The need to change the direction of opening the refrigerator door often arises when moving to a new kitchen or after rearranging furniture, when the standard configuration becomes inconvenient. Owners of equipment Ariston may encounter the fact that the door rests against the wall or interferes with passage, which makes the reversal function an extremely useful option. Fortunately, most modern models of this brand structurally provide for the possibility of reinstalling hinges and handles on the opposite side without calling a technician.
The process of rehanging requires care and precision, since the door leaf has significant weight and a complex system of seals. Incorrect sequence of actions can lead to damage to plastic elements or disruption of the chamber's tightness. Before starting work, it is important to prepare the work space and make sure that there are no children or pets nearby who could accidentally touch the unstable unit.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for various types of refrigerators Ariston, including models with the system No Frost and classic drip defrosting. You will learn what tools you will need, how to properly dismantle the fittings, and what to pay special attention to during assembly. Compliance with all technical nuances ensures that your equipment will work silently, and the door will close tightly, keeping food fresh.
Preparation of tools and workplace
The success of the door hanging operation depends 80% on proper preparation. You don't need a complex professional tool, but having quality equipment will greatly simplify the task. The main tool will be a set of screwdrivers with different tips, since the design can contain both Phillips and slotted screws.
Particular attention should be paid to the choice of wrenches or heads. Manufacturers often use non-standard bolt sizes, so it is better to have an adjustable wrench or a set of ratchet sockets on hand. Also, do not forget about the building level to check the horizontal installation of the unit after completion of work.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Remove the plug from the outlet to eliminate the risk of electric shock when working with metal structural elements.
To protect the floor covering and prevent scratches on the cabinet, prepare a soft cloth or cardboard. If your model has glass shelves on the door, it is better to remove them in advance to reduce the weight of the structure and avoid breaking the glass if moved carelessly.
- 🔧 Set of screwdrivers (Phillips and flat slots).
- 🔩 Wrenches or sockets (sizes 8, 10, 13 mm).
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp edges.
- 📏 Building level for checking installation.
- 🧶 Tape or tape to secure the door during operation.
Removing the top panel and hinges
The first step will be to remove the top cover of the refrigerator, if it is structurally provided for in your model Ariston. It is usually secured with two screws at the back or with latches on the sides. Carefully unscrew the fasteners and slide the panel forward or up to gain access to the top hinge.
Next, you need to free the top hinge from the mounting bolts. The door at this moment should be tightly closed so as not to disturb the position of the canvas. Use masking tape or the help of a second person to hold the door closed while you work on the hinges.
Once the bolts are removed, the top hinge is removed along with the axle. Be prepared for the axle to be tight due to factory lubrication. Do not use excessive force to avoid stripping the threads; It’s better to gently rock the loop from side to side.
It is important to remember the location of all the removed parts. It is recommended to lay them out in the order of dismantling on the prepared surface. Loss of even one small screw may lead to the door not going into place or being warped.
☑️ Preparation for dismantling
Removing the door leaf and repositioning the handle
When the upper hinge is dismantled and the lower one is weakened, the most crucial moment comes - removing the door leaf. The weight of the door can reach 15-20 kg, so you need to act confidently and preferably with an assistant. Smoothly lift the door up, removing it from the lower axis, and place it in a safe place on a soft surface.
Now you need to move the handle to the opposite side. On most models Ariston places for fastenings are already provided and closed with decorative plugs. Carefully pry off the plugs with a thin screwdriver or knife so as not to damage the door covering.
Remove the handle from the current side by unscrewing the fixing screws. Often they are hidden under decorative caps. Transfer the fasteners and the handle itself to the new holes. Make sure that the screws are tightened evenly so that the handle does not wobble.
Features of handles in different models
In some models of Ariston refrigerators, handles can be integrated (cutout in the body) or hidden. In such cases, the rearrangement procedure is simplified or not required at all, since the shape of the housing is symmetrical. Always check the instructions for your specific model.
If additional elements are installed on the door, such as a display or control button, they will also need to be moved. To do this, you will have to carefully disconnect the wire cables. Proceed with extreme caution, as the connectors may be fragile.
Working with the lower loop and limiter
The lower loop is a support and carries the main load, so its installation must be treated with special attention. In some models, the axis of the lower hinge is part of the hinge itself, in others it is a separate pin inserted into the body.
If the design provides a plastic door opening limiter (damper), it must also be moved to the other side. It is usually attached to a screw at the bottom of the refrigerator body. Unscrew it and screw it into the symmetrical hole on the other side.
When installing a new bottom hinge, make sure it is oriented correctly. The axis should point straight up and be located exactly in the center of the door entry hole. Misalignment at this stage will lead to the door not closing tightly or opening spontaneously.
- 🔩 Check the integrity of the threads in the body before tightening the bolts.
- 🧹 Clean the bottom hinge seat from dust and dirt.
- 🛢️ If necessary Apply a drop of machine oil to the axle for quiet operation.
