Many owners of refrigeration equipment are faced with a situation where the standard configuration is no longer satisfactory. Most often this is due to moving to a new kitchen or simply rearranging furniture, when refrigerator door opens in the wrong direction and blocks the passage. In such cases, the only solution is to change the opening side of the sash. For equipment of the Belarusian brand Atlant this procedure is standard and is provided for by the design of most models.
The rehanging process requires accuracy and a minimum set of tools. If you decide to do the work yourself, it is important to understand that hinge mechanism may vary between series. Some models are equipped with hidden hinges, others with classic external ones. Regardless of the type of structure, a competent approach will avoid damage facade and violation of the tightness of the circuit.
In this article we will analyze in detail all stages of the work, from preparing the tool to the final adjustment of the gaps. You will learn how to safely dismantle handles and rearrange the limiters. Proper re-hanging will extend the life of the device and make its use in the new room as comfortable as possible for all family members.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
Before starting any manipulations with equipment, you need to make sure that you have all the necessary devices at hand. The absence of even one key element can lead to the process being delayed or performed poorly. To work with fasteners Atlant most often you need a standard set of open-end wrenches or heads, as well as a flat-head and Phillips screwdrivers.
Particular attention should be paid to organizing the space around the unit. You will need easy access from all sides, as you sometimes have to tilt the case to access the lower mounts. Make sure that the floor is covered with soft material so as not to scratch the coating when moving equipment. It is also recommended to clear the shelves to reduce the weight of the doors and prevent food from falling out during tilting.
☑️ Preparing to rehang the door
In such cases, WD-40 or a similar lubricant may be required to facilitate unscrewing. Do not use excessive force to avoid tearing the threads or damaging the decorative plugs.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Working with live electrical appliances is unacceptable and can lead to electric shock or short circuit.
Removing door handles and dismantling the top panel
The first stage of work is always the removal of protruding elements that interfere with access to the mounting bolts. On most models Atlant the handles are attached with self-tapping screws, which are hidden under decorative plugs or located on the inside of the canvas. Be careful: in some modifications, the fasteners may be recessed deeply, requiring the use of a long Phillips screwdriver.
After removing the handles, it is necessary to dismantle the top cover of the refrigerator compartment if it structurally blocks access to the top hinge. This is true for models where the top panel is part of the body or a removable decorative element. Carefully unscrew the fixing screws and remove the cover, putting the fasteners in a separate container so as not to lose them.
Features of fastening handles on different models
On some modern Atlant models, handles may be attached not to screws, but to latches. In this case, they need to be carefully pryed with a flat tool through the technological holes, after preheating the plastic with a hairdryer if it is frozen. Be careful not to break the latches.
Now you can move on to the top hinge. It holds the entire door structure, so the leaf must be held before removing it. Often the hinge bolts are covered with plastic plugs that can be easily removed with a knife or flathead screwdriver. After unscrewing the fasteners, do not release the door suddenly - there may be wires inside that go to the indicators or display.
Removing the door and rearranging the stops
When the top hinge is freed from the bolts, the critical moment comes - removing the door. At this moment, the weight of the canvas rests entirely on your hands. If the design contains wires (for the opening light or display), they must be carefully disconnected, having first remembered or photographed the connector connection diagram. You cannot pull the cables sharply, they may break.
After removing the door from the lower hinge (which remains in place for now), you should pay attention to the opening limiters. These are small plastic or metal pins located at the end of the door or on the body. Their job is to keep the door from slamming too hard. To change the opening side, these stops need to be moved to the opposite end.
The rearrangement process is as follows:
- 🛠️ Carefully remove the stop from the current hole using a thin screwdriver or tweezers.
- 🛠️ Find a symmetrical hole on the other side end or body.
- 🛠️ Install the stopper in a new place until it clicks or fits tightly.
- 🛠️ If the holes are closed with plugs, rearrange them too to maintain an aesthetic appearance.
Also at this stage, the condition of the sealing rubber is checked. While the door is removed, it is convenient to wash and dry the seal, and also lubricate it with silicone for better elasticity. This will ensure a tight fit after reinstallation.
