The appearance of condensation on the internal walls, freezing of an ice crust in the freezer or constant operation of the compressor are the first alarming bells signaling the depressurization of the chambers of your refrigerator Ariston. Most often, the cause of such malfunctions is a worn out or damaged sealing rubber, which no longer fits tightly to the body. Unlike complex breakdowns of electronics, replacing this element is a task that can be completed at home without calling a technician.
Timely replacement of the circuit will not only restore the correct operation of the unit, but will also significantly reduce energy consumption, since the compressor will no longer have to work hard, trying to compensate for the leakage of cold. In this article, we will look in detail at how to determine the need for replacement, what type of seal to choose for your model, and how to properly carry out installation work to ensure perfect tightness.
Before taking active steps, you need to make sure of the diagnosis, since sometimes the problem lies not in the rubber itself, but in the misalignment of the door or contamination of the adjacent surface. Careful preparation and the availability of the right tools will make the replacement process quick and effective, preserving the appearance of your refrigerator Ariston in its original form.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work on servicing the refrigerator, be sure to disconnect it from the electrical network. Working with live electrical appliances is life-threatening, even if you do not directly touch the internal electrical components.
Diagnostics of the condition of the seal
The first step in the process of restoring the tightness is a thorough visual and tactile inspection of the doorway. Look for visible damage: cracks, tears, scuffs, or areas where the rubber has become stiff and has lost its elasticity. Often problems are localized in corners or in places of frequent contact with products, where the material wears out most quickly.
There are several proven methods that allow you to accurately determine how tightly the seal fits the body. If you notice that the refrigerator door Ariston does not close the first time or, on the contrary, is suctioned too tightly, this is a clear sign of a violation of the contour geometry.
- 🔦 Test with a flashlight: In a dark room, place the switched-on flashlight inside the refrigerator and close the door. If light breaks out through the cracks, the seal is broken.
- 💵 Paper check: Clamp the sheet of paper with the door in different places around the perimeter. If the paper falls out or is pulled out without resistance, the fit in this area is insufficient.
- 👀 Visual inspection: Pay attention to the presence of mold or black deposits, which destroy the rubber structure and interfere with tight contact.
It is important to understand that even microscopic gaps lead to a constant influx of warm, moist air, which causes the formation of a “coat” of ice. This not only reduces the useful volume of the chambers, but also creates additional load on defrost system and the compressor.
Choosing a suitable seal for the Ariston model
The aftermarket market offers many options for seals, but for refrigerators Ariston it is critical to select a profile that matches the original specifications. Using unsuitable rubber may result in the door closing with a gap or, conversely, the magnets will not be able to hold the door in the closed position.
When choosing a new kit, pay attention to the mounting method, as it determines the complexity of installation. Modern models often use a profile with a “ruff” or shelf, which is inserted into a special groove in the door, while in older versions the seal can be glued or fastened with screws.
| Type of fastening | Description | Difficulty of replacement | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insert into a groove (Ruff) | The profile has a protrusion inserted into the door gutter | Low | Modern models |
| Adhesive connection | Rubber is fixed with special glue | High | Old modifications |
| Fixed with screws | The seal is pressed with a decorative strip or screws | Average | Industrial series |
| Magnetic tape | A magnetic core is built inside the rubber | Depends on the profile | All models |
It is recommended to look for original spare parts using the catalog number of your refrigerator model, which is indicated on the technical sticker inside the chamber. If the original cannot be found, there are universal heated profiles that can be adapted to the size of the door, but they require more complex installation.
Where can I find the model number?
A technical sticker with the full model name (for example, Ariston MBAA 2185) is usually located on the inner wall of the refrigerator compartment, on the left or right, or on the back wall inside the freezer. The number may also be indicated in the warranty card.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
For a high-quality replacement of the sealing rubber, you do not need complex professional tools, a basic kit for a home craftsman is enough. However, preparation must be thorough so as not to damage the plastic elements of the door or the enamel coating of the body during work.
Ensure good lighting of the work area and free up space in front of the refrigerator. If your Ariston provides the ability to remove the door from its hinges, this will greatly simplify the process, especially when working with the lower seals, but you can often do without dismantling the sash.
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers: A flathead and Phillips screwdriver will be needed to remove decorative panels or fastening screws.
