The need to change the direction of opening the refrigerator door Ariston often arises when remodeling the kitchen or rearranging furniture. The standard factory configuration, where the door opens from left to right, is not always convenient in narrow spaces or with non-standard outlet locations. Fortunately, most modern models of this brand are designed with the possibility of reversible installation in mind.
The process of rehanging requires some preparation and accuracy, but it can be done at home without calling a specialist. Key point the correct sequence of actions and the presence of a basic set of tools are required. If you ignore technological nuances, you can damage the hinges or break the tightness of the seal, which will lead to increased energy consumption.
In this article we will analyze in detail how to change the door on an Ariston refrigerator, paying attention to the features of dismantling the fittings and adjusting the position of the blade. For models with the No Frost system and electronic controls on the door, a special approach to disconnecting the cables is required. Carefully studying the instructions will allow you to avoid common mistakes and get the job done efficiently in one hour.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tools
Before starting any manipulations with the refrigerator body, it is necessary to ensure safe conditions work. Clear space in front of the unit so that you can freely walk around it from all sides. It is advisable to move the refrigerator away from the wall at a distance of at least a meter, which will provide access to the back panel and side edges.
To carry out the work, you will need a standard DIY kit. The main tools will be wrenches (usually 8, 10 or 13 mm, depending on the model), Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers, and a knife for neatly separating decorative plugs. It would be a good idea to prepare a container for storing fasteners so as not to lose small screws.
It is important to consider the weight of the door leaf. Although the instructions often do not indicate the exact weight, it can reach 20-30 kilograms depending on the dimensions of the model Ariston. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to invite an assistant to hold the door while unscrewing the hinges. This will prevent the heavy element from falling and damaging the floor covering or the refrigerator itself.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! Remove the plug from the socket to eliminate the risk of a short circuit if the wiring is accidentally damaged while dismantling the elements.
Free the internal shelves and drawers to reduce the overall weight of the structure and prevent glass elements from falling out when the case is tilted. Remove any magnets, notes, or foreign objects from the outside of the door. Cleanliness and order in the workplace are the key to successful completion of the operation.
☑️ Preparation for rehanging
Design features of Ariston door hinges
Refrigerators Ariston can be equipped with various types of fasteners, and understanding their structure is critical for correct showdown. Most models use top and bottom swivel hinges that are secured with bolts. The design can be open or hidden under decorative plastic covers.
Particular attention should be paid to models with an electronic control panel located on the door. In such cases, electrical cables are suitable for the hinges, which cannot simply be broken or bent too much. Wire loops They require careful disconnection through special connectors, often located in the upper part of the body or inside the end of the door.
The lower part of the door usually rests on a pin or axis, which is inserted into the bushing of the lower hinge. When repositioning, this pin often needs to be moved to the opposite side. Some models are equipped with an automatic closer, the mechanism of which also requires correct orientation during installation.
Types of seals
The rubber seal on Ariston refrigerators can be glued or fixed in a groove. When rehanging the door, it is usually not removed, but you need to make sure that it does not deform and does not jump out of its support channel when dismantling the panel.
If your refrigerator is a two-chamber one, then the upper and lower doors may have independent opening mechanisms. In this case, the reweighing process is performed sequentially for each camera. As a rule, they start with the upper door, since it often blocks access to the fasteners of the lower one.
Step-by-step dismantling of the door leaf
The process of removing the door begins with the removal of decorative elements that hide the fasteners. Locate the plastic plugs on the top hinge and carefully pry them off with a flathead screwdriver or knife. Under them you will find bolts that need to be unscrewed with a wrench. Do not use excessive force to avoid stripping the thread.
After loosening the top hinge, ask an assistant to securely fix the door in a vertical position. Unscrew the bolts completely and remove the top hinge plate. If the model is equipped with a middle hinge (for two-chamber refrigerators), it must also be removed, first releasing the upper chamber from the load.
Remove the door from the lower axis, slightly lifting it. Be careful not to damage the lower pin or bushing. Place the removed fabric on a prepared soft surface (such as a blanket or cardboard) with the outside side down. This will protect the coating from scratches.
For models with wires: before completely removing the door, locate the connection point of the wiring harness. Typically the connector is located near the top hinge or in a special channel. Press the connector lock and smoothly separate the contacts. Remember or take a photo position of the wires so as not to confuse the polarity or connection order during assembly.
