A decrease in cooling efficiency and the appearance of ice on the walls of the chamber often indicate a violation of the door seal. Equipment owners Ariston are the first to notice that the motor-compressor begins to work without interruption, trying to compensate for the leakage of cold. The main cause of such problems in most cases is a worn-out sealing profile, which over time loses elasticity and ceases to fit tightly to the body.
If you find that a sheet of paper passes freely between the door and the body, then it’s time to think about a replacement. Ignoring this defect leads to overload of the compressor and a significant increase in energy bills. In this article, we will look in detail at how to independently replace the seal without resorting to the services of a service center.
Independent repair requires accuracy and understanding of the design of a particular unit, but it is quite within the capabilities of any home craftsman. It is important to choose the right compatible model of the seal, since the geometry of the corners and the method of fastening may differ depending on the year of manufacture of the equipment. The unique Ariston profile often requires the installation of an original spare part to ensure correct magnetic clamping.
Diagnostics of the condition of the seal
Before going to the store for a new part, you must Carry out a thorough visual and tactile check of the current condition of the rubber. Often the deformation is not visible to the naked eye, so it is worth running your hand along the entire perimeter, feeling the material for cracks, creases or hardening. If the rubber has become hard and does not restore its shape after pressure, its service life has been exhausted.
There is a simple and reliable way to check the tightness using a regular paper sheet. Squeeze the sheet between the door and the refrigerator body at different points around the perimeter and try to pull it out. If the paper comes out easily and without resistance, it means magnetic clamp the magnetic clamp is weakened or broken in this place.
⚠️ Attention: If the elastic is simply contaminated with fat or food debris, its density may decrease due to sliding. Try to thoroughly wash and degrease the seal before buying a new one - perhaps the problem will be solved by simple cleaning.
Also pay attention to external damage, such as cuts or peeling from the plastic door profile. Even a microscopic hole can cause a constant leak of cold air. In such cases, partial repair is impossible; a complete replacement of the circuit is required.
Choosing the appropriate seal model
The spare parts market offers many options, but for equipment Ariston it is critical to find a part that meets the original specifications. Seals can differ not only in length, but also in cross-sectional shape, angle of rotation and method of attachment to the door. Using an unsuitable analogue may result in the door not closing completely or, conversely, closing too tightly.
When choosing, be guided by the exact model of your refrigerator, which can be found on the factory sticker inside the chamber or on the back wall of the case. Often, the same refrigerator model in different years of production could be equipped with different types of seals, so a visual comparison of the old and new parts will not be superfluous.
| Type of fastening | Description of design | Difficulty of replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Into the groove (groove) | The rubber has a special protrusion that is inserted into the groove on the door | Low |
| On screws | The seal is pressed with a plastic strip and fixed with self-tapping screws | Medium |
| Adhesive connection | A rare option, where the profile is glued to the metal (requires special glue) | High |
Pay attention to the quality of the material: a good seal should be soft, elastic and have a uniform color without whitish spots. Cheap alternatives are often made of rubber with an unpleasant chemical odor that can be absorbed into food.
Necessary tools and preparation
For To successfully carry out the work, you do not need complex professional equipment; a basic kit for a home craftsman is enough. The main thing is to ensure that the work area is clean and has good lighting so that you can see the small details of the structure. Before starting the process, be sure to unplug the refrigerator from the electrical outlet for safety.
You will need the following tools and materials:
- 🔧 A flathead and Phillips screwdriver (for removing decorative panels or screws).
- 🧼 Solvent or alcohol (to degrease the surface before installation).
- 🌡️ Construction or household hair dryer (to soften new rubber).
- 🧤 Gloves (to protect hands from dirt and sharp edges).
It is also recommended to prepare a soap solution, which will make it easier to insert the seal into the grooves, if the design requires such installation type. Clear the space in front of the refrigerator in advance to have free access to the doors from all sides.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use aggressive chemical solvents such as acetone or gasoline to clean the door plastic - they can damage the coating or make the plastic brittle.
Removing the old seal
The process of removing the old seal depends on the method of its fixation. If your refrigerator model is Ariston equipped with a seal inserted into the groove, then the task is simplified. You just need to pry the edge of the elastic with a flat screwdriver or knife and carefully pull it out around the entire perimeter.
In cases where the seal is screwed in, the situation requires greater caution. First you need to remove the decorative plastic profile if it covers the fasteners. Then all visible screws are unscrewed, after which the rubber is freely removed from the door.
