Many owners of household appliances are faced with a situation when the refrigerator Atlant begins to make extraneous sounds, rattle or even “run away” from the wall when the compressor is running. Often the cause of these problems is an incorrectly installed or missing back gauge, colloquially referred to as a stop pin or foot. This small but critical design element provides a gap between the rear wall of the case and the wall of the room.
The lack of proper distance leads to overheating of the condenser located on the rear panel and a decrease in cooling efficiency. In addition, engine vibration are transmitted directly to building structures, creating an unpleasant hum throughout the apartment. Understanding the operating principle of this unit will help you eliminate noise yourself and extend the service life of the unit.
In this article we will analyze in detail the design of the fixation system, consider typical installation errors and provide a step-by-step adjustment algorithm. You will learn why ignoring this element can lead to serious damage to the compressor and how to properly prepare the equipment for operation.
Design features and purpose of the back stop
The back stop in refrigerators Atlant is a special adjusting screw or plastic pin located at the bottom of the rear wall of the case. Its main function is to create and fix the minimum required gap between the heat exchanger (radiator grille) and the vertical surface of the wall. Without this element, the refrigerator body could fit closely to the wall under its own weight or due to careless installation.
The physics of the cooling process requires free air circulation. The hot refrigerant, passing through the condenser tubes, releases heat to the environment. If heat transfer is broken due to lack of clearance, the temperature inside the system rises, which forces the compressor to work in increased mode. The emphasis ensures that even if the equipment accidentally shifts, the distance to the wall will remain within normal limits.
This element also serves as a vibration damper. When the motor is running, the refrigerator body may resonate, especially if the floor is not perfectly level. The stop, resting against the wall, stabilizes the position of the unit, preventing it from swinging. Some models Atlant do not use a screw, but a rubber leg-limiter, which additionally absorbs sound vibrations.
⚠️ Attention: If the back stop is lost or broken, do not leave the refrigerator in this condition. Operation without a gap clamp will lead to deformation of the thin condenser tubes when pressed against the wall, which can cause freon leakage.
Consequences of the absence or incorrect installation of the stop
Ignoring the need to adjust the back stop can lead to a whole cascade of technical problems. The first warning sign is usually compressor overheating. The engine, trying to compensate for the insufficient heat removal from the condenser, begins to work almost non-stop. This sharply reduces the life of the motor and increases energy consumption.
The second problem is mechanical damage to the radiator grille. When you try to move the refrigerator for cleaning or washing the floor, the case, which is not secured with a stop, may be pressed against the wall. Thin condenser tubes are easily wrinkled, and restoring the tightness of the system will require expensive repairs with the participation of a specialist.
The third aspect is acoustic discomfort. The vibration of a working unit is transmitted to the wall, which, like a resonator, enhances the low-frequency hum. This is especially noticeable at night. A correctly positioned stop releases the rigid connection between the refrigerator body and the wall, reducing the noise level.
Types of stops in various Atlant models
Plant engineers Atlant over many years of production, they have developed several options for the rear stops. The design depends on the series of the refrigerator and the year of manufacture. In older models, a simple threaded rod was often found that was screwed into the body. More modern lines use a system with rubber buffers (buffers), which better dampen vibrations.
Below is a table classifying the main types of stops found in household appliances of this brand:
| Type of stop | Material | Location | Adjustment features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Threaded screw | Metal/Plastic | Bottom crossbar | Rotation with a key or by hand |
| Rubber buffer | Rubber | Rear panel corners | Replacement when worn |
| Plastic pin | Hard plastic | Central part of the bottom | Fixed length |
| Combined | Metal + Rubber | Bottom supports | Adjusting height and offset |
It is important to accurately determine the type of stop in your model, since the methods for servicing them vary. Metal screws can rust over time, requiring lubrication, and rubber elements lose elasticity and crack, needing replacement. Plastic pins are the most durable, but can break if subjected to a strong impact.
Where can I find the spare part number?
The back stop article number is usually indicated in the operating instructions in the "Spare Parts" section or on the diagram. You can also find the part number on the manufacturer’s website if you know the exact model of the refrigerator (for example, MXM-2808). Look for an element in the “Body” or “Supports” group.
Instructions for adjusting the back stop with your own hands
The process of adjusting the back stop does not require special education, but requires care and compliance with safety precautions. Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the electrical network. This will prevent electric shock and allow you to safely handle equipment near the wall.
Move the refrigerator away from the wall enough to allow access to the bottom of the rear panel. You may need the help of a second person as the unit is heavy and unstable when tilted. Clean the installation area from dust and dirt so that debris does not get into the threaded connections.
Next, perform the following steps:
- 🔍 Inspect current condition of the stop: check if it is intact and there is no corrosion or cracks.
- 🔧 Unscrew or loosen the retaining element if it is jammed (use WD-40 penetrating lubricant if necessary).
- 📏 Install the required stop extension length, focusing on the recommended clearance (usually 5-10 cm).
