The need to dismantle the refrigerator door panel Ariston often arises when moving to a new kitchen, when The dimensions of the doorway do not allow you to carry the entire equipment, or, if desired, change the opening direction. This is a standard procedure that does not require calling a specialist if you act carefully and consistently. Modern models of the Italian brand are designed with serviceability in mind, but the design of the hinges requires a careful approach.
Before starting work, it is important to understand that the hinged elements hold significant weight, so neglecting safety precautions can lead to injury or damage to the body. In this article, we will analyze the dismantling process in detail, list the necessary tools and point out the nuances that are specific to the equipment Ariston. Proper preparation of the workplace is already half the success of the entire operation.
Please note that the procedure may vary slightly depending on the specific series of the refrigerator, be it classic two-chamber models or more complex systems No Frost. Always check the visual inspection of the fasteners, as the manufacturer can make changes to the design of the fittings without changing the model range. It is critical not to apply excessive force if the screw does not unscrew - it may be hidden under a decorative plug.
Preparing the workspace and tools
The success of the operation directly depends on how well you prepared for dismantling. You don't need a complex professional tool; a standard home craftsman's kit is enough. However, the absence of even one screwdriver of the required size can significantly complicate the process or lead to the breaking of the slots on the screws.
Be sure to free up space around the refrigerator. You need to have access to the unit from all sides, especially if you plan to completely move the doors to the other side. Remove all products, shelves and drawers to reduce the weight of the structure and eliminate the breakage of glass elements in the event of an accidental impact.
For work you will need the following tools:
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flathead) - check that the tip fits tightly in the screw head.
- 🔩 Wrench or 8 mm head - often used for the main hinge bolts.
- 🧤 Construction gloves - metal may have sharp edges after cutting.
- 📦 Thick cardboard or soft fabric - to protect the floor and the door leaf itself.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work on electrical appliances, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This is a basic rule of electrical safety, which cannot be ignored.
Determine in advance the place where you will put the removed screws and plugs. Small details tend to get lost at the most inopportune moment. It is recommended to use a magnetic tray or a small container with a lid where all fasteners will be stored until assembly is completed.
Design features of Ariston doors
Refrigerators Ariston are distinguished by reliable assembly, but have their own design features. In most models, the top and bottom hinges are made of durable steel and are painted to match the body color or plated with chrome. Fastening is carried out with bolts, which can be hidden under plastic decorative overlays.
It is important to consider the weight of the door. Even the empty door of a two-chamber refrigerator weighs from 10 to 15 kilograms, and together with glass or heavy shelves the weight can reach 20 kg. Therefore independent dismantling possible, but requires good physical preparation or the help of a second person for insurance.
The design of the seal also plays a role. The rubber profile fits tightly to the body, creating a vacuum, which sometimes makes it difficult to initially open the door after a long period of inactivity. When removing the door, it is important not to damage this seal, since it is responsible for the tightness of the chamber.
Some models are equipped with door opening sensors and wiring for displays or light bulbs located on the canvas itself. If your model has electronics on the door, the procedure is complicated by the need to disconnect the loops. In classic models Ariston most often there are no such elements, which simplifies the task.
Dismantling the top hinge and removing the top door
The process always starts from the top of the unit. This is due to the logic of the design: the top hinge supports the weight of the door, and its removal allows you to free the door leaf. First, carefully inspect the top end of the refrigerator.
You will see a plastic cover covering the hinge mechanism. It can be secured with latches or a small screw. Gently pry it open with a flathead screwdriver or your fingernail, being careful not to scratch the plastic. Under the cover you will have access to the mounting bolts.
Use a wrench or a screwdriver (depending on the type of bolt head) to unscrew the fasteners. Usually there are two or three. Do not remove the bolts completely if you do not hold the door - it may begin to collapse. It is better to unscrew them completely, but leave them in the thread for a couple of turns, then finally remove them.
☑️ Algorithm for removing the upper door
After removing the top hinge, the door will only be held on the lower axis, but it will not be fixed vertically. You will need an assistant to firmly grasp the door handle and end. Smoothly lift the door up, removing it from the bottom pin.
Put the removed door in a safe place, it is best to place it on the prepared cardboard face up so as not to scratch the coating. Now you have access to the internal partitions and the middle part of the refrigerator, if the model is three-chamber.
Removing the middle door (for three-chamber models)
If your refrigerator Ariston has three chambers (freezer, refrigerator, zero temperature zone or wine compartment), the procedure is repeated for the middle section. The principle is similar, but there are nuances with seals and guides.
At the end of the middle door you will find fasteners connecting it to the body or lower door. Often special bushings or axles are used here. It is necessary to unscrew the visible bolts holding the middle panel.
