Redesigning the kitchen or simply the desire to improve the ergonomics of the space often poses a difficult question to owners of household appliances: how to change the direction of door opening? For brand equipment Hotpoint Ariston this procedure is quite realistic and often does not require calling an expensive specialist. Owners of models with a bottom freezer or classic two-chamber units can do the work themselves if they strictly follow the algorithm of actions. This will save time and budget, and will also give you a thorough understanding of the design of your device.
However, before you grab the tools, you need to make sure that your specific modification supports overhang. Most modern models, such as series HF, HFE or RMF, have symmetrical fastenings, but there are exceptions. Some budget options or designer series may have hidden hinges or asymmetrical holes in the case, making the procedure impossible without violating the warranty. A careful inspection of the end of the door and the body is the first step that cannot be ignored.
It is also important to understand that the process requires accuracy and the presence of an assistant. Refrigerator doors, especially double-compartment refrigerators, are quite heavy and may have fragile glass shelves or dispensers. Careless handling of hinge mechanism may lead to misalignment, causing the refrigerator to stop sealing tightly. In this article we will analyze in detail the preparation, dismantling and installation of elements on the new side, paying attention to the little things that are often overlooked.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tools
The success of the operation is 90% dependent on quality preparation. You don't need complex professional tools, but you should have a reliable set on hand. The main requirement is the accuracy of the dimensions of the heads so as not to tear off the edges of the bolts, which are often tightened quite tightly at the factory. A standard home craftsman's kit usually includes everything necessary for working with fasteners Hotpoint Ariston.
- 🛠️ A set of open-end or socket wrenches (most often sizes 8, 10, 13 mm)
- 🪛 Screwdrivers: Phillips (PH2) and flat (for removing plugs)
- 🧤 Construction gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges
- 📦 A container for folding bolts so that they do not get lost
Before starting any work, be sure disconnect the refrigerator. Unplug the power cord from the outlet. This is not only a safety issue, but also a way to avoid accidentally turning on the compressor or triggering sensors while manipulating the wiring, if it is provided for in the design. It is also recommended to defrost the unit a day before starting work so that water does not interfere and does not create a slippery surface.
⚠️ Attention: Never begin dismantling the hinges while there is food or heavy glass shelves inside the refrigerator. Excess weight can cause the door to fall at the most inopportune moment, which is dangerous.
Free up space around the refrigerator. You need access to the unit from all sides to be able to stand back and assess the levelness of the installation. Cover the floor in front of the equipment with a soft cloth or cardboard. This will protect the floor covering from scratches if a bolt or tool accidentally falls, and will also keep the refrigerator itself clean when putting it back in place.
Design features and compatibility testing
Refrigerators Hotpoint Ariston have a unified fastening system, but each series has nuances. The majority of models are equipped with upper and lower hinges that can be rearranged. However, if your model has a water or ice dispenser on the door, or has a built-in control display on the front panel, the procedure becomes more complicated. In such cases, it is often necessary to lengthen the wiring harnesses or completely reconnect them.
Carefully examine the end of the door leaf. You should see symmetrical holes with threads or bushings on the opposite side of the current hinges. If there are no holes on the side you need or they are “blind” (without threads), then rehang the door in the standard way It won’t work. Also pay attention to the handles: if they are asymmetrical or attached only on one side, their dismantling may require removing the entire door.
Particular attention should be paid to the magnetic seal. In some older models or specific series, the seal profile can be tailored to a certain opening side, although in modern Hotpoint this is rare. Make sure that when changing sides, the magnetic tape fits snugly against the body without creating gaps in the corners.
What to do if the holes are closed with plugs?
In most cases, the holes on the unused side are closed with plastic or rubber plugs. They need to be carefully pryed off with a flat screwdriver. Sometimes, instead of plugs, there may be shipping bolts there, which also need to be unscrewed and saved.">In most cases, on the unused side, the holes are closed with plastic or rubber plugs. They need to be carefully pryed off with a flat screwdriver. Sometimes, instead of plugs, there may be shipping bolts, which also need to be unscrewed and saved.
Step-by-step instructions: dismantling the top part
We start the process with the top hinge, since it holds the main weight of the door leaf. If you are working alone, be sure to support the door with your knee or ask an assistant to hold it. First, remove the decorative plastic cover that covers the fastener. Usually it simply snaps on or is held on by one screw.
Using a key of the appropriate size (usually 10 mm), loosen the bolts of the top. hinges. Do not unscrew them completely at once. First, just tear them out of place to make sure that the key fits and the thread is not “licked”. After this, you can completely unscrew the fasteners and remove the metal hinge plate.
- 🔓 Unscrew the upper hinge axis if the design requires its separate dismantling.
- 🚪 Remove the door. from the bottom support pin, carefully lifting it up.
- 💾 Save all the removed parts in the order of their dismantling.
If your model has a system electronic control on the door, now is the most important moment: Carefully disconnect the wire connectors. Do not pull on the wires themselves, hold on to the plastic ones. It is advisable to photograph the connection before disconnecting the contacts so that during assembly you do not confuse the polarity or purpose of the cables.
☑️ Check before removing the door
Working with the lower hinge and removing the door
After the upper part is freed, attention turns to the bottom. The lower hinge is often hidden under the base or decorative panel. Remove the baseboard of the refrigerator by unscrewing the fixing screws.