- 🔒 Fix position with a lock nut, if it is provided for in the design, so that the stop does not go astray during vibration.
☑️ Checking the correct installation
After adjustment, carefully move the refrigerator to the wall until it touches emphasis. Make sure that the contact occurs with the limiter and not with the back wall or tubes. Light swaying of the housing should be dampened by the stop, and not transmitted to the wall.
Elimination of noise and vibration by adjusting the supports
Often users confuse the noise of the compressor with the rattling of the housing. If the humming intensifies when you touch the back wall or the wall behind the refrigerator with your hand, then the problem is in resonance. Correctly set back gauge Atlant works as a damper. It should take on the load when the body is tilted, but not create a rigid point of support that would transmit vibration.
If the noise persists after adjusting the screw, check the condition of the rubber elements. Over time, the rubber becomes tanned and ceases to perform its functions. In this case, replacing the part with a new one will help. Also make sure that the screw itself does not touch metal parts of the wall or fittings, creating a ringing sound.
Sometimes the source of the sound is not the stop itself, but its absence, which causes the refrigerator body to hit the wall rhythmically. In such cases, even the minimum extension of the limiter (literally 1-2 cm) completely eliminates the knocking. It is important to find the “sweet spot” when the refrigerator stands level, but has protection against tipping or shifting.
Typical errors during installation and operation
One of the most common mistakes is completely unscrewing the stop or removing it by owners who consider this element unnecessary. They argue that the refrigerator is already level. However, without a stop, any push (for example, when washing the floor or children actively playing) can lead to displacement of the equipment and damage to the radiator.
The second mistake is excessively unscrewing the screw. If the stop is unscrewed too much, the refrigerator will tilt forward or become uneven. This disrupts the operation of the condensate (water) drainage system, which may begin to flow outward rather than into a special tray. In addition, a skewed compressor operates with increased load on the bearings.
The third mistake is the use of inappropriate replacement materials. Some people try to insert wooden wedges or metal scraps. This is a serious violation, since such materials do not have the necessary elasticity and can damage the body or wall. Use only original spare parts Atlant or their high-quality analogues.
⚠️ Attention: Never use glue or welding to fix the back stop. If it is necessary to repair or replace a part, you will have to dismantle part of the body, which is difficult and expensive.
Prevention and care of the fixation system
In order for the back stop to serve for a long time and reliably, it is enough to carry out simple preventive maintenance once a year. During general cleaning of the kitchen, move the refrigerator aside and wipe off dust from the back panel. Dust, when mixed with oil or moisture, forms an abrasive slurry that can damage the threads or rubber parts.
Check the integrity of the rubber tips. If you notice cracks or crumbling of the material, order a replacement immediately. The cost of such a part is minimal, and the consequences of its destruction can be serious. It is also worth checking whether the lock nut securing the screw has loosened.
Regular visual monitoring of the condition of the rear wall will allow you to notice in time if the refrigerator has begun to “crawl” towards the wall. This can happen if the floor has a slight slope. Timely tightening of the stop will return the equipment to the correct position.
When a part needs to be replaced
Replacement of the back stop is required in cases of its mechanical destruction. If the screw is licked, the threads in the housing are torn off, or the rubber buffer has crumbled into dust, operation without replacement is impossible. Replacement is also needed if the standard stop is lost during moving or transportation.
When purchasing a new part, pay attention to the thread length and diameter. There are few universal solutions, and a part from one model Atlant may not fit another. It is best to search for a spare part by the catalog number of your refrigerator model.
If you encounter difficulties in finding an original part, you can contact specialized service centers. They will help you choose a compatible analogue that will perform the same functions. Do not try to make a stop yourself from available materials if you do not have turning skills.
Is it possible to operate a refrigerator without a back stop?
Technically, the refrigerator will freeze without a stop, but this is risky. Without a gap lock, there is a high probability that the capacitor will be pressed against the wall, which will cause overheating and failure. In addition, the refrigerator will vibrate and make more noise. We do not recommend appliances in this condition.
What is the optimal gap between the refrigerator and the wall?
For most models Atlant the recommended gap is from 5 to 10 centimeters. The exact value is specified in the instruction manual for your specific model. This gap is necessary for free convection of air around the radiator.
Why does the Atlant refrigerator vibrate strongly even with a stop?
If the stop is adjusted correctly and the vibration persists, the reason may be a compressor malfunction, fan imbalance (in No Frost models) or an uneven field. Check the adjustment of the front supports of the refrigerator - they also affect stability.
Where to buy an original back support for Atlant?
Original spare parts can be purchased at the brand’s authorized service centers, in specialized stores of spare parts for household appliances or on official marketplaces. When ordering, be sure to indicate the full model of your refrigerator.
What if the thread in the body is torn?
If the thread in the housing seat is damaged, simply screwing it in is not enough. The housing will need to be repaired: cutting a new thread of a larger diameter with the selection of the appropriate screw or using a repair sleeve. It is better to entrust this work to professionals.