The situation when the refrigerator Ariston stops holding the temperature normally often takes you by surprise. Water on the floor, ice freezing on the back wall and the hum of the compressor are the first signs that the seal of the chamber is broken. In most cases, the culprit is a worn-out one, which over time loses its elasticity or becomes deformed. Replacing this part is one of the most common repair operations, which you can do yourself without calling a technician. seal, which loses elasticity or becomes deformed over time. Replacing this part is one of the most common repair operations that you can do yourself without calling a technician.
However, before starting disassembly, it is necessary to accurately diagnose the problem. Sometimes it seems that the rubber band does not fit tightly, but in fact the door mechanism is skewed or the geometry of the door itself is broken. If you are convinced that this is the case magnetic tape inside the rubber, then independent replacement will be an excellent solution for restoring the functionality of the equipment. This will not only save your budget, but will also extend the life of your refrigeration equipment.
It is important to understand that sealing rubber for different models Ariston may differ in design and method of attachment. Somewhere an insert into a groove is used, and somewhere a screw connection is used. An incorrectly selected or installed part will cause the refrigerator to continue to consume a lot of electricity. Therefore, the selection and installation process must be approached with maximum care and knowledge of technical nuances.
Diagnostics of the condition of the sealing rubber
The first step in any repair is to accurately determine the malfunction. A visual inspection may not provide a complete picture, since microcracks or loss of magnetic properties are not always visible to the naked eye. There is a proven way to test for leaks called the paper sheet test. You need to open the refrigerator door, place a regular sheet of paper across the seal and close the door. If the sheet is pulled out with noticeable force and breaks, then the seal is in order.
In those places where the sheet falls out freely or is pulled out without resistance, the seal does not perform its function. Often such zones are located in the corners of the door or in places where there is frequent contact with the user's hand. It is also worth paying attention to the appearance of rubber. If it has become hard, cracked or has visible tears, then restoration will no longer help - a complete replacement is required.
⚠️ Attention: If the seal is simply contaminated with grease or carbon deposits, its magnetic properties may decrease. Try washing the rubber thoroughly with warm water and a mild detergent first before purchasing a new part.
Another sign of wear is the formation of condensation or “skin” on the chamber walls even when the thermostat is operating normally. Warm air from the room constantly flows inside, causing the compressor to work hard. This leads to increased energy consumption and a reduction in the life of the unit. Timely replacement of the seal allows you to avoid more serious and expensive repairs in the future.
Selecting a suitable seal for the Ariston model
Selecting the right spare part is a critical step. Refrigerators Ariston were produced in various modifications, and there are no universal solutions here. The main difference lies in the cross-sectional profile of the rubber and the method of its attachment to the door leaf. Some models are equipped with seals with a canister that is inserted into the groove, others have a shelf for screw fastening around the entire perimeter.
In order not to make a mistake with your choice, you need to know the exact model of your refrigerator. The number is usually located on a technical sticker located inside the camera or on the back of the case. It is best to search for a part by catalog number or compatibility with a specific series refrigerators. Using unsuitable rubber will lead to a loose fit and the formation of cracks.
When purchasing, pay attention to the material. A high-quality seal should be made of food-grade rubber that does not have a strong chemical odor. Cheap analogues can quickly lose their elasticity and begin to crumble after a few months of use. It is also important to check the integrity of the magnetic tape inside the profile - it must pass continuously along the entire contour.
| Type of fastening | Description | Difficulty of replacement | Tools |
|---|---|---|---|
| Into the groove (spray can) | Rubber is inserted into a special groove on the door | Low | Screwdriver, hair dryer |
| Screw | Fastening is carried out with self-tapping screws through the internal shelf | Medium | Screwdriver, spatula |
| Glue | Rare option, requires application of special glue | High | Degreaser, glue |
If it is not possible to find an original spare part, you can consider universal options. They are often sold as a cut or as kits with the option of adjusting them. However, this path requires certain skills and accuracy, since improper cutting of corners can break the seal.
Where to look for the part number?
The spare part number is often stamped on the inside of the seal itself in its lower part. To see it, you need to carefully bend the corner of the rubber. Information can also be found in the technical documentation for the refrigerator or on the websites of component manufacturers, indicating the model of the unit.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
To properly replace the seal on the refrigerator Ariston you will need a minimum set of tools that most craftsmen have in their homes. However, preparation must be thorough so as not to damage the plastic elements of the door or the new rubber itself during the work. Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply.
You will need the following tools and materials:
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) for dismantling fasteners.
- 🌡️ Construction a hair dryer or regular hair dryer to heat the rubber.
- 🧼 Degreaser (alcohol or special solution) to clean the groove.
- 📏 Spatula or plastic spatula to avoid scratching the surface.
- 🧤 Gloves to protect hands from dirt and cuts.
