The need to change the direction of opening the refrigerator door Atlant often arises when remodeling a kitchen or purchasing new appliances. The standard factory configuration assumes opening from right to left, which is not always convenient in small apartments. Fortunately, the design of most two-chamber models of the brand allows you to perform this procedure yourself.
The process does not require specialized knowledge, but requires accuracy and a minimum set of tools. Before starting work, it is important to make sure that there are no slippery surfaces on the floor and that the unit itself is stable. Rehanging the door It will take from 30 to 60 minutes if you follow the algorithm.
In this article we will analyze the technical nuances of dismantling the fittings, the features of removing the hinges and subsequent assembly of the structure on the opposite side. We will pay special attention to models with electronics and No Frost systems, where there is a risk of damaging the wiring if handled carelessly.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
High-quality preparation is the key to successfully completing the task without scratches on the case or lost screws. You will need to clear a space around the refrigerator with a radius of at least one meter. This will provide free access to the ends and the ability to put away the removed parts.
For work you will need a standard home craftsman's kit. The main tool will be set of screwdrivers (cross and flat) and wrenches corresponding to the size of the mounting bolts. Some models Atlant may require hexagons, which often come complete with a ratchet wrench.
- 🛠️ Set of screwdrivers of various sizes for removing handles and plugs.
- 🔧 A 10 mm wrench or socket for removing the main hinges.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
- 📦 A container for folding small parts so that they do not get lost.
Be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply before starting any manipulation. This is a basic safety rule, which, if ignored, may result in electric shock if the wire insulation is accidentally damaged.
⚠️ Attention: Do not attempt to move the door while there is food inside the refrigerator. Complete unloading of the chambers is mandatory to reduce the weight of the structure and prevent the shelves from falling.
Removing the upper part of the refrigerator compartment
You should always start work from the top door of the refrigerator compartment. The first step is to remove the decorative plugs from the hinges, if they are provided for in the design of your model. Usually they are located at the end or on top of the loop and are carefully pryed off with a flat screwdriver.
Next, unscrew the top loop. It is important to hold the door with a second hand or ask an assistant, as after unscrewing the bolts it may move. Fixing bolts can be tightened quite tightly, so use a wrench with a long handle for better leverage.
After removing the top hinge, carefully lift the door to remove the bottom axis from the hole. Place the removed part on a prepared soft surface (for example, on a blanket or cardboard) to avoid scratching the enamel or glass.
If your model Atlant has a magnetic latch or lock, they must also be removed. To do this, unscrew the screws holding the mechanism and remove it from the seat. Save all the screws, they will be needed for installation on the new side.
☑️ Check before removal
Removing the bottom door of the freezer
The lower part of a two-chamber refrigerator often has its own design features. In models with the No Frost or Frost Free system, a wiring harness may pass through the lower loop. Carefully inspect the end of the door before removing.
The process is similar to the top one: remove the decorative elements, unscrew the bolts of the lower hinge. However, here the weight of the door may be greater due to the presence of a defrost system or simply a larger mass of metal. Proceed with caution.
If you find wires going to the control panel or door sensor, you can't just pull them. You need to find the connector (chip) inside the case or under the decorative trim and carefully disconnect it. Remember or photograph the position of the contacts.
| Model type | Presence of wires | Loop feature | Tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlant MXM 1700 | No | Standard | 10 mm key |
| Atlant XM 4008 | Yes (No Frost) | With cable channel | Screwdriver + key |
| Atlant KShD 213 | No | Reinforced | 10 mm key |
| Atlant 4501 | Yes (display) | Complicated wiring | Screwdriver set |
⚠️ Attention: When working with wiring, do not use excessive force. The cables in refrigerators Atlant are quite thin and can break when jerked, which will require complex electrical repairs.
Flipping the handles and rearranging the fittings
After the doors are removed, you need to move the handles to the opposite side. In most models Atlant the handles are attached to screws on the inside of the blade. Unscrew them and move them to new holes, which are usually closed with plastic plugs.
The plugs on the new side are carefully removed with a sharp object and installed on the old holes to hide the voids. If the plugs are lost or damaged, they can be covered with a decorative sticker in the color of the case, although this is less aesthetically pleasing.
It is also necessary to turn over the latch rod (tongue), if the design provides for this. In some cases, the rod is simply removed with pliers and inserted on the other side, in others, disassembly of the lock mechanism is required. Locking mechanism Must be symmetrical to the new opening side.
Check the condition of the sealing rubber. While the doors are removed, there is an excellent opportunity to wash and degrease the rubber, as well as lubricate the rubbing metal parts of the hinges with a small amount of graphite grease.
Installation of doors on a new side
Assembly is carried out in the reverse order, starting with the bottom door of the freezer. Install the bottom hinge to a new location (on the opposite end of the refrigerator) using the prepared holes. Secure it with bolts, but do not tighten it all the way yet.
Place the bottom door onto the hinge shaft. If the model is equipped with wires, first thread the harness through the hole in the door, then connect the connectors inside the frame before finally installing the door. Make sure that the wire is not pinched by metal.
Then install the upper door of the refrigerator compartment. Align the holes on the top hinge with the holes on the refrigerator body. Insert the bolts and start tightening them. At this stage adjusting the gaps has not yet been carried out, the main thing is to fix the structure.
Adjusting the position and gaps
The final stage is fine tuning. The doors must close tightly, without distortion, and the gaps between the door leaf and the body must be uniform around the entire perimeter. If the door is skewed, loosen the hinge mounting bolts half a turn.
Slightly raising or lowering the door, achieve a horizontal position of the top edge relative to the floor. Then tighten the bolts. Check the operation of the magnetic lock: the clap should be loud when closing, and the fit should be complete.
Pay special attention to the gap between the two doors. In two-chamber models Atlant the lower edge of the upper door should not touch the upper edge of the lower one. If there is contact, you need to slightly lower the upper loop or raise the lower one, adjusting the installation height.
After the final tightening of all bolts, turn on the refrigerator. Let it run for 10-15 minutes and check the seal again. As materials cool, they may shrink slightly and may require final micro-adjustments.
⚠️ Attention: Do not overtighten the hinge bolts. This can lead to deformation of the seats or breakage of the threads, especially in aluminum alloys of the body.
Do I need to call a specialist to rehang the door?
In most cases, calling a specialist is not required. If you have basic tool skills and the physical strength to hold a door that weighs 15-20 kg, you can do it yourself. A technician will only be needed if the wiring is damaged or the hinges are broken.
What to do if there are no holes for hinges on the new side?
All models of refrigerators Atlant have holes for re-hanging provided by the manufacturer. They are located symmetrically on the opposite end and are closed with plastic plugs. There is no need to drill new holes.
Is it possible to lose the warranty if you rearrange it yourself?
According to the law, rearranging the door yourself is not grounds for denial of warranty service if you have not damaged the equipment in the process. However, if you break the thread or break the plastic, this case will not be covered by warranty.
Why does the door not close tightly after rearrangement?
Most likely, the installation geometry of the hinges is broken or the refrigerator body is skewed. Check the adjustment of the refrigerator legs - they should be unscrewed so that the body has a slight tilt back. Also check if anything inside (shelves, food) is preventing it from closing tightly.