The need to change the opening direction of the refrigerator door Hotpoint Ariston often arises when moving, remodeling a kitchen, or simply to optimize the work space. Many owners of household appliances are faced with a situation where the standard factory configuration interferes with convenient access to products. Fortunately, the design of most models of this brand provides for the possibility of reversing the sashes, which allows you to adapt the unit to the individual requirements of the room.
The process reversing the doors requires care, accuracy and a minimum set of tools. Errors during the dismantling stage or an incorrect sequence of actions can lead to damage to the hinges, deformation of the seal, or loss of tightness. It is important to understand that although the procedure is technically simple, it affects the load-bearing elements of the body, so all manipulations should be carried out strictly according to the instructions. In this article we will look at all the nuances of replacing the opening side for various modifications of refrigerators Ariston.
Before starting work, you need to prepare the workplace and free up space around the refrigerator. You will need access to the device from all sides, as some models require the removal of back panels or side covers. Make sure the floor is level and the surface on which the unit will be installed is protected from scratches. Correct preparation is the key to successful completion of the repair without unnecessary nerves and damage to furniture.
Necessary tools and preparation for work
To carry out work on hanging doors, you do not need complex professional equipment. However, using unsuitable tools can ruin the appearance of the equipment or strip the threads of the fasteners. The basis of the set will consist of screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead), a wrench or 10 mm socket, and masking tape for fixing the sashes. Some models may require a hexagon, which is often included with the refrigerator.
Particular attention should be paid to the cleanliness of hands and tools so as not to stain white or steel surfaces. cases. It is advisable to work in cotton gloves, which will provide a secure grip and protect the metal from fingerprints. Also prepare a container for storing screws and bolts, since their number can be significant, and it is very easy to lose a small part during work.
Before starting dismantling, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This is a standard safety precaution and will prevent the compressor from accidentally starting or damaging wiring if access to internal cables is required. Remove all shelves and drawers from the door to reduce its weight and prevent glass elements from falling when tilting the case.
- 🛠️ Set of screwdrivers (PH2, flat 4-6 mm) for removing decorative panels and fasteners.
- 🔧 Wrench or 10 mm socket for main hinge bolts.
- 📏 Level to check the horizontal installation after completion of work.
- 🧤 Work gloves and rags to protect surfaces and hands.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use impact tools (drill, screwdriver in impact mode) to unscrew old bolts, since vibration can damage the plastic bushings or split the metal of the housing at the fastening points.
Removing the top panel and removing the top door
The process begins from the top of the refrigerator compartment. In most models Hotpoint Ariston the upper decorative panel (cover) is secured with latches or screws hidden under plastic plugs. Carefully pry up the plugs with a flat-head screwdriver and unscrew the fasteners. After removing the panel, you will have access to the upper hinge, which holds the door of the refrigerator compartment.
Next, you need to fix the door in the open position or ask an assistant to hold it. Remove the bolts securing the top hinge to the refrigerator body. Be careful: the door is heavy and may fall sharply when the last bolt is removed. After removing the hinge, carefully lift the door up to remove it from the lower sleeve, and set it in a safe place, after covering the floor with cardboard.
If you have a model with a display or control buttons on the door, you will need to disconnect the wiring harness at this stage. The connector is usually located under the top panel or at the top of the doorway. Disconnection should be done by gently pulling on the plastic connector, not on the wires themselves. Remember or take a photo of the position of the contacts so as not to confuse the polarity during assembly.
☑️ Preparing to remove the door
Removing the bottom door of the freezer
After that Once the top flap is removed, move on to the bottom door of the freezer. The principle of operation is similar, but there are some nuances. First, remove the decorative trim from the bottom hinge, which is often hidden under the refrigerator base or plastic casing. Unscrew the mounting bolts holding the hinge in place and remove it.
The bottom door is usually lighter than the top door, but it may also be equipped with a seal that creates resistance during removal. Lift the door up, removing it from the axis. If the door is equipped with a soft-close or soft-closing mechanism, make sure that you do not damage it when removing it. Place all removed parts, including pins and bushings, in a separate box.
At this stage, it is important to inspect sealing rubber for damage. If you notice tears or loss of elasticity during removal, this is the ideal time to replace the seal. Also check the condition of the hinge seats on the body - there should be no chips or corrosion that could prevent the new configuration from fitting tightly.
- 🧊 Remove the plinth at the bottom of the refrigerator to access the bottom hinge.
- 🔩 Unscrew the bolts securing the lower hinge and remove it from the axle.
- 🚪 Lift the freezer door up and set it aside.
- 🔍 Inspect the seal and seats for defects.
