The need to move the refrigerator door Atlant to the other side often arises when moving to a new kitchen or rearranging furniture, when the standard location interferes with the comfortable use of the equipment. Modern models of the Belarusian manufacturer are designed taking into account this possibility, but the process itself requires accuracy and adherence to a certain sequence of actions. Mistakes during dismantling can lead to damage to the enamel or loss of tightness, so it is important to strictly follow the algorithm.
Before starting work, you should make sure that you have free space around the unit and the necessary tools. Hanging the door is a procedure accessible even to a beginner, but it requires attention to the details of the hinge design and fastenings. In this article we will analyze all the stages, from preparation to the final adjustment of the gaps.
Necessary tools and preparing the work area
To successfully complete the task, you will need a standard home handyman kit. The main tool will be hex wrenchsince most of the fastenings in refrigerators Atlant are made specifically for it. You will also need a flathead and Phillips screwdriver, a wrench (usually 10 mm) and possibly pliers for removing plugs.
Free up space around the refrigerator: you need to freely walk around the unit on all sides. Remove any items from the top lid and open the doors to access the interior shelves. If your refrigerator has a second, lower door (in two-chamber models), the procedure will have to be repeated for it separately.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! This will protect you from electric shock and prevent accidental starting of the compressor when tilting or moving the unit.
Prepare a soft surface on the floor to prevent the floor covering from being scratched by fallen parts or tools. Determine in advance on which side the handles will be located after rehanging, since they will also most likely have to be rearranged.
Removing the top cover and top hinge
The process begins with removing the top decorative cover of the case, if it is present in your model. It is usually secured with latches or screws at the back. Carefully pry it up or unscrew the fasteners to gain access to the top hinge. In some models Atlant the cover can be fixed with self-tapping screws hidden under rubber plugs.
Next is the dismantling of the upper hinge. It holds the door in a vertical position. Use wrench or a hexagon to unscrew the mounting bolts. It is important to hold the door with a second hand or ask an assistant, since after removing the hinge it will lose support and may fall.
- 🔧 Unscrew the top hinge bolts counterclockwise.
- 🚪 Remove the hinge and set it aside, keeping everything intact screws.
- 👐 Carefully lift the door and remove it from the bottom pin (if it is removable) or simply put it in a safe place.
After removing the door, inspect the ends. You will see holes for fastenings. On one side they will be occupied by plugs, and on the other they will be free (or vice versa, depending on the factory assembly). Your task is to swap them.
Removing the door and rearranging the handles
It is best to place the removed door on a soft surface (for example, on a blanket or cardboard) with the outer side down so as not to damage the enamel. Now you need to remove the handle. In most models Atlant handles are fastened with screws that are hidden under decorative plugs or located on the inside of the door.
Unscrew the handle fastenings and carefully remove it. If the handle is plastic and is held in place by latches, be careful not to break the latches. After removal, install the handle on the opposite side using the pre-prepared holes. If the holes are closed with plastic plugs, remove them from the opposite side and install them in place of the old fasteners.
What to do if the holes do not match?
In some old models of Atlant refrigerators, holes for handles could only be drilled on one side. In this case, you will need to carefully drill new holes on the other side, using a template or ruler for precise markings. Be careful not to damage the internal insulation or door contour.
Check that the handle is securely fastened. It should not wobble, as this creates a load on the opening mechanism. Make sure that the screws are tightened tightly, but without excessive force, so as not to strip the threads in the plastic.
Installing the bottom hinge and hanging the door
Now we move on to the bottom of the refrigerator. Here is located bottom hinge, which also requires transfer to the other side. Unscrew its fastenings and remove the hinge. Pay attention to the pin (pin) on which the door is placed: it also needs to be moved into the corresponding hole on the new side.
Install the bottom hinge in a new place and secure with bolts. Make sure it sits straight and fits snugly against the body. Now you can hang the door. Lift it up and place it with the bottom hole on the bottom hinge pin. It is more convenient to do this with two people in order to accurately get into the holes and not drop the heavy structure.
Align the door in a vertical position and attach the top hinge to the body. Insert the bolts into the holes and start tightening them, but do not tighten them all the way yet. This will allow you to later adjust the position of the door for a perfect fit.
☑️ Installation checklist
Finally secure the upper hinge, evenly tightening all the bolts. Check that there are no gaps between the body and the hinge. If the model provides for the installation of an intermediate hinge (for two-chamber refrigerators), make sure that it is also moved and correctly fixed.
Adjusting gaps and checking tightness
After installing the door, it is critical to check its fit to the body. Leaky closure will lead to loss of cold, ice formation and increased load on the compressor. Inspect sealing rubber along the entire perimeter: it should evenly adhere to the metal of the case.
To adjust the gaps, use the lower hinge bolts. By loosening or tightening them, you can move the bottom of the door to the left or right. The upper part is adjusted by slightly loosening the top hinge and aligning the door relative to the body.
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution method |
|---|---|---|
| The door does not close completely | Distortion vertical | Loosen the top hinge and level |
| Large gap at the top | Wrong height of the pin | Check the installation of the lower bushing |
| The door opens itself | Tilt the refrigerator back | Tighten the front legs (supports) |
| Whistling or creaking when opening | Friction of the seal | Lubricate with silicone or correct rubber |
Check the operation of the magnetic lock. The door should slam shut with a characteristic sound and hold tightly. If you notice any leaks, try heating the seal with a hairdryer (without overheating!) or treating it with silicone grease to make it elastic.
Final assembly and operation check
After all the hinges are tightened and the door is adjusted, reinstall the upper decorative cover of the housing. Secure it with screws or snap it until it clicks. Make sure all tools are removed and the plugs in the old holes are firmly installed.
Plug in the refrigerator. Let it run idle for about 30-60 minutes to allow the temperature to stabilize. At this time, visually check again how the door behaves: whether condensation appears on the outside, which could indicate a poor fit.
⚠️ Attention: In two-chamber models Atlant with the No Frost system, after re-hanging the door, it may take time to equalize the temperature in the chambers. Do not load food in the first few hours of operation.
If you did everything correctly, the refrigerator Atlant will function normally, and the changed door location will make using the equipment in the new kitchen convenient and ergonomic. Regularly check the condition of the seal in the first weeks after the move.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do I need to defrost the refrigerator before moving the door?
Yes, this is highly recommended. Defrosting will prevent water from getting inside the hinge mechanisms when tilted, and will also make the door itself lighter, which will reduce the risk of it falling or damaging the fasteners during work.
Is it possible to rearrange the door alone?
Technically possible, but highly undesirable. The doors of modern refrigerators are heavy and bulky. The risk of dropping the unit, damaging the floor or causing injury is very high. It is better to involve an assistant for insurance.
What to do if, after rearranging, the door does not close tightly?
First of all, check the adjusting bolts of the hinges. Perhaps the door was simply warped during installation. Also inspect the seal - it may have become wrapped during installation. If the problem persists, try adjusting the height of the front supports of the refrigerator.
Will the warranty still apply after re-hanging the door yourself?
Re-hanging the door yourself, as a rule, is not a reason to refuse warranty service if you have not damaged the equipment in the process. However, if you break the hinge or scratch the body, this damage will not be covered by the warranty.