Violation of the tightness of the refrigeration chamber is one of the most common problems faced by owners of household appliances Hotpoint Ariston. Over time, the rubber contour loses elasticity, becomes covered with microcracks or becomes deformed, no longer fitting tightly to the metal body. If you notice that the door does not close as tightly as before, or ice is constantly forming on the inner wall of the chamber, then it’s time to pay attention to the condition of sealing rubber.
Ignoring this malfunction can lead to serious consequences: the compressor begins to work without interruption, trying to compensate for the loss of cold, which significantly increases energy consumption and reduces engine life. In this article we will look in detail at how to replace the seal on a refrigerator yourself Hotpoint Ariston, what tools you will need and how to avoid common mistakes during installation.
Diagnostics of the condition of the sealing rubber
Before going to the store for a new part, it is necessary to conduct a thorough visual and tactile inspection of the current one seal. Often the problem lies not in the material itself, but in contamination or incorrect position of the door. Carefully inspect rubber profile around the entire perimeter: there should be no visible tears, deep cracks or areas where the rubber has become hard and brittle.
There is a simple and effective way to check the tightness of the seal, known as the “paper test”. Take a regular sheet of A4 paper, open the refrigerator door slightly and place the sheet between the seal and the body so that part of the sheet hangs out. Close the door and try to pull out the sheet:
- 📄 If the paper is removed with noticeable effort and friction is felt along the entire length of the contact, then the seal is in order.
- 💨 If the sheet slides out freely or falls out on its own, the seal does not fit tightly enough in this place.
- 🔍 Carry out a test every 10-15 centimeters around the perimeter, especially in the corners and in the middle of the long sides.
⚠️ Attention: Before diagnostics, be sure to wipe the seal and the end of the case with a damp cloth. Sticky residue from food or congealed grease can simulate a leak, although the problem can be solved by regular washing.
If a visual inspection reveals mechanical damage or a test with paper confirms a poor fit in several places, replacement becomes inevitable. It is also important to check magnetic insertwhich is inside the rubber. If the magnet is weakened or displaced, even new rubber may not provide proper clamping, so in such cases it is sometimes necessary to replace the entire assembly.
In some cases, the deformation is caused not by wear of the material, but by misalignment of the door. Before ordering a new part, make sure that the hinges are not sagging and that the door is level. If a characteristic click is heard when closing, but the corner remains slightly open, perhaps the problem lies in the adjustment of the fittings, and not in the seal itself.
Choosing the appropriate seal model
Refrigerators Hotpoint Ariston are produced in a huge number of modifications, and universal There are no seals for them. Each series (for example Indesit, Ariston, Hotpoint) may have a unique cross-section profile and fastening method. Buying the wrong part will result in you wasting time on installation, but the seal will never be achieved.
The most reliable way to find the right spare part is to use the exact model number of your refrigerator. It is usually located on a sticker inside the camera (often on the side or ceiling) or on the back of the case. Look for a code that starts with letters, for example BC 1822 or MBL 2033. Using this code, you can find the original article in the spare parts catalogs.
When choosing between the original and the analogue, it is worth considering several factors. Original seals Hotpoint Ariston are guaranteed to match in geometry, but may cost more and take longer to deliver. High-quality analogues from trusted manufacturers are often not inferior in functionality, but require careful comparison of the profile.
| Criterion | Original (OEM) | Quality analogue | Cheap analogue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accuracy sizes | 100% match | 95-98% match | Differences are possible |
| Rubber elasticity | High, does not harden for a long time | Average | Low, quickly loses properties |
| Service life | 5-7 years or more | 3-5 years | 1-2 years |
| Price | High | Average | Low |
Pay attention to the color of the seal. The standard color for most models is white or light gray, but there are also brown options. Installing a rubber band of a different shade will not affect the operation of the refrigerator, but may ruin the appearance of the equipment.
Necessary tools and preparation
Replacing the seal on the refrigerator Hotpoint Ariston is a procedure that does not require complex professional equipment. However, having the right tool will make the process much easier and reduce the risk of damaging the door plastic or new rubber. The bulk of the work can be done using a set of household tools.
You will need a flat-head screwdriver with a thin blade to carefully pry up the edges of the profile if it is installed in a groove. A hairdryer will also be an indispensable assistant: warm air is necessary to soften the new rubber so that it fits into place and straightens more easily. Don't forget to prepare a clean rag and soap solution to degrease the surface.
☑️ Preparing to replace the seal
It is important to ensure good lighting of the workplace. You will have to carefully monitor every centimeter of the perimeter so as not to miss a single fold or distortion. If the refrigerator has a bottom freezer, the procedure will have to be repeated for it, since the seals there may differ in size.
