The need to change the direction of opening the doors of a refrigerator arises among owners quite often, especially when moving to a new apartment or after remodeling the kitchen. The brand Atlant, being one of the most popular in the post-Soviet space, provides this opportunity for most of its models, which greatly simplifies life for users. This procedure does not require calling a specialist, since the design allows you to perform all the manipulations yourself, using a minimal set of tools.
However, before starting work, it is important to understand that different series of equipment have their own design features. For example, rehanging doors on models with one compressor and on two-chamber units with the No Frost system, the number of removable elements and the type of fasteners may differ. A careful study of the structure of your refrigerator will help to avoid damage to plastic elements and loss of warranty.
In this material we will analyze in detail the process of dismantling and installing the doors, paying special attention to the nuances that are often overlooked. You will learn how to properly prepare the workplace, what tools you will need and how to avoid common mistakes that can lead to misalignment or loose sealing.
Preparation of tools and workspace
Quality preparation for work is half the success of the entire event. Before you take a screwdriver, you need to clear the space in front of the refrigerator, ensuring free access to it from all sides. It is advisable to cover the floor with soft cloth or cardboard so that fallen small parts or tools do not damage the floor covering and do not crack themselves.
To carry out the work, you will need a standard home handyman's kit. The main tool will be a screwdriver or a set of screwdrivers with different tips, since screws can be of different types. It would also be a good idea to have open-end wrenches on hand if the hinges are secured with nuts, and a flat spatula for carefully removing decorative plugs.
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (Phillips and flat) for unscrewing the fastening screws.
- 🔩 Open-end wrenches (usually sizes 8, 10 or 12 mm) for hinge nuts.
- 🧤 Construction gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧹 A piece of soft fabric to protect the body from scratches.
Particular attention should be paid safety. The refrigerator is a heavy unit and may become unstable when the doors are removed. Therefore, before starting disassembly, it is recommended to fix the case or work with an assistant. In addition, be sure to disconnect the appliance from the power supply by removing the plug from the socket to eliminate the risk of a short circuit if the wiring is accidentally damaged.
⚠️ Attention: Do not attempt to carry out work on hanging the doors while the refrigerator is connected to the network or there are food in the chambers. This can lead to injuries or damage to products due to temperature violations.
Design features of different Atlant models
The equipment of the Belarusian manufacturer is divided into several main categories, and each of them has its own nuances when reinstalling the hitch. The simplest scheme is implemented in classic two-chamber models with a drip defrosting system and one compressor. Here, the loops are usually hidden under decorative covers, and the process itself does not require complex manipulations with wires.
A more complex situation arises with models equipped with a system No Frost or two compressors. In such units, power wires for indicators or temperature sensors often come to the top door and require careful disconnection. Ignoring this fact can lead to a break in the loop and failure of the control electronics.
It is also worth considering the type of handles. If your model has hidden (mortise) handles or is made in the form of a groove in the body, there will be no problems. However, if overhead plastic or metal handles are used, they may have to be moved to the opposite side, which requires additional time and the presence of plugs for old holes.
To understand the difference in approaches, consider the main differences in the table below. This will help you immediately determine the volume of upcoming work and the need for additional actions.
| Model type | Presence of wires | Complexity of work | Necessity of plugs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic (KSh-268 and analogs) | No | Low | Often included |
| No Frost (with display) | Yes (indicators) | High | Required |
| Two-compressor | No (usually) | Medium | Depends on the series |
| Built-in | Depends on the facade | High | Individual |
Dismantling the upper door of the refrigerator compartment
The process always starts from the top door, so how it is held on the top hinges, which are attached directly to the body of the refrigerator. The first step is to remove the decorative cover covering the fasteners. It can be latched or held on by one screw, which needs to be carefully unscrewed.
After removing the cover, you will see the mounting bolts for the upper hinge. They need to be loosened, but not completely unscrewed, so that the door does not fall sharply. If the model is equipped with a magnetic lock or an opening sensor, a wire will be visible in this place. It must be carefully disconnected, remembering the position of the contacts, or simply pull the chip out of the connector, if the design allows it.
Now you can completely unscrew the bolts and remove the top hinge along with the door. It is best to perform this operation together: one person holds the heavy sash, and the second removes the fasteners. After removing the hinge, the door is set aside, and the mating part of the hinge is removed from the refrigerator body, if it was not removed along with the door.
☑️ Removing the upper door
It is important not to lose all the screws and washers, as they may be needed for reinstallation. It is recommended to place them in a separate container or magnetic tray. Also check the condition of the sealing rubber: if it is damaged, it is during dismantling that it is easiest to replace it with a new one.