When removing the middle door, it is important not to distort it, as the guides may jam. The movement should be strictly vertical or slightly inclined, depending on the design of the loops. After dismantling, inspect the rubber seal for damage.
| Element | Fastening type | Tool | Nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Wrench bolts 8mm | Wrench / Ratchet | Hidden under plastic |
| Middle hinge | Screws or axles | Phillips screwdriver | Requires precise positioning |
| Bottom support | Stud / Bushing | Pliers (sometimes) | May rust |
| Panel decor | Latch | Flat screwdriver | Brittle plastic |
If the bolts are soured and do not give in, do not use force immediately. Treat them with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and leave for 10-15 minutes. This will help dissolve corrosion and avoid thread stripping.
Removing the bottom door and hinge
The bottom door, which is usually the freezer, is attached to the bottom cross member of the housing. This is the most loaded unit, since it bears the weight of all the upper sections (if they are not removed) and the door itself.
To remove the lower door, you must first remove the base grille of the refrigerator if it interferes with access to the lower hinge. Then the bolts holding the lower hinge are unscrewed. In some models Ariston the axis of the lower hinge is pressed into the door itself or into the body.
Lift the door to release the lower axle. If the axle remains in the body, it can be carefully knocked out with light blows of a hammer through a drift, but most often it is removed along with the hinge. Be careful with plastic bushings; they break easily if not handled carefully.
⚠️ Attention: Never use the refrigerator door as a lever or support when unscrewing the bolts. This can lead to deformation of the metal and disruption of the geometry of the case.
After removing all the doors, you are left with an empty refrigerator case, which is much lighter and more compact than the original. Now it can be easily moved through narrow doorways. It is recommended that all removed parts be numbered or laid out in the order of removal to facilitate reassembly.
Installation of doors and reassembly
Assembly is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. First, the bottom door is installed and secured with the bottom hinge. Make sure that the axle fits exactly into the hole, otherwise, when tightening the bolts, a misalignment will occur and the door will not close tightly.
Then the middle section (if any) and the top door are installed. When installing the top hinge, do not immediately tighten the bolts until they stop. First, attach them, align the door visually, and only then finally secure the fasteners. This will compensate for small installation errors.
What to do if the door sags?
If after installation you notice that the door does not fit tightly to the body at the bottom, the lower hinge fasteners may be loose. Try tightening the bolts. If the problem is at the top, check the top hinge. Sometimes it is necessary to adjust the height using washers or tightening the support legs of the refrigerator itself.
After installing all the doors, check the operation of the magnetic locks and smooth movement. The door should open and close with a characteristic bang, indicating a good seal. If the door opens too easily or, on the contrary, requires effort, adjustment is needed.
Plug in the refrigerator no earlier than 2-4 hours after transportation, especially if it was lying horizontally. Compressor oil needs time to drain into the crankcase, otherwise the engine may fail.
Common mistakes and expert advice
When independently repairing or reinstalling equipment, users often make common mistakes. One of them is the loss of small parts. Plugs and screws can roll under the refrigerator, so work in good light and on a clean floor.
Another mistake is ignoring the level. After rearranging, the refrigerator must be leveled using the adjustable support legs. If the unit is crooked, the self-closing door mechanism will not work, and the seal will quickly wear out.
Recommendations for successful installation:
- 👍 Always clean the threaded connections from dust and old grease before assembly.
- 👍 Lubricate the hinges with silicone lubricant for silent operation.
- 👍 Check the integrity of the seal before final installation of the door.
If you notice that the screws on the hinges have broken threads, replace them with new ones of the same size. Using bolts that are too long can lead to damage to the internal cavity of the refrigerator or the cooling system.
Is it possible to remove the door of an Ariston refrigerator alone?
It is technically possible to remove the top door by one person if he has sufficient physical strength to hold a weight of 15-20 kg with one hand while the other unscrews the bolts. However, this is risky: the door may slip out and damage the floor or the handyman's feet. For the middle and lower doors, the help of a second person is required.
Do you need a special key for Ariston hinges?
In most cases, a standard 8 mm open-end wrench or a Phillips screwdriver is sufficient. A specialized tool is rarely required, only in some professional series, but for household models a regular DIY kit is suitable.
What to do if the door does not close after rehanging?
Check whether the magnetic seal is installed correctly. Perhaps it jumped out of the groove during dismantling. Also make sure that the refrigerator is positioned strictly vertically. If there are no distortions, try loosening the hinges and re-aligning the door, then tighten the bolts.
How to move the door to the other side?
The procedure is similar to removal, but after dismantling the hinges are moved to the opposite side. To do this, the end of the housing must have holes for fasteners closed with plugs. Remove the plugs, move the hinges and pins to new places, following the instructions for your specific model.