Changing the kitchen layout often dictates its own conditions, making you think about rearranging large household appliances. When Ariston refrigerator no longer fits into the allotted space due to the direction of opening of the sash, the only way out is the re-hanging procedure. This does not require calling a technician if you act carefully and follow the sequence of operations described in the manufacturer's technical regulations.
The process of changing the side of the door opening takes on average from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the model and experience of the performer. The main difficulty lies in correct dismantling fittings without damaging the decorative coating and the integrity of the seals. Before starting work, you must make sure that the unit is disconnected from the power supply and completely defrosted in order to eliminate the risk of short circuit or damage to internal systems.
It is worth noting that not all models allow it to be done overweighing symmetrically; some design options may have hidden plugs on only one side. Carefully inspect the ends of the case: if there are no threaded holes or mounting holes for hinges on the back side, the procedure may not be possible without complex engineering modifications. For most modern models Ariston this option is provided by the manufacturer.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
To perform the task of changing the opening side of the sash well, you will need a minimum set of household tools. The key element is the set hex keys (usually metric), since it is with them that the main hinge assemblies are attached in the technique of this brand. You also cannot do without a Phillips screwdriver, pliers and, possibly, a construction knife for carefully removing the plugs.
The organization of the space around the unit plays no less important role than the availability of tools. You will need a free area at least one and a half meters wide in front of the refrigerator in order to be able to put the removed parts and not lose small fasteners. It is recommended to lay a soft blanket or cardboard on the floor to protect enamel coating the door in case it accidentally falls.
- 🔧 Set of hex keys (including sizes 4, 5, 6 mm)
- 🪛 Phillips screwdriver (PH2)
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges
- 🧲 Magnetic container for collecting screws and bolts
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to unplug the refrigerator and remove all shelves to reduce the weight of the structure and avoid injury when glass elements fall.
Particular attention should be paid to the condition of the fastening elements. If yours Ariston refrigerator is many years old, the threaded connections may have become sour or corroded. In this case, it is recommended to prepare a penetrating lubricant in advance, which will help make it easier to unscrew the old bolts without the risk of tearing off the edges or breaking the fasteners.
Dismantling the top hinge and removing the door
You must always start the process from the top of the structure, since it is the top hinge that holds the main weight of the sash. The first step is to remove the decorative plug that hides the mounting bolts. Depending on the model Ariston, it may be removable with latches or require careful prying with a knife.
After gaining access to fasteners, loosen the top hinge bolts, but do not unscrew them completely yet. This is necessary in order to fix the position of the sash before final removal. Often the design includes an intermediate washer or bushing, which is important not to lose and to be installed correctly during reassembly on the new side.
Having completely unscrewed the bolts, remove the top hinge and set it aside. The door is now only supported by the lower hinge and can be carefully lifted and removed. It is better to perform this operation with an assistant, since the weight of even an empty chamber can be significant, and there is a risk of dropping it or damaging the sealing rubber sealing rubber.
☑️ Removing the upper part
When removing the door, pay attention to the condition of the lower hinge pin. If traces of rust or dirt are visible, they must be removed immediately using a rag and cleaning agent. The cleanliness of the metal contact surface is critical for the smooth movement of the sash after rehanging.
Working with the lower support and rearranging the fittings
Once the door has been removed and set aside in a safe place, attention turns to the lower part of the body. There is a support sleeve and a lower hinge here, which also need to be dismantled. In some models Ariston refrigerators the lower support may be plastic, which requires special care when handling so as not to split the material.
After dismantling the lower assembly, it is necessary to rearrange the fittings to the opposite side. This applies not only to the hinges themselves, but also to the strikers and plugs. Often, on the front side, where there was previously no handle, there are plastic plugs that need to be removed and moved to the vacant space.
| Element | Action | Nuances |
|---|---|---|
| Top loop | Move to the other side | Watch the orientation of the pin |
| Bottom support | Unscrew and install opposite | Check the integrity of the thread |
| Decor plugs | Swap left and right | Do not lose small latches |
| Handle | Dismantle and secure mirrored | Requires removal of the internal panels |
It is important to correctly install stopsthat limit the door opening angle. If they are not rearranged or done incorrectly, the door will open too wide or, conversely, will not be able to close tightly, which will lead to a violation of the seal of the chamber.
⚠️ Attention: When rearranging the lower support, make sure that it is screwed in all the way and fixed. Weak fasteners will lead to distortion of the entire structure and rapid wear of the seal.
The closer mechanism deserves special attention if it is present in your model. When changing the opening side, it may require reconfiguration or rearrangement of internal components. In the instructions for a specific model range Ariston there is usually a diagram of the arrangement of the closer elements for the left and right sides.
What to do if the bottom bolt is rusty?
If the bottom bolt of the support does not give in and is rusty, do not Use excessive force to avoid stripping the threads on the refrigerator body. Treat the joint with a penetrating lubricant (eg WD-40) and leave for 15-20 minutes. If this does not help, you can gently warm up the area around the bolt with a hairdryer, but be careful with the plastic elements nearby.
