The appearance of condensation on the inner walls of the refrigerator compartment or noticeable freezing of food at the door are sure signs that tightness of the circuit it is broken. Owners of equipment Ariston often encounter the fact that over time the elastic tape loses its properties, cracks or deforms. Ignoring this problem leads to increased energy consumption, since the compressor is forced to work non-stop, trying to compensate for the loss of cold.
Replacing the seal yourself is a very real task for a home craftsman, which allows you to save a significant amount on calling a specialist. It is only important to choose the right material and be careful during installation so as not to damage the plastic elements of the door. In this article we will analyze in detail the entire process from diagnostics to the final quality check of the installation.
Diagnostics of the condition of the sealing rubber
Before going to the store for a new part, you need to make sure that the problem lies precisely in the wear of the rubber, and not in the skew of the door or the malfunction of the hinges. An initial visual inspection allows you to identify obvious defects: cracks, tears, moldy areas that cannot be washed, or severe deformation of the profile. If the rubber has become hard and does not fit tightly to the body, its replacement is inevitable.
There is a simple and effective way to check the tightness, known as the “paper test”. You will need a regular A4 sheet or banknote. Open the refrigerator door slightly, place a sheet between the body and the seal, and then close the door. Try to pull out the sheet:
- 📄 If the paper is pulled out with noticeable effort and resistance is felt along the entire length, the seal is working properly.
- 📄 If the sheet falls out on its own or is pulled out too easily, the seal is broken in this place.
- 📄 If the sheet holds in some places firmly, but in others it slides freely - the seal is deformed or the door is skewed.
Often users confuse contamination of the seal with its wear. Sticky residue from food or grease may prevent a tight seal. Before deciding to replace, try washing the rubber band thoroughly with warm water and a mild detergent. If after cleaning and drying the problem does not disappear, it means that the material has physically worn out.
⚠️ Attention: If during a visual inspection you find that the plastic part of the door itself (into which the rubber is inserted) is cracked or broken, simply replacing the seal will not help. In such cases, repair or replacement of the entire door card is required.
Selecting and preparing a new seal
The key step is to find a suitable spare part. For refrigerators Ariston, like many other brands, seals can vary in profile, method of fastening and geometric dimensions. Using the wrong rubber band will result in the door not closing tightly, or the seal itself will quickly become unusable.
The ideal option is to find an original spare part according to the technical data sheet of the device. To do this, you will need model number a refrigerator, which is usually indicated on a sticker inside the chamber or on the back wall of the case. However, the originals are not always available for sale, and then you have to resort to universal solutions or analogues.
When choosing a universal seal, pay attention to the following parameters:
- 📏 Profile type: magnetic (with one or two circuits) or petal.
- 📏 Mode of fastening: in a groove, glued or combined (screws + groove).
- 📏 Dimensions: length and width should correspond to the dimensions of your refrigerator with a small margin.
Can a universal rubber band be used?
Universal seals often require trimming corners or heating with a hairdryer to give the desired shape. They are cheaper than the originals, but may have a shorter lifespan and a less ideal fit. If possible, it is better to look for a profile specific to your series of refrigerators.
Before installation, it is recommended to “acclimatize” the new seal. Take it out of the package, straighten it out and leave it at room temperature for several hours (preferably a day). This will allow the material to straighten after storage in a folded form and become more elastic, which will facilitate installation.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
To successfully replace the seal on the refrigerator Ariston no complex professional equipment is required. However, having the right tool on hand will significantly speed up the process and reduce the risk of damage to the plastic parts of the door. It is better to carry out work in good lighting, providing free access to the refrigerator from all sides.
You will need the following set of tools:
- 🔧 Screwdrivers: Phillips and flat (preferably with a narrow blade).
- 🔧 Hair dryer: household or construction (for softening rubber and straightening creases).
- 🔧 Spatula: plastic or wooden (so as not to scratch the plastic).
- 🔧 Degreaser: alcohol or a special composition for surface preparation.
- 🔧 Gloves: fabric or rubber to protect hands.
It is important to prepare the surface itself. Before starting work, the refrigerator must be defrosted, disconnected from the power supply and all food removed. The door must be clean and dry. If you plan to use glue to secure individual areas, make sure that it is intended for contact with food or is safe after drying.
☑️ Ready to replace the seal
Removing the old seal
The process of removing the old rubber band depends on exactly how it is secured in your refrigerator Ariston. In modern models, the seal is most often attached to a special groove on the inner plastic panel of the door. In older models or some modifications, the rubber can be glued or screwed with self-tapping screws.
If the seal is inserted into the groove, you must act carefully so as not to break the plastic collar. Start from one of the top corners. Pry the edge of the rubber with a flathead screwdriver or plastic spatula and pull it towards you. Move gradually around the perimeter, freeing the rubber from the groove. Do not make sharp jerks to avoid damaging the plastic of the door.
