Many owners of household appliances are faced with a situation where the standard configuration of refrigeration equipment is no longer satisfactory. Most often this is due to the redevelopment of the kitchen or a change in the ergonomics of the space, when a door opening to the right begins to interfere with free passage or access to other cabinets. In such cases, the only correct solution is reversing the door on the opposite side, which allows you to adapt the equipment to new operating conditions without compromising functionality.
Refrigerators of the brand Hotpoint (formerly Ariston) are designed taking into account the possibility of changing the opening side, however, the procedure requires care and strict adherence to the sequence of actions. Incorrect assembly can lead to misalignment of the blade, failure of the seal and, as a consequence, failure of the compressor due to increased load. It is important to understand that modern models often have a complex control system that requires the transfer of interface elements.
In this guide we will examine in detail the process of reinstalling the hitch for various brand modifications. You will learn what tools you will need, how to safely dismantle the hardware, and what to pay special attention to when installing hinges on a new side. Properly performed work guarantees that your Hotpoint refrigerator will serve for many years, maintaining optimal temperature conditions.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tools
Before proceeding with the direct dismantling of structural elements, it is necessary to ensure safe working conditions and prepare all the required equipment. Working with heavy household appliances always carries the risk of damaging the flooring or the unit itself, so the space around it must be free. It is recommended to move the refrigerator away from the wall at a distance of at least one meter in order to have access to it from all sides.
Particular attention should be paid to preparing the surface on which the removed parts will lie. Hinges, bolts and decorative plugs tend to get lost or scratch furniture if they are simply thrown around. It is best to prepare a container for small items and soft rags to protect the floor in advance. It is also critically important de-energize the device before starting any work related to disassembling the case.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to remove all shelves and drawers from the door, and also empty it of food. This will reduce the weight of the structure and prevent the contents from falling out when tilted.
To complete the task, you will need a standard home craftsman's kit, but there are also specific requirements for tools. Using the wrong wrenches can cause the edges of the bolts to lick off, making the process much more difficult. In particular, models Hotpoint often require keys of a certain size, since the fasteners there can be metric or inch.
☑️ Necessary tools
- 🛠️ A set of screwdrivers with different blades for removing plastic plugs and screws.
- 🔧 Open-end or socket wrenches of 8 mm and 10 mm in size for working with the main hinges.
- 🔩 Hexagon (Allen key) for adjusting screws, if provided design.
- 🧤 Gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges and contamination.
- 📏 A level or assistant to control the position of the door during installation.
Do not forget that some bolts may be tightened by the manufacturer with great force. In such cases, physical force may be necessary, but it is important not to overdo it so as not to strip the thread. If you doubt your abilities, it is better to enlist the help of a second person who will help hold the heavy door in a vertical position while unscrewing the fasteners.
Dismantling the top hinge and removing the door
The process begins from the top of the refrigerator, since that is where the main load-bearing hinge is located. First you need to remove the decorative plug that hides the fasteners. Depending on the model Hotpoint, it may be held on by latches or glued, so you need to act carefully using a plastic spatula or a thin knife blade wrapped in fabric.
After removing the plug, you will see the top hinge mounting bolts. Before completely unscrewing them, you must lock the door in the closed position or ask an assistant to hold it firmly. Opening suddenly may cause injury or damage to the lower hinge. Unscrew the bolts sequentially, but do not remove them completely until the door is locked.
On many modern models, a wiring harness leading to the display or light bulb runs through the top hinge. This critical momentrequires maximum caution. The wires may be quite short, and a sudden movement will lead to their breakage or the connectors being pulled out of their seats.
How to safely disconnect the wires?
Disconnecting the connectors should be done only after you have visually assessed their type. Plastic chips often have latches that must be pressed with your fingers or a thin screwdriver before being pulled out. Under no circumstances pull on the wires themselves - only on the connector body. If the connector does not fit, check whether you forgot to release the latch. In some Hotpoint models, the connectors may be very tight due to factory grease or dust, in which case they can be gently rocked from side to side, holding on to the plastic.