Rearranging the handles and plugs to the opposite side
The most labor-intensive stage is rearranging the controls and decor. At the ends of the doors, on the side where they will now open, there are holes for hinges. On the working side (where the handles were) these holes are closed with plastic plugs. You need to carefully remove the plugs from the new seats and install them in the old places where the handles will now be located.
Handles on refrigerators Hotpoint Ariston can be attached in different ways: on screws on the inside of the door or on latches on the outside. If the screws are inside, unscrew them, remove the handle and move it to the other side. If the handle is snap-on, be careful not to break the plastic clips. Make sure that when installing again, the handle will not touch the cabinet or adjacent furniture.
Pay special attention to the holes for the hinges. The refrigerator often comes with special plastic sleeves or plug screws to close unused holes. Place them on the side where the handles will now be. This is necessary to comply tightness and aesthetics of appearance. If there are no plugs in the kit, you can use standard bolts, having previously insulated their heads so that they do not rust.
| Element | Action when rearranging | Important nuance |
|---|---|---|
| Upper handle | Move to the opposite end | Check the length of the screws for the new side |
| Bottom handle | Replace the plugs | Do not confuse the left and right plugs |
| Hinge holes | Close with decorative plugs | Use plugs from the spare parts kit |
| Control display | Reprogram (if possible) | Requires a reset in the menu |
⚠️ Attention: Some handle models have an asymmetrical shape or a bend designed for only one side. Before drilling new holes or attempting installation, make sure that the design of the handle allows installation on the other side.
Installing hinges and hanging doors in a new position
Assembly is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling, but using opposite holes. First, install the bottom hinge on the new side of the refrigerator body. Insert the axle into it and put the bottom freezer door on. Align the door so that it is level and secure the hinge with bolts. Do not tighten the bolts all the way right away - leave a small gap for final adjustment.
Then install the middle hinge (if the model is two-chamber with a separate partition) or immediately move to the upper part. Replace the top refrigerator door. If your model has wires, carefully thread them through the provided channels in the hinges and body so that they are not pressed or chafed when opening. Connect the connectors all the way until you hear a characteristic click.
Install the top hinge on the new side and tighten the bolts. Now that all the doors are hung, you can proceed to adjustment. The doors should close tightly, without gaps, but not too tightly. Make sure that when opening the door it does not hit the kitchen plinth or other objects. After final alignment, tighten all hinge bolts firmly.
- 🔨 Install the bottom hinge on the new holes and secure the freezer door.
- 🔌 Route the wires through the channels, avoiding kinks and tension.
- 🚪 Hang the top door and install the top hinge on the new side.
- 🔧 Tighten the fasteners after accurately aligning the position of the doors.
Adjusting gaps and checking tightness
After installing the doors, it is critical to check their fit. A door that is not closed tightly will lead to increased energy consumption and the formation of ice. Take a regular sheet of paper, clamp it between the door and the body around the perimeter and try to pull it out. The paper should be removed with noticeable force. If it falls out or is removed too easily, the height of the doors or the tension of the seal must be adjusted.
To adjust the height, adjusting screws are used on the legs of the refrigerator or on the hinges themselves (depending on the model). By rotating them, ensure that the doors are located in the same plane and close simultaneously (or with a slight delay at the bottom, if there is no No Frost system with one circuit). Also check the operation of the magnets in the corners of the seal - they should provide a tight “pop” when closing.
Turn on the refrigerator and leave it running without loading for 2-3 hours. Periodically check the temperature inside the chambers and the absence of condensation on the seal. If you notice that the door itself opens slightly or, on the contrary, sticks too tightly, you may need to adjust the tilt of the entire refrigerator body forward using the front support legs.
What to do if the door does not close tightly after hanging?
Most often the problem lies in skewed hinges or an incorrectly installed seal. Try loosening the hinge bolts, pressing the door tightly against the body, and tightening the bolts again. Also check if there is anything in the way inside the chamber (a protruding shelf or packaging).
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before hanging the doors?
Yes, this is a mandatory procedure. Water from defrosted ice can flow out when the case is tilted, and an empty refrigerator is easier to move and tilt to access the lower hinges.
Is it possible to reverse the doors on a refrigerator with a No Frost system?
Yes, you can. The No Frost system does not prevent overhang, however, such models often have air ducts in the doors. When working with wires and air ducts, special care is required so as not to disrupt circulation.
What to do if the holes on the new side do not match?
In 99% of cases, the holes are symmetrical. If they do not match, check to see if you have mixed up the left and right end caps, or if you are using hinges from a different model. You cannot drill new holes in the factory - this will break the tightness of the internal circuit.
How long can you not turn on the refrigerator after rearranging?
If you did not tilt the refrigerator more than 45 degrees, you can turn it on immediately. If the unit was tilted strongly or lay on its side, it is recommended to let it stand upright for 2-4 hours before turning it on, so that the oil in the compressor flows into the crankcase.