Situations, when it is necessary to dismantle the door panels of household refrigeration equipment, they arise quite often. The most common reason is moving, when the dimensions of the apartment doorway or the width of the elevator do not allow carrying the unit assembled. Equipment owners Ariston often face the need to carefully disassemble the device so as not to damage either the refrigerator itself or the interior elements. The correct approach to this process allows you to avoid broken hinges, deformation of the case or damage to the sealing rubber.
Modern models of refrigerators Hotpoint-Ariston are equipped with complex hanging systems, which may include hidden fasteners and electronic cables. Before starting any manipulations, it is important to understand that you are dealing with a delicate mechanism that requires careful handling. Improperly removing the doors may lead to a leak in the chamber in the future or problems with the automation. In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions, the necessary tools and the specific nuances of working with various series of this equipment.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the electrical network. Even if you do not plan to disassemble electronic components, the presence of voltage in the circuit is dangerous if the wire insulation is accidentally damaged during manipulations with the door.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
High-quality preparation for dismantling is the key to successful completion of the operation without scratches and loss of time. You don't need fancy professional tools, but using the wrong items can strip screw heads or damage decorative caps. To work with fasteners Ariston most often, a standard set of household tools that every craftsman has is sufficient.
Particular attention should be paid to organizing the space around the refrigerator. You will need a clear area with a radius of at least one and a half meters to be able to place the removed parts on a flat surface. Cover the floor with thick cardboard or rags, as the metal parts of the hinges can scratch the floor covering, and the sealing rubber can get dirty.
To complete the task, prepare the following set:
- 🛠️ Hex wrenches (usually sizes 4, 5 or 6 mm) - the main tool for most hinge bolts.
- 🔧 Open-end or socket wrenches (8, 10 or 12 mm) - may be needed for locknuts or specific fasteners.
- 🪛 Flat screwdriver - necessary for carefully removing decorative plastic plugs and caps.
- 🧤 Thick gloves - will protect your hands from sharp metal edges and dirt, and also improve the grip of slippery parts.
If your model has a system No Frost or electronic display on the door, you may also need a thin Phillips screwdriver to remove the control panels. Make sure you have a container to store the fasteners so you don't lose them while you work. Small parts are easily lost in the carpet pile or roll under the baseboard.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use a knife or other sharp objects with a thin blade to pry up the plugs. Plastic in old models Ariston becomes fragile and can crack from point pressure, which will ruin the appearance of the device.
Design features of Ariston refrigerator doors
Refrigerators Ariston are distinguished by a reliable but varied hinge design. Depending on the year of manufacture and series (for example, similar designs or more modern lines), the fastening system can vary significantly. Understanding your model type will help you avoid mistakes. The main difference lies in the method of fixing the upper and lower hinges, as well as the presence or absence of intermediate fastenings for the freezer. Indesit-similar designs or more modern lines), the fastening system may vary significantly. Understanding your model type will help you avoid mistakes. The main difference lies in the method of fixing the upper and lower hinges, as well as the presence or absence of intermediate fasteners for the freezer.
In most cases, an upper hinge is used, which, if necessary, can be moved to the other side. However, the removal process itself requires sequential dismantling from top to bottom. This is dictated by the physics of the process: if the bottom support is removed first, the heavy door may fall on your foot or be struck by the body, causing dents. The design of the hinges often includes eccentrics or adjusting washers, the position of which must be remembered or photographed.
Design differences between the series
In models with the No Frost system, the door is often heavier due to additional air ducts, and in systems with a weeping The evaporator design is simpler. In two-chamber models with a common side wall, it may be necessary to remove the central jumper.
Models with a system Smart Door or built-in displays deserve special attention. In such devices, the door leaf is a carrier of electronic filling. When removing such a door, it is critical not only to unscrew the bolts, but also to carefully disconnect the wiring harnesses. Connectors may have different types of latches, and opening them incorrectly will lead to broken contacts.
Below is a table illustrating the main types of fastenings found in equipment of this brand:
| Model type | Hinge location | Type fasteners | Dismantling nuances |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single chamber | Upper and lower | Hex screws | Simple dismantling, no wires |
| Two-chamber (No Frost) | Three support points | Bolts + bushings | You need to remove the middle hinge |
| With display | Upper complex | Screws + cable duct | Requires disconnecting the cable |
| Built-in | Hidden (furniture) | Special. fastenings | First, remove the furniture facade |
Dismantling the top door and cover
The disassembly process should always begin from the top of the unit. This ensures the stability of the structure in the initial phase of operation. The first step is to remove the decorative plug that covers the top hinge. It can be located directly at the end of the door or on the top panel of the refrigerator body. Carefully pry it off with a flathead screwdriver, being careful not to use excessive force.
After removing the plug, you will see the mounting bolts. In models Ariston there are usually two or three of them. Use the appropriate hex key to unscrew them. Do not remove the bolts completely at once - loosen them, leaving a few turns of thread so that the hinge does not fall off suddenly. Only after making sure that all the bolts are loosened, unscrew them completely.
