Modern kitchens often dictate their own ergonomic rules, and the standard arrangement of household appliances may no longer suit the owner after remodeling or purchasing a new set. Refrigerators of the Belarusian brand Atlant are distinguished by their reliability and well-thought-out design, which in most cases allows you to change the direction of opening the doors without calling a technician. This procedure requires care, accuracy and a minimal set of tools, but the result is worth it - you get a unit that fits perfectly into the interior.
Before proceeding with dismantling, you need to make sure that your model technically supports such an operation. Rehanging doors is a standard function for most series, but there are exceptions, especially in old or specific modifications. It is also important to free up space around the refrigerator and prepare a flat surface for temporary placement of removed elements.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
The success of the operation directly depends on the quality of preparation. You don't need complex industrial equipment; a standard home craftsman's kit is enough. The key point is to have the correct fasteners, as factory screws often have a specific length and thread that is incompatible with the opposite side of the case.
Carefully inspect the components that came with the refrigerator when you purchased it. Typically, the manufacturer includes a set of plugs and additional screws in a separate bag attached to the inside wall of the camera or in the documentation. If these elements are lost, they will have to be selected separately, which can complicate the process.
- 🛠️ A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flathead) or a screwdriver with the appropriate bits.
- 🔧 8 mm and 10 mm wrench or socket (often required for hinges).
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
- 📦 Container for folding small parts so that they do not get lost.
Pay special attention wrenchas the hinge bolts can be tightened quite tightly. Using the wrong tool can lead to the edges of the caps being torn off, which will turn a simple task into a serious problem.
Dismantling the upper part and removing the handle
The process begins with the upper structural element. First of all, you need to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply by removing the plug from the socket. This is a mandatory safety requirement, since when working with door mechanisms, accidental damage to wiring or sensors is possible.
Remove the top decorative panel (if any) or plug. In models with system No Frost or electronic control, the display or lamp power cable may pass here. Be extremely careful when disconnecting the contacts so as not to damage the fragile connectors.
⚠️ Attention: Do not yank the wires sharply. If the cable is laid inside the door cavity, it must be carefully removed along with the hinge, and not forcibly disconnected.
Next, you should remove the handle. The design of the handle fastenings may differ: in some models they are screwed on the inside, in others they are held on by hidden latches or screws under decorative overlays. Find the fixation points and unscrew them. Atlant may differ: in some models they are screwed on the inside, in others they are held on by hidden latches or screws under decorative trims. Find the fixing points and unscrew them.
After releasing the handle, you can move on to the upper loop. Unscrew the bolts holding it to the body. Support the door with a second hand or call an assistant so that it does not fall and damage the floor or its own seals.
☑️ Removing the upper unit
Removing the door and rearranging the hinges
When the top hinge is released, carefully lift the door by removing it from the lower axis. Place the removed element on a prepared soft surface with the outer side down. Now you can start moving the fittings to the opposite side.
At the end of the door you will see holes closed with plastic plugs. They need to be removed and moved to the vacated places on the other side. A similar procedure is carried out with the lower and upper hinges: they are dismantled on one side and mounted on symmetrical holes on the opposite side of the case.
When installing the hinges in a new place, make sure that they fit snugly to the surface. Tighten the mounting bolts evenly, without using excessive force, so as not to strip the threads in the aluminum case or plastic bushings.
| Element | Action | Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Upper loop | Transfer to the other side | Often has a pin for axis |
| Bottom hinge | Transfer with bushing replacement | Requires precise positioning |
| Handle | Removal and reinstallation | Hidden fasteners |
| Plugs | Rearrangement into vacated slots | Important for aesthetics |
What to do if the holes do not match?
In some older models it may be necessary drilling new holes or using adapters, but this is rare for modern Atlant series. Usually all the holes are already provided for by the design.
Features of models with the No Frost system
Refrigerators with the system No Frost have a more complex design due to the presence of air ducts and a condensate removal system. When re-hanging the freezer door or main compartment, it is important not to pinch the melt water drain hose.
In such models, the water drain tube often passes through or near the bottom loop. When rearranging, you must carefully pull the hose out of the old hole and thread it into the new one on the opposite side. The length of the hose usually allows this to be done without extension.
If you find that the hose is stretched or kinked, this may lead to water leakage onto the floor or inside the housing. Make sure that the water drainage tube has free movement and is not blocked by the door closing mechanism after installation.
Also in models with The display on the door will require reprogramming the control board if automatic detection of the opening side does not occur. The instructions for your specific model Atlant will tell you the combination of buttons to reset the door settings.
Installing the door and adjusting the gaps
After the hinges have been rearranged, place the door on the lower axis. Make sure it sits evenly and tightly. Now you need to secure the top loop in a new place. At this stage, do not tighten the bolts all the way - leave a small gap for adjustment.
Check the horizontal installation of the refrigerator itself. If the unit is not level, the door may open spontaneously or, conversely, may not stay open. Use the adjustable supports at the bottom of the case for leveling.
- 📏 Check the uniformity of the gap around the entire perimeter of the fit.
- 🚪 Make sure that the door opens and closes freely, without squeaking.
- 🔒 Check the operation of the magnetic lock and the tightness of the fit seal.
If you notice a misalignment, slightly loosen the fastenings of the top hinge, visually align the door and tighten the bolts again. Correct adjustment ensures the chamber is sealed and saves energy.
Typical errors and troubleshooting
In the process of work, beginners often make mistakes that can lead to equipment damage. One of the most common is the loss of fasteners. Small screws easily roll under the refrigerator or get lost in the carpet pile.
Another mistake is the incorrect sequence of actions when working with models that have a common middle partition. In some two-chamber refrigerators Atlant it is impossible to remove one door without dismantling the other due to the design of the central hinges.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use excessive force when removing the door. If it does not give in, check that all the screws are unscrewed and that the wiring cable is not interfering.
It is also worth remembering the fragility of plastic elements. Decorative overlays and plugs are easily broken if handled carelessly. If you doubt your abilities or the refrigerator model is unique and rare, it is better to contact an authorized service center.
After completing all the work, plug in the refrigerator and let it work for several hours without loading food. This will make sure that the seal is not broken and the temperature is set correctly.
What to do if there are excess fasteners left?
If after installation you still have long bolts from the old side, and the new ones are short, this is normal. Use only the screws that come with the kit for the new side, or select similar ones in length and thread.
Is it possible to rearrange the door on a single-chamber Atlant refrigerator?
Yes, on most single-chamber models this is possible. However, in very old or budget series, holes for hinges may only be provided on one side. Check for plugs on the opposite end.
Do you need a special key for hinges?
Usually a standard 8 or 10 mm open-end wrench is sufficient. Some new models may use a hexagon, which often comes complete with instructions.
Does re-hanging affect the warranty?
Independent re-hanging of doors, as provided for by the design, is not grounds for voiding the warranty. However, if parts are damaged in the process (threads are torn off, plastic is broken), the warranty claim for these damages will not be considered.
What should you do if, after rehanging, the refrigerator begins to make noise?
Check whether the door is touching the cabinet or adjacent furniture. Also make sure the refrigerator is level. If the noise comes from inside, perhaps the compressor or pipes were damaged during installation - in this case, diagnostics are needed.
Where can I get new plugs if the old ones are lost?
Plugs can be ordered at the official Atlant service center or try to pick up universal furniture plugs of a suitable diameter and color at a hardware store.