Changing the kitchen layout or moving to a new apartment often dictates its own conditions: the refrigerator must be placed strictly in a certain place, but the standard arrangement of the handles prevents the doors from fully opening. Owners of Belarusian equipment Atlant face this regularly, since the design of these units initially implies the possibility of remounting, but not everyone has a manual at hand. Re-hanging the door is not just a cosmetic procedure, but a technically sound process that requires accuracy and understanding of the Atlant hinge group device.
Many users are afraid to start this work on their own for fear of damaging seal or breaking the tightness of the cooling system. However, the manufacturer builds this option into the design, providing the necessary holes and spare parts. A correctly performed procedure will allow you to change the direction of opening the sash in 30-40 minutes without calling a specialist, which will save budget and time.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for two-chamber models, point out the nuances of dismantling old fasteners and installing new ones. You will learn what tools you will need, how not to lose small parts, and what to do if, after installation, the door does not fit tightly to the body. It is critically important before starting work to make sure that your refrigerator model has symmetrical mounting holes on the opposite side of the body.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
Before you begin dismantling, it is necessary to prepare tools so that during the work you will not be distracted by searching for the right key. The basic set usually includes open-end wrenches in sizes 8 and 10 mm, as well as a Phillips screwdriver. Some models Atlant may require a hex key, which is often included with new equipment, but it is better to check its availability in advance.
Particular attention should be paid to preparing the surface on which the removed door will be installed. Since the door is quite heavy and has a glossy finish, it cannot simply be placed on the floor or sofa. It is recommended to cover the work area with thick cardboard, a blanket, or use the original packaging if it has been preserved. This will prevent scratches and chips from appearing on the decorative panel.
- 🛠️ Open-end wrenches (8 mm, 10 mm) are the main tool for bolts.
- 🔧 Phillips screwdriver - for screws securing handles and plastic plugs.
- 📦 Thick cardboard or soft fabric - to protect the surface of the door during removal.
- 🧲 Magnetic container - to avoid losing small screws and washers during operation.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use electric screwdrivers at high speeds to tighten screws into the plastic body of the refrigerator. Excessive force can lead to cracking of the plastic around the seats.
It is also worth freeing up the space around the refrigerator, ensuring easy access to it from all sides. If the unit is located close to the wall, it will have to be moved, which will require preliminary defrosting, unless the model has a system No Frost with automatic moisture removal, although even in this case the equipment must be moved carefully.
Removing the top door and dismantling the old fittings
The rehanging process always starts from the top camera, since it is structurally supported by the lower part or has independent but connected mounts. The first step is to empty the door of food and remove all the shelves to reduce its weight and prevent the contents from falling out when tilted.
Next, you should dismantle the top decorative panel or cover, under which the fastening bolts of the top hinge are hidden. Depending on the series Atlant, this may be a plastic plug or a metal plate secured with screws. By carefully unscrewing them, you will gain access to the main fastening bolt hinge.
After loosening the top bolt, the door still rests on the bottom hinge, but already has some play. At this stage, an assistant is needed: while one person holds the sash in a vertical position, the second completely unscrews the top bolt and removes the hinge itself. Then the door is carefully lifted, removing it from the lower pin, and put in a safe place.
Now you need to work on the fittings. Handles, stops and decorative sleeves are dismantled from the old side and transferred to the new one. Often the threaded holes on the face are covered with plastic plugs that need to be removed. Plugs included in the kit or removed from the opposite side are installed on the vacated spaces.
☑️ Check before removing the door
Working with the bottom door and hinge group
The bottom door of a two-chamber refrigerator Atlant usually attached to the base of the body or to a special intermediate bar. The algorithm of actions here is similar to the upper compartment, but there are some nuances associated with the weight of the structure and the presence of additional elements.
First, the lower hinge that holds the door is removed. If the model provides for the presence of a middle crossbar between the chambers, it must also be dismantled or rearranged. When removing, pay attention to the condition of the hinge mechanism: if dirt or old grease has accumulated there, this is an excellent time for maintenance.
After removing the door from the lower pin, carefully inspect the sealing rubber. If used for a long time in one position, it could become deformed. It is recommended to wipe it with a soft cloth and soapy water and check its integrity. If there are creases in the rubber, after rehanging they may interfere with a tight fit.
- 🔩 Remove the protective panel from the bottom of the refrigerator if it blocks access to the bolts.
- 🧹 Clean the seats from dust and old grease before installing new hinges.
- 🔄 Check the completeness: whether all washers and bushings have been transferred to the new side.
- 📏 Make sure that the holes on the new side are free and do not have manufacturing defects.
This means that it cannot simply be turned over, it must be installed with a strictly defined side up. Carefully study the geometry of the part before installation.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to force the hinge pin into the hole if it does not fit freely. This may indicate that the door is skewed or the lower fastening is incorrectly positioned, which will lead to breakage of the hinge.
What to do if the bolts are rusty?