☑️ Procedure for removing the upper part
Now you need to remove the door itself. It is better to perform this operation with an assistant, since the door leaf is heavy and has an awkward shape. One person holds the door, and the second finally unscrews the hinge fasteners. Smoothly lift the door up, removing it from the lower bushing, and set it in a safe place.
If there is a part of the hinge or decorative cover left on the top panel of the body, remove it too. Often hidden underneath are holes for hanging the door on the other side, closed with rubber stoppers. Save all the removed elements, even if they seem insignificant, as they will be needed during reassembly.
Removing the lower door and freezer
After successfully dismantling the upper door leaf, we move on to the lower part - the freezer. In two-chamber models Ariston between the chambers there is often a common partition or a middle hinge that holds the upper door. If the upper door has already been removed, this hinge can be removed immediately, or it can be part of the lower door structure.
The process is similar to removing the upper door, but has its own characteristics. Often the bottom door is equipped with a closer or heavier hinges due to the weight of the food stored there. Unscrew the fastening bolts of the middle (now upper for this door) hinge. It is important here not to lose thrust bushings or washers that may fall out during removal.
Lift the lower door, removing it from the axis. Be careful: Lower doors often have more protruding handles or design elements that can get caught if handled carelessly. Place the removed door on the prepared surface with the outer side facing up to avoid damaging the seal.
In some models with the system No Frost a temperature or ventilation sensor wire may pass through the door hinge. If you find such a wire, do not pull on it. Carefully disconnect the connector, which is usually located inside the case or under the decorative trim of the hinge, following the diagram described in the section on electronics.
Working with electronics and the No Frost system
Modern refrigerators Ariston are often equipped with electronic controls, displays on the door or a system intelligent cold distribution. In such cases, removing the door is impossible without first disconnecting the electrical connections. Ignoring this step will result in broken wires and costly repairs.
Before physically removing the door and electronics, you must gain access to the connectors. They are usually located at the top of the door leaf, hidden under a decorative cover or directly in the hinge area. Remove the protective panel by unscrewing the small screws (often they have a Phillips head).
- 🔌 Visual inspection: Determine the type of connector. This could be a simple chip, a connector with a latch, or a rotary locking mechanism.
- ✋ Disconnection technique: Never pull on the wires themselves. Handle only the plastic housing of the connector. If there is a latch, press it with your finger or a thin screwdriver.
- 📸 Fixation: Be sure to photograph the position of the wires before disconnecting so as not to mix up the contacts during assembly.
After disconnecting all communications can proceed to removing the door. Make sure that the wiring is not strained and does not interfere with movement. Carefully route the wiring harness through the provided hole in the refrigerator body.
⚠️ Attention: When working with electronics, avoid static electricity. Touch a grounded metal object before touching the board contacts or connectors to avoid damaging the sensitive controller chips.
Transportation and storage of removed doors
Proper organization of storage of removed doors is no less important than the dismantling itself. The door leaf of the refrigerator is a structure with a large windage and fragile elements (glass, plastic, seal). Incorrect storage can lead to distortion of the geometry, due to which the door will subsequently not fit tightly to the body.
It is strictly not recommended to place the doors vertically, resting them on a narrow edge or corner. Under its own weight, such a structure will inevitably bend. The ideal option is a horizontal position on a flat surface. If there is not enough space, you can place the door at a slight angle to the wall, but always with a reliable fixation of the base.
Pay attention to the protection of the sealing rubber. It should not be wrinkled, pinched or stained with oil. If you plan to store the doors for a long time, wipe the rubber with a mild soap solution and dry. This will prevent the appearance of mold and maintain the elasticity of the material.
When transporting in an elevator or car body, secure the doors so that they cannot move and hit each other. Use soft pads (blankets, bubble wrap) between surfaces. Remember that even a small chip at the end of the door can break the tightness of the entire chamber.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible remove the doors of the Ariston refrigerator without an assistant?
Technically this is possible, but it is highly not recommended. The door is heavy and uncomfortable; there is a high risk of dropping it on the floor (damaging the covering or the door itself) or injuring your leg. In addition, it is difficult for one person to hold the door and unscrew the hinge bolts at the same time.
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before removing the doors?
Yes, this is a prerequisite. Water may leak out when tilting or removing the door, damaging electronics or flooring. In addition, ice in the freezer increases the weight of the door and can crumble if it gets into the mechanisms. Complete defrosting and drying are required.
What to do if the hinge bolts are rusty and cannot be unscrewed?
Do not use excessive force to avoid stripping the threads. Use a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40), apply it to the threads and wait 10-15 minutes. After this, try to carefully remove the bolt. If the bolt head has slipped off, you may need to use an extractor or careful drilling.
The decorative hinge plug is lost, where can I get a new one?
The plugs often have standard sizes. They can be found in hardware stores for household appliances or ordered from the spare parts catalog for your model Ariston. You can temporarily seal the hole with colored tape that matches the color of the refrigerator to prevent dust from getting in.
Will the warranty be violated if I remove the doors myself?
Removing the doors for transportation, as a rule, is not grounds for denying the warranty if the internal components have not been damaged, the seal on the compressor has been torn off, or the integrity of the factory fastenings has been damaged. However, if you damage the wiring or hinges during dismantling yourself, this case will not be recognized as a warranty case.