Changing the kitchen layout or banal ergonomics often dictate their conditions for the arrangement of household appliances. Atlant refrigerator - this is a reliable appliance, but its standard configuration with the door opening from left to right is not suitable for every interior. If the door opening to the kitchen is narrow or you are simply used to taking food with your right hand, it becomes necessary to rehang the doors. This process does not require calling a specialist and can be done independently if you have a basic set of tools.
It is important to understand that the design of two-chamber models single-chamber units has its own characteristics. In some cases, only external handles need to be moved, in others, hinges and locks need to be completely removed and reinstalled. Before starting work be sure to turn it off device from the mains. This is the first and most important safety rule, ignoring which can lead to electric shock or damage to the electronics.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for various series of refrigerators Atlant. You will learn what nuances exist when working with models equipped with the system No Frost, and how to properly adjust the tightness after installation is completed. Carefully studying the instructions will help you avoid common mistakes, such as misalignment of doors or damage to the seal.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tools
The success of the operation depends 90% on quality preparation. You will need a level area where you can safely place the refrigerator if the instructions for your specific model require it. Although many modern models Atlant allow work to be carried out in a vertical position, the presence of free space around the unit is critically important. Remove rugs, move furniture aside so that nothing interferes with your view and access to fasteners.
As for the tools, you don’t need complex industrial equipment. A standard DIY kit is sufficient. The main tool will be screwdriver (most often a cross, but it is better to have a flat one) and wrench or a 10 mm head. Some models may require a hexagon, which often comes with the refrigerator itself.
- 🛠️ Screwdriver with a magnetic tip (so that the screws do not fall inside the case).
- 🔧 Open-end or socket wrench 10 mm in size (for most hinges).
- 🧤 Work gloves (metal edges of shelves and housing may be sharp).
- 🧼 Soft rags (for wiping fastening points and protection floor).
Pay special attention to fasteners. When dismantling, the screws may “stick” or be tightly tightened by the manufacturer. Do not use excessive force to avoid tearing off the caps. If the screw does not budge, try gently heating the joint with a hairdryer or using a penetrating lubricant, although this is rarely necessary for new refrigerators. It is better to immediately put all removed parts into a separate container so as not to lose small washers or plugs.
☑️ Ready for work
Removing the top cover and top hinge
We begin the immediate disassembly process. The first step is always to remove the top cover of the refrigerator (if it is structurally provided for in your model). To do this, you need to unscrew the screws located on the front and back of the cover. Be careful: the cover can be heavy and it is better to hold it so that it does not fall to the floor.
After removing the cover, the top hinge is revealed to your attention. It is this that holds the main load of the entire door structure. Attention: before finally unscrewing the bolts of the upper hinge, you need to fix the door in the closed position or ask an assistant to hold it. The weight of the door is significant, and it can fall sharply, damaging the floor or seal.
⚠️ Attention! In models with electronic control, backlight wires often pass through the top loop. Do not pull the door down sharply. Carefully disconnect the connectors, having first noted or photographed their location. control cable or backlight wires. Do not pull the door down sharply. Carefully disconnect the connectors, first remembering or photographing their location.
After unscrewing the bolts, remove the top hinge. If you plan to use the old holes for a new installation (which is rare since the sides are usually mirrored), check their integrity. Most often, on the opposite side there are already factory threaded holes, closed with plastic plugs. They need to be removed. Models Atlant are characterized by the use of steel pins, which may also require dismantling.
Re-hanging the main door of the refrigerator compartment
Now we move on to the most important part - rearranging the main door. With the top hinge removed, carefully lift the door to remove it from the bottom hinge. Place the door on a prepared soft surface (such as a blanket or cardboard), face up. This will protect the enamel from scratches.
On the back of the door you will see holes for the handle and, possibly, for the lock. The handle must be moved to the other side. To do this, unscrew the mounting screws from the inside (usually they are closed with decorative plugs). Install the handle on the opposite side using the same screws. If the refrigerator came with additional plugs for the holes, use them to cover the vacant spaces on the front side.
What to do if the holes do not match?
In most Atlant models, the holes for hinges and handles are symmetrical. If you are faced with a rare model where the holes do not match, you may need to purchase a special re-hanging kit or use the spare plugs and screws included in the kit that are included in the product data sheet.
Next you need to rearrange latch rod (if it is removable) or switch the lock mechanism. In older models, the rod is simply removed with pliers from one side and inserted into the hole on the other. More modern systems may require disassembly of the locking mechanism itself. After reinstalling the handle and lock, place the door on the lower axis on the opposite side of the frame. Make sure that it sits evenly.
