The appearance of condensation on the inner walls of the chamber, a decrease in freezing efficiency, or a characteristic whistle when the door slams often indicate wear sealing rubber. Equipment owners Ariston face this problem regularly, as the rubber contour loses elasticity over time, cracks or deforms. Ignoring this defect leads to increased energy consumption and accelerated wear of the compressor.
Restoring tightness is a task that can be completed independently, without resorting to the expensive services of service centers. However, the process requires accuracy and understanding of the design fastening the cuff. In this article, we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions, select the necessary tools and consider the nuances of working with various models of refrigeration equipment.
Before starting work, it is important to understand that seal is not just a piece of rubber, but a complex element that provides thermal insulation. Incorrect installation can ruin all your efforts, so please read the instructions below carefully. We will help you return your refrigerator factory tightness and extend its service life.
Diagnostics of the condition of the seal
Before ordering a new one part, you need to make sure that the problem lies precisely in the rubber, and not in the skew of the door or the malfunction of the hinges. An initial visual inspection allows you to identify obvious defects: cracks, tears, mold or areas where there is rubber moved away from the body. If there is no visual damage, a deeper check is required.
There is a simple and effective method for checking the tightness using a regular paper sheet. This test helps determine how tightly the seal fits around the entire perimeter of the door. If the paper slips easily, it means pressure there is a problem in this area.
- 📄 Take a strip of paper about 5 cm wide and insert it between the seal and the refrigerator body.
- 🚪 Close the door and try to pull it out sheet: it should come out with noticeable effort.
- 🔄 Carry out this procedure along the entire perimeter, moving the paper every 10-15 cm.
If in some places the sheet is pulled out freely, but in others it is held tightly, this indicates uneven wear or deformation. It is also worth paying attention to the color of the rubber: the appearance of yellowness or stickiness indicates that the material has begun to deteriorate under the influence of temperature and time. In such cases restoration the old seal is no longer possible.
⚠️ Attention: If the door is skewed and does not fit even with a new rubber band, first adjust the position of the refrigerator or replace the hinges, otherwise the seal will need to be replaced useless.
Choice of a suitable seal model
The equipment Ariston was produced in various modifications, and there are no universal solutions here. Seals differ in the method of fastening, profile geometry and dimensions. Buying the wrong part will result in the door not closing or, on the contrary, not fitting tightly, letting warm air in.
The most reliable way to choose the right spare part is to find serial number your refrigerator. It is usually located on a sticker inside the camera or on the back of the case. Using this code, you can accurately determine the model and select the appropriate article number for the seal.
When choosing, pay attention to the section profile. Modern models often use a magnetic seal that is built directly into the rubber body. In older versions, the magnetic tape may have been separate or attached in a different way. It is also important to consider the presence mounting channel: it can be designed for a screw connection or for insertion into a groove.
If you are not sure of the choice, it is better to remove the old sample and compare it with the new one in the store. Pay attention to the corner joints: in some models Ariston the corners can be glued or soldered, in others they can have a special shape for joining.
Necessary tools and preparation
To properly replace the sealing rubber, you will need a minimum set of tools that can be found in every home. Preparing the workplace and having all the tools at hand will speed up the process and reduce the risk of damage to the plastic elements of the door.
You will need the following items:
- 🔧 Screwdriver (Phillips or flat, depending on the type of screws).
- 🔥 Construction or household hair dryer (to soften the new rubber).
- 🧼 Warm soapy water and sponge (for cleaning the seat).
- 📏 Tape measure or ruler (to control dimensions).
Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This safety rule cannot be ignored, since you will be working in close proximity to electrical components and metal parts that can accidentally short circuit contacts if the tool is not handled carefully.
Remove doors from products and shelves if they interfere with access to the ends. This will allow you to freely open and close the doors during installation, without the risk of dropping cans or bottles. It is also recommended to cover the floor in front of the refrigerator with a soft cloth so that fallen parts do not scratch the coating.
Removing the old seal
The process of removing the old seal depends on the method of its attachment. Most models Ariston use a combined method: part of the elastic is inserted into the groove, and part is fixed with screws through a clamping bar or directly through the body of the seal.
If you find screws around the perimeter of the door, they must be carefully unscrewed. Do this slowly to avoid stripping the threads and damaging the plastic. Once the fasteners are removed, the rubber usually comes off easily. If there are no screws, the seal is simply inserted into the groove.