Re-hanging the handle and removing the internal panels
The most time-consuming step is often dismantling and rearranging the handle, especially if it is integrated into the structure or of a hidden type. To access the handle fasteners in refrigerators Ariston often it is necessary to remove the top decorative strip or partially dismantle the inner plastic panel of the door.
Removing the inner panel requires caution, since plastic latches can be fragile, especially on equipment that has been in use for a long time. It is recommended to use a plastic spatula for opening so as not to leave scratches on visible surfaces and not to damage the insulating layer.
After removing the handle, it is installed in the prepared place on the opposite side. It is important here to maintain symmetry and horizontal installation, otherwise the door will look skewed even if the hinges are in the correct position. Use a building level or simply visually assess the proportions relative to the edges of the case.
- 🔍 Remove the top cover above the handle (if any)
- 🪛 Unscrew the screws holding the handle from the inside
- 👐 Carefully remove the handle without pulling sharply
- 🔩 Install the handle on the new holes on the other side
In models with the system No Frost sensor or fan wires may pass under the internal panel. Be extremely careful not to damage the wiring when removing panels. If the wires interfere with access to the handle fasteners, they must be carefully moved away, remembering the original position.
Installing the door and final adjustment
The final stage is installing the door in a new location. First, we put the lower part of the sash on the previously installed lower support. After making sure that the door is level and vertical, you can begin installing the top hinge. At this stage, the bolts are not fully tightened so that there is room for adjustment position.
Adjusting the door position is a critical process. The door should close tightly around the entire perimeter, without gaps or distortions. If a distortion is noticeable, it can be eliminated by tightening the adjusting bolts on the upper or lower hinge, as well as by changing the height of the support legs of the refrigerator itself.
Check the operation magnetic seal. It should fit evenly to the body. If a gap has formed in some place, the cold will escape and the compressor will work more intensely. To check, you can use a sheet of paper: hold it with a closed door and try to pull it out - it should come out with force along the entire perimeter.
⚠️ Attention: After installation and adjustment, do not turn on the refrigerator immediately. Let it stand in an upright position for at least 2-3 hours, especially if it was tilted strongly during work, so that the oil in the compressor flows into the crankcase.
The final touch is to install all the decorative plugs in place. Check that all holes are closed and that the fittings are not loose. Only after a complete visual and functional check can you connect the unit to the network and load products.
Frequent errors and troubleshooting
In the process of self-repair, users often make common mistakes that can negate all efforts. One of the most common is the loss or confusion of screws of different lengths. In Ariston refrigerators fasteners with different thread lengths for the upper and lower hinges can be used, and installing a long screw in a short hole can damage the inner wall.
Another mistake is ignoring the condition of the seal. When re-hanging, the old, stiff seal may not straighten out immediately and will allow air to pass through. In such cases, it is recommended to warm the rubber with a hairdryer or simply wait several cycles of operation of the refrigerator until it takes the desired shape.
If after all the manipulations the door does not close tightly or creaks, do not rush to disassemble everything again. Check to see if there is anything in the way from the inside (such as an incorrectly inserted shelf or protruding product). Also make sure that the refrigerator is strictly horizontal - tilting back or to the side disrupts the closing geometry.
- ❌ Using the wrong tool (licked edges)
- ❌ Ignoring adjusting the height of the refrigerator legs
- ❌ Over-tightening the bolts, leading to deformation metal
- ❌ Forgetfulness in installing plugs on old holes
What to do if after rehanging there is an extra gap at the top?
If a gap has formed at the top, this often means that the upper loop is not completely seated in place or the thread is clogged. Check for debris in the hole. Also try loosening the bottom hinge a little and pressing the top of the door closer to the body, then tighten the fasteners. Sometimes adjusting the front legs of the refrigerator helps - they need to be unscrewed to lift the front part of the unit, then the door itself will close more tightly under the influence of gravity.
Is it possible to hang the door if the refrigerator is built into a kitchen unit?
Theoretically it is possible, but it is extremely difficult and risky. Built-in appliances require complete dismantling of the facades and often the body itself from the niche for access from all sides. Without free access to the sides and rear, it is almost impossible to carry out re-hanging properly. It is recommended to completely remove the refrigerator from the niche before starting work.
Is it necessary to change the opening side of the freezer in two-chamber models?
In most two-chamber Ariston refrigerators, the doors of the freezer and refrigerator compartments are hung independently, but the technology is similar. However, in some models the upper door (freezer) may have a different hinge design. Always check the instructions for a specific series, since there is no universal solution for all two-chamber models.
Will overweighting affect the warranty?
If you act carefully, do not break seals (if they are on the hinges, which is rare) and do not damage structural elements, the warranty remains valid. However, if in the process you break the thread, crack the plastic or damage the circuit, the service center may refuse free repairs. Be extremely careful.
What if the instructions for my model are lost?
Instructions can be found on the manufacturer's official website by serial number or model. There are also universal schemes for Ariston refrigerators, since their hinge design is standardized. If the diagram was not found, follow the general logic: the symmetry of the mounting holes is usually obvious upon careful inspection.