Moving or rearranging the kitchen often becomes a real challenge when the dimensions of household appliances do not allow them to be carried through the doorway. Owners of Italian appliances often wonder how to remove the door in an Ariston refrigerator in order to reduce the width of the unit and move it safely. This procedure seems complicated only at first glance, but requires care, the correct sequence of actions and a minimum set of tools.
Dismantling is necessary not only for transportation, but also in case of replacing the seal, hinges or the sash itself due to mechanical damage. The design of Ariston models, whether classic two-chamber models or modern No Frost systems, implies the possibility of disassembly, however, each series may have its own mounting nuances. Improper dismantling can lead to damage to the wiring, deformation of the hinges, or loss of tightness.
Before proceeding with active actions, it is necessary to empty the refrigerator of food and defrost it, if required according to the instructions for a particular model. It is important to ensure that the unit is in a stable position so that it does not tip over during operation. In this article we will analyze in detail all the steps, the necessary tools and typical mistakes that are made when trying to remove the sash yourself.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Working with live electrical appliances is strictly prohibited and can lead to electric shock or short circuit.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
To perform dismantling efficiently, you will not need many tools, but they should be at hand in a complete set. The main tool will be open-end wrench or a set of heads, the size of which depends on the diameter of the hinge mounting bolts (usually 8, 10 or 13 mm). You may also need a flathead and Phillips screwdriver to remove decorative plugs and plastic elements.
Particular attention should be paid to preparing the surface on which the removed element will be laid. The refrigerator door is a heavy structure with glass shelves inside, which can break or damage the flooring if dropped. Lay a thick blanket, cardboard or soft rags in the work area in advance. This will protect both the equipment and your floors from scratches.
It would be a good idea to invite an assistant, since the weight of the sash, especially in Side-by-Side models or with the system Multi Flowcan be significant. Holding a heavy door alone and unscrewing bolts at the same time is extremely inconvenient and dangerous. If there is no assistant, make sure that you have a stable support or stand for the part to be removed.
☑️ Preparation for dismantling
Design features of Ariston doors
Ariston refrigerators produced at different factories may have different designs loops Classic models use external top and bottom hinges that are secured with bolts. In more modern lines with the system No Frost there is often a hidden bottom hinge, access to which can only be accessed after removing the decorative panel of the base or the door itself.
An important detail is the presence of electrical wires going to the light bulb or door opening sensor. On models with a display on the body, the wiring may pass through the top loop, which requires special care when disconnecting. Ignoring this point can lead to broken contacts and the need for complex electronic repairs.
The sealing rubber (cuff) also plays a role in the removal process. In some cases, it may interfere with access to the fastening elements of the lower hinge if the design involves its hidden installation. Understanding the structure of your specific model will help you avoid unnecessary effort and damage.
Types of hinges in refrigerators
External hinges are bolted to the outside of the case and are visible to the naked eye. Hidden hinges are located inside the body or under decorative trims; their dismantling requires the removal of additional panels. In Ariston models, combined options or a completely hidden lower hinge are most often found.
Step-by-step instructions: dismantling the upper part
The removal process always starts from the top of the unit. The first step is to remove the decorative plug covering the top hinge bolts. It can be made in the form of a plastic cover with latches or simply in the form of a sticker that needs to be carefully pryed off with a knife or flat-head screwdriver.
After gaining access to the fasteners, using the appropriate wrench, loosen the bolts, but do not unscrew them completely yet. This is necessary in order to fix the position of the hinge relative to the body before final removal. If your model has wiring running through the top hinge to the display, now is the time to carefully disconnect the connectors.
Be careful with the plastic connector retainers - they are often fragile. Remember or take a photo of the order in which the wires are connected so that you don’t mix up the contacts during assembly. After disconnecting the wires, you can completely unscrew the bolts and remove the top hinge along with the axle.
The top of the door is now free, but it is still attached to the bottom shaft. Do not try to sharply pull the sash up or to the side until you are sure that all the top hinge fasteners have been removed. In some models, the axis of the upper hinge may be part of the door itself, and not a separate element of the hinge - carefully inspect the design.
Removing the door and working with the lower hinge
The most crucial moment is the direct removal of the door from the lower axis. Having a second person is critical here. One person must hold the door, preventing it from falling, while the second unscrews the bolts of the bottom hinge (if it is external) or removes the stoppers.
In models where the bottom hinge is hidden, it may be necessary to first remove the base panel of the refrigerator. To do this, it is usually enough to pull the panel towards you or unscrew a few screws from the bottom. After clearing access, you will see the lower hinge, which holds the main mass of the sash.