Now you need to install the top hinge in a new place. Insert the bolts into the appropriate holes and tighten them, but do not apply maximum torque yet. The door should have a slight play for final adjustment. Check whether the door moves freely and fits tightly magnetic seal along the entire perimeter.
Features of working with the lower freezer door
If you have a two-chamber refrigerator, the process is repeated for the lower door freezer. The principle is similar: remove the door, rearrange the handle, change the side of the hinge. However, there are some nuances here related to the design of the hinges.
In some models Atlant the lower door is mounted not on classic hinges, but on special brackets. When rehanging, it is important not to confuse the left and right brackets if they are not symmetrical. Also pay attention to decompression valve (if it is located in the lower door). Its position may require adjustment to ensure proper air circulation and ease of opening.
| Element | Overweight action | Nuance |
|---|---|---|
| Door handle | Reposition to the opposite side | Use the same screws |
| Upper hinge | Dismantling and installation on a new side | Careful with the wires |
| Lock rod | Rearranging or turning the mechanism | Lubricate with silicone |
| Plugs | Closing old holes | Do not lose small parts |
After installing the bottom door, be sure to check the operation of the latch mechanism. The freezer door should open only after the top door is opened (on models without a separate lock), or open independently but close tightly. If you feel resistance or a loose fit, check the position of the door on the axis.
Adjusting and adjusting the tightness
After all the doors are installed in new places, the fine-tuning stage begins. Even with careful installation, misalignment may occur, causing the refrigerator to hold cold less well or condense moisture. The adjustment is made by loosening the fastening bolts of the hinges and slightly moving the door in the desired direction.
Check the horizontal installation of the refrigerator itself. Use a building level. If the body is skewed, the doors will open by themselves or, conversely, require effort to close. The height of the refrigerator legs is adjusted Atlant by rotating the front supports. By raising or lowering the front part, you achieve a slight slope of the body back, which ensures automatic closing of the doors.
- 📏 Check the gap between the door and the body around the entire perimeter - it should be uniform.
- 🧲 Carry out a test with a sheet of paper: hold the sheet with the door and try to pull it out. It should be removed with force along the entire perimeter.
- 🔄 If the door is skewed, loosen the hinge screws, align the position and tighten again.
Pay special attention sealing rubber. During dismantling, it could move or become deformed. If you notice any creases, warm them up with a hairdryer and straighten them with your hand. A tight-fitting seal is the key to saving energy and long service life of the compressor.
⚠️ Attention! Do not use edible sunflower oil to lubricate hinges and seals. It thickens over time and turns into a sticky mass that destroys the rubber. Use only special silicone grease or Vaseline.
Common mistakes and troubleshooting
Even following the instructions, beginners can make mistakes. The most common of these is the loss or confusion of screws of different lengths. The design Atlant refrigerator can use fasteners with different threads or rod lengths for different units. An attempt to screw a long screw into a short hole can lead to breaking through the case wall or jamming of the mechanism.
Another mistake is ignoring the wires. In models with a display on the door (Minsk-Hit, Atlant XM-4000 and analogues), inexperienced users often forget to turn off the cable before removing the door. The result is broken contacts and expensive repairs to the control board. Always check for electrical connections before physically removing elements.
If after re-hanging there is extraneous noise or creaking, check whether the door touches the body or shelves when opening. Sometimes it is necessary to slightly move the internal shelves or rearrange the drawers if the design allows for symmetrical installation. Also make sure that the decorative plugs on the old side of the hinges are installed tightly and do not vibrate.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before re-hanging the doors?
It is not necessary to defrost the refrigerator specifically for the purpose of re-hanging the doors, unless you plan to wash it this week moment. However, if you place the refrigerator on its side for convenience, it is better to remove the food and defrost the unit itself so that water does not leak inside the mechanisms.
Will the warranty remain valid after re-hanging it yourself?
According to the legislation and rules of most service centers, re-hanging the doors yourself is not is a reason for refusal warranty service, if the unit components were not damaged during the process. However, if you break the hinge or break the wire, the repair will be charged.
Is it possible to turn the door over if the refrigerator is built-in?
With built-in refrigerators Atlant the situation is more complicated. Often the opening direction depends on the design of the furniture façade. Before purchasing or re-hanging, read the instructions for the furniture set. In some cases, it is impossible to rehang the door of a built-in refrigerator without dismantling the facade.
What to do if the plugs for the holes are lost?
If you have lost the plastic plugs, the holes can be closed with decorative screws (matched by color) or sealed with special stickers, sold in construction stores. The main thing is to close the hole so that dust and moisture do not get in there.