The situation when, after purchasing or remodeling a kitchen, it turns out that Atlant refrigerator does not open in the right direction is familiar to many. The door rests against the wall, obstructs the passage or blocks access to the work area. Fortunately, the design of most models of the Belarusian brand provides for the possibility of rehanging, which allows you to adapt the equipment to specific room conditions without calling a specialist.
In this article we will analyze in detail the process of changing the opening side, paying special attention to various types of fastenings and the nuances of dismantling. Rearranging the door - the procedure is not complicated, but requiring care and a basic set of tools. Below you will find not only a text description, but also links to visual materials that will help you avoid mistakes.
It is worth immediately noting that before starting work, you must empty the unit of food and completely defrost it. Working with a warm or full refrigerator can lead to damage to the shelves or disruption of the tightness of the circuit. Safety And the safety of equipment is priority number one.
Preparation of tools and the workplace
Before taking a screwdriver, you need to organize the space correctly. You will need a free area in front of the refrigerator that is at least a meter wide in order to be able to set aside the removed parts. It is also critically important to ensure a stable position of the unit itself, otherwise when dismantling heavy elements it may tilt.
To work with hinge fastenings you will need a standard home handyman kit. In most cases, a Phillips screwdriver, a wrench (often 10 mm) and hex keys are sufficient. Some modern models Atlant may have specific bolts, so it is better to prepare a universal set in advance.
- 🔧 Phillips and flathead screwdrivers of different sizes for removing decorative plugs.
- 🔩 Wrench or set heads (usually 8, 10, 13 mm) for the main bolts.
- 🛠️ Hex key (often included with equipment) for adjusting the legs.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
⚠️ Warning: Never attempt to unscrew the bottom hinge unless the top of the door is secured or removed. This can lead to a fall of a heavy metal structure and injury to the legs.
Pay special attention to lighting. Shadows can hide small locking pins or plastic clips that can be easily damaged if not handled carefully. A good light will allow you to see the condition threaded connections and notice corrosion in time.
☑️ Preparing for rehanging
Dismantling the top part and removing the door
The process always starts from the top of the unit. First you need to remove the decorative panel or plug that hides the top hinge fasteners. In models Atlant it is usually held on by latches or a small screw. Act carefully so as not to break the plastic.
After gaining access to the fasteners, unscrew the upper hinge bolts. At this stage, the door is still held in place, but is no longer secured at the top. If you have a two-chamber refrigerator, then the hinge is often removed along with bracketwhich will need to be moved to the other side.
Now the most crucial moment is removing the door. It is better to perform this operation together, since even an empty refrigerator door has significant weight. One person holds the facade, and the second unscrews the final screws or removes the axle.
| Model type | Number of bolts | Removal feature | Required tools |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-chamber | 2-3 pcs. | Removed together with the body | Phillips screwdriver |
| Double-chamber (bottom freezer) | 2 pcs. + axis | The upper door is removed | 10 mm key |
| Two-chamber (side by side) | 4 pcs. + pins | Hinge disassembly required | Set of hexagons |
| Models with display | 3 pcs. + cable | You need to disconnect the cable | Screwdriver, pliers |
If your model has display or a control panel on the door, before complete removal you must carefully disconnect the electrical cable. It is usually connected through a connector inside the case or under the top cover. Do not pull the wires sharply.
Nuances of working with models with one and two chambers
The design of single-chamber refrigerators Atlant is simpler, but has its own characteristics. A common axle or system is often used here, where the door is hinged on a lower bushing. When rehanging, it is important not to confuse the direction of installation thrust pinsthat fix the door in the closed position.
In two-chamber models, the process is carried out in stages: first the upper (refrigerator) chamber is removed, then the lower (freezer). This is due to the fact that access to the fasteners of the lower door is often blocked by the upper one. In some cases, complete dismantling of the upper section is required to access the bottom.
Models with the system No Frostare particularly difficult. In them, cold air supply channels can pass through doorways. When rearranging, it is important to make sure that the new holes for the air ducts match or that standard plugs are used.
What to do if the bolts are rusty?
If the top hinge mounting bolts cannot be unscrewed due to corrosion, do not use excessive force - you may strip the threads. Treat the joints with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and leave for 15-20 minutes. After this, try to carefully remove the bolt.