☑️ Preparation for dismantling
When removing the insert seal, start from one of the upper corners. Gently bend the edge of the rubber and pull it outward. Move gradually around the perimeter, freeing groove by groove. Do not use sharp metal objects (knives, blades) to avoid damaging the plastic case doors.
After completely removing the old tape, thoroughly clean the seat. Grease, dirt and glue residue could have accumulated there. Use warm soapy water and a soft sponge. A clean surface is the key to ensuring that the new seal will lie flat and seal tightly.
⚠️ Attention: If the old rubber is glued, do not tear it off by force. Warm up the area with a hairdryer to soften the glue, otherwise you can deform the thin plastic of the door.
Installing a new seal
Installing a new sealing rubber band is the most critical step. New rubber is often hard and tight, making it difficult to fit into the groove. To make the process easier, it is recommended to pre-heat the seal.
Immerse the new cuff in warm (not boiling water!) water for 10-15 minutes or gently warm it with a hairdryer. This will make the material more elastic and pliable. It is better to start installation from the top corner of the door. Insert the edge of the seal into the groove or attach it to the seat.
If fastening is done with screws:
- Apply the seal around the entire perimeter, straightening it.
- Start tightening the screws from the top corner, then move to the opposite bottom, and only then fix the rest dots.
- Do not tighten the screws all the way right away. Bait everything first, then tighten them evenly.
If the seal is inserted into a groove without screws, use a blunt object (such as a screwdriver handle or a special putty knife) to push the edge of the rubber into the groove. Move from the center of the side to the corners. It is important to ensure that the rubber does not turn out and lies flat.
What to do if the seal does not fit into the groove?
If the new rubber has a larger profile than the old one, it can be carefully trimmed from the inside (from the magnet side) with a sharp blade. Cut thin strips, constantly trying on the part until it begins to fit freely into the groove. The main thing is not to damage the outer decorative part and the magnetic tape.
After installation, check that there are no gaps around the entire perimeter. The seal must fit tightly in its seat. If a wave has formed somewhere, carefully straighten it with your fingers.
Final check and startup
After installing the new seal, the door may close tightly. This is normal for new, undeveloped rubber. For final “grinding in,” you can use the warming up method.
Plug in the refrigerator and let it work. After 30-40 minutes, check the temperature inside the chamber. If everything is done correctly, the compressor will operate normally, and no excess ice will appear on the walls.
| Parameter | Norm | Deviation |
|---|---|---|
| Gap between the rubber band and the body | Absent | Light is visible or paper passes through |
| Closing force | Moderate, with a characteristic clap | The door does not slam or slams too easily |
| The temperature inside | Stable, according to the settings | Slowly rises or fluctuates |
In the first days of operation, it is recommended to periodically check the fit of the door. If you notice that a gap has formed in some place, try heating this area with a hairdryer and pressing the door tightly with your hand until it cools. This will help straighten out minor deformations.
Common mistakes when replacing
Even experienced professionals sometimes make mistakes, let alone beginners. The most common problem is choosing the wrong size. Trying to stretch a short elastic band will cause it to quickly lose its shape and stop holding heat.
Another mistake is using aggressive chemicals for cleaning or lubricating. Acetone, solvents or alcohol can dry out the rubber, making it brittle. Use only neutral detergents.
Also often forgotten about leveling the refrigerator itself. If the unit is not level, the door may not close under its own weight, creating the illusion that the new seal is not working well. Check the installation level along the horizon.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Is it possible to restore an old sealant if it has simply lost its elasticity?
Temporary restoration is possible using boiling water. The rubber is removed, immersed in hot water (about 80 degrees) for several minutes, then quickly installed back. However, this is a temporary measure: after a few months the effect will disappear, and replacement will still be required.
How often do you need to change the seal on an Ariston refrigerator?
The service life of the seal is on average 5-7 years. However, with active use, frequent opening of the door or exposure to direct sunlight, replacement may be required earlier - after 3-4 years.
Why did the door begin to close too tightly after replacement?
This is a normal situation for a new rubber band. It hasn't "developed" yet. Typically, after 1-2 weeks of active use, the elasticity of the material will adapt and the closing force will become comfortable. Also make sure that the refrigerator is installed level.
Where can you find the seal article number if the sticker with the model has been erased?
If the sticker is unreadable, you can measure the internal perimeter of the seat (the length and width of the door) and the height of the seal profile. With these dimensions and a photograph of the angle of the rubber band, a consultant in a spare parts store will be able to select an analogue.