Unscrew the bolts that secure the lower hinge. Hotpoint Ariston the lower hinge. The hinge is part of the door itself or the bushing that is inserted into the body. In this case, the door will need to be carefully tilted and the axle pulled out. Be careful: the lower bushing may be greased and the pin may slip off.
⚠️ Attention: When removing the door, watch out for the pins and bushings. They are small and can easily roll under the refrigerator or into the gap between the floor and the door. unit, which will create problems during assembly.
Now that the door is removed, start preparing the holes where the hinges were located, you need to close them with plugs (they were removed from the opposite side earlier, you can use a piece of electrical tape to match the body, although this is not aesthetically pleasing, on the new side, remove the plugs and install thrust bushings there). studs, if they are provided for by the design.
Installing the door on a new side
Now the most important stage is installation. Lift the door leaf and place it on the lower support pin on the new side. Make sure the door is level and the bottom pin is seated. If the door "walks", check if anything is preventing a tight fit.
Attach the top hinge to the body and the hole on the door. Insert the bolts and start tightening them. Do not tighten the bolts all the way right away! First, just tighten them so that the hinge can move a little. This is necessary for subsequent adjustments. Only when all the bolts are inserted can you begin the final fixation.
If you disconnected the wires, now is the time to connect them. Pull the cable through the provided channels in the door body (usually they run inside the shelves or along the end). Connect the connectors until you hear a characteristic click. Make sure that the wires are not pinched by the metal of the hinge and do not touch the moving parts of the mechanism.
Adjusting the position and eliminating distortions
After installation, the door may open by itself or, conversely, not close completely. This is normal and requires adjustment. Basic adjustment is made using the adjustment bolts on the top hinge. By turning them clockwise or counterclockwise, you can tilt the door in different directions.
Check the tightness of the magnetic seal around the entire perimeter. To do this, you can use a sheet of paper: hold it between the door and the body and try to pull it out. Normally, the paper should be pulled out with force. If it falls out or is pulled out too easily, there is a leak in this place.
| Problem | Possible cause | Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| The door opens by itself | Tilting the body back | Tighten the front legs of the refrigerator |
| Gap at the top | Incorrect adjustment of the hinge | Loosen the bolts and move the hinge |
| Friction body | Axle misalignment or debris | Check the bushings and clean the hinges |
| Loose clamping | Deformation of the seal | Warm the seal with a hairdryer or replace |
In order for the refrigerator to close itself at an opening angle of about 30-40 degrees, the body must be slightly tilted back. This is regulated by the front support legs. By unscrewing them, you lift the front of the unit. Use a building level for control.
Common mistakes and troubleshooting
Even following the instructions, beginners often make mistakes. One of the most common is the loss of small washers or bushings when rearranging. Pay close attention to each element. They also often forget to remove the transport wedges from under the compressor (if any), which leads to strong vibration after switching on.
If a creaking noise appears after re-hanging, do not rush to disassemble everything again. Let the lubricant distribute, work the door back and forth 10-15 times. If the creaking remains, it is possible that the metal of the hinge is rubbing against the body - a drop of oil or a thin washer will help in this place.
⚠️ Attention: If on your model the control display does not light up after rehanging, check whether the connector contacts are firmly seated. Sometimes it is necessary to remove the top cover of the refrigerator in order to get to the connection point of the cable inside the case.
In rare cases, it may be necessary to soft reset the refrigerator settings if it “glitches” after manipulating the door electrics. To do this, just unplug the device from the outlet for 10-15 minutes. After turning on, the system will test the sensors and should work normally.
Final recommendations for operation
After successful installation, let the refrigerator stand turned off for another 2-3 hours. This is especially important if you actively tilted the unit during work, and oil from the compressor could flow into the circuit. Only after this, turn on the device and load the products.
Regularly check the condition of the seal in the first weeks. The new fit may require additional "breaking in". If you notice that the door begins to open tighter than before, the hinges may require re-adjustment or lubrication.
Remember that proper installation is the key to the long life of your equipment. Hotpoint Ariston It is famous for its reliability, but mechanical parts require careful handling. If you feel unsure at any stage, it is better to stop and turn to professionals so as not to damage expensive equipment.
Do you need to call a specialist in order not to lose the warranty?
According to the rules of most service centers, hanging the door yourself will not void the warranty if you did not damage anything in the process. However, if you strip the threads or break the plastic, it will be considered mechanical failure due to the user's fault. If the refrigerator is new, it is better to save all the removed parts in case you call for service.
What to do if the holes for the hinges do not fit?
If the holes on the body and the door do not match symmetrically, it means that your model is not designed for hanging. An attempt to drill new holes in a factory is impossible without special equipment and will lead to loss of tightness and appearance. In this case, you will have to come to terms with the current opening direction.
Is it possible to reverse the door on a Side-by-Side refrigerator?
On most Side-by-Side (side-by-side) models, reversing the doors is impossible or extremely difficult due to the complex hinge system, the presence of ice makers and the large weight of the doors. These refrigerators usually only come with a factory configuration. Check the instructions specifically for your model Hotpoint.
Why does the Hotpoint refrigerator door not close tightly after hanging?
Most likely, the installation geometry is broken. Check that the refrigerator is on a level floor and adjust the legs. Also make sure that the shelves inside do not protrude and interfere with closing. If the problem is in the seal, try warming it with a hairdryer (not too hot air) to restore elasticity.