The appearance of condensation on the internal walls, freezing of ice in uncharacteristic places or constant operation of the compressor often indicate a violation of the seal of the chamber. Rubber seal is a key element that ensures cold insulation, and its wear is one of the most common causes of malfunctions in household appliances. Equipment owners Ariston often face the need to replace this element, since over time the rubber loses its elasticity, cracks or deforms.
Timely replacement of the tape allows not only to restore normal temperature conditions, but also to significantly reduce energy consumption. If you notice that the door does not fit tightly, and light passes between the body and the rubber, you cannot delay the repair. Ignoring depressurization leads to overload of the compressor, which can cause it to completely fail building. In this article we will analyze in detail the process of selecting and installing a new cuff so that you can do the job efficiently and without the involvement of specialists.
The replacement process does not require a specialized tool, but requires care and precision. It is important to understand that different models of refrigerators Ariston may have their own design features for fastening. Some use screws, others use grooves or adhesive backing. Correctly determining the type of fastening is the first step to a successful repair, which will take you no more than an hour.
Diagnostics of the condition of the sealing rubber
Before going to the store for spare parts, it is necessary to conduct a thorough visual and tactile inspection of the current condition of the seal. Often the problem lies not in a through gap, but in microcracks or loss of elasticity, which are invisible at a quick glance. Take a flashlight and carefully walk the beam of light along the perimeter of the door when closed: gaps will indicate places of loose fit.
Particular attention should be paid to corner areas and bends where the load on the material is maximum. If the rubber has become hard, “oaky” to the touch, or is covered with a network of small cracks, its sealing properties have already been compromised. Deformation can be caused not only by time, but also by improper use, for example, slamming a door or exposure to aggressive cleaning agents.
There is a simple and an effective leak test method known as the paper test. Take a regular A4 sheet, clamp it with the refrigerator door so that part of the sheet hangs out. Try to pull out the sheet: if it comes out easily and without resistance, it means sealant does not fulfill its function and requires replacement.
⚠️ Attention: If only a small section of the tape is deformed, trying to straighten it with a hairdryer or boiling water will only give a temporary effect. The structure of the rubber has already been changed, and in a short time the problem will return, so a complete replacement of the circuit is recommended.
It is also worth checking for dirt in the fastening groove. Sometimes a poor fit is not caused by wear of the rubber itself, but by adhered dirt or food debris that prevents a tight contact. Thorough washing and degreasing can temporarily improve the situation, but if the material is cracked, this will only delay the inevitable repair.
Choosing a suitable seal model for Ariston
The spare parts market offers many options, but for equipment Ariston it is critically important to choose an original or high-quality compatible model. Seals differ not only in size (profile height and width), but also in cross-sectional shape, as well as in the method of fastening. An incorrectly selected tape may not fit into the groove or, conversely, fly out of it when the door is opened.
For an accurate selection, you need to know the model of your refrigerator, which is usually indicated on a technical sticker inside the chamber or on the back wall of the case. Look for markings starting with letters indicating the series and a digital code. Catalog number Old part, if it has been preserved, will greatly simplify the search task in specialized stores.
When choosing between the original and the analogue, it is worth considering that cheap substitutes are often made from low-quality rubber. Such rubber may have an unpleasant chemical odor, harden faster in the cold and stretch less well. The original or a certified analogue guarantees that geometry the profile will perfectly match the design of your door Ariston.
Pay attention to the color of the seal. The standard colors for refrigerators are white, brown or gray, but shades may vary. If you are changing the rubber on only one door (for example, on the main chamber, leaving the freezer), the new seal may differ in color from the old one due to fading and aging of the material.
Necessary tools and preparation for work
Replacing the seal is an operation that does not require complex power tools, but having the right set on hand will make the process smoother and faster. The main task is to carefully remove the old tape without damaging the plastic of the door, and install a new one. To do this, you will need basic tools that are often already in the household.
Before starting work, the refrigerator must be disconnected from the power supply. This is a requirement for safety and convenience: you will have to open the doors wide, perhaps tilt the unit, and extra wires will only get in the way. In addition, the defrosted chamber will become easier if you decide to remove the door for easier access.
Here is a list of tools that should be prepared in advance:
- 🔧 Screwdrivers (phillips and flat) - for unscrewing the fastening screws, if they are provided for in the design.
- 🧣 Hair dryer (construction or household) - to warm up the new rubber so that it becomes elastic and can be easily straightened.
- 🧽 Degreaser (alcohol or special solution) - to clean the groove from old glue and dirt.
- 🗑️ Pliers —may be needed to remove old fasteners or studs.
- 📏 Ruler or tape measure —to control dimensions and check uniformity of fit.
It is important to prepare the workplace. Clear some space in front of the refrigerator and cover the floor with a soft cloth or cardboard to avoid scratching the floor or damaging parts if they fall. If you plan to remove the door, call an assistant, as door leaves with glass or heavy shelves can be quite heavy.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use sharp metal objects (knives, blades) to pick at the plastic groove of the door. A scratch left behind can become a place for moisture to accumulate and lead to corrosion of the metal inside the door or cracking of the plastic.
Removing the old seal
The process of removing the old rubber depends on the type of fastening installed in your model Ariston. In modern models, a system is most often used where the seal is inserted into a special groove around the perimeter of the door, sometimes additionally secured with screws in the corners or in the center of the sides. In older models, the rubber may be glued.
