The need to change the opening direction of the refrigerator door arises among appliance owners Ariston quite often. This may be due to the redevelopment of the kitchen, the placement of furniture, or simply the desire to make using the appliance more convenient. The design of most models of this brand initially provides the possibility of reverse installation loops, which allows you to perform the procedure yourself without calling a specialist.
Before starting work, it is important to understand that the process requires accuracy and the presence of a minimum set of tools. An incorrect sequence of actions can lead to damage to the plastic elements or failure of the seal. In this article, we will look in detail at how to rehang the door on an Ariston refrigerator so that you can do it quickly and safely.
It is worth noting that models with displays on the facade or system No Frost may have their own nuances in connecting wires and attaching panels. Therefore, even if you have experience assembling furniture, it is recommended that you carefully study the instructions specifically for your series of devices. Correctly performed rehanging will ensure long service life of the mechanism and preserve the aesthetic appearance of the equipment.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
The success of the operation to change the opening side directly depends on high-quality preparation. You don't need sophisticated industrial equipment, but not having the right tools can make the process much more difficult or lead to scratches on the case. The first step will be to free up the space around the unit.
- 🛠️ A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) or a screwdriver with the appropriate bits.
- 🔧 8 or 10 mm wrench or socket (depending on the model).
- 📦 Container for folding screws and small parts.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
Be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply before starting any manipulations. This is a basic safety rule that cannot be ignored, even if you only work on mechanical components. Clear the doors of products and shelves to reduce the load on the hinges and avoid heavy objects falling.
It is recommended to lay a soft covering on the floor, such as cardboard or thick fabric. This will protect the flooring from damage if a tool or dismantled part accidentally falls. It is also worth enlisting the help of a second person, since refrigerator doors Ariston can be quite heavy, especially the lower chamber.
⚠️ Attention: Some models may be equipped with specific plugs or have hidden screws under decorative trims. Carefully inspect the ends of the doors before starting disassembly.
Removing the top door of the refrigerator compartment
The process always starts from the top of the device. In models Ariston the upper loop often serves as a pin retainer or has a complex design with a decorative cover. You must first remove the top panel if it is blocking access to the hinge fasteners.
Unscrew the screws holding the top hinge. Be careful: at this moment the door is held only by weight and friction, so you need to hold it with a second hand or ask an assistant. After loosening the fasteners, carefully lift the door up to remove it from the lower guide pin.
- 🔩 Remove the decorative plug from the upper hinge.
- 🔓 Unscrew the bolts securing the upper hinge to the body.
- 🚪 Remove the door from the lower support pin.
- 💾 Save all screws in a separate container.
If your model has a display or door control panel, you must disconnect the electrical connectors before completely removing it. They are usually located on the top of the housing or inside the hinge channel. Proceed carefully so as not to damage contact groups.
☑️ Removing the upper door
Working with the lower door of the freezer
After the upper part is removed, we move on to the lower door. In two-chamber refrigerators Ariston the middle hinge is often common to both chambers or has a separate attachment to the body. The logic of action is similar to the upper block, but it has its own characteristics.
You need to unscrew the middle loop. In some designs, it may be secured with a locking screw, which must be unscrewed first. After removing the fasteners, the lower door is also removed upwards. It is important not to lose bushings or washers that may be on the pins.
Pay special attention to the condition of the sealing rubber. While the doors are removed, check them for cracks or deformations. If seal is damaged, now is the best time to replace it, since access to the groove is as open as possible.
⚠️ Attention: When removing the middle hinge, be careful not to drop it inside the refrigerator body, this may damage the internal components or damage the external view.
Rehanging the handles and rearranging the plugs
One of the most noticeable stages is moving the handles and installing decorative plugs on the vacated holes. Refrigerator doors Ariston usually have technological holes on the back side, closed with plastic plugs.
Carefully remove the plugs from the holes on the new front side. To do this, you can use a thin blade of a flat-head screwdriver, but be careful not to split the plastic. Then install the removed plugs into the holes, which will now become internal (on the hinge side).
- 👐 Remove the handles from the doors by unscrewing the screws from the inside.
- 🕳️ Remove the plugs from the holes on the new side of the installation.
- 🔌 Install the plugs in vacated holes at the ends.
- 🔨 Fix the handles in the new place using standard fasteners.
The handles can be attached to screws of different lengths. It is important not to mix them up when installing, as a screw that is too long can damage the internal structure of the door or protrude from the front side. Check the reliability of the fixation, but do not overtighten the thread.
What to do if the plug is lost?
If you have lost a decorative plug, do not leave the hole open - this will damage the thermal insulation. Temporarily seal it with a piece of aluminum tape matching the color of the body or order a set of plugs from the manufacturer's service center.
Installing doors on a new side
Assembly is carried out in the reverse order of disassembly. First, the lower door is installed on the lower hinge, which should now be secured to the opposite side of the body. Make sure that the hinge axis fits tightly into its socket.
Then the middle hinge (if it is separate) or the upper part of the structure is mounted. When installing the top door, it is important to line up the screw holes correctly. If the holes do not match, you may have installed the hinge mate incorrectly or did not fully seat the door onto the pin.
| Stage | Action | Check point |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Installing the bottom hinge | Checking the horizon level |
| 2 | Installation of the lower door | Tightness of the seal |
| 3 | Installing the middle hinge | No backlash |
| 4 | Mounting the top door | Coincidence of axes |
| 5 | Fixing the top hinge | Tightening all bolts |
When tightening the bolts of the top hinge, do not tighten them completely right away. First, tighten all the screws, check that the door is evenly installed, and only then make the final tightening. This will avoid distortions, which can lead to loose closure.
Adjustment and checking for tightness
After installing all the elements, it is necessary to make a final adjustment. Refrigerator doors Ariston should close tightly around the entire perimeter. If you notice gaps or a loose fit, you will need to adjust the height of the legs or the position of the hinges.
Checking the tightness can be done with a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet between the door and the body at various points around the perimeter. If the sheet is removed easily and without resistance, it means that in this place seal does not fit tightly enough.
- 📏 Check the gap between the doors when closed.
- 🧲 Make sure that the magnets are activated throughout length.
- 📄 Carry out a test with a paper sheet around the perimeter.
- 👀 Visually assess the symmetry of the gaps.
If the door is skewed, you can slightly loosen the hinge fasteners and adjust the position, or adjust the front support legs refrigerator. Rotation of the legs allows you to tilt the body back, which helps close the doors more tightly under the influence of gravity.
⚠️ Attention: Do not plug in the refrigerator immediately after moving or rehanging if you tilted the body too much. Give the compressor oil 2-3 hours to return to the compressor crankcase.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do I need to call a technician to hang the door on Ariston?
In most cases, calling a technician is not required. The design of refrigerators Ariston allows you to perform this operation yourself, having a basic set of tools. However, if you are not confident in your abilities or are afraid of damaging the system No Frost, it is better to turn to professionals.
What to do if the holes for the hinges do not match after rearrangement?
Make sure that you use the correct holes, as there may be several of them. Also check that the hinge mate is installed correctly. In rare cases, it may be necessary to reinstall the pins or use adapters if the model has a specific design.
Is it possible to rehang the door without completely emptying the refrigerator?
It is highly not recommended. Full shelves add significant weight to the door, creating the risk of injury or damage to the hinge mechanism. In addition, products may fall out during the process of tilting or removing the door.
Does re-hanging the door affect the warranty?
Re-hanging the door yourself, as a rule, does not void the warranty if the unit components are not damaged in the process. However, if you break the hinge or damage the case, the service center may refuse free repairs. Keep all removed parts.