- 🌡️ Hair dryer: A construction or household hair dryer is needed to heat up the new rubber so that it becomes elastic and straightens.
- 🧼 Degreaser: Alcohol or a special plastic cleaner to prepare the surface.
- 🧤 Gloves: To protect hands from contamination and more comfortable sliding during installation.
Warm up the new sealing rubber in advance if it was stored in a cold room. Warm material stretches better and takes the desired shape, which reduces the risk of deformation of the corners during installation. The temperature of the new rubber before installation should be close to room temperature (about 20-25°C) for maximum elasticity.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use sharp metal objects (knives, chisels) to remove the old seal, if it glued. There is a high risk of damaging the plastic door frame, which will require expensive repairs or replacement of the entire door.
Removing the old sealing circuit
The process of removing the old seal requires care and patience. If the rubber is simply inserted into the groove, start pulling it from one of the corners, gradually extending it around the entire perimeter. Movements should be smooth, without sudden jerks, so as not to break the plastic holder.
In cases where the seal is glued or secured with screws under the decorative strip, you need to act more carefully. First, remove the plastic edging, if there is one, unscrew the fasteners, and only then remove the rubber itself. Dirt and mold often accumulate under the old tape.
Carefully clean the gutter or door surface of old adhesive residue, dust and grease. Use a soft cloth soaked in degreaser. A clean surface is the key to ensuring that the new seal will lie flat and perform its functions effectively.
☑️ Preparation for installation
If during the dismantling process you find corrosion of the metal under the seal, be sure to treat these places with an anti-corrosion compound and tint to prevent further destruction of the refrigerator body Ariston.
Technology for installing a new seal
Installation of a new seal begins from the corners. Insert one of the corners into the groove or attach it to the surface, making sure that the profile sits tightly and evenly. Gradually move along the side of the door, pressing the “ruff” or gluing the tape.
Use a hair dryer to locally heat areas of rubber that do not fit well or have creases. The heated material becomes soft and easily takes the shape of an angle. Do not overheat the rubber so as not to melt it and damage the magnetic core inside.
Pay special attention to the corners, as this is where gaps most often form. If the profile is too rigid, you can carefully trim its inner part at the bend (without disturbing the outer wall) so that it fits more easily into the corner, and then fix it with glue.
After installing the entire contour, check the uniform fit along the entire length. Make sure that there are no areas where the rubber is bent outward or, conversely, collapsed inward. The magnets should evenly touch the metal body around the entire perimeter.
Final check and adjustment of the door
After installing the seal, the refrigerator door may close tightly due to the resistance of the new, not yet developed rubber. This is a normal situation that will go away after a few days of active use. However, it is important to check if any gaps have formed.
Repeat the test with a piece of paper or a flashlight to make sure it is sealed. If you find a loose seal in certain areas, try heating these areas locally with a hairdryer and pressing the door until it cools. Sometimes adjustment of the hinges is required if the new rubber has changed the closing geometry.
Give the seal time to “settle”. During the first 24 hours, try not to open the refrigerator unless absolutely necessary, so that the rubber takes its final shape and locks into the correct position. This will ensure a long service life and reliable insulation of the chambers.
⚠️ Attention: The design of doors and types of seals may vary slightly depending on the year of manufacture and the specific series of Ariston refrigerators. Always check the technical documentation of your model before starting work.
How often should you change the rubber 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 use of aggressive detergents, replacement may be required sooner. Check the condition of the rubber regularly.
Is it possible to restore the old rubber instead of replacing it?
Temporary restoration is possible if the rubber is simply deformed, but not cracked. It can be removed, soaked in hot water (not boiling water) to straighten it, or heated with a hairdryer. However, this is a temporary measure, and a complete replacement will soon be required.
Why did the refrigerator begin to close worse after replacing the seal?
New rubber is always stiffer than the old one and creates more resistance. This is fine. After a few days of use, it will develop and the door will close easier. If the problem persists for a long time, the seal may be selected incorrectly or installed skewed.
Where to buy an original seal for Ariston?
Original spare parts are best ordered from authorized service centers of the brand or from official dealers of spare parts for household appliances. There are many analogues on the market that may not be suitable in terms of profile geometry.