The situation when the standard arrangement of doors refrigerator Ariston no longer suits the owner, it occurs quite often. This may be due to remodeling the kitchen, buying new furniture, or simply wanting to optimize the space for ease of opening. Fortunately, the design of most modern models of household appliances allows you to do rehanging doors at home without calling a technician.
The process of changing the opening side does not require deep engineering knowledge, but requires a basic set of tools and accuracy. Incorrect actions can lead to damage accessories or failure of the seal, so it is important to strictly follow the algorithm. In this article, we will look in detail at how to safely change the doors on an Ariston refrigerator, taking into account the design features of various series.
Before you get started, you need to make sure that your model really supports this function. Although 95% of refrigerators Ariston have symmetrical mountings, there are rare exceptions or specific modifications. Check for the presence of plugs on the opposite side of the case - this is the first sign of the possibility of reverse.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
High-quality preparation is the key to the success of the entire operation. You don't need a complex professional tool, but using unsuitable items can lead to stripped threads or scratches on the body. Collect everything you need in one place in advance so as not to be distracted during the process.
The main tool will be screwdriver or a set of screwdrivers with different bits (phillips and flat). Some models may require socket wrenches or hex keys, which are often included with the refrigerator itself upon purchase. Also do not forget about rags and a soft backing.
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (PH1, PH2, flat) or a screwdriver with the appropriate bits.
- 🔩 Socket wrenches or sockets (usually 8 mm or 10 mm) for dismantling the main bolts.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧶 Soft cloth or cardboard to protect the floor and facade of the refrigerator.
It is important to free up space around the unit. Move the refrigerator away from the wall enough to allow easy access to the side panels on all sides. Make sure that the floor under your feet is level and not slippery, as you will have to bend over and exert physical effort.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to unplug the refrigerator from the power supply! Remove the plug from the socket to eliminate the risk of electric shock or accidental start of the compressor while manipulating the wiring, if it is affected.
Removing the top panel and top hinge
The process starts from the top of the refrigerator. In most models Ariston this is where the main load-bearing hinge is located, holding the weight of the door. First you need to remove the top cover (if there is one) or the decorative trim that hides the fasteners.
Carefully unscrew the screws securing the top panel. They can be located in front or behind, sometimes hidden under plastic plugs. After removing the cover you will have access to top hinge. Do not rush to unscrew all the bolts at once - just loosen them first.
Ask an assistant to hold the door, as after completely unscrewing the bolts it may fall. If you don't have a helper, use a wedge or stand to secure the door in position. Unscrew the hinge bolts completely and remove the metal bracket.
☑️ Removing the upper part
At this stage it is important not to lose small parts. Place all screws, washers and the hinge itself in a separate container. It is impossible to confuse the fasteners from the top and bottom hinges, but the loss of even one small screw can stop the whole process.
Removing the door and rearranging the handle
After releasing the top hinge, the door can be removed. Gently lift it up to bring the axle out of the bottom loop and set it aside in a safe place, preferably placing it face down on a prepared soft cloth. Now you need to move the handle to the other side.
On some models, the handles are symmetrical and only require moving the mounting screws to the opposite side. In other cases, it may be necessary to completely replace the element or use special adapters included in the kit. Carefully inspect the back side of the door - there are often ready-made threaded holes closed with plastic plugs.
Remove the plugs from the new side and install them in place of the old holes. Secure the handle using standard fasteners. Make sure that it sits tightly and does not wobble, as it will bear the main load during operation.
What to do if the holes do not match?
In rare cases, when using non-original handles or modifications, the holes may not match. In such a situation, you will need to carefully drill new holes, but this can only be done by removing the inner door panel so as not to damage the insulation and the No Frost system.
If your model is equipped with a display or control panel on the door, be extremely careful. In such cases, disconnection wire cablemay be necessary. Do this only after completely fixing the position of the door and marking the connectors.
Working with the lower hinge and guides
The lower part of the refrigerator requires special attention, since there is often a pin on which the door is placed. In some models Ariston the bottom hinge is hidden under the plinth or decorative grille near the floor.