Removing and rehanging the bottom freezer door
The bottom door of the freezer is attached to a hinge, which is located in the middle of the height of the refrigerator. This same loop often serves as a support for the entire structure, so you need to act carefully. First, remove the decorative panel covering the middle hinge and gain access to the bolts.
Holding the bottom door with one hand, unscrew the middle hinge bolts. Remove the hinge and place the door in a safe place. Now you have the central part of the body freed, and you can move the loop to the opposite side. To do this, there are threaded holes at the end of the housing, closed with plastic plugs.
Unscrew the plugs from the new side of the installation and move them to the old places to close the vacated holes. Place the middle hinge in its new location, tighten the bolts, but do not tighten them completely yet. This will allow you to adjust the position of the door during final assembly.
⚠️ Attention: When installing the lower door, make sure that the latch rod (clamp) falls into the corresponding hole on the body. If the door does not fit correctly, it will not close tightly.
Some models Atlant have a feature in the form of a special sleeve or pin at the bottom of the door, which must coincide with the hinge groove. Make sure that this element is intact and fits freely into the hole. If you feel strong resistance, do not use force - check the alignment of the holes again.
What to do if the holes do not match?
Sometimes during factory assembly the holes may be slightly offset. In this case, you can slightly loosen all the hinge bolts, align the door level and then tighten the fasteners sequentially. Do not try to drill holes in the body.
Installing doors on a new side
After all the hinges have been transferred to the opposite side of the body, you can begin installing the doors. We start, as with disassembly, from the top sash. Place the door on the bottom (middle) hinge, aligning the holes, and put on the top hinge. Insert the bolts and start tightening them, but do not apply maximum force right away.
The key point is adjusting the gaps. The door should fit evenly around the entire perimeter of the body. If misalignment is noticeable, loosen the middle hinge bolts and move the door slightly left or right, up or down until the ideal position is achieved. Only after this can you finally tighten all the fasteners.
If your model involves rearranging the handles, do this now. Remove the handles from one side, using a thin screwdriver or plastic card to avoid damaging the plastic, and install them in their new places. Close the remaining holes with decorative plugs, which usually come with the refrigerator or are in the package with documents.
In models with wires, carefully place the harness in the channel intended for it so that it is not pinched by the door when closing. Connect the connectors, making sure that you hear a characteristic click, indicating that the contacts are connected correctly. Check the operation of the indicators or display by turning on the refrigerator.
Adjusting gaps and checking tightness
Final and, perhaps, the most important step is checking the quality of the installation. A loose seal will lead to constant freezing of ice, increased energy consumption and reduced compressor service life. Visually inspect the perimeter of the door: the gap between the seal and the body should be minimal and uniform.
There is a simple and effective way to check the tightness using a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet with the refrigerator door around the entire perimeter. If the paper comes out easily and without resistance, it means that the seal does not fit in this place. In this case, it is necessary to loosen the hinge fastener on the side of the loose fit and tighten it, or vice versa, loosen it on the opposite side.
Also check the operation of the magnetic latch. The door should open with little effort, and when released at an angle of about 30 degrees, it should slam shut on its own. If the door slams too hard or, conversely, does not reach the end, the tilt of the refrigerator itself needs to be adjusted using the front support legs.
Pay attention to the operation of the stoppers, if they are provided for in the design. When opening the door more than 90 degrees, it should not hit walls or furniture. If this happens, you may need to limit the opening angle or reconsider the installation location of the unit.
⚠️ Attention: If after adjustment the gaps are still uneven, check the geometry of the door itself. During transportation, the metal sheet could be deformed. In mild cases, the shape can be straightened carefully by applying force in the right direction, but it is better to consult with a specialist.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging the doors?
Yes, this is highly recommended. First, an empty refrigerator is lighter, making it easier to move and tilt. Secondly, water from melted ice can flow when the angle of the housing changes, creating a risk of short circuit or damage to the floor. Allow the unit to dry completely before starting work.
What to do if the hole plugs are lost?
If the factory plugs are lost, they can be ordered from the service center Atlant by model number. Temporarily, the holes can be sealed with a decorative sticker in the color of the body or you can use plugs from furniture fittings of a suitable diameter, placing them on glue.
Is it possible to rehang the doors yourself if the refrigerator is under warranty?
According to the rules of most service centers, independent rehanging repair of doors is not a basis for voiding the warranty if the unit components were not damaged during the process. However, if you doubt your abilities or the model is complex (for example, with a Side-by-Side French door), it is better to contact official craftsmen.
Why does the door not close completely after rehanging?
Most likely, the assembly sequence was broken or the latch rod was installed incorrectly. Also, the reason may be that the refrigerator is not level - check the adjustable feet. Sometimes an incorrectly laid wire or a displaced seal gets in the way.