door and the body must be uniform. If the door does not fit tightly or, on the contrary, rubs against the body, adjust the position of the hinges by slightly loosening and moving them. Also check the operation of the magnetic lock: the door should close with a characteristic bang with a slight push.
Nuances of working with models with a display and electronics
Owners of models with a remote display or control panel on the door Hotpoint Ariston need to be extremely careful. In such refrigerators, a wiring harness passes through the top loop. When dismantling the top door, you cannot simply tear it off - you must first disconnect the connector.
Usually the connector is located inside the hinge or immediately below it. To get to it, remove the protective hinge cover. Disconnect the connector by gently pulling on the plastic part, not the wires. When reassembling on the new side, make sure that the wires are not twisted and are of sufficient length for the door to move freely.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to pull the door with force unless it is removed. Most likely, you forgot to disconnect the power cable for the display or door sensor. A forced jerk will lead to broken contacts and costly repairs to the electronics.
After connecting, check the operation of the display. If the screen does not light up, check the connector for tightness. Sometimes the contacts oxidize or become stuck; they can be carefully adjusted with a thin screwdriver. Also make sure that the wires are not pinched by the metal of the loop when closing.
Common mistakes and expert advice
One of the most common mistakes is the loss of small screws or plugs. In a hurry, they may roll under the refrigerator or be accidentally thrown out. We recommend using a magnetic tray or gluing the removed parts with tape to the door itself in a safe place while you work.
Another mistake is overtightening the bolts. The aluminum alloys used in some hinges or the plastic housing may not withstand excessive force. Tighten the fasteners tightly, but without fanaticism, using a wrench with moderate force. If a torque wrench is used, follow the values from the manual.
Do not ignore the condition of the seal. If, after rehanging, you notice that a gap has formed in some place, try heating the elastic with a hairdryer (not a hair dryer, but a regular household one at medium power) and press it with your hand until it cools. This will help straighten out the deformed areas.
Checking the result and testing
After completion of all mechanical work, final testing must be carried out. Plug in the refrigerator. Let it run for 10-15 minutes, listening for extraneous sounds. Creaking, grinding or knocking may indicate that the door is touching the frame or the hinge is not installed correctly.
Do a test with a sheet of paper. Clamp a sheet of paper with the refrigerator door in different places around the perimeter. It must be pulled out with force. If the sheet falls out on its own or is removed too easily, the tightness is broken, the hinges need to be adjusted or the seal needs to be replaced.
Check the operation of the system No Frost (if any) and the absence of condensation after a day of operation. A properly hung door should not affect the temperature inside the chambers. If all parameters are normal, we can consider the work completed successfully.
Do you need to call a technician if the refrigerator has two compressors?
The presence of two compressors does not affect the procedure for re-hanging the doors. The fastening mechanics remain standard. However, such models are often heavier, so the help of a second person during installation is required.
Is it possible to lose the warranty if you re-hang it yourself?
According to the law, independent repair of components that does not require breaking the seals on the compressor or electronic board does not void the warranty. However, if you damage the case or break the display in the process, the warranty case for this damage will not be considered.
What should you do if, after rehanging, the door opens by itself?
Most likely, the refrigerator is not level. When repositioned to the other side, the angle of inclination could change. Try unscrewing the front leveling feet to create a slight backward tilt of the chassis. This will ensure the door closes itself.
Where can I get new plugs if the old ones are lost?
Plugs are consumables. They can be ordered at authorized service centers Hotpoint Ariston according to the refrigerator model code. As a last resort, the holes can be closed with decorative furniture plugs of a suitable diameter and color.
How long does it take to rehang doors?
For an experienced craftsman, the process takes 15-20 minutes. If you work independently without experience, taking into account studying the instructions and searching for tools, allow about 40-60 minutes. Take your time to do everything efficiently.