Remove the bottom panel by unscrewing the fixing screws. You will see the bottom loop and pin. If the pin is rigidly fixed in the body of the door, it must be unscrewed from the lower end of the door (which has already been removed) and screwed into the hole on the other side. If the pin is part of the lower loop, then you need to rearrange the loop itself.
| Type of fastening | Pin location | Actions when turning over |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated | B end of the door | Unscrew from one hole, screw into a symmetrical one |
| Removable hinge | Part of the bottom bracket | Move the entire bracket to the other side of the body |
| Guide | Separate plastic element | Replace the plugs and rearrange the guide sleeve |
When rearranging the lower hinge, make sure that it fits snugly against the body. Play in the lower part will cause the door to be skewed and the closing seal will be broken. This is a critical component for the longevity of the seal seal.
⚠️ Caution: If you find that the lower pin is rusted or stuck, do not apply excessive force. Treat the connection with a penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40) and wait 10-15 minutes, otherwise there is a risk of breaking the threads in the aluminum door body.
Installing the door on a new side
When all the preparatory work is completed, the handles are rearranged, and the lower hinge is moved, you can begin installation. It is better to perform this step together, since the refrigerator door Ariston weighs a lot, and it is difficult to hold it straight with one hand.
Install the door with the bottom hole on the pin or axis of the bottom hinge. Make sure it lies flat and not skewed. Now place the top hinge on the door axle and align the mounting holes on the refrigerator body.
Insert the top hinge bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet. The door should have a little freedom of movement so that you can align its position with the body. Check the gaps around the perimeter - they should be the same at the top and bottom.
After leveling, finally tighten all fastening bolts. Movements must be confident, but without fanaticism, so as not to break the thread. Check that the door opens and closes smoothly, without creaking or jamming.
Adjustment and leak testing
The final stage is checking the quality of the work performed. Even a perfectly executed re-weighing requires checking tightness. The sealing gum should adhere to the body evenly around the entire perimeter.
Perform a simple test: close the door, holding a sheet of paper between it and the body. If the sheet is pulled out with noticeable effort along the entire length of the perimeter, everything is fine. If in any place the paper falls out freely or is pulled out too easily, the door height needs to be adjusted.
Adjustment is usually done by unscrewing or tightening the support screws in the bottom hinge or by adjusting the height of the legs of the refrigerator itself. By twisting the front legs, you can change the tilt of the entire unit, which will force the door to close more tightly under its own weight.
⚠️ Attention: If after adjustment the gap remains, the seal may be deformed. In this case, you can warm it up with a hairdryer (without overheating!) or temporarily fix it with masking tape in the closed position of the refrigerator for several hours.
Possible difficulties and nuances of operation
In the process of work, you may encounter a number of features characteristic of different years of production of the equipment Ariston. For example, in older models the plastic may be more fragile, while newer ones may use more complex hidden installation systems.
One of the common problems is the loss of decorative plugs. If you lose a plastic plug, do not leave the hole open - moisture or dust may get in there. Temporarily seal it or select an element of similar size.
It is also worth considering that after rearranging the doors, it may take time for the seal to “get used to” the new position. In the first days, watch how tightly the refrigerator closes and, if necessary, tighten the fasteners.
Is it possible to change the doors on an Ariston refrigerator with a display?
Yes, it is possible, but it is more difficult. You will need to disconnect the cable harness going to the control panel. Be sure to take a photo of the connection before disconnecting and act extremely carefully so as not to damage the contacts.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not close completely?
Most likely, the angle of the refrigerator is broken. Try unscrewing the front leveling feet so that the body tilts slightly backwards. This will help the door close automatically.
Is it necessary to change the seal when re-hanging?
No, the standard seal Ariston is symmetrical and does not require replacement. However, if it is very worn or has cracks, it is after removing the door that it is most convenient to replace it with a new one.
How long does the whole procedure take?
For an experienced master, the process takes 15-20 minutes. For a beginner, taking into account studying the instructions and searching for tools, this can take from 40 minutes to 1 hour.