In cases where the seal is glued, the dismantling process becomes more complicated. You will have to carefully cut off the old layer with a blade or knife, being careful not to damage the underlying surface. Glue residues are carefully removed using a solvent or a special glue remover, after which the surface is degreased.
Sometimes there is a combined fastening method, where the rubber is held in a groove, but is additionally fixed with self-tapping screws in the corners or in the center. Carefully inspect the inside of the door. If you can see the screw heads under the rubber, they must be unscrewed before dismantling. It is better to put all fasteners in a separate container so as not to lose them.
⚠️ Attention: The plastic of refrigerator doors, especially those more than 10 years old, can become fragile. When working with a screwdriver, be extremely careful not to split the inner door panel.
Technology for installing a new seal
Installing a new seal is the most critical step. If you are using rubber that fits into a groove, start installation from the top corner. Insert the edge of the seal into the groove and press firmly. Then, moving along the side of the door, gradually tuck the rubber inside. It is most convenient to do this with your thumbs, pressing the profile tightly against the wall.
To facilitate the process, you can use a plastic spatula or the blunt side of a knife, but be sure to use it through a cloth so as not to damage the new rubber. The movements should be progressive: tuck in 10-15 cm, check the tightness of the fit, move on to the next section. Pay special attention to the corners - folds or gaps most often form there.
If after installation you notice that the seal does not lie tightly or has creases, use a hairdryer. Heat the problem area with hot air (without bringing the hair dryer too close to avoid melting the plastic), and then use your hands to straighten the rubber and press it against the body until it cools. This will help the material to “remember” the correct shape.
The table below shows the main types of fasteners and the nuances of their installation:
| Type of fastening | Installation features | Required tools | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Into the groove (snapping) | Requires uniform pressure around the perimeter | Plastic spatula | Low |
| On glue | Need precise positioning the first time | Degreaser, roller | Medium |
| Screws + groove | Requires dismantling of the inner panel doors | Screwdriver, screwdriver | High |
| Combined | Combines all of the above | Full set | High |
Adjusting the door and checking the result
After installing the seal, the door may close tightly or, conversely, not fit tightly due to the changed thickness of the profile. In this case, the hinges may need to be adjusted. On refrigerators Ariston hinges are usually located at the top and bottom of the door. By loosening the mounting bolts, you can move the door slightly up, down, or to the sides, achieving the ideal gap.
Repeat the test with a sheet of paper around the entire perimeter of the door. Now the sheet should be removed with the same force at any point. If the clamp is weak in some place, try heating this area again with a hairdryer and pressing the rubber more tightly. If the door is skewed, adjust the hinges until the skew is eliminated.
It is better to turn on the refrigerator for the first time after replacing the seal without load. Allow the unit to reach temperature for 2-3 hours. During this time, monitor the operation of the compressor: it should not run continuously. If the operating cycle has returned to normal (the compressor turns on and off periodically), then the tightness has been restored.
⚠️ Attention: Complete polymerization of the glue (if it was used) and final shrinkage of the seal can take up to 24-48 hours. During this period, do not slam the door and try to open it smoothly.
Common mistakes when replacing and how to avoid them
Beginners often make mistakes that lead to damage no all the work. One of the most common is an attempt to install cold, packaged rubber. This material is hard and does not take shape well, which leads to creases. Always let the seal lie flat at room temperature.
Another mistake is using aggressive chemicals to clean the surface or the seal itself. Acetone or gasoline can corrode the rubber compound, making it sticky or brittle. Use only products or special care for rubber.
Also, do not ignore the condition of the hinges themselves. If the hinges are worn out and the door is warped, the new seal will quickly wear out in places of greatest pressure. Before replacing the rubber, check the door play and, if necessary, replace or adjust the hinges.
What to do if the new seal is longer than required?
If the difference in length is small (1-2 cm), the excess can be carefully trimmed in the lower corner, where it is less noticeable. If the seal is significantly longer, the model may have been selected incorrectly. As a last resort, you can try to stretch it when heated, but this is a temporary solution.
Is it possible to restore the old seal instead of replacing it?
Temporarily - yes. If the rubber is intact but deformed, boiling water (spill with hot water) or a hairdryer helps. If there are cracks or breaks, restoration is impossible; a complete replacement is required.
How often do you need to change the seal on the refrigerator?
The average service life of a high-quality seal is 5-7 years. However, with active use, frequent opening of the door or the use of aggressive chemicals during cleaning, the period can be reduced to 3-4 years.
Does replacing the seal affect the warranty?
Independent replacement of consumables, such as a seal, usually does not void the warranty on the main components (compressor), if they were not used in the process other parts are damaged. However, it is better to check the terms of the warranty card of your specific store.