Before starting work, it is better to defrost the refrigerator and wipe it dry. Moisture trapped under the new seal can cause mold to develop in the future. In addition, working with warm rubber on a cold surface may be less effective, so let the equipment warm up to room temperature.
Removing the old seal
The process of removing the old rubber depends on the type of fastening used by the manufacturer. In modern models Hotpoint Ariston the most common type is a dovetail fastening (the profile is inserted into a groove on the door) or a screw fastening (the rubber is pressed with a plastic strip on self-tapping screws). In older models, the rubber could simply stick, but this is rare.
If the seal is inserted into the groove, start from one of the top corners. Gently bend the rubber edge and pull it towards you and to the side. Movements should be confident, but without jerking, so as not to damage the plastic of the door. Move gradually around the perimeter, pulling the profile out of the groove.
What to do if the rubber breaks during removal?
If the old seal begins to crumble or tear during removal, do not try to pull on the remains. Use a flathead screwdriver to pry up the remaining part, being careful not to scratch the metal, and carefully remove the pieces from the groove. Clean the channel from pieces of old rubber, otherwise the new seal will not fit unevenly.
In the case of a screw fastening, the situation is a little more complicated. You will need to look for hidden screws, which are often covered with decorative caps or located under the inner plastic trim of the door. You will have to partially dismantle the inner panel to gain access to the fasteners. This requires greater care, as the plastic panel latches can be fragile.
⚠️ Attention: When using a screwdriver to pry up the profile, be extremely careful. One wrong move can scratch the painted surface of the door or damage the internal contour of the thermal insulation.
After completely dismantling the old rubber band, you must thoroughly clean the mounting groove or surface. Use a soap solution or a special degreasing agent. Remove all accumulated grease, old adhesive residue (if there was any) and dust. A clean surface is the key to reliable fixation of the new seal.
Installing a new seal on the door
Installing a new rubber band is the most critical step. Before installation, it is recommended to keep the new seal in a warm room for at least 2-3 hours, or even better, lightly warm it with a hairdryer. Warm rubber becomes more elastic and easier to take the desired shape, which is especially important for corners.
Start installation from the top corner of the door. Insert the edge of the profile into the groove or attach it to the mounting location. Move sequentially: first fasten the top, then the sides and finally the bottom. Do not stretch the rubber excessively, try to lay it naturally, without tension.
If the profile is inserted into a groove, use a blunt object (for example, a screwdriver handle or a special spatula) to firmly drive the “leg” of the seal into the groove. Movements should be directed inside the groove. Make sure that there are no bulges or unfilled areas around the entire perimeter.
In models with a screw fastening, first try on the rubber, trim off the excess (if provided for by the design) and only then start tightening the screws. Twist them evenly, moving from the center to the edges to avoid distortions. Do not overtighten the screws so as not to push through the plastic.
Pay special attention to the corners. It is in these places that gaps most often form. The rubber in the corner should lie flat, without creases. If you see that the corner is bristling, try warming up the area again with a hairdryer and pressing it firmly with your hand until it cools down.
Finishing and checking the result
Once the new seal is installed, the work does not end. Fresh rubber often has (shape memory effect) from packaging and shipping, so it may not fit perfectly right away. It is necessary to carry out the “grinding in” procedure and the final check.
Turn on the refrigerator and let it run for several hours. During this time, you will be able to evaluate the operation of the compressor: it should not hum continuously. Repeat the “paper test” around the entire perimeter. If in some places the sheet still slips too easily, additional adjustment of the door or local heating of the problem area may be required.
In the first days after replacement, a slight specific smell of new rubber may be observed. This is normal and should go away quickly. Regularly check the condition of the seal in the first month of operation: if gaps appear, it is easier to eliminate them immediately, before the rubber has finally “settled.”
To extend the service life of the new seal, it is recommended to wipe it once a month with a weak solution of vinegar or a special rubber care product. This will maintain the elasticity of the material and prevent the appearance of cracks.
What to do if the door begins to close tighter after replacement?
This is a common situation, since the new seal is thicker and stiffer than the old one. Let the refrigerator work for 2-3 days - the rubber will gradually develop and become softer. If after a week the problem persists, check whether the seal is preventing closure in the area of the hinges or lock.
Is it possible to glue a torn piece of seal?
It is strictly forbidden to use ordinary superglue or Moment glue - they destroy the structure of the rubber and make it rigid. There are special adhesives for rubber, but they give a temporary effect. If the separation is significant, it is better to replace the seal completely.
How often should the seal be changed?
The average service life of a high-quality seal is 5-7 years. However, under conditions of intensive use or frequent washing with aggressive chemicals, this period can be reduced to 3-4 years. Regular checking of tightness will help you notice wear in time.