Changing the kitchen layout or simply a desire to optimize space often leads owners of household appliances to the need to change the opening direction of the refrigerator door. For units Hotpoint Ariston this procedure is standard and is provided for by design, however, it requires care and adherence to a clear algorithm of actions. An incorrect sequence of steps can lead to damage to the plastic elements or disruption of the seal of the chamber.
In this article we will look in detail at how to properly hang the doors so that refrigerator compartment works flawlessly and the facade looks aesthetically pleasing. The process does not require specialized skills, but a basic set of tools and an understanding of the hinge mechanism are required. Remember that models with the No Frost system may have additional plastic covers that must be removed with extreme cautionso as not to break the latches.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
Before starting any manipulations with fasteners it is necessary to prepare the workspace. Make sure that the floor under the refrigerator is level and clean, and that the unit itself is unplugged. This is a basic safety rule that cannot be ignored, even if you simply change the position of facade.
To work, you will need a standard home handyman kit. In most cases, a Phillips screwdriver, a wrench (usually 8 or 10 mm) and pliers will suffice. Sometimes a hex key can be useful if your model Hotpoint Ariston uses specific bolts.
- 🛠️ Phillips screwdriver for removing handles and plastic plugs.
- 🔧 Wrench or socket with a driver for the main bolts hinges.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧹 Soft rags for wiping the places where the hinges are installed.
Free up space around the refrigerator in advance to have access to it from all sides. If the model has a system freezing with a bottom-mounted freezer compartment, make sure that you can freely tilt the unit or access the lower part.
Removing the top panel and top hinge
The process begins by removing the top cover of the refrigerator, if it is structurally provided for in your model. Often it is this that blocks access to the upper hinge fastener. Carefully unscrew the screws holding the panel and remove it, pushing it back or up, depending on the type of latches.
Next, you need to release the top hinge from the load. To do this, lift the door slightly so that the hinge pin comes out of the bottom hole, but do not remove it completely yet. Unscrew the bolts securing the top hinge to the refrigerator body. It is important here not to drop the fasteners inside the case.
⚠️ Attention: Before completely removing the hinge, make sure that the door is securely fixed or supported by an assistant to avoid a sharp fall and damage to the seal seal.
After removing the bolts, remove the metal hinge plate itself. Pay attention to its orientation - this will be useful when installing on the opposite side. In some models Hotpoint together with the hinge, the bracket for the handle is also removed.
Removing the door and rearranging the handles
Now that the top hinge is freed, you can carefully remove the door. It is better to perform this operation together, since the door with shelves and glass can be heavy. Remove it from the bottom hinge and put it in a safe place, covering it with soft material.
The next step is rearranging the handle. On most models Hotpoint Ariston the handles are symmetrical or have hidden holes for mounting on the other side. Find the plugs at the end of the door on the opposite side and move them to the vacated holes.
If the handle is attached to screws, unscrew them on one side and tighten them on the other using pre-prepared holes. Make sure that the handle fits tightly and does not wobble, as this affects ease of use and the tightness of the closure.
Dismantling and moving the bottom hinge
The bottom hinge is a load-bearing element, so its dismantling must be approached responsibly. Unscrew the mounting bolts holding the hinge to the body. In some models, there may be an adjusting washer or bushing under the hinge - do not lose it, it will be needed for installation on the other side.
Remove the hinge and inspect its condition. If there are burrs or rust on the axle, it is recommended to lubricate it with graphite grease or replace it if there is severe damage. The cleanliness of the metal-to-metal contact surface is important for the durability of the mechanism.
- 🔩 Store all removed bolts in one container so as not to lose them.
- 🧼 Wipe the mounting points from dust and old grease.
- 👀 Check the integrity of the threads in the holes case.
Install the bottom hinge on the opposite side of the case using the standard holes. Tighten the bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet, so that you can make slight adjustments when installing the door.
Installing the door in a new place
Take the door and carefully slide it onto the axis of the lower hinge. Make sure it sits straight and tight. At this stage, you need an assistant who will hold the door in a vertical position while you fix the top.
Install the top hinge in a new place, aligning the holes with the body and the hole in the end of the door. Insert the mounting bolts and begin tightening them. It is important not to skew the hinge, otherwise the door will close loosely or skewed.
☑️ Installation check
After installing all the bolts, check the geometry. The door must be adjacent to the body along the entire perimeter. If you notice a misalignment, you can slightly loosen the bolts of the lower hinge and adjust the position, then tighten the fasteners again.
Adjustment and final check
The final stage is the final tightening of all fasteners and checking the operation. closing mechanism. Make sure the door opens and closes freely and without squeaks or jams. The magnetic seal must adhere to the body evenly along the entire contour.
Check the operation of the internal shelves and drawers. Sometimes, when re-hanging a door, it may be necessary to rearrange the internal stops or shelves on the door if they were symmetrical. Models Ariston often have shelves that can be turned over or rearranged.
⚠️ Attention: If after installation you find that the door does not fit tightly at the bottom, you may need to adjust the height of the legs of the refrigerator to properly tilt the body back.
Plug in the refrigerator and let it run for a few minutes hours. Check for condensation inside or outside the seal area, which could indicate a loose fit.
Table of problems and solutions when rehanging
Small difficulties may arise during operation. Below is a table with the most common problems and ways to solve them for equipment Hotpoint Ariston.
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The door is skewed | Uneven tightening bolts | Loosen the fasteners and level the position |
| Creak when opening | Lack of lubrication on the axle | Lubricate the bottom hinge with silicone |
| Does not hold magnet | Debris gets under the seal | Wipe the seal and body |
| Difficult to open after closing | Clogged drainage hole | Clean the drainage in the refrigerator compartment |
What to do if the bolts do not fit the threads?
Sometimes when replacing hinges or using non-original fasteners, the threads may not match. In this case, do not try to force the bolt so as not to strip the threads in the body. Use a tap to restore the threads or select a bolt with a similar thread pitch, but a little longer, if the hinge design allows.
If you encounter a situation where the holes on the body do not line up with the holes on the hinge, make sure that you are using the correct side of the hinge. The design fastening units is often mirrored, and an error in orientation eliminates the possibility of installation.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
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 compartment, it is better to defrost the unit in advance so that water does not flow out when tilting or removing the door, damaging the floor or wiring.
Is it possible to perform this operation alone?
Technically possible, but highly not recommended. The refrigerator door is heavy and bulky. The risk of dropping it, damaging the floor, yourself or sealing rubber is very high. Always involve an assistant.
Will the warranty still apply after re-hanging?
Re-hanging the door yourself, as a rule, does not void the warranty unless you damage any parts in the process. However, if the breakdown of the refrigerator is associated with improper installation of the door (for example, the compressor is skewed due to tilt), the service may refuse free repairs.
What to do if there are extra holes left?
In standard models Hotpoint Ariston all holes are used. If after installation you are left with unused holes on the visible part of the case, it means that an installation error was made or the wrong side of the hinge was used. Check the instructions for your specific model.