Rehanging the bottom hinge and installing the door
The bottom hinge of refrigerators Atlant is usually secured with more powerful bolts, since it experiences the main load. To rearrange it, you may need a 10 or 13 key. After unscrewing the fasteners, the hinge is removed and moved to the opposite side of the case, using the holes provided by the manufacturer. It is important not to confuse the top and bottom of the hinge itself if it is asymmetrical.
Installing the door to a new location begins with the lower support. Insert the lower axis of the hinge into the corresponding hole at the end of the door and place the structure on the installed lower hinge of the case. After making sure that the door is level, you can proceed to installing the upper assembly. Here again you will need an assistant or a stable fixation of the blade to align the holes.
When tightening the upper hinge bolts, maintain uniform force. First, tighten all the screws by hand, then tighten them one by one, making a few turns each. This will help avoid distortion of the metal and ensure a tight fit hinges to the body.
Comparative table of models and types of hinges
Different series of refrigerators Atlant may have design features. Below is a table that helps identify the type of fastening depending on the series, which will simplify the selection of tools.
| Refrigerator series | Top hinge type | Fastening | Presence of wires |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlant XM-4008 | External invoice | Phillips screws | No |
| Atlant XM-4423 | Hidden (inside the cover) | Wrench bolts 10 mm | Yes (indicator) |
| Atlant XM-6021 | Combined | Screws and latches | Yes (display) |
| Atlant XM-4208 | External classic | Phillips screws | No |
As can be seen from the table, the presence of electronics on the door significantly complicates the process. In models with a display or temperature indicator cable channel requires special attention. When rehanging such a door, you often have to carefully move the wiring harness inside the cavity of the door or body so that they do not get twisted or pinched.
If you are not confident in your abilities when working with electrical components, it is better to turn to specialists. Damage to the wire insulation can lead to failure of the electronic control module, the repair of which will cost more than the services of a technician.
Adjusting the gaps and final check
After all the hinges are installed and the bolts are tightened, it is necessary to check the geometry of the installation. The door should close tightly, without distortions or spontaneous opening. The gap between the seal and the housing must be uniform around the entire perimeter. If you notice that the door does not fit tightly in one corner, you will need to adjust the height of the lower support.
A wrench is usually used for adjustment. By rotating the adjusting screw or nut on the lower axis, you can raise or lower the door angle. Do this in small steps - half a turn at a time, and then check the result. Also check the operation of the magnetic lock: the clap when closing should be loud and confident.
What to do if the door is still skewed?
If adjusting the lower support does not help, the refrigerator body itself may be skewed. Check the horizontal installation using a level. Often it is enough to tighten the front adjustable legs to tilt the body a little back, and the door will begin to close itself under the influence of gravity.
The final stage will be the installation of all decorative plugs and handles in new places. Make sure that all holes that are now free on the opposite side are closed with plugs. This will not only improve the appearance, but also prevent dust and moisture from getting inside the structure.
⚠️ Attention: Do not plug in the refrigerator immediately after moving it. Allow the compressor and refrigerant to stand in a vertical position for at least 2-4 hours, especially if the unit was tilted strongly during work.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it necessary to drain the freon before hanging the door?
No, drain the refrigerant absolutely not necessary. Re-hanging the door is a purely mechanical operation that does not affect the sealed circuit and cooling system. Intervention in the piping system is only required for major repairs of the compressor.
Is it possible to reverse the door on a two-chamber Atlant refrigerator yourself?
Yes, this is possible, but the process will take longer, since you will have to rehang two separate doors (freezing and refrigerating chambers). It is important to follow the sequence: first the upper door, then the lower one, to provide access to the fasteners.
What to do if the plugs for the holes are lost?
The plugs can be found in the kit, which usually comes in a package with documents, or you can order them at the brand’s service center. As a last resort, the holes can be carefully sealed with a decorative sticker in the color of the body to maintain a neat appearance.
Why, after rehanging, does the door not hold and open itself?
Most likely, the angle of the body is broken. The refrigerator should be installed with a slight tilt back so that the center of gravity of the door shifts towards closing. Adjust the height of the front legs by lifting the front part of the unit.