- 🔌 Take a photo of the location of the wires before disconnecting, so as not to guess later.
- ✂️ If the wires are in the way, they can be temporarily fixed with painter tape on the body.
- 🔍 Inspect the insulation for cracks, especially in the bend areas near the hinge.
- 🧩 Disconnect the connectors only after completely removing the door from the lower support (if the design allows).
When the fasteners of the upper hinge are loosened or removed, and the wires (if yes) are disconnected or moved to the side, you can begin to remove the door. Lift the blade up to remove it from the bottom pin and carefully place it in a safe place on a soft surface. Now access to the lower part of the mechanism is completely open.
Reinstalling the lower support and removing the handle
The lower part of the door is attached to the base of the refrigerator or to a special pin, which is part of the lower hinge. On some models Hotpoint he bottom support is a separate metal pin screwed into the housing, while on others it is an integrated part of the hinge. Your task is to dismantle this element and move it to the opposite side.
To remove the lower stud, you may need a wrench of a suitable size, most often 10 mm. Unscrew it counterclockwise. If the stud won't budge, don't apply too much force right away - try tapping the key lightly or using a penetrating lubricant if there are signs of corrosion. After removing the stud, inspect the hole: there may be a bushing or washer there, which also needs to be rearranged.
The next step is dismantling the handle. On refrigerators Hotpoint handles are often attached in a hidden way. There may be holes on the inside of the door, closed with plugs, through which fasteners pass. Sometimes the handle is held on by latches, and to remove it you need to use a plastic tool so as not to damage the plastic.
⚠️ Attention: When removing the handle, be careful with the opening mechanism if it is built into the handle. In some models there may be springs that tend to shoot out during sudden dismantling.
After the handle is removed, it is necessary to remove the stoppers or plugs on the side where they were not there before (now it will become working). Typically, the refrigerator comes with plastic or metal plugs that are initially installed on the non-working side. They must be carefully removed and installed in places that have become inoperative.
- 🚪 Remove the handle by unscrewing the screws from the inside of the door leaf.
- 🕳️ Remove the plugs from the new holes for the handle and hinge.
- 🔩 Install plugs into the vacant holes on the working side.
- 🧹 Clean the installation sites from dust and technical grease before installation.
It is important not to confuse the installation sides. If you install the handle in a mirror manner, but do not move the stoppers, the door may not open all the way or, conversely, too wide, hitting the body. Check the opening mechanism by hand before final tightening.
Installing the door on the new side
Now that all preparatory work has been completed, you can begin assembly on the new side. Start by installing the bottom support stud in its new location. Screw it into the designated hole on the opposite side of the refrigerator base and secure it with a key. Make sure that the pin fits tightly and does not wobble.
Next you need to install the door in place. This is a two-person operation: one holds the door vertically, sliding the bottom hole onto the pin, and the second controls the hit and evens out the gaps. After installing the door on the lower support, you can proceed to installing the upper hinge. Insert the bolts into the top hinge holes and tighten them by hand without fully tightening them.
If your model Hotpoint equipped with an electronic display or indicators on the door, now is the time to connect the wiring harness. Pull the wires through the hole in (or near) the top loop and connect the connectors. Make sure they click into place. Then lay the wires so that they are not pinched when opening the door.
| Element | Installation action | Test sign |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom pin | Screw into new hole | No play, vertical position |
| Upper hinge | Install, tighten the bolts | The hinge fits tightly to the body |
| Electrical wiring | Connect the connectors | The display or light comes on |
| Handle | Screw it on the new side | No gaps between handle and door |
After connecting the wires and checking their placement, you can finally tighten the bolts of the upper hinge. Use a wrench to secure, but be careful not to over-tighten the connections to avoid damaging the threads or deforming the metal of the hinge. Now the door is installed, but requires adjustment.