Do not forget about the intermediate loops, if your modification has them. They also need to be moved to the opposite side, having first released the middle part of the body from fixation. This requires special precision during assembly.
Re-hanging handles and fittings
After the door leaf is removed, it is necessary to rearrange the handles. In most refrigerators Atlant the handles are attached to screws on the inside. You need to unscrew them, remove the handle and install them on the symmetrical holes on the other side.
If the refrigerator came with decorative plugs for holes for handles (which will now be on the front side), it's time to install them. This will give the equipment an aesthetic appearance and protect the insides from dust.
- 🖐️ Check the tightness of the handle after installation - it should not wobble.
- 🔩 Use the same screws as originally used so as not to disturb the geometry fastenings.
- ✨ Wipe the installation areas with alcohol before installation for better adhesion if glue is used (rarely).
⚠️ Attention: When installing the handles on the new side, make sure that they do not touch the body of the refrigerator or adjacent equipment when opening. The angle of rotation of the handle may differ from the factory one.
Also check the condition magnetic seals. If they were frequently opened in the wrong direction (until they were overweight), they could become deformed. If the rubber has creases, after rearrangement the door may not close tightly.
Assembling and adjusting the position of the doors
The final stage is installing the door on the new side and adjusting. Insert the bottom shaft into the corresponding hole on the opposite side of the case. Make sure it is seated all the way and locked.
Place the door onto the axle, align the top hinge and tighten the mounting bolts. Do not tighten them all the way straight away. First, tighten all the screws so that the structure fits into place, and then tighten them evenly with a wrench.
The key point is height adjustment. If the door is installed askew, it will either not close completely or require effort to open. Adjustment is carried out by unscrewing or tightening the front support legs of the refrigerator.
Use a building level to check that the top edge of the door is horizontal. A slight tilt back (1-2 degrees) is allowed so that the door closes itself under the influence of gravity, but skew to the left or is unacceptable.
Checking tightness and eliminating gaps
After assembly, you need to check how tightly the door fits to the body around the entire perimeter. The easiest way is to test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet between the door and the body at different points and try to pull it out. It should be pulled out with force.
If in some places the paper is pulled out freely, it means that a formation has been formed there gap. This will lead to loss of cold and ice freezing. The reason may be incorrect adjustment of the legs or deformation of the seal during installation.
To eliminate gaps, you can heat the problem area of the seal with a hairdryer (carefully, without overheating the plastic) and straighten it, or place a small washer under the hinge to change the angle of the door. However, you need to be extremely careful with washers.
⚠️ Attention: If after adjustment the door still does not fit tightly, the geometry of the body may have been damaged during transportation. In this case, independent repair may be ineffective.
Be sure to let the refrigerator stand off for 2-3 hours after all manipulations before turning it on. This is necessary to stabilize the refrigerant, especially if the unit was tilted strongly during work.
Frequently asked questions and troubleshooting
What to do if, after rearrangement, the door does not close to the end?
Most likely, the angle of the refrigerator is set incorrectly. Try unscrewing the front leveling feet to create a tilt back. Also check if anything inside (shelves, products) is preventing the door from closing tightly.
Is it possible to hang the door if there is a display on it?
Yes, it is possible, but it is more difficult. It is necessary to carefully disconnect the control cable, pass it through the technological holes (if they are provided for in the design) or extend the wires. In some models Atlant with electronics, the overhang may be limited by the length of the cables.
Is it necessary to change the opening side if the refrigerator is against the wall?
Yes, definitely. If the door rests against the wall, it will not open 90 degrees, which will make it impossible to remove drawers and fully use the internal volume. In addition, this creates a load on the hinges.
Why did a gap appear in the corner of the door after installation?
This may be due to the fact that the upper hinge bolts are not tightened evenly, or the lower axis does not hit the exact center of the hole. Loosen the fasteners, adjust the position of the door and tighten again, checking the gaps visually.
Will the warranty still apply if I move the door myself?
According to the law, the consumer has the right to independent repair and maintenance if this does not lead to a breakdown. However, if you break the thread or damage the cable when re-hanging it, warranty service for these components may be denied. Keep receipts and act carefully.