Pay special attention to surface preparation. The old seal could have left traces of glue, dirt or oxidation in the sealing area. These contaminants must be carefully removed, otherwise the new rubber will not lie flat. Using metal objects to clean the groove is not recommended, as you can damage the anti-corrosion coating or plastic.
☑️ Preparation for replacement
It is best to work in good lighting. If natural light is not enough, use an additional lamp. This will allow you to notice minor installation defects and ensure that the seal fits evenly around the entire perimeter of the door.
Removing the old seal
The process of removing the old seal depends on the type of its attachment. If the rubber is simply inserted into the groove, then the task is simplified. Start from one of the top corners. Carefully pry up the edge of the seal with a flathead screwdriver or putty knife. Act slowly so as not to break the plastic lip of the groove into which the rubber is inserted.
Pull the seal along the perimeter, gradually releasing it from the channel. If the rubber is “stuck” or sits very tightly, you can use a hairdryer. Heating will make the material softer and more elastic, making it easier to remove. Do not use excessive force; jerking may lead to deformation of the door leaf.
⚠️ Attention: When removing a screw-fastened seal, be sure to number or photograph the location of the screws. In some models, the length of the fastener may differ in different areas, and mixing it up will damage the plastic.
If the seal is secured with screws, they must be unscrewed. Often they are hidden under a decorative strip or the rubber itself. After removing the fasteners, carefully detach the inner flange of the seal from the door. If the screws are rusty, treat them with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and wait a few minutes before removing them.
After complete removal, inspect the surface of the door. There should be no fragments of old rubber, glue or corrosion left on it. Thorough cleaning is the key to ensuring that the new seal lies perfectly flat and will perform its functions for many years.
Installing a new seal: step-by-step instructions
The most critical stage is the installation of a new part. It is recommended to warm up the new seal before installing it. This can be done by immersing it in warm water (about 50-60 degrees) for a few minutes or gently warming it with a hairdryer. This procedure will make the rubber softer and more pliable, which is especially important for corner joints.
Start installation from the top corner of the door. Insert the edge of the seal into the groove or attach it to the mounting location. If using the push-in method, move gradually by pushing the rubber in with your fingers or using a blunt object (such as the handle of a screwdriver). Move from the center of the side to the corners, evenly distributing the material.
Pay special attention to the corners. This is where folds or gaps most often form. The rubber should fit tightly around the corner, repeating its geometry. If you are using a screw fastening, first tighten all the screws without tightening them all the way, and only after checking the uniform fit, tighten them completely.
After installation, walk around the entire perimeter again, checking the tightness of the fit. Make sure there is no bulging or falling out of the groove anywhere. If you notice defects, correct them immediately, before the rubber has completely cooled down and taken a permanent shape.
Checking the quality of installation and adjustment
After the new seal is installed, do not immediately close the door and turn on the refrigerator. It is necessary to give the rubber time to “sit down” and straighten out. Leave the door open for several hours, or better yet for a day. This will allow the material to take its final shape and eliminate any stress that may have arisen during installation.
Then re-test with a sheet of paper around the entire perimeter. Now the sheet should be removed with the same force at all points. If a gap is found in any place, check whether the rubber is inserted correctly into the groove. Sometimes a slight adjustment to the position of the seal in the problem area is required.
In some cases, after replacing the seal, it may be necessary to adjust the position of the door itself. If the door begins to close too tightly or, conversely, does not close completely, check the hinges. Perhaps the new seal is slightly thicker than the old one, and it is necessary to loosen or tighten the hinge fasteners to even out the gap.
- ✅ Make sure that the door closes tightly and without clicks.
- ✅ Check that there are no distortions by visual inspection.
- ✅ Make sure that the magnetic the tape works along the entire circuit.
Only after a successful check can you turn on the refrigerator. During the first hours of operation, the unit may work more intensely, gaining temperature. This is a normal process. Make sure that frost does not appear on the walls, and the compressor turns off when the set temperature is reached.
What to do if the seal does not fit immediately?
If after installation you notice that the seal is coming off in some places, try warming this area with a hairdryer and pressing firmly with your hand for a few seconds. You can also use the “weighting” method: apply a weight to the problem area overnight, after closing the door.
Is it possible to glue the seal?
It is recommended to glue the seal only in extreme cases, if the standard groove is damaged. Use special glue for rubber. However, for refrigerators Ariston a mechanical fastening method is preferable, since the glue dries out over time due to temperature changes.
How often should the seal be changed?
The service life of the seal is on average 5-7 years. However, with intensive use or improper care (aggressive chemicals, frequent impacts), it can wear out faster. Regularly checking the tightness will help you notice the problem in time.
Does replacing the seal affect the warranty?
If the warranty period for the refrigerator has not yet expired, replacing parts yourself may void it. In this case, it is better to contact an authorized service center Ariston.
Why does the new seal smell?
The smell of new rubber is normal. It can last for several days. To speed up the weathering process, wipe the seal with a solution of citric acid or just water and vinegar, and then ventilate the room.