Changing the opening side of the refrigerator door is common a necessary action when remodeling a kitchen or buying new furniture. If you become the owner of a popular brand Atlant, you are in luck: the design of most models provides for the possibility of such a maneuver. However, the process requires attentiveness, the availability of basic tools and an understanding of the mechanics of locks. Careless attitude to hinge fastenings can lead to sash distortion and loss of tightness.
In this article we will analyze in detail how to properly dismantle and reinstall the door on the left or right side. We will look at the nuances of working with models equipped with electronic controls and classic mechanical switches. Properly done weighing will extend the life of the seals and preserve the aesthetics of the kitchen space. It is important to act consistently so as not to damage decorative elements or fragile plastic parts.
Before you start work, you need to prepare your workplace. Make sure the floor under the refrigerator is level and there is enough room to maneuver around it. You will need to remove all shelves and drawers to lighten the structure and avoid broken glass. It is also worth making room in advance for temporary placement of the removed door.
Necessary tools and preparation
You do not need complex professional tools to perform the work. A standard home craftsman's kit is usually quite sufficient. The main thing is to make sure that the screwdrivers have the correct slot size so as not to strip the heads of the screws, which are often tightly tightened at the factory.
- 🛠️ Phillips and flathead screwdrivers (preferably with a magnetic tip)
- 🔧 A set of wrenches or sockets (usually 8, 10 mm)
- 📏 Level (bubble) for checking the horizon
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands
Particular attention should be paid tools for fastening. Some models Atlant may use specific bolts that require hexagons. Check the contents of your refrigerator in advance. If you do not have the required key, it is better to purchase it in advance so as not to interrupt the process.
It is also important to prepare soft bedding. When you remove the door, you will need to put it somewhere so as not to scratch the facade or the floor. A thick blanket or piece of cardboard folded in several layers will do. This will prevent damage decorative coating and preserve the presentation of the equipment.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Even if you only change mechanical hinges, there is a risk of damaging the wiring or getting an electric shock if you accidentally contact the terminals.
Features of models with electronic control
Owners of modern models with a display on the door need to be especially careful. Hanging such a door requires disconnecting the wire loops. If you have a classic model without electronics on the sash, you can skip this section, but it is useful to know the differences.
- 🔌 Carefully disconnect the wire connectors, remembering their position
- 📸 Take a photo of the connection before disassembling
- 🔩 Do not pull the wires, hold on to the plastic ones connector chips
When dismantling the top hinge, a wiring harness is often found that goes to the control unit or indicators. It must be released from the clamps. Act smoothly, without jerking. Connectors They can be tight, they need to be loosened from side to side, holding them by the base.
After reinstalling the doors, the wires are carefully laid in the provided channels. It is important not to pinch the cable when tightening the bolts. If you are not confident in your abilities when working with electrical part, it is better to contact a specialist, since an error can lead to failure of the control module.
What to do if the wires are short?
If the length of the wires is not enough to move to the other side, an extension may be required tourniquet In some Atlant models, the wires have a reserve inside the case, which can be carefully pulled out by removing the back cover. However, this is a complex procedure that requires complete disassembly of the top part of the refrigerator.
Step-by-step instructions: dismantling the door
The door removal process begins with the top hinge. This is a standard procedure for most models Atlant. First remove the decorative cap, if present. Usually it is pryed off with a flat screwdriver or simply removed by hand.
Unscrew the bolts securing the upper hinge. At this moment, the door may begin to collapse, so hold it with your other hand or call an assistant. The weight of the door is significant, and dropping it on the floor means damaging sealing rubber or the body itself.
☑️ Dismantling algorithm
After removing the top fasteners, carefully lift the door to remove the axle from the bottom hinge. Place the door on the prepared surface. Now you can begin to dismantle the lower support loop from the canvas itself. The bolts can be over-tightened; use a wrench or wrench with a long handle for leverage.
| Hinge type | Location | Fixture type | Nuances |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper | Top of the body | Cross/hex bolts | Often holds wires |
| Bottom support | Bottom doors | Bolts with a countersunk head | Requires effort to unscrew |
| Bottom response | Bottom of the body | Bolts or stud | Sometimes requires removal of baseboard |
Do not lose small parts such as bushings, washers or retaining rings. They may fall out when the nodes are disconnected. Place all removed items in one container. This will help you avoid losing fastenerswhich may roll under the refrigerator.
