Changing the kitchen layout or purchasing new furniture often dictates the conditions for the location of household appliances. Owners of refrigerators Ariston and Hotpoint often face the need to change the direction of door opening in order to provide convenient access to the shelves. Fortunately, the design of these units allows you to perform the procedure reverse on your own, without resorting to the services of paid specialists.
This process requires accuracy and a minimum set of tools, but is not very complicated. It is important to understand that incorrect actions can lead to damage to the hinges or failure of the seal. Therefore, before starting work, you should carefully study the design of the fastening unit and prepare the workplace.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for models with different types of hinges. You will learn how to properly dismantle fittings, move elements to the other side and avoid common mistakes. Following the sequence of operations ensures that your refrigerator will work efficiently and look aesthetically pleasing.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
Before you begin active actions, you need to free up the space around the refrigerator. You will need access to the unit from all sides, especially if you plan to work alone. Remove carpets, drawers or furniture that may interfere with free movement or cause a heavy item to fall.
Particular attention should be paid to the preparation of tools. To work with the hinge fasteners, you will need a set of screwdrivers, including a Phillips and a flat head, as well as socket wrenches or sockets of the appropriate size. Some models Ariston may use bolts with stars Torx, so the presence of a bit T20 or T25 will not be superfluous.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the electrical networks! This is critical for safety, as you will be working in close proximity to electrical components and metal parts of the frame.
Also, be sure to provide a soft base, such as a blanket or thick towel, on which you will place the removed door. This will prevent scratches on the decorative coating and chips on the ends. Having an assistant will greatly simplify the process, since the doors of modern models can be quite heavy.
☑️ What to prepare before starting work
Analysis of hinge design and standard sizes
Model range of brands Hotpoint i Ariston includes various series of refrigerators, which may differ in the design of the door hinge. In most cases, the classic scheme with a top and bottom hinge is used, however, the location of the mounting holes and the shape of the brackets may vary. Some models are equipped with intermediate hinges, if we are talking about three-chamber systems or No Frost models with a separate freshness zone.
It is important to visually assess whether there are ready-made technological holes for installing hinges on the opposite side of the case. Usually they are closed with decorative plugs. If there are no holes at the end for fastening bolts, it is possible that your refrigerator model does not provide for the possibility of re-hanging, or requires the installation of an additional set of fittings, which is purchased separately.
Features of No Frost hinges
In refrigerators with the No Frost system, the control wiring harness often passes through the top hinge. Be extremely careful when dismantling to avoid damaging the insulation or contacts. In some cases, it may be necessary to temporarily disconnect the connector if the length of the wires does not allow you to freely manipulate the door.
Check the condition of the threaded connections before starting work. If the refrigerator has been in use for a long time, the bolts may have become “sticky” or oxidized. In this case, it is recommended to treat them with a penetrating lubricant in advance, for example WD-40, and give the composition time to act. This will avoid tearing off the edges on the bolt heads when unscrewing.
Removing the door and top hinge
The process should always start from the top of the unit. First, remove the decorative plug or cover that hides the top hinge fasteners. Depending on the model, it may be held in place by latches or a small screw. Be careful not to break the plastic clips.
Once you have access to the bolts, loosen them, but do not remove them completely yet. If your model Ariston or Hotpoint has an electrical wire (for the display or lamp) running through the top loop, carefully disconnect the connector. Remember or photograph the position of the wires so as not to mix up the contacts during assembly.
⚠️ Attention: Do not allow the door to sag on one lower mount while working with wires. This can lead to deformation of the metal or damage to the cable insulation from the sharp edge of the housing.
Now you can completely unscrew the top hinge bolts. For this stage, you definitely need an assistant: one person must hold the door, preventing it from falling, and the second person must unscrew the fasteners. Place the removed hinge aside, keeping all the screws.
Removing the bottom hinge and preparing for installation
Once the top is free, carefully lift the door to remove it from the bottom axis. Place the removed element on a prepared soft surface. Now attention turns to the bottom hinge, which often has a more complex design with a support sleeve.
