The situation when the standard location Refrigerator door problem Ariston stops working and occurs quite often. This may be due to remodeling the kitchen, installing a new set, or simply the desire to optimize the space for more convenient access to products. Fortunately, the design of most models of this brand allows for the possibility of changing the opening side, which allows you to adapt the equipment to specific room conditions without loss of functionality.
The rehanging process does not require deep engineering knowledge, but it is characterized by high accuracy of operations. Mechanical integrity cases and correct adjustment of the hinges play a decisive role in the further tightness of the chamber. Any error during installation can lead to misalignment of the sash, due to which the seal will no longer fit tightly, and the compressor will begin to work in increased mode, trying to maintain the set temperature.
Before taking active steps, it is necessary to prepare the workplace and free up space around the unit. You will need a set of tools that are usually found in a DIYer's arsenal, and preferably a helper to support the heavy elements. In this article, we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions, focusing on the nuances specific to technology Aristonso that you can perform the work efficiently and safely.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tools
The success of the operation is half dependent on proper preparation. You need to ensure that the refrigerator is easily accessible from all sides, especially if you plan to remove the door completely. Move the unit at least a meter away from the wall so that you can walk around it. Make sure that the floor is level and clean, since the removed parts will have to be temporarily placed somewhere, and they should not scratch the floor covering or get damaged themselves.
As for tools, a basic set for working with equipment Ariston usually includes:
- 🛠️ A set of screwdrivers: cross and flat of various sizes (PH2 and slotted 4-6 mm).
- 🔧 Wrenches or socket heads: most often sizes 8, 10 and 13 mm, depending on the hinge model.
- 🔨 Plastic spatula: necessary for carefully removing decorative plugs without damaging the plastic.
- 🧤 Gloves: to protect hands from sharp edges of metal parts and dirt.
⚠️ Attention: Some models of refrigerators Ariston can be equipped with specific fasteners (for example, hex or Torx). Inspect any visible bolts in advance to make sure you have the appropriate tools before you begin disassembly.
It is also a good idea to prepare a container in advance for storing screws and small parts. The loss of even one small bolt can be a big problem, since standard hardware from a hardware store may not be suitable in terms of thread pitch or length. Arrange the tools in descending order of frequency of use so as not to waste time searching for them in the midst of work.
☑️ Ready to rehang
Removing the top panel and accessing the fasteners
The first step in the modernization process is to remove the top cover of the refrigerator compartment. On many models Ariston it is fixed with latches or screws hidden under decorative elements. Carefully pry up the plastic cap, if present, using a plastic putty knife to avoid leaving marks on the glossy surface. Do not use excessive force, as the plastic may become more brittle over time.
After removing the cover, you will have access to the upper hinge bracket. This is where the top of the door mechanism attaches. Securing bolts can be quite tight, so use a long-handled wrench for better leverage. Before removing the bolts completely, make sure the door is securely secured or supported so that it does not fall on your feet.
If your model has a display or control panel located on the door, the procedure becomes more complicated. In this case, it is necessary to first disconnect the electrical connectors. Wire loops pass inside the door cavity and exit into the housing through the top hinge. Disconnection should be done by carefully pulling the connector itself, and not the wires, so as not to break the contacts.
What to do if the wires interfere with removal?
If the length of the wires does not allow you to freely remove the door, do not try to pull them. Carefully remove the harness from the guide channels in the refrigerator body to obtain the necessary length for safe removal of the hinge.
It is important to note that on some modern models the top panel may be part of a single structure with the body, and its removal is not required. In such cases, access to the hinges is through special technological holes or after removing the decorative trim directly on the hinge. Carefully study the instructions for your specific model to determine the type of construction.
Removing the door and dismantling the fittings
After the top bracket is freed from the fasteners, you can begin to remove the door itself. This is the stage where having a second person is highly desirable, especially if we are talking about a two-compartment refrigerator with a heavy bottom freezer. One person holds the door, preventing it from falling, the second finally unscrews the bolts of the upper fastening.
Carefully place the removed door on a previously prepared soft surface, for example, on a spread blanket or cardboard. Now you need to remove the bottom hinge. Depending on the design, it can be attached to the bottom of the refrigerator or to a special frame. Bottom pins They often have wear, so their removal may require slight rocking.
Then follows the process of reinstalling the hardware elements on the opposite side. You will see plugged holes at the ends of the door and body. You need to:
- 🔩 Unscrew the plugs on the new side of the hinge installation.
- 🚪 Move the strike plates and stops on the door to symmetrical places.
- 🧲 Move the magnetic stop (if there is one) or the handle, if the design allows them to be symmetrical installation.
⚠️ Attention: When rearranging handles or decorative trims, pay attention to the length of the mounting screws. Using too long self-tapping screws in a new location can lead to damage to the inner plastic door frame or loss of tightness.