Rearranging elements and fittings
Now you need to move the handle and plugs to the opposite side. At the end of the door, on the side where there is no handle, there are holes closed with plastic plugs. Remove them carefully. They will be installed on the other side, where the holes for fastening the handle are now located.
- 🚪 Dismantle the handle by unscrewing the screws on the inside of the door
- 🕳️ Replace the plugs on the vacated holes
- 🔩 Install the handle in a new place using standard ones holes
Pay attention to the lock mate (if there is one) or the magnetic latch. Some models Atlant require rearrangement of these elements. This may require removing the inner door trim, which is a more involved operation. If you are not sure, it is better to leave the mechanism as is, if it does not interfere with closing.
When installing the handle in a new place, make sure that the screws are tightened evenly. A misaligned handle will cause the door to not close tightly. Use thread locker (e.g. nail polish) if screws tend to come loose from vibration.
Installing the door on a new side
Installation begins by installing the bottom hinge on the refrigerator body. Included with the refrigerator or in the technological hole (often in the base or inside the chamber) there should be additional fasteners for re-hanging. Find the stud or bushing for the opposite side.
Install the bottom support hinge on the door. Tighten the bolts securely, but without fanaticism, so as not to break the threads in the plastic base of the door. Now you can put the door in place. Insert the lower hinge axis into the matching hole on the body.
⚠️ Attention: When installing the door, make sure that the lower axis fits exactly into the center of the bushing. Misalignment during installation can lead to the door opening spontaneously or, conversely, not closing completely.
After installing the door leaf, proceed to installing the top hinge. If you have a wired model, first thread the harness through the hole in the hinge and body, then connect the connectors. Only then screw the loop to the body. Check that the wire is not pinched by metal anywhere.
Adjusting and checking tightness
After the door is installed, you need to check its fit. The refrigerator must stand strictly horizontally. Use a level to check. If the floor is uneven, adjust the height of the refrigerator feet. This is critical for the operation of the self-closing system.
- 📐 Check the gap around the perimeter of the door (should be uniform)
- 🧲 Test the seal adhesion to the body
- 🚪 Make sure the door opens and closes freely
If you notice that in one of the corners the door does not fit tightly, you can try to loosen the hinges a little and move the door. Models Atlant often provide the possibility of (micro-adjustment) of the position of the door relative to the hinges.
To check the tightness, use a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet with the door around the perimeter. It should come out with noticeable effort. If the sheet slides out freely, it means that in this place seal it does not fit, and the cold will go away.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
One of the most common mistakes is ignoring the tilt of the body. Many people forget that in order to function properly, the door must have a slight roll back. If the refrigerator is tilted forward, the door will open on its own. Adjust the front legs so that the front is slightly higher than the back.
Another mistake is the loss or replacement of standard bolts with inappropriate ones. Length and diameter matter. A bolt that is too long may hit the side of the refrigerator or damage the interior insulation. Always use original fasteners or its exact analogues.
⚠️ Attention: The design and location of the mounting holes may vary depending on the specific series of Atlant refrigerators (for example, series 40, 45, XM). Always check the instructions that came with your model, since there is no universal diagram for all years of manufacture.
Also, users often forget to check the condition of the seal before installation. If the rubber is deformed or dirty, rehanging the door will not save the situation. A dirty seal should be washed with warm water and soap, and a deformed one should be tried to be straightened with a hairdryer or replaced.
Do you need to wait after re-hanging before turning it on?
If you have not carried out any work related to breaking the tightness of the circuit (which is impossible when re-hanging the door), there is no need to wait. The refrigerator can be turned on immediately. However, if you tilted the unit strongly (more than 40 degrees) during work, it is recommended to let it stand for 2-3 hours before starting, so that the oil in the compressor flows into the crankcase.
What to do if the door does not magnetize after rehanging?
Check whether you have mixed up the installation side of the magnetic latch (if it is removable). Also make sure the door is installed the correct way (outside facing). Sometimes heating the seal with a hairdryer helps to restore its elasticity.
Is it possible to rehang the door yourself if the refrigerator is two-chamber?
Yes, the principle is the same, but the work is carried out for each door separately. First, re-hang the upper (freezer) door, then the lower one. It is important not to confuse the fasteners and hinges, as they may differ in size and load-bearing capacity.
Where to put the old holes from the handle?
Atlant refrigerators usually come with plastic plugs that match the color of the body. They are inserted into the vacated holes on the reverse side. If the plugs are lost, they can be ordered at the service center or carefully sealed with decorative stickers matched to the tone.