Unscrew the bolts securing the bottom bracket to the refrigerator body. In some models, the axis is part of the hinge, in others it is pressed into the end of the door. If the axle remains in the door, it must be carefully knocked out or unscrewed (if it is threaded) and moved to the opposite side, after plugging the old hole with the plastic plug from the kit.
Inspect the rubber seal around the perimeter of the door. During prolonged use in one position, it could become deformed or compressed. Now is the ideal time to warm it up with a hairdryer at low temperatures or simply straighten it with your fingers to ensure future tightness.
Installing hardware on a new side
Move the top loop to the opposite side. Reinstall the bracket and tighten the bolts by hand without fully tightening them. This will allow you to adjust the position of the door when hanging it. Make sure that all technological holes match, and the decorative plugs from the old socket are moved to the vacant one.
If your model requires rearranging the handle, remove the decorative trims from the ends of the handle (usually they are hidden under the plugs). Unscrew the mounting screws and remove the handle. Install it onto the new holes on the opposite side using the same fasteners. Tighten the screws evenly to avoid distortion.
Now you need to install the lower support sleeve or axle in a new place. Insert the plastic sleeve into the hole on the housing, if provided by the design. Make sure it fits snugly and doesn't wobble. This is an important element that affects the smoothness of operation and the absence of squeaks.
Hanging the door and final adjustment
With the assistance of an assistant, carefully lift the door and put it on the lower axis. Make sure that the top hole of the hinge coincides with the matching holes on the body. If wires pass through the top loop, carefully place them in the intended channels and connect the connector, checking the connection is secure.
Insert and tighten the top hinge bolts. At this stage, the door is already secured, but may not hang straight. Check clearances all around. They should be the same on top and bottom, as well as on the left and right. If the door is skewed, loosen the fasteners and slightly shift the position of the bracket.
The final tightening of all bolts is done with force, but without fanaticism, so as not to strip the threads in the metal case. After tightening, close the refrigerator and check the tightness of the seal. The door should open and close smoothly, without jerking, and when released in a half-open state (about 30-40 degrees), it should close on its own.
Table of tightening torques and fastener specifications
To ensure reliable fastening, it is important to use the correct fasteners and tightening force. Below are indicative data for standard models Ariston and Hotpoint. Please note that the exact values may vary depending on the specific series.
| Connection type | Thread diameter | Recommended torque (Nm) | Tool type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge (body) | M6 | 12 - 15 Nm | Key 10 mm |
| Bottom hinge (support) | M8 | 20 - 25 Nm | Wrench 13 mm |
| Handle fastening | M4 | 3 - 5 Nm | Phillips screwdriver |
| Intermediate loop | M6 | 10 - 12 Nm | 10 mm wrench |
Using a torque wrench at home is rare, so focus on the feeling of “stopping”. Once the bolt stops turning easily and begins to show noticeable resistance, add another quarter turn. This is usually enough for secure fixation.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to hang the door on a built-in Ariston refrigerator?
Yes, on most built-in models this is possible, but the process is more complicated. You will need to rehang not only the refrigerator door, but also the front furniture trim. Often this requires a special transition mechanism that comes with the refrigerator. If the components are lost, it may be difficult to find analogues.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not close tightly?
Most likely, the installation geometry is broken or the seal is deformed. Check whether the refrigerator itself is level on the floor (adjustable legs). Then try heating the seal with a hairdryer. If the problem is not solved, you may need to adjust the position of the hinges by adding washers or re-adjusting.
Do I need to wait some time before turning it on after rehanging?
No special waiting time is required for the mechanical part. However, if you have tilted the refrigerator heavily or transported it, the compressor may need 2 to 4 hours of rest before starting to allow the oil to drain into the crankcase. This is a standard recommendation for any household appliance after moving.
Where can I get new plugs for holes if the old ones are lost?
Plugs are often consumables and may not be sold separately. As a temporary solution, you can use pieces of black electrical tape cut to size, or special furniture plugs of a suitable diameter, which are sold in hardware stores. For aesthetics, they can be painted in the color of the body.