Do not forget to also rearrange the opening limiter, if it is provided for in the design of your model. Ariston. This element prevents the door from swinging open more than 90-110 degrees. Its transfer is often overlooked, which subsequently leads to damage to the seal or side wall when opened strongly.
Installing the door on a new side
Installing the door in a new location begins with installing the bottom hinge. Insert the pin into the prepared hole on the opposite side of the housing and secure it with bolts. Do not tighten the fastener all the way right away; leave a small gap to be able to adjust the position of the door in space. This is a critical point to ensure the correct geometry.
Then, with the help of a helper, place the door on the bottom pin and line up the top mounting holes. Insert the top bracket and tighten the bolts. If you are working with a model that has wiring, now is the time to carefully feed the cables through the holes in the loop and connect the connectors. Make sure that the wires are not pinched or twisted.
The final fixation is made after checking the vertical installation. Use a building level, applying it to the end of the door. Vertical misalignment is unacceptable, as it will lead to spontaneous opening or closing of the door, as well as to uneven wear of the seal. Height adjustment is usually carried out using the front support legs of the refrigerator.
After all the bolts are tightened, check that the door moves easily. It should open and close smoothly, without jerking or jamming. If the door does not fit tightly around the entire perimeter, additional adjustment of the position of the brackets or the height of the legs of the refrigerator may be required.
Adjustment and leak testing
The final stage is checking the quality of the work performed. The tightness of the refrigeration chamber is the key to long service life of the compressor and preservation of food. To check, take a sheet of A4 paper, clamp it with the door around the perimeter and try to pull it out. The paper should be removed with noticeable force, but not torn.
If in some place the paper comes out too easily or, conversely, the door closes with difficulty, then adjustment is required. Models Ariston often provide the ability to (fine-tune) the position of the door relative to the body by loosening the hinges and moving the sash in the desired direction.
Pay attention to the gap between the door and the body. It should be uniform over the entire height. An uneven gap may indicate that the door is deformed or the hinges are not installed correctly. The table below shows the main symptoms and methods for eliminating them:
| Symptom | Possible cause | Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| The door does not stick | Contamination seal | Wipe the rubber profile with warm water |
| The gap at the top is wider | Low front angle | Unscrew the front adjusting support |
| Difficult close | Hinges are skewed | Loosen and re-align the brackets |
| A whistle is heard | Air vacuum | Check the integrity of the seal |
It is also worth checking the operation of the interior lighting and, if any, the door opening sensor. If the closure is not tight, the alarm may not go off in time, or the light will be on constantly, which will lead to the lamp discharging and the camera heating up.
Frequent errors and precautions
When doing work with your own hands, it is easy to make mistakes that can cost expensive repairs. One of the most common mistakes is losing or mixing up fasteners. The bolts for the top and bottom hinges may differ in thread length and diameter. Installing a long bolt into a short hole can pierce the wall of the refrigerator or damage the internal circuit.
Another mistake is ignoring the instructions for working with electrical components. Even if the voltage in the control circuit is low, careless handling of the connectors can lead to oxidation of the contacts or breakage of thin wires. Always unplug the refrigerator before starting any electrical work.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly prohibited to use force to install hinges or snap plugs. If the element does not fit into place, it means it was installed incorrectly or the wrong size was selected. Excessive force will lead to breakage of the plastic guides.
Do not forget about the safety of the unit itself. When removing and installing the door, avoid hitting the refrigerator body or adjacent furniture. Dents on the body not only spoil the appearance, but can also disrupt the geometry of the door, making it impossible to restore the seal.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before hanging the door?
Yes, this is highly desirable. Complete defrosting will remove excess moisture that can spill when the unit is tilted, and will also make the rubber seal more elastic, which will facilitate installation and leak testing.
Is it possible to hang the door on an Ariston refrigerator with the No Frost system?
Yes, the No Frost cooling system does not prevent rehanging. However, in such models, wiring of sensors and fans passing through the door is more common, so be careful when disconnecting the connectors.
What to do if, after rehanging, there are excess fasteners left?
In some models, the number of holes and plugs may not match perfectly symmetrically. If there are any extra holes left, be sure to close them with standard plugs to maintain thermal insulation and aesthetics. Save the extra bolts for the future.
How long can you not turn on the refrigerator after hanging it?
If you did not tilt the refrigerator more than 40 degrees, you can turn it on immediately. If the unit was tilted strongly or lay on its side, it is recommended to wait 2-4 hours before the first start so that the oil in the compressor flows into the crankcase.
Where can I get new plugs if the old ones are lost?
Plugs can be ordered at authorized service centers Ariston or find universal analogues in stores furniture fittings. You can also use decorative stickers that match the color if the holes do not affect the thermal insulation.
Is it possible to call a specialist for this procedure?
Of course, if you are not confident in your abilities, service centers offer the service of re-hanging the door. This will take a specialist about 30-40 minutes and will provide a guarantee for the work performed.