After removing the door from the lower axis, it must be immediately laid on a prepared soft surface. Do not place the removed door vertically, leaning it on an angle - this can lead to skew of the frame and disruption of the geometry, which will subsequently affect the tightness of the closure.
⚠️ Attention: When removing the door, watch the magnetic tape of the seal. Do not allow it to come into contact with the sharp edges of the metal shelves inside or with tools, so as not to tear the elastic material.
If you plan to transport the refrigerator, it is better to secure the removed door with tape to the body in the open position or remove it separately, wrapping it in a protective film. This will prevent accidental slamming and damage during transportation.
Features of models with the No Frost system and display
Modern Ariston refrigerators with the system No Frost are often equipped with an electronic control module located on the top of the door. In such cases, the process is complicated by the presence of cables connecting the display to the main control unit of the refrigerator.
When removing the top hinge in such models, it is often necessary to remove the plastic casing that hides the wiring. Be extremely careful with plastic latches - they break from excessive force. The cables must be disconnected by holding them by the connector, and not by the wires themselves.
The table below shows the main differences in the procedure for different types of models:
| Model type | Wiring location | Bottom loop | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic (drip) | Absent or simple lamp | External, available | Low |
| No Frost (without display) | Through the top loop | Hidden or external | Middle |
| With a display on the door | Complex cable to the module | Often hidden | High |
| Side-by-Side | Multi-core harness | Reinforced, hidden | Very high |
For models with a display, it is strongly recommended to have the electrical connection diagram on hand if it is preserved in the documentation. Lack of experience in working with electronics can cause the failure of an expensive control module.
Adjustment and reinstallation
Reinstallation is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. First, the door is hung on the lower axis, then the upper hinge is fixed. It is important not to tighten the top hinge bolts all the way straight away. First, attach them, check the horizontalness of the door and the tightness of the seal around the entire perimeter.
If the door is skewed or does not fit tightly, you may need to adjust the height using washers or tightening the adjusting screws (if they are provided for in the design). The gap between the body and the door should be uniform over the entire height.
After finally fixing all the bolts and connecting the electrical connectors, check the operation of the refrigerator. Make sure the light comes on when opening and the sensor operates correctly. It is recommended to connect the unit to the network no earlier than 2-4 hours after transportation, so that the compressor oil flows into the crankcase.
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics and location of elements may vary depending on the year of manufacture and the specific series. Always check the official user manual (operating manual) for your Ariston model before starting work.
If after installation you notice that the door slams or does not close well, check that the wires inside the hinge are not twisted and that the axle is installed correctly. Sometimes it is necessary to re-adjust the tilt of the refrigerator body using the front support legs.
What to do if the door does not close tightly?
Check if there is anything inside (packaging, bottle) in the way. Make sure the refrigerator is level. Check the condition of the seal - it may be dirty or require replacement. Also, the cause may be incorrect adjustment of the height of the legs of the refrigerator.
Common mistakes during dismantling
One of the most common mistakes is trying to remove the door alone. This often results in a heavy sash falling on your feet or damage to the flooring. In addition, without fixing the door, it is very easy to damage the axis of the lower hinge when unscrewing.
Another mistake is ignoring the wiring. Many people forget to disconnect the connectors before the loop is completely removed, which leads to jerking and broken wires. Also, small screws or decorative plugs are often lost, which then have to be looked for or ordered separately.
Do not use excessive force. If the element does not come off, you may have forgotten to unscrew some hidden screw or remove the stopper. The use of physical force can break the plastic body of the hinge or the threads in the metal.
Compliance with technology and accuracy will allow you to successfully complete the task and avoid calling a specialist. Properly removing and installing the door will ensure long and reliable operation of your Ariston refrigerator.
Do you need to completely defrost the refrigerator before removing the door?
Yes, this is highly recommended. Ice in the evaporator may crumble when tilted or vibrated, ending up in the drainage system or on the floor. In addition, a full refrigerator is heavier, which makes it more difficult to move and dismantle.
Is it possible to remove only one door in a two-chamber refrigerator?
Yes, in most Ariston models, the upper (freezer) and lower (refrigerator) chambers can be removed independently of each other, since they have separate hinges. However, the procedure may differ.
What to do if the hinge bolts are rusty?
Do not use excessive force to avoid stripping the threads. Treat the bolts with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and leave for 15-20 minutes. After that, try to carefully move them out of place.
How to transport a refrigerator with the door removed?
It is better to wrap the removed door in bubble wrap or cardboard and secure it separately in the body so that it does not hit the body. Secure the refrigerator itself with belts, preventing it from swinging.