Tightening torque The bottom hinge bolts are critical. Tightening too loose will result in play, while tightening too tightly can damage the plastic liner or strip the threads. Use a torque wrench if possible, or rely on the force recommended by the manufacturer.
Tightening torque table and model specifics
Different models of refrigerators Ariston may have differences in the types of fasteners and the required force puffs. Below is a reference table for the most common series. Remember that the data is advisory in nature, and official documentation takes precedence.
| Refrigerator series | Hinge type | Bolt diameter | Recommended torque (Nm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ariston MB | Upper/Lower | M6 | 12-14 |
| Ariston B | Middle/Lower | M8 | 18-20 |
| Ariston QS | Reinforced | M8 | 20-22 |
| Ariston No Frost | Combined | M6/M8 | 15-18 |
Models with the system No Frost are characterized by the presence of additional air duct channels at the door. When rehanging, it is important not to damage the thermal insulation and make sure that the holes for air circulation are not blocked by new fasteners.
In two-chamber refrigerators, the procedure is repeated for each door separately. First, re-hang the upper (freezer) compartment, then the lower one. The procedure is similar, but requires more time to dismantle the middle partition if it interferes with access.
Installing the door and final adjustment
After preparing all the elements, you can begin installing the door. Apply a little lubricant (Litol or graphite grease) to the lower hinge axis to reduce friction. Carefully slide the door leaf onto the axle, making sure that the holes in the top hinge line up with the mating parts on the body.
Install the top hinge in place and tighten the mounting bolts. Do not tighten them all the way at once. First, make sure the door is level and opens freely. Then tighten all the bolts evenly, crosswise.
The final stage is adjusting the door position. If the door is skewed, you can place washers under the hinge or use adjusting screws (if provided in the model). The door must close tightly around the entire perimeter, the seal must fit evenly.
⚠️ Attention: If after installation you notice that the door does not close completely or there is a gap between the body and the seal, do not ignore it. A loose fit will lead to ice freezing and increased energy consumption.
Check the operation of the magnetic lock and closer (if equipped). The door should close on its own when opened approximately 30-40 degrees. If force is required to close, check the horizontal installation of the refrigerator itself - you may need to tighten the front legs.
Frequent errors and troubleshooting
Even following the instructions, you can make mistakes that will affect the operation of the equipment. One of the most common is the loss or confusion of screws of different lengths. This can cause a long screw to hit the plastic and crack the housing or damage the internal channels.
Another mistake is not checking the level. If the refrigerator is placed on an uneven floor, the hanging system may not work correctly, and the door will open spontaneously or, conversely, close too tightly.
Also, users often forget to replace the plastic plugs in place of the old holes. This spoils the appearance of the equipment. Be sure to close all vacated holes with decorative elements included in the kit or removed from the other side.
- 🚫 Do not use excessive force when tightening screws into plastic.
- 🚫 Do not leave the door open for a long time without fixing - the hinges may become deformed.
- 🚫 Don't forget to put back all the removed decorative trims.
If after all the manipulations you hear a creaking or grinding sound, check whether the door is touching the body or the floor. You may need to re-adjust the height of the refrigerator legs or loosen the hinges.
⚠️ Attention: The characteristics and design of refrigerators may vary slightly depending on the year of manufacture and the specific modification. Always check the product data sheet if your actions differ from the description in the article.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to rehang the door yourself if the refrigerator is under warranty?
In most cases, re-hanging the door yourself does not void the warrantysince this standard procedure provided by the manufacturer. However, if in the process you damage the case, break the glass or break the thread, the warranty claim for this damage will not be considered. It is recommended to keep all removed parts and act carefully.
What to do if the holes for the hinges do not match?
If you see holes on only one side, it means that your specific model does not have the ability to rehang the door constructively. It is strictly forbidden to drill new holes in the housing - this will violate the thermal insulation and tightness. In this case, you will have to change the location of the refrigerator itself in the kitchen. Ariston the possibility of reversing the door is not provided structurally. It is strictly forbidden to drill new holes in the housing - this will violate the thermal insulation and tightness. In this case, you will have to change the location of the refrigerator itself in the kitchen.
Do you need to wait after installation before turning it on?
Yes, after rehanging the door and installing the refrigerator in a new place, it is recommended to wait 2-4 hours before turning it on. This is necessary so that the refrigerant and oil in the compressor are distributed correctly, especially if the refrigerator is tilted during operation.
What about the display on the door?
If there is a display on the door, the wires from it are usually long enough to be transferred to the other side, or extension cables are included. In some models, the wires may be short, and then the help of a service center specialist will be required to safely transfer the cables.
Why does the door not close tightly after rehanging?
There may be several reasons: the refrigerator is not level, the door itself is skewed due to uneven tightening of the hinges, or the rubber seal is damaged/jammed. Check the horizontal installation and, if necessary, heat the seal with a hairdryer so that it straightens.