⚠️ Attention: Never pull the wires! Disconnection must be done using the connector housing only. Mechanical impact on the cable can lead to a break in the cores inside the insulation, which will cause failure of the electronic panel.
Rearranging the fittings to the opposite side
After dismantling, it is necessary to prepare holes on the opposite side of the body and the door itself. On factory refrigerators Ariston these holes are usually closed with plastic plugs. Carefully remove the plugs from the new side and install them in the vacant places from which the fittings were removed.
Move the lower support axis (pin) to the new side. To do this, you may need to unscrew it from the old seat and screw it into the new one. Make sure the axle fits snugly and does not wobble. If special bushings or washers for alternative installation were supplied with the refrigerator, use them according to the diagram in the instructions.
Remove the handle if it is asymmetrical or requires rearrangement. On many models, the handle is universal, but is attached to different sets of holes. Rearrange the handle fastening elements using the holes on the other side of the door leaf.
It is important to check the condition sealing rubber. If it was damaged or deformed during dismantling, it is better to replace it with a new one. Also check the integrity of the plastic elements of the hinges - the presence of cracks is unacceptable, as this will lead to a loose fit of the door.
Installation and adjustment of the door position
Install the door on the lower axis, making sure that it fits correctly in the groove. Now you need to fix the top loop. Insert the bolts into the holes and tighten them by hand to check the threads match. Only after this can you begin tightening with a wrench, but do not tighten the bolts all the way right away.
Adjustment is critical at this stage. The door should open freely, without distortion, and fit tightly to the body around the entire perimeter. If you notice gaps or displacement, loosen the fastening and adjust the position of the blade. For models with electronics, the cable loop is connected at this stage.
Pull the wires through the provided channels, avoiding them being pinched by the loop mechanism. Connect the connectors until you hear a characteristic click. Lay the harness so that it does not interfere with the rotation of the door and does not touch moving parts or hot elements (if we are talking about the rear part).
Finally secure the top hinge. Check the operation of the door: it should close on its own at the last stage of opening (if there is a closer) and not open spontaneously. The gap between the door and the body should be minimal and uniform.
Table and methods for eliminating them
Even with careful work, nuances may arise, affecting the functionality of the refrigerator. Below is a table with the most common problems that arise after re-hanging and ways to solve them.
| Problem | Possible cause | Elimination method |
|---|---|---|
| The door does not close tightly | Distortion of hinges or entry of a foreign object | Loosen the fastening and level the door, check the seal |
| Severe distortion of the canvas | Incorrect installation of the lower axis | Check the depth screwing in the pin and the presence of washers |
| The control panel does not work | Poor contact of the cable | Disconnect and reconnect the connector until it clicks |
| Creak when opening | No lubricants in the hinges | Lubricate the rubbing surfaces with silicone grease |
If after adjustment the door still does not fit tightly, check the tilt level of the refrigerator itself. The unit must stand strictly vertically or with a slight tilt back for automatic closing. Adjustment is carried out using the front support legs.
In some cases, it may be necessary to heat the seal with a hairdryer (at low temperature) if it has become deformed during storage or transportation. This will help the rubber return to its original shape and ensure tightness.
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics and location of fastening units may vary depending on the specific series and year of manufacture of the Ariston refrigerator. Always check the original user manual for your model.
What to do with the holes?
The holes that remain free after rearranging the door must be closed with decorative plugs. They come with the refrigerator (often attached with tape to the inner wall of the chamber or in a bag with documents). If the plugs are lost, they can be ordered from the service center to maintain aesthetics and protection from dust.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do you need to call a specialist to rehang the door on Ariston?
No, if you have basic skills in working with tools and follow safety precautions, you can do it yourself. However, if you have a Side-by-Side model or a refrigerator with complex electronics on the door, it is better to turn to professionals.
Will the warranty still apply after re-hanging it yourself?
According to the law, independent repairs or modernization (which includes re-hanging) may cause a denial of warranty service if it is proven that the malfunction was caused by your fault. Be extremely careful.
Where should I put the old hinge holes?
Plastic plugs are usually included with the refrigerator. They close the vacated holes on the body and on the door. If there are no plugs, it is better to close the holes to prevent moisture and dust from getting there.
Is it possible to rehang a door if it is glass?
Glass doors can be rehung, but with extreme caution. Glass is heavier than metal, so there is a higher risk of dropping or breaking it. Be sure to use reliable insurance and the help of a second person.