If you find screws, carefully unscrew them, holding the seal with your hand so that it does not fall suddenly. If there are no screws, start pulling the rubber out of the groove, starting from any corner. Do this smoothly, without jerking, gradually releasing the tape around the entire perimeter. Old rubber may crumble, so be careful to avoid pieces getting stuck in the groove.
After removing the tape, it is necessary to thoroughly inspect and clean the groove. Remnants of old glue, oxidized metal or dirt may remain inside. Use a flathead screwdriver wrapped in a soft cloth or a plastic spatula for cleaning. Then wipe the surface with a degreaser.
In some models Ariston the seal is attached to plastic pins inserted into the door holes. In this case, dismantling requires carefully pulling out these studs along with the rubber. If the pins are broken, their remains must be removed from the holes so that they do not interfere with the installation of a new set.
☑️ Ready for dismantling
Installing a new seal: step-by-step instructions
Installing a new seal is the most important stage. New rubber is often wrinkled in the packaging and has creases, so it is recommended to straighten it before installation. To do this, you can immerse the seal in warm (not hot!) water for a few minutes or gently heat it with a hairdryer so that it becomes soft and takes the correct shape.
Start installation from the top corner of the door. Insert the edge of the seal into the groove or slide it onto the studs, making sure it fits snugly and evenly. Gradually move down and around the perimeter, pressing the rubber into the channel. If you are using a screw fastening, do not tighten the screws all the way at once - tighten them at all points first to distribute the tension evenly.
Pay special attention to the corners. This is where wrinkles most often form if the rubber is not straightened enough or is directed incorrectly. Make sure that the seal profile is adjacent to the body along its entire length without gaps. The inner lip of the seal should lie freely, without being tucked in.
After installation around the entire perimeter, check again for the reliability of the fixation. If you used screws, tighten them completely. If the fastening is seamless (in a groove), walk along the entire length with your hand, pressing the rubber tightly. Now you can warm up the installed seal with a hairdryer to finalize minor irregularities and give it shape.
Checking the quality of installation and tightness
After completing the installation work, you need to make sure that the replacement was successful. Visually inspect the perimeter: there should be no obvious distortions, protruding edges or gaps. The door should close with a characteristic pop, but without excessive force.
Repeat the test with the sheet of paper that you performed during diagnosis. Go around the entire perimeter, pinching the sheet at different points. The resistance should be uniform. If in some place the sheet comes out too easily, try warming this area with a hairdryer and pressing the door, or placing a thin cord under the seal to increase the volume.
Turn on the refrigerator and leave it to work without loading food for several hours. Check the temperature inside the chambers periodically. If the compressor operates in normal mode (turns on and off on a timer, and does not hum continuously), then the tightness has been restored.
| Check parameter | Normal condition | Symptom of problem |
|---|---|---|
| Adherence to body | Tight, without gaps all around | A gap is visible, hanging edges |
| Door closure | Smooth, with easy suction | Door bounces or slams |
| Compressor operation | Cyclic (on/off) | Works without stopping |
| Temperature | Stable, according to settings | Does not take in cold, warm air |
In the first days after replacement, the door may close more tightly due to the volume of the new rubber. This is a temporary phenomenon: within 3-5 days the seal will “settle” and fall into place. If the door has become physically difficult to close, the seal may have been selected incorrectly or installed askew.
Why did the door begin to close more tightly?
The new seal has a larger volume than the old material compressed over time. The pressure inside the chamber may also temporarily increase. Give the equipment a couple of days to adapt.
Typical replacement mistakes and expert advice
A frequent mistake is neglecting to warm up new tires. The cold seal is rigid and may not straighten out at the bends, creating channels for cold leakage. Always use a hair dryer or warm water to soften it before final installation.
Another mistake is using the wrong cleaning chemicals. Harsh solvents can corrode the plastic of the door or the new rubber itself, making it sticky. Use only alcohol-containing products or special household chemicals for rubber.
Do not try to stretch the seal if it is a little short. Stretched rubber will quickly lose its shape and cease to retain heat. In such cases, it is better to order the correct model than to torment the material, trying to pull it over the corners.
⚠️ Attention: The design of door hinges may require adjustment after replacing the seal, especially if the new rubber is much thicker than the old one. If the door is warped, refer to the instructions for adjusting the hinges for your model Ariston.
Regular maintenance will extend the life of the new seal. Once every six months, wipe the rubber with a soft, damp cloth and lubricate it with silicone grease (special for rubber) to prevent drying out and cracking. This is a simple procedure that will preserve the elasticity of the material for many years.
How often do you need to change the seal in an Ariston refrigerator?
The average service life of the seal is 5-7 years under normal use. However, if the refrigerator is in a kitchen with high temperatures or is exposed to frequent chemical exposure, replacement may be necessary sooner. Focus on the condition of the rubber: cracks and loss of elasticity are the main signals.
Is it possible to glue the old seal if it has come off?
You cannot use superglue or “Moment” - they destroy the structure of rubber and plastic. There are special adhesives for rubber, but they give a temporary effect. If the seal has come off in one place, it is better to try to straighten it and press it. If the detachment is large-scale, then only replacement.
Why, after replacing the seal, did the refrigerator begin to hum more?
This may be due to the fact that the new seal fits too tightly, and the compressor takes more time to create a vacuum when starting, or the door closes with more force. Also check if the seal is touching any elements of the housing. Usually the hum goes away after a couple of days.
Where can I find the model number to order a spare part?
Look for a silver or white sticker inside the refrigerator compartment (on the side wall or near the ceiling) or on the back wall of the cabinet. The full model range is indicated there (for example, Ariston MBA 1185 G). Using this code, the store consultant will select an exact copy of the seal.