Adjusting the position and tightness
Installing the door is only half the battle. In order for the refrigerator Hotpoint to work correctly, it is necessary to achieve a perfect fit of the sealing rubber around the entire perimeter. If the door is skewed, warm air will enter the chamber, which will force the compressor to work without interruption, increasing energy consumption.
Checking the tightness can be done in a simple way: clamp a sheet of paper between the door and the body at different points and try to pull it out. The paper should be removed with noticeable force. If in some place it falls out freely or, on the contrary, gets stuck tightly, adjustment of the height of the hinge or the position of the door is required.
Adjustment is usually carried out using adjusting screws on the hinges or by placing washers (in older models). In modern refrigerators, it is often enough to loosen the fastening bolts of the top hinge, align the door evenly and tighten them again. There are also adjusting screws on the legs of the refrigerator that help set the horizon of the entire body, which directly affects the operation of the doors.
- 📏 Use a building level to check the verticality of the door leaf.
- 🔄 If the door moves away at the top, slightly loosen the top bolts and press the door.
- ⚖️ Adjust the front legs of the refrigerator to tilt the body back (1-2 degrees).
- 🌡️ After adjustment, leave the refrigerator closed for a couple of hours to straighten the seal.
⚠️ Attention: If after adjustment there is a gap between the door and the body uneven (wide at the top, narrow at the bottom, or vice versa), perhaps the door itself has a geometry defect or the seal is damaged. In this case, simple re-hanging will not help.
Common mistakes and nuances for different models
When re-hanging refrigerator doors Hotpoint users often make typical mistakes that can negate all efforts. One of the most common is the loss of fasteners. Bolts from the left and right sides may differ in length or thread diameter, so mixing up the installation sides can lead to damage to the housing.
Another mistake is ignoring the condition of the seal. When dismantling and installing, the elastic band can be easily damaged or stretched. If you notice that after installation the seal does not fit tightly, try heating it with a hairdryer (without overheating!) or soaking it in warm water to make it more elastic. In some cases, the seal needs to be replaced.
Models with a system No Frost and a complex air duct system deserve special attention. In such refrigerators, the door may be heavier due to additional panels. They are also more likely to have problems with the wiring running through the loop. Be especially careful when working with such units.
- ❌ Do not use an impact tool (hammer) to drive in studs or hinges.
- ❌ Do not leave the door open for a long time without fixing - this is harmful to the hinges.
- ❌ Do not ignore squeaks after installation - they need to be eliminated by lubrication or adjustment.
- ✅ Always check the operation of the door sensor after transferring the wires.
If you followed all the steps correctly, your refrigerator Hotpoint is ready for use again. Let it stand turned off for about 2-4 hours after transportation and manipulation so that the refrigerant is distributed throughout the system, and then plug it in. A properly hung door will ensure tightness and extend the life of your equipment.
Is it possible to hang the door yourself if the refrigerator is under warranty?
Technically this is possible, since the design provides for such an option. However, if in the process you damage the case, break the threads or break the wiring, the service center may refuse warranty repairs, citing violation of operating rules. It is recommended to invite a specialist from an authorized center or act extremely carefully, documenting the condition before and after.
What to do if, after hanging, the door does not close tightly?
Most likely, the problem is in adjusting the height of the hinges or that the seal did not have time to straighten. Try loosening the top hinge and re-aligning the door. Also make sure that the refrigerator is level and tilted slightly backwards. If the seal is deformed, it needs to be replaced.
Is it necessary to drain the freon before hanging the door?
No, draining the refrigerant is absolutely not necessary and is even prohibited. Re-hanging the door only affects the mechanical elements of the body and the electrical controls. The cooling system (pipes, compressor, condenser) is not affected and remains sealed.
Where to put the holes from the old handle and hinges?
The Hotpoint refrigerator usually comes with plastic plugs (pins) and decorative trims. They are inserted into the vacated holes on the side where the door will no longer be attached. If the complete set is lost, the holes can be closed with plugs of a suitable diameter, purchased at a hardware store.