☑️ Preparation for dismantling
After removing the old rubber band, thoroughly clean the groove or seat from residual glue, dirt and grease. Any foreign particles may prevent the new seal from sealing tightly. If there are traces of corrosion on the metal, they should be cleaned and treated with an anti-corrosion compound.
Some models have a complex system of corner joints that can be glued or soldered. In such cases, dismantling may take more time, since it will be necessary to carefully separate the corner elements without damaging the inner door panel.
Installing a new seal
Before installation, it is recommended to warm up the new seal. During storage, rubber can cake and lose its shape, so heating it with a hairdryer to a temperature of 50-60 degrees Celsius will make it more plastic and pliable. This will greatly facilitate the installation process and ensure a better fit.
Start installation from the top corner of the door. If using the slot-in method, tuck the corner first, then gradually move downward, pushing the profile in with your fingers or a blunt object (such as the handle of a screwdriver). The movements must be confident, but without excessive force, so as not to tear the material.
If your seal is attached to screws, then the sequence of actions is as follows:
- 📍 Align the holes on the seal with the holes on the door.
- 🔩 Insert the screws, but not tighten them all the way at once.
- 🔄 Walk around the entire perimeter, evenly distributing the tension.
- 🔧 Finally tighten all fasteners.
What to do if the new seal is longer than the old one?
In this case, the excess can be carefully trimmed with a sharp knife in the lower corner, but this must be done very carefully so as not to disturb the geometry of the corner. It is better to leave a small margin, if the design allows, than to cut off the excess.
Pay special attention to the corners - these are the most critical areas. This is where gaps most often form. Make sure that in the corners the rubber sits tightly in its bed and does not turn outward.
Checking the quality of installation and tightness
After the new seal is installed, you cannot immediately load the refrigerator with food. It is necessary to give the rubber time to straighten and take its working shape. Ideally, the refrigerator should stand with the doors closed for several hours, or better yet a day, before being plugged in.
For an initial check, try closing the door. It should close with a characteristic pop, but without excessive force. If the door closes too tightly or, conversely, does not hold, the seal may be crooked or the wrong size has been selected.
Repeat the test with a paper sheet around the entire perimeter. The sheet should be removed with noticeable effort, but not torn. If the pressure is weak in some places, you can try to locally warm up these areas with a hairdryer and press them with your hand until they cool down.
Frequent errors when replacing
One of the most common mistakes is ignoring the warm-up stage of the new rubber band. A cold, hard seal is difficult to insert smoothly, and during operation it can become deformed, which will lead to the appearance of cracks.
Another mistake is insufficient cleaning of the seat. Remaining grease or old adhesive creates uneven surfaces that prevent the new seal from sealing tightly to the body. This negates all replacement efforts.
Also, craftsmen often forget to check the operation of door hinges after replacement. Heavy new rubber or changes in geometry may require adjustment of the hinges to ensure the door fits straight.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use superglue or other fast-acting adhesives to secure the seal unless specifically designed to do so. They make the rubber hard and brittle, which will lead to rapid destruction of the material.
Caring for the seal to extend its service life
For a new seal to serve for a long time, it must be properly cared for. Wipe the rubber regularly with a damp cloth to remove grease and dirt. Once every six months, you can lubricate the rubber with a special silicone spray or glycerin to maintain elasticity.
Avoid sharp slams of the door, as impact loads destroy the rubber structure and weaken the magnetic liner inside the profile. Careful handling will extend the life not only of the seal, but also of the entire refrigeration unit.
Make sure that the food in the door shelves does not interfere with the door being tightly closed. Constant micro-opening due to an obstacle will lead to rapid wear of the rubber at the point of contact.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to restore the old seal instead of replacing it?
You can temporarily restore elasticity using boiling water. The rubber band is removed, immersed in hot water (about 80 degrees) for several minutes, then quickly installed back. This will straighten out the creases, but the effect will be temporary - after a few months the procedure will have to be repeated or the part replaced.
Where can I find the exact spare part number for my Ariston?
The exact number (art.) is indicated in the technical documentation for the refrigerator or stamped on the factory sticker. You can also find the refrigerator model number in the spare parts catalogs or contact an authorized service center.
Why did the door begin to close tighter after replacement?
The new seal always has greater compression resistance, since the rubber has not yet been developed. In addition, the magnetic layer in the new part works more efficiently. After 1-2 weeks of active use, the rubber will “wear in” and the force will become comfortable.
Does it need to lubricate the seal after installation?
It is not necessary to lubricate it immediately after installation if the rubber is of high quality. However, to prevent drying out and cracking, after 2-3 months it is recommended to treat the surface with silicone grease.