The need to change the opening side of the refrigerator door Ariston often arises when moving or remodeling the kitchen space. Modern kitchens are designed with ergonomics in mind, and the standard placement of handles can interfere with easy access to products or passage. Fortunately, the design of most models of this brand provides for the possibility of dismantling and installing the fittings on the opposite side.
The rehanging process does not require special professional skills, but requires accuracy and a basic set of tools. Improper execution of the procedure can lead to the door being skewed, the seal being damaged, or the decorative elements of the body being damaged. Before starting work, it is important to make sure that your model technically supports such an operation, since some budget or specific series may have non-removable elements.
In this article we will analyze in detail the stages of preparation, dismantling old fasteners and installing new ones. You will learn how to correctly adjust hinges and avoid common mistakes that beginners often make when repairing household appliances on their own. Compliance with the sequence of actions ensures that your refrigerator will serve for a long time and properly.
Preparation for work and necessary tools
The first step in any technical intervention is the correct preparation of the workplace and tools. To work with a refrigerator Ariston you will need a standard DIY kit. The basis consists of screwdrivers: Phillips and flathead, as well as a wrench or a set of heads, since hinge bolts often have different head configurations. It would be a good idea to prepare a container for storing small parts so that they do not get lost in the process.
It is critically important to disconnect the refrigerator from the electrical network before starting any work. This is not only a safety requirement, but also a way to avoid accidental damage to electronic components if the model has a display or touch control on the door. In addition, all products and shelves must be removed from the refrigerator and freezer compartments to reduce the weight of the structure and facilitate manipulation.
Free up space around the unit. You will need access to the back wall and sides from all sides. It is recommended to lay a soft cloth or cardboard on the floor to prevent accidentally falling parts or tools from damaging the floor covering and the device body itself. Also prepare a clean rag to wipe the mounting points from dust.
☑️ Tools and preparation
⚠️ Attention: If your model is equipped with a display or control panel on the door, be sure to take a photo of the connection diagram. This will help to avoid errors during assembly.
Design features of Ariston doors
Refrigerators Ariston, like many modern models, have doors that are attached to metal hinges. These hinges are usually located at the top and bottom of the door. In some modifications, there may also be a middle hinge if the refrigerator is two-chamber with a separate freezer. The design assumes that on the opposite side of the body there are already technological holes closed with decorative plugs.
It is important to understand that sealing rubber along the perimeter of the door also has a specific shape. When re-hanging a door, it is often necessary to rearrange the seal itself or soften it for a tight fit on the new side. In older models, the rubber could be glued; in new ones, mechanical fastening in a groove is more often used.
Door handles can be hidden (cutout in the body) or overhead. If you have overhead handles, you will also have to dismantle them and move them to the other side using the holes provided by the manufacturer. In some cases, this requires special adapters or additional bushings that come with the refrigerator.
Where to find components for hanging?
Usually all the necessary plugs, screws and adapters for handles are in a bag with documents or attached with tape to the inner surface of one of the shelves or drawers of the refrigerator upon initial purchase. If you bought used equipment, these parts may have been lost by the previous owners.
Dismantling the upper and lower hinges
You should start the disassembly process from the upper hinge. This is the most loaded element that holds the main weight of the door. Use a wrench or screwdriver (depending on your model's fastener type) to remove the bolts. Have someone secure the door so that it does not fall on your feet or hit the body when removing the fasteners.
After removing the top hinge, carefully lift the door and remove it from the bottom axis. If the refrigerator has two chambers and the doors are common, remove the upper door first, then the lower one. Pay attention to the condition bushings and washers - they should not have cracks or severe wear. If you notice damage, it is better to replace them with new ones.
The lower hinge is dismantled in the same way as the upper one. After removing all metal elements, holes will remain on the body. They will need to install hinges on the other side. In place of the old fasteners, plastic plugs are installed, which are usually included in the kit or are already located on the opposite side of the case.
| Part type | Material | Function | Is replacement necessary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Steel/Zinc | Fixing the door from above | Only if damaged |
| Lower hinge | Steel/Zinc | Door rotation axis | Only if damaged |
| Sleeve | Plastic/Bronze | Reduced friction | In case of severe wear |
| Plug | Plastic | Decorative closing of holes | No |
When dismantling, try not to use excessive force. If the bolt does not come out, do not tear off its edges. It's better to drop a little penetrating lubricant and wait a few minutes. Threaded connections in refrigerators often sour due to changes in temperature and humidity.
Rearranging handles and fittings
The next stage is working with handles. If your model Ariston has overhead handles, they are attached to screws on the inside of the door. To access them, the door must be removed from its hinges. Carefully unscrew the fasteners and remove the handle. On the back of the door you will find corresponding holes closed with plugs.
Install plugs in the holes where the handle was previously attached to maintain an aesthetic appearance. Then install the handle in its new location using the holes provided. Tighten the screws evenly, without overtightening, to avoid cracking the plastic or deforming the surface of the door.
In models with hidden handles (a recess in the end or side of the body), this step is skipped. However, if you have decorative overlays or logos that need to be placed symmetrically, they can also be re-taped or rearranged if the design allows. This is a small thing, but it affects the overall perception of the design.
Installing the door on the new side
Now you can begin installing the door on the new side. Install the lower hinge into the prepared hole on the body and secure it with bolts. Do not tighten them all the way - leave a little play for later adjustment. Place the door on the lower axle, holding it in a vertical position.
Align the door with the refrigerator body. It should stand straight, without distortion. Now install the top hinge and tighten the mounting bolts. At this stage, it is important to check how the door fits to the body along the entire perimeter. The gaps should be uniform.
After preliminary fixation of all elements, you can finally tighten the bolts. Check the door operation: it should open and close smoothly, without squeaks or jams. If the door touches the body or does not fit completely, the height of the hinges will need to be adjusted.
⚠️ Attention: When installing the door, make sure that the wires (if any) are not pinched or strained. They should lie freely in the channels intended for them.
Adjusting the position and seal
The final stage is adjustment. If the door is skewed, loosen the hinge bolts a little and raise or lower the door to achieve the ideal position. In some models Ariston height is adjusted using special screws in the bottom hinge. By rotating them, you can raise or lower the corner of the door.
Pay special attention seal. If, after rehanging, you notice that in some place the door does not fit tightly, try warming the problem area with a hairdryer (not too hot air) and pressing it with your hand. The rubber will become elastic and take the desired shape. This is a common situation, since the rubber “remembers” the previous position.
Check the tightness with a simple test: close the door on a piece of paper. If the paper comes out easily everywhere, the seal is broken. If it is removed with force along the entire perimeter, everything is done correctly. The refrigerator is ready for use.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not close completely?
Most likely, the problem is incorrect height adjustment loops or in a deformed seal. Try loosening the fastenings again and aligning the door exactly level. Also check if anything inside (shelves, products) is preventing it from closing tightly.
Is it possible to hang the door if there is a display on it?
Yes, it is possible, but it is more difficult. You will have to carefully disconnect the cables going to the display and re-route them through the top of the case to the other side. The length of the wires usually allows this to be done, but great care is required so as not to damage the contacts.
Do you need to wait some time after installation before turning it on?
There is no special waiting time if you have not touched the freon pipelines (which is not required when re-hanging the door). However, if you tilted the refrigerator strongly or worked with it upside down, it is recommended to let it stand upright for 2-4 hours before starting it for the first time.