If the mounting bolts are stuck and cannot be unscrewed, do not use excessive force so as not to strip the threads. Treat the joint with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and leave for 15-20 minutes. Once the rust has softened, the bolt should come out easier. If the rust is serious, you may need to replace the fasteners with a new one of the same size.
Installing hinges and mounting the door on the new side
Installation begins with installing the bottom hinge on new seats. The bolts are not tightened completely yet, so that it remains possible to (adjust) the position of the door after hanging it. Make sure that the bottom hinge pin is pointing strictly vertically upward.
Then the bottom door is hung. This is the most crucial moment, requiring the hole in the loop to accurately align with the pin. After installing the door on the pin, put on the upper intermediate hinge (if it is in the design of your model) or immediately begin installing the upper door.
The upper door is installed in the same way: the holes are aligned, the pin of the middle or upper hinge is inserted. Now you can begin the final fixation. The bolts are tightened tightly, but without fanaticism, so as not to damage the threads in the metal body of the refrigerator.
After mechanical installation of all elements, check the operation of the doors. They should open smoothly, without creaking or jamming. If the door opens too tightly or, conversely, falls by itself, you will need tilt adjustment using the refrigerator support legs or washers.
Adjusting the position of the doors and eliminating distortions
After installing doors in a new location, a situation often arises when they do not fit tightly or are skewed. This is normal, since the new position of the hinges may differ slightly from the old one due to metal production or assembly features. The adjustment is carried out in several stages.
The first thing you need to pay attention to is the horizontal installation of the refrigerator itself. Use a building level. If the unit is not level, the doors will open on their own or not close completely. Adjusting the height of the front support legs allows you to set the body strictly level.
The second stage is adjusting the gap between the door and the body. In some models Atlant the position of the hinges can be achieved using eccentrics or placing thin washers under the hinge mount. If the door is skewed diagonally, try loosening the hinge, aligning the door and tightening the bolts again.
The third point is to check the tightness. After adjustment, test with a piece of paper. Clamp the sheet with the door around the perimeter; it must be removed with the same force along the entire contour. If in some place the sheet falls out or is pulled out too easily, it means that the pressure of the magnetic seal is broken there magnetic seal.
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution method |
|---|---|---|
| The door does not close completely | Improper angle of the body | Unscrew the front adjustable supports |
| A creaking noise is heard when opening | Lack of lubrication in the hinges | Lubricate the hinges with technical petroleum jelly |
| Ice formation at the door | The seal pressure is broken | Warm the seal with a hairdryer or replace |
| The door is skewed visually | The hinge fastening bolts are loose | Align and tighten the hinge fasteners |
Frequent errors and tips for operation after a revolution
When rearranging doors on their own, users often make typical mistakes that can shorten the life of the equipment. One of the most common is the loss of the original plugs or mixing up the fasteners. Screws from different hinges may differ in length, and using the wrong fastener can damage the inner chamber or housing.
Another mistake is ignoring the condition of the seal. After removal and reinstallation, the rubber may not straighten immediately. In the first days after the revolution, it is recommended to press the door with your hand in the area of the handle for 1-2 minutes after each closing so that the seal takes the correct shape.
- ❌ Do not leave the refrigerator unattended with the doors open for a long time - this will harm the compressor.
- ✅ Lubricate the hinges only with specialized products, do not use food grade products oil.
- 🔍 Check the tightness of the door every 2-3 months after rehanging.
- 🧊 Let the refrigerator stand for 2-3 hours before turning it on if it has tilted more than 40 degrees.
⚠️ Attention: Design and location fasteners may vary slightly depending on the year of manufacture and the specific series of the refrigerator Atlant. Always check the technical documentation attached to your model if the standard diagram does not match the visual inspection.
After completing all work and checking the tightness, you can turn on the refrigerator. It is recommended not to completely load the chamber with products on the first day in order to allow the unit to reach operating temperature in the new operating mode. If you notice that the door begins to open tighter than before, this is a temporary phenomenon that will pass after grinding in the new surfaces.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before moving the door?
Yes, this is highly desirable. When you tilt the refrigerator to remove doors or change its position, ice or condensation may get into electrical components or onto the floor. In addition, empty cameras are easier to remove and install.
Is it possible for one person to move the door independently?
Technically this is possible, but not recommended. The doors of two-chamber refrigerators Atlant are heavy and bulky. Without an assistant, there is a high risk of dropping the sash, damaging the floor or getting a back injury. It is better to involve a second person for backup.
What to do if, after the rearrangement, there is still excess noise when closing?
The noise can be caused by the handle hitting the body or improper operation of the closer (if there is one). Check that the door limiters are installed correctly. Also make sure that inside the refrigerator, the products do not protrude beyond the dimensions of the shelves and do not interfere with closing.
Will the warranty remain valid if I rearrange the door myself?
According to the rules of most service centers, independently rearranging the doors is not grounds for voiding the warranty if the unit components were not damaged in the process. However, if you strip a thread or break a hinge, this case will not be considered under warranty. Keep all removed parts.