When the refrigerator door stops closing tightly, it is immediately noticeable by condensation, ice or the constant hum of the compressor. In most cases, the cause is worn out sealing profile, which over time loses its elasticity and becomes deformed. For equipment owners Ariston this problem can be solved without calling a technician if you approach the process competently and prepare the necessary tools in advance.
Restoring the tightness of the chamber is not just a cosmetic procedure, but an important technical measure. Violation of thermal insulation forces the engine to work at the limit, which leads to excessive energy consumption and a reduction in the service life of the unit. Timely replacement of rubber allows you to return the refrigerator to factory cooling efficiency.
In this article we will analyze in detail how to choose the right components for your model, remove the old element and install a new one so that the door fits perfectly. You will learn about the intricacies of working with magnetic inserts and ways to eliminate minor defects without completely replacing the part. Compliance with installation technology ensures that the refrigerator Ariston will serve properly for many years to come.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any repair work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This is a basic safety rule that cannot be ignored, even if the replacement seems simple.
Diagnostics of the condition of the seal
Before buying a new part, you need to make sure that the problem lies in the rubber band, and not in skewed hinges or a malfunction of the lock. The first sign of wear is a visual change in the structure of the material: it becomes rigid, cracks, creases or areas with mold appear on the surface. If seal looks normal, but the cold still goes away, a more thorough check is required.
The most reliable diagnostic method is a test with a sheet of paper. Take a regular A4 sheet, open the door and press the paper with a seal around the perimeter. Then try to pull out the sheet. If it is removed freely, without noticeable resistance, it means that the tightness in this place is broken. This check should be carried out every 10-15 centimeters along the entire contour.
Another method is to use a flashlight. Turn on a bright light inside an empty refrigerator compartment and close the door tightly in a dark room. Walk around the unit: if you see light coming out, it means there is sealing absent. Often the light passes through the corners or around the handle, where the load on the material is maximum.
Sometimes the cause of a loose fit is not physical wear, but contamination. Grease, sticky food residue, or a layer of dust may prevent the magnetic tape from being pressed tightly against the chassis. In such cases, it is enough to wash the elastic band thoroughly with warm water and a mild detergent and wipe dry. If after cleaning the problem does not disappear, then it is necessary replacement of the element.
Choosing the appropriate seal model
The spare parts market offers many options, but for equipment Ariston it is important to choose a profile that exactly matches the geometry of the door. Seals differ in the method of fastening, the shape of the section and the presence of additional elements, such as a groove for a magnet or protrusions for fixation. Incorrectly selected rubber may not fit into the groove or, on the contrary, may dangle, which will negate all repair efforts.
Original spare parts are marked by the manufacturer and are often supplied complete with fasteners. They are more expensive than their analogues, but guarantee a perfect match of sizes. Universal profiles require trimming corners and more complex installation, since their geometry is averaged. When purchasing, be sure to check the part number with the model of your refrigerator.
Pay attention to the material of manufacture. A high-quality seal is made from ethylene, propylene and diene terpolymer (EPDM). This material is resistant to temperature changes, does not crack in the cold and remains elastic for a long time. Cheap analogs made from technical rubber can quickly become hard and require replacement again after six months.
Where can I find the part number?
The article number of the original seal is often indicated in the technical documentation of the refrigerator. If there are no documents, remove the old rubber band and look at the markings on its inside. Also, the part number can be found on the manufacturer’s website for the appliance model.
Necessary tools and preparation
To successfully replace the seal on the refrigerator Ariston no complex professional tool is required. However, having everything you need on hand will significantly speed up the process and avoid damage to the plastic of the door. It is better to prepare the workplace in advance, providing good lighting.
- 🛠️ Screwdriver or screwdriver —needed for unscrewing the screws if your model involves rigid fixation of the profile with self-tapping screws.
- 🔥 Building hair dryer —needed to warm up the new rubber so that it becomes elastic and easily straightens after packaging.
- 🧼 Degreaser (alcohol or special solution) - for cleaning the door gutter from residual glue, grease and dust before installation.
- 🔨 Plastic spatula - will help to carefully pry and remove the old seal without scratching the metal.
It is important to prepare the new gum itself. After unpacking, it may be deformed due to prolonged storage in a curled form. To straighten sealit can be soaked in warm water for 10-15 minutes or gently heated with a hairdryer. Do not use open fire or too high temperatures to avoid melting the plastic.
Free up space in front of the refrigerator. You will need to freely walk around the unit from all sides, open the doors at different angles and, possibly, remove them from their hinges. Remove rugs and foreign objects so that nothing interferes with work and does not scratch the floor.
☑️ Preparation for replacement
Removing the old seal
The process of removing the old rubber depends on the type of fastening used in your model Ariston. Modern refrigerators most often use a profile with a latch in a special groove (the so-called “dovetail”) or fastening with screws around the perimeter of the door. In older models, the rubber may simply be glued.
If you see screw heads evenly distributed along the inside of the door, start by unscrewing them. Be careful not to strip the plastic threads. After removing the fasteners, the rubber should come off easily. If there are no screws, then the seal is inserted into the gutter. Take a plastic spatula or flathead screwdriver (wrapped in cloth) and carefully pry up the edge of the rubber band.
Pull the seal towards you, moving along the perimeter. Do not make sudden jerks to avoid damaging the plastic door housing. If the rubber is glued, the process will take longer. You will have to carefully separate the adhesive layer, helping yourself with a spatula and heating the joint with a hairdryer to soften the glue.
After removing the old tape, thoroughly clean the surface of the door. Glue residues, dirt and metal oxides will interfere with the tight fit of the new element. Use degreaser and rags. The surface should become perfectly clean and dry. This is a critical step that affects the final result.
⚠️ Attention: When dismantling, be careful with the magnetic insert inside the elastic band. If it pops out, it will be difficult to put it back in place. Try to pull the seal evenly along its entire length.
Installing a new seal: step-by-step instructions
Installing a new rubber band is the most critical step. It is better to start installation from the top corner of the door, gradually moving down. If the profile has mounting holes, align them with the holes on the door and secure with the central screws, but do not tighten them all the way right away.
Insert the edge of the seal into the groove or press it to the surface (depending on the type of fastening). Move around the perimeter, tensioning the rubber evenly. It is important to avoid sagging and excessive tension, which can cause the material to tear in the future. The corners require special attention: they need to be straightened and pressed tightly.
If you are using a profile with self-tapping screws, tighten them sequentially, moving from the center to the edges. Do not use a screwdriver at high speeds so as not to push through the plastic. Tighten the screws manually or at minimum power, controlling the force.
After installation around the entire perimeter, check the fit again. The rubber band should sit smoothly, without gaps between it and the door body. If a wave has formed somewhere, carefully pull out this area and place it in the groove.
Adjusting and checking the tightness
After installing a new seal, the door may close tightly or, conversely, not completely. This is normal, since the new tires have not yet “settled in”. However, the door itself may need to be adjusted. If you notice any misalignment, loosen the hinges and level the door, then tighten the bolts again.
Repeat the test with a sheet of paper around the entire perimeter. Now the sheet should be pulled out with noticeable effort. If in some place it slips too easily, try slightly tightening the screws securing the seal in this area or locally warming the rubber with a hairdryer so that it better adheres to uneven surfaces.
Let the refrigerator stand with the doors closed for several hours before turning it on. This will help the seal take its final shape under its own weight and temperature. After turning on the unit, listen: if after 10-15 minutes of operation the hum of the compressor subsides and it turns off, it means that the tightness has been restored.
| Problem | Possible cause | Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| The door is not closes completely | The elastic is too hard or thick | Warm it with a hairdryer, let it lie closed |
| Light breaks through in the corner | Loose fit at the joint | Tighten screws, use glue for rubber |
| A whistle is heard when closing | Excessive friction or air | Lubricate with silicone, check evenness |
| The rubber comes off in waves | Incorrect installation in the groove | Reposition the area, straighten it with a spatula |
Sealant care and prevention
For a new seal to last a long time, it needs to be properly cared for. Once a month, wipe the rubber with a damp cloth and mild detergent to remove grease and dirt. Pay special attention to folds where dirt often accumulates.
Once every 3-4 months it is recommended to lubricate the seal silicone grease. This maintains the elasticity of the material and prevents drying out and cracking. Do not use vegetable oils or petroleum jelly - they can destroy the rubber structure.
Make sure that the food is not pinched by the seal when closing the door. Large pieces of food or crumbs can create microgaps through which the cold will escape. Regularly check the cleanliness of the contact area.
If you notice that the door begins to close less well, do not expect complete wear. Sometimes just washing the elastic or tightening the loops is enough to correct the situation. Regular inspection allows you to identify problems at an early stage.
⚠️ Attention: Characteristics and mounting methods may vary slightly depending on the specific series of Ariston refrigerators. Always check the technical documentation of your model before starting work.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to restore an old rubber band without replacing it?
You can temporarily extend the life of the seal if it does not have physical breaks. Soaking in boiling water to straighten or treating with glycerin to soften will help. However, if the rubber is cracked, full replacement is inevitable.
How long does the new seal on an Ariston refrigerator last?
The service life of a high-quality seal is on average 5-7 years. This depends on the operating conditions, frequency of opening the door and proper care of the material.
Do you need to wait after installation before turning it on?
Yes, it is advisable to let the refrigerator stand for 2-3 hours with the doors closed. This will allow the new profile to straighten out and take the correct geometric shape.
What is the best way to wash the seal?
Use warm water with the addition of mild soap or dishwashing detergent. Aggressive chemicals, solvents and abrasive sponges